Warm temps extend season for Lake Superior ferry

BAYFIELD, Wis. (AP) - Residents of Madeline Island normally see a bright spot this time of year: it's usually so cold they can take an ice road to get to the mainland.

But that's not the case this season because of mild weather.

The Duluth News Tribune reports that warm weather has extended the Lake Superior ferry season.

Madeline Island resident Burke Henry says people on the island look forward to this time of year so they can come and go as they please. But without the ice road, they are bound to the ferry schedule - and ferry fees.

Henry has tracked winter ferry runs since 1965. He says 1998 is the only year in which the boats operated all winter.