At noon, EDST, April 24, the SOO locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan will open for business, joining the St. Lawrence Seaway and Welland Canal which opened a few days ago. The 2012 shipping season on the Great Lakes, which have been remarkably ice free this warm winter, is now at hand. The 1,000 foot Mesabi Miner, carrying taconite is expected to be the first ship through the SOO Locks, which connects Lake Superior with the rest of the Great Lakes.