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.

by Melissa Newland The Ojibwa Campground in Baraga was transformed into a vibrant display of color, music, and community spirit as the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) hosted its 47th annual Maawanj’iding (powwow). For nearly fifty years, this celebration has served as a living bridge between generations, honoring ancestral traditions and strengthening communal bonds. Throughout the July 25-27 weekend, the campground echoed with the steady beat of drums and the laughter of friends and families who gathered under the summer sky. The Grand Entries were held Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon and brought together dancers and spectators in a grand spectacle of unity and cultural pride. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Matthew Jay Fish Since 1977 good music and even better times have been had at the Aura Jamboree. The 47th annual Jamboree this past weekend was no exception and saw people coming from all around the country. In a world where everything is becoming controlled, there lives an air of freedom at this event. Anyone who wished to play was more than welcome to and small groups were scattered all around the Aura hall grounds, playing and bonding over a shared love of music. The food was excellent and out sourced to a group of mobile vendors. Walking around you could have anything from a delicious fry bread taco to a turkey cranberry and Swiss. Of course, pasties could be found with ease as well. The vendors this year included Rez Robbins, Mason Pasties, and Bosio Biscuit. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Teri Rowe The goal of the Baraga County Historical Museum (BCHM) has always been to educate the public on the rich history and personal experiences of the peoples of the Keweenaw. Now, with a generous donation from Jay Wakefield of Kirkland, Washington, this goal will be met on a grand scale. A new addition to the present BCHM building is in the planning stages. Barry J. Polzin, of Polzin Architects, has been working with Wakefield and the BCHM to design the perfect addition for the museum’s expansion. The addition to the museum will hold an exhibit called the ‘Fred Rydholm Ancient Copper Mining Museum’. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Matthew Jay Fish Thunder rumbled and rain fell but the festivities continued without a hitch. Early morning rainstorms on Friday sent people scrambling for cover, but American patriotism burned hot. The Lumberjack Days festivities kicked off with the gates opening at 6:30 p.m. on July 3rd. This was followed by the introduction of the honorees where Mike Roberts (Military Escort), Carole Lapointe (Grand Marshall), Jonah Dakota (Prince) and Alice Picard (Princess) were introduced. Then the attendees hit the street to party like its 1999 with DJ Express at the street dance. The event re-opened the following day for registration at 7 a.m. for the 5k Fun Run which started at 8 a.m. While the 5k was starting a delicious pancake breakfast was hosted by the Baraga Lions club, at the Baraga schools. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Matthew Jay Fish The Ojibwa Camp ground was a buzz with laughter and excitement where over two hundred kids gathered to go fishing. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community hosted a kid’s fishing day on Saturday, July 28, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon with the sponsorship and assistance of Baraga County Promise Neighborhood, Calumet/Keweenaw Sportsman’s Club and the Keweenaw National Historical Park. There were also major donations by KBOCC. The event registered nearly two hundred and fifty kids and was host to a wide variety of different games and prize-winning opportunities. Each registered kid got a free fishing pole, tackle box, and tackle. There was of course, plenty of different fish to catch as well. A large pool near the registration table held rainbow trout that kids could try their hand at catching. If they wanted a more realistic experience the shoreline of Lake Superior was nearby as well as a pond where kids were catching bullheads and grass carp. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland Each year, Bay Ambulance hosts Camp 911, an educational program tailored for fifth and sixth-grade students from local schools. This year marked the 25th annual event, which once again provided children with an engaging and practical introduction to emergency services. The program is conducted over two days and allows participants to immerse themselves in hands-on activities, demonstrations, and learning experiences designed to inspire and inform. Director Gary Wadaga explained that the camp serves three vital purposes: educating participants on injury prevention techniques, teaching essential life-saving skills such as CPR and bleeding control methods, and sparking early interest in emergency service careers or volunteer opportunities. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland A joyous ceremony was held last week to celebrate the graduation of 45 seniors and families, friends, and members of the community gathered in the L’Anse Area School gymnasium to honor the achievements of the L’Anse High School (LHS) graduating class of 2025. The evening began Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. with remarks welcoming  from Lisa Cichosz, the high school principal. Reflecting on her unique connection to the students, Cichosz noted, “Today is a day filled with pride, joy and reflection. After all, this was my first fourth grade class. Graduation is more than just the end of a chapter; it is a powerful milestone that marks the beginning of a journey. Today is a reminder that every step forward is built on courage, commitment and the support around us.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.