NATIONAL ANTHEM–The L’Anse Area School began its commemoration early on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, to honor veterans on Veterans Day, hosting a breakfast for veterans at 8 a.m. in the L’Anse Public Library. The morning continued with the traditional assembly led by the L’Anse Middle and High School Student Council at 9:15 a.m. in the high school gym. The Council President opened the event, followed by the solemn presentation of the colors and a rendition of the national anthem by the L’Anse Band directed by Aaron Poniatowski.by Melissa Newland
Baraga County schools filled Veterans Day with heartfelt tributes as administrators, staff, and students joined together to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The spirit of Veterans Day was alive throughout the area, with ceremonies and activities designed to express gratitude and teach the next generation about the significance of this national holiday. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, Arvon Township School (ATS) welcomed veterans and their guests to the Skanee Town Hall for a morning celebration. From 9 to 10:30 a.m., attendees enjoyed fresh coffee and doughnuts, lively conversation,
and engaginggames. The warm gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for students
and staff to personally thank local veterans for their service, fostering connections across generations. This is a tradition at ATS that students, veterans, and their families enjoy every year. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Baraga Area Schools PLES staff were not going to miss out on the fun of Halloween. They joined in and dressed up as the characters from Toy Story for the day, bringing joy to the elementary students. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
MAKING CONNECTIONS–Michigan State University brought its renowned “Spartan Bus” tour to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this year, making a significant stop at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC). The visit, which was part of the 2025 Upper Peninsula route of the Spartan Bus Tour, included MSU President, 53 deans and faculty members, and nearly 20 staff members, all traveling together to foster connections and understanding between the university and regional communities. by Melissa Newland
Michigan State University brought its renowned “Spartan Bus” tour to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula this year, making a significant stop at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community
College (KBOCC). The visit, which was part of the 2025 Upper Peninsula route of the Spartan Bus Tour, included MSU President, 53 deans and faculty members, and nearly 20 staff members, all traveling together to foster connections and understanding between the university and regional communities. Arriving at KBOCC, the MSU delegation was welcomed by members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) and introduced to the unique educational and cultural environment that the college offers. The visit was designed to provide MSU leaders with a firsthand look at tribal-college education and to deepen their
appreciation for the ecological and cultural significance of manoomin, or wild rice, which holds a central place in Anishinaabe traditions. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
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.
