Bank Challenges Area To Support Proposed Cutter Mackinaw Museum

Members of the Icebreaker Maritime Museum (IMMM) received a $5,000 check to help upgrade the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw. Pictured here are Citizens National Bank Executive Vice President Sue Eno, Dick Moehl (right), and Tom Chastain. The check is part of a challenge grant to prompt area financial institutions to double the grant.

Citizens National Bank has issued a challenge to other financial institutions to help pay a $100,000 debt incurred by the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum (IMMM) for repairs and preparations to the recently decommissioned Coast Guard cutter, which is moored at Mackinaw City. IMMM took ownership of the vessel June 30 and plans to operate the ship as a permanent floating museum.

Citizens pledged $5,000 toward the ship's repairs Tuesday, October 17, and has challenged other institutions to collectively double that donation. If other institutions meet the challenge, Citizens will donate another $5,000 and offer the challenge a second time.

IMMM raised $30,000 to install a 440-volt electrical system in the ship for permanent operation from shore. Some 5,000 visitors have toured the decks of the retired Mackinac since it has been berthed there.

"We have worked on making the cutter safe and secure at the dock while also trying to meet the expectations of myriad visitors clamoring to tour the Queen of the Great Lakes," said Bill Shepler, president of the IMMM. "These are exciting times."

Starting Labor Day weekend, the vessel was open for "Walk the Weather Deck Tours," on a donation basis. The weekend openings were popular and the board is pushing to prepare the vessel for interior tours by spring.

IMMM spent August and September sealing the hull, eliminating environmental hazards on the ship, and draining all water systems. The work is nearly complete.

"We are honored to be the guardians of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw," Mr. Shepler said. "We appreciate the leadership that Citizens National Bank has shown toward supporting this project."

For donation information, call (231) 436-9825 or visit www.mackinawcity. com and click on Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum.