WHIPPIN’ DIRT–Travis Pastrana and Rhianon Gelsomino were whippin’ dirt during the 2025 Lake Superior Performance Rally this past weekend as they surged to victory, expertly navigating the demanding stages in their finely tuned Subaru WRX ARA25L. Their win was hard-earned and well-deserved, capturing the gold and cementing their place at the top of the leaderboards. Photo credit to Jon Feliciano. by Melissa Newland
The 2025 Lake Superior Performance Rally drew to a thrilling close, marking another
unforgettable chapter in the world of American rally racing. Fans and competitors alike
watched as Travis Pastrana and Rhianon Gelsomino surged to victory, expertly navigating the demanding stages in their finely tuned Subaru WRX ARA25L. Their win was hard-earned and well deserved, capturing the gold and cementing their place at the top of the
leaderboards. Yet, the spirit of rally goes far beyond first place, and the event’s most
remarkable moment came when Matt Nykanen and Lars Anderson rolled into the awards ceremony. Their 1998 BMW 328i bore the scars of battle, a crushed rear suspension and a tire, rim, and everything else utterly destroyed. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
QUITE A CROWD–Approximately 30 community members attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the eagerly anticipated renovation and expansion of the Baraga County History Museum. On Oct. 8, 2025, at 3 p.m., the ground was broken for the project and Jay Wakefield, the benefactor whose generous donation made this ambitious annex project possible, stood to share heartfelt memories of his close friendship with local historian Fred Rydholm.by Melissa Newland
Under a sky streaked with the vibrant hues of early autumn, the Baraga County Historical Society, Inc. commemorated a milestone that will be remembered for generations: the groundbreaking ceremony for the eagerly anticipated renovation and expansion of the Baraga County History Museum. On Oct. 8, 2025, at 3 p.m., the grounds of the museum
were alive with anticipation and pride as nearly thirty community members gathered to bear witness to the dawn of a new chapter in local history preservation. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the rhythmic heartbeat of a traditional honor drum song performed by representatives of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, whose presence connected the deep historical roots that the museum aims to honor. The warm pulse of the drums echoed through the air, weaving together stories of the land’s ancient copper cultures and the
rich tapestry of Baraga County’s past. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), family, and friends honored the memory of Chelsey LaFernier on Saturday, Oct. 4 with its 16th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month Walk, a poignant event held each October since Chelsey’s tragic passing in 2009. As the clock struck noon, walkers set off along the Baraga streets, their steps symbolizing solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence, and honoring Chelsey, a 23-year-old KBIC Tribal member and mother of two who lost her life to domestic violence at the hands of her partner. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
IMPACTFUL ASSEMBLY–As part of suicide awareness month and in partnership with Baraga County Communities that Care and Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse High School students gathered in the high school gymnasium to hear the impactful story of Jeff Olson, a seasoned educator, coach and father who has experienced the devastating effects of mental illness firsthand. Olson’s son, Daniel, was an all-state athlete from Ishpeming whose years-long struggle with anxiety and depression ultimately led to his death by suicide in 2012, just shy of his twentieth birthday. by Melissa Newland
In recognition of Suicide Awareness Month, L’Anse High School (LHS) recently hosted a
powerful presentation in collaboration with Baraga County Communities that Care (BCCC)
and Baraga County Memorial Hospital (BCMH). Students gathered last week in the high school gymnasium to hear the impactful story of Jeff Olson, a seasoned educator, coach, and father who has experienced the devastating effects of mental illness firsthand. Olson’s son, Daniel, was an all-state athlete from Ishpeming whose years-long struggle with anxiety and depression ultimately led to his death by suicide in 2012, just shy of his twentieth birthday. Jeff Olson’s heartfelt account of Daniel’s journey brought a profound sense of reality and urgency to the conversation around mental health. Through his openness, Olson encourages students to break the silence surrounding mental illness, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and supporting one another. His visit to
schools is an effort to raise awareness and foster understanding in the community. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
The L’Anse Fire Department paid tribute to all its brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 with this display. It was also in honor of those that served and later passed from illnesses caused by events that took place on that day and those heroes that are still here today. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
INJURED HIKER–Rescue workers assist a 19-year-old hiker, who was injured in a fall near Canyon Falls on Saturday. Photo submitted by Don Fassbender. by John Raffel
Local emergency crews responded to assist a 19 year-old hiker who was injured in a fall near Canyon Falls on Saturday, Sept. 6. A report was provided by Don Fassbender, who
said responders from L’Anse Fire and Rescue and Bay Ambulance arrived on scene and used
an emergency response unit donated by Eagle Mine to safely reach and assist the hiker. The individual was transported for medical care. No further details are being released
at this time. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Students at Arvon Township School started the first day off with coffee for parents as well as parent/student pictures and the annual first day of school flag raising ceremony. Staff, parents, and students then recited the Pledge of Allegiance before the start of the day. Students were eager to return to class, arriving with smiles, enthusiasm, and back-to-school supplies to help in the year ahead. ATS again has 15 students attending this year between grades K-5. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
MEMORIAL MOVE–A fundraising project is underway to preserve this cherished symbol of community service and sacrifice. The Veterans Memorial Monument, which has stood sentry in front of the old VFW property for years, faces relocation after the land was sold and earmarked for future development. To make this vision a reality, the first major fundraising effort is taking shape in the form of a Labor Day Picnic Celebration, Monday, Sept. 1, from noon to 4 p.m., sponsored by American Legion Post 144 and Auxiliary Unit 144 at the L’Anse American Legion Post #144. by Melissa Newland
On the heels of change at the L’Anse waterfront, a fundraising project is underway to preserve a cherished symbol of community service and sacrifice. The Memorial Veterans
Monument, which has stood sentry in front of the old VFW property for years, faces reloca
tion after the land was sold and earmarked for future development. Local organizers, led by
Matt Elmblad and the L’Anse Downtown Development Authority, have embarked on an ambitious effort to give the monument a new home and elevated status at the entrance of L’Anse Village Waterfront Park. “This project will not be cheap, but I think our local Vets are worth the cost, no matter what that is,” said Scott Elmblad, one of the project’s coordinators, expressing the deep commitment that is galvanized support throughout the
community. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR– Aric Nesbitt, candidate for Michigan governor in the upcoming gubernatorial election set for Nov. 3, 2026, brought his campaign to Baraga County last week, meeting with a small but attentive crowd at the Lakeside in Baraga. During the gathering, Nesbitt shared insights into his background, his campaign platform, and his vision for Michigan’s future, while fielding questions and listening to the concerns of residents. by Melissa Newland
Aric Nesbitt, candidate for Michigan governor in the upcoming gubernatorial election set for Nov. 3, 2026, brought his campaign to Baraga County last week, meeting with a small
but attentive crowd at the Lakeside in Baraga. During the gathering, Nesbitt shared insights into his background, his campaign platform, and his vision for Michigan’s future, while fielding questions and listening to the concerns of residents. With current Governor
Gretchen Whitmer unable to run again in 2026 due to term limits, the race will be open. Notably, Michigan is one of just five states with a Democratic-held governor ship on the ballot in 2026. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
FIST-PUMPING FUN–This young onlooker looked like he was having a blast at Baraga County Fair’s much-anticipated Off-Road Derby. The fair culminated with the derby on Sunday, which started at 1 p.m. The roar of engines signaled the start of the Off Road Derby and provided one last spectacle before the fair concluded and vendors packed up. Photo credit Stan Spruce.by Matthew Jay Fish and Melissa Newland
It was a busy weekend at the Baraga County Fair and those who attended found excellent food, entertainment, and fun once again in Pelkie. The Baraga County Fair event was held Aug. 1st through the 3rd and a variety of different foods, vendors, and games could be found there. The fair brings locals together to celebrate Baraga County community’s love for agriculture, nature, and heritage. The big draw on the first day of the fair, Friday, was the crowning of the Baraga County Fair Queen. Three candidates were in the running, including Cassie Kujansuu, Tessa Thor, and Aleah Simpson. The candidates underwent individual interviews with the judges, presented their prepared remarks, and underwent an on-stage question session. After scoring was completed, Cassie Kujansuu was crowned as the 2025 Baraga County Fair Queen. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
