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.
STUNNING DISPLAY–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). A series of spirited dance specials took place and prizes were awarded to winners of the contests. Picture courtesy of KT Creative.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.
JAM CIRCLES–The 47th Aura Jamboree took place this past Friday and Saturday out in Aura. Groups of strangers bonded over their shared love of music and small jam circles were formed all around the grounds. Groups of listeners surrounded these circles and people were more than welcome to dance along.
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.
NEW ADDITION–The Baraga County Historical Museum (BCHM) has received a generous donation from Jay Wakefield of Kirkland, Washington. With this donation the BCHM is in the planning stages of a new addition to the present building. 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’.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.
FIRST PLACE–Despite the heat, locals and out of-towners alike lined the streets of downtown Baraga in celebration of Lumberjack Days and the Fourth of July. The 2025 Lumberjack Days parade first place float went to Carole LaPointe and family. The LaPointe family dressed as the artist formerly known as Prince and his entourage and partied like it’s 1999.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.
Kids were able to try their hand at catching Rainbow trout from the stocked fish pool at the KBIC kid’s fishing day. 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.
CERTIFICATES EARNED–Students participating at Bay Ambulance’s Camp 911 earned certificates of completion for Camp 911 and the Stop the Bleed course. Students were also awarded with goodies containing safety information at the end of the day. Twenty-two students participated in the Camp 911 event. 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.
Capul Park in Baraga has more new amenities for community members to enjoy. The pickle ball court has been finished and is now ready to play on, there is also a ping pong table with paddles there as well. Corn Hole boards are set up and ready to play on. Bags are in the mailbox and those using the game are asked to please return them to the mailbox when done. This is in addition to the playground area, picnic tables, benches and other amenities already at the park. The park is named after the late Hedy and Ben Capul, a beloved couple of the Baraga County area. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
First place winners in the Keweenaw Classic Salmon category, team Meat Manglers. Photo by Paige Risku Photograpy.by Melissa Newland
Though the day began with a veil of early morning fog blanketing the region on Saturday, it gradually dissipated and revealed patches of blue skies over beautiful Lake Superior. This was interspersed with a bit of a north wind that swept through the area, adding a refreshing coolness to the air and setting the stage for a memorable day at the Keweenaw Bay Lake Trout Classic Fishing Tournament and the bustling Lake Trout Festival. These highly anticipated events unfolded over the weekend, offering an array of activities and
excitement for locals and visitors alike. The timing was particularly fortuitous, coinciding with Michigan’s free fishing weekend, which attracted even more participants. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
