Arnold Transit's MV Huron made its first trip of the 2006 season from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace Friday morning, March 17. As a tradition, the mayors of the two cities greeted each other after the boat docked. Pictured are (from left) Island City Alderman Armand "Smi" Horn, St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin, Huron Captain Paul Allers, Island Mayor Margaret Doud , and St. Ignace City Manager Eric Dodson. A good sign that spring is budding is the sight of ferries on the Straits of Mackinac. Arnold Transit Company's Huron came to view on the Straits Friday morning, March 17, traveling from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace, bringing with it about 75 passengers.

As a long-standing tradition, the mayors from Mackinac Island and St. Ignace greeted each other once the boat was docked and the ramp was pulled out. Mayor Paul Grondin, accompanied by City Manager Eric Dodson, greeted Mackinac Island Mayor Margaret Doud and Alderman Armand "Smi" Horn.

Arnold Transit, the ferry company which traditionally operates long into the fall and winter, and is the first to open in the spring, closed for the 2005 season January 2. The closing was earlier than in previous years owing to the year's high cost of fuel and the low amount of construction business on the Island.

Arnold Transit has been in business since 1878.

The company will operate three round-trip departures Monday through Saturday between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace through the rest of March and perhaps into April.

Departure times to Mackinac Island from St. Ignace are 7:45 a.m., 11 a.m., and 3:45 p.m. Departure times to St. Ignace are 8:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m. There will be no boat on Sundays until further notice.