Michigan Dog Sled Gets Police Escort
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SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — City officials have learned that it’s a bit more complicated now than it was 150 years ago to send mail by dog sled.
As part of Michigan’s sesquicentennial celebration, a dog sled bearing commemorative mail will leave the courthouse steps Monday morning for the 285-mile trip south to the state Capitol at Lansing.
City officials debated plans for the dog sled at length last week and finally decided that the 15-dog team and its driver, Douglas Houghton, will need a motorized police escort.
Lake Superior State College President Erik Shaar will open Monday’s ceremonies by reading the federal proclamation that made Michigan a state 150 years ago.
Houghton will head for Lansing with a pouch of special commemorative mail after the ceremony, which also will include speeches, a flag raising and a 19-gun salute by the Coast Guard.
“We hope we can keep those 15 dogs from barking during the speeches,” said Mayor James Alford.
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