Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – June 26, 2026, marked another fantastic edition of Soo Locks Engineers Day, the annual celebration of engineering marvels, maritime heritage, and community spirit at one of the world’s busiest lock systems. Once again, Michigan’s amateur radio community stepped up in a big way, providing vital public safety communications support and operating special event station W8S to showcase ham radio to visitors from across the region.
Led by dedicated AUXC and ARES volunteers from Chippewa, Luce, and Delta Counties, plus hams from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the team delivered strong communications support throughout the day. The weather was perfect, and we also had three staff members from the National Weather Service in Gaylord attending. Their presence provided a great training opportunity and showed how well we can work together at these types of events. Setup began the afternoon before on June 25, with full operations running from early-morning briefing at Brady Park through late-afternoon shutdown. Hams managed radio distributions, MyMich Hospital trailer operations, Michigan State Police Command Vehicle rotations, and reliable links using local repeaters, the county simplex frequency, a mix of VHF and HF, and even a mini Starlink deployment for backup connectivity.
Key highlights from the field included smooth setup and testing of radios, coordinated personnel movements between the special events tent, command vehicles, and hospital trailer, and strong participation from both experienced AUXC operators and eager newcomers.
The Eastern Upper Peninsula Amateur Radio Club special event station W8S gave the public a firsthand look at amateur radio in action — connecting with hams worldwide while highlighting how our service supports community events and emergency preparedness. This annual tradition continues to build strong partnerships among local clubs, AUXC teams, and event organizers including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Volunteers who made it happen included Cody Ames, KJ7SYX; Robert Donaldson, W8SSM; Dave Erickson, W9TRC; Kay Erickson, N8OFF; Brent MacMillan, K8OTL/VE3OTL; Tanya Procknow, W8TON; Lou Stempek, N8LOU; Bob Sterner, KBØBS; Roger VanDamme, KB8PLR; and many more from both sides of the border. A huge thank you to every volunteer who donated time, equipment, and expertise!
Events like this not only support the community but also strengthen our skills for when they’re truly needed.
— Bob Sterner, KB0BS, CETsr, AUXC, COML, Chippewa County ARES Emergency Coordinator; Thanks to The ARRL Letter
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