by Kris Kyro Dancing in the streets to candy at your feet. Lumberjack Days and the 4th of July festivities in Baraga County had something for everyone. The twoday extravaganza began Wednesday and ended Thursday night with a bang. Superior Avenue was closed both days for the protection of participants and parade goers. Festive banners hung above Superior Avenue providing a patriotic backdrop to the ever-changing clouds. Overcast skies before the parade started didn’t deter people from enjoying the day. The sun broke through just before the parade began and the crowd settled in for a patriotic afternoon. Nicole Ross held her granddaughter Adley Mattson. The baby was decked from top to bottom in red, white and blue. Ross and Adley were celebrating the day together. “It’s her first 4th of July and she’s enjoying it so much.” Ross stated. Adley just smiled. One-year olds don’t say much. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by John Raffel Henry Ford would have loved it. Alberta Fest took center stage at the Ford Forestry Center on Saturday. There were crafts and music. There was food, games and raffles and the very popular auto show featuring Model Ts and various types of older car models. Linda and Bob Treso from Clio were among the attendees who were visiting the Baraga County Museum display. “We have a cabin up here by Watton,” Linda Treso said. “We come up three or four times a year.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Kris Kyro The Dix family is making waves in the best of ways, and it all started with David and Beth Dix. Jordan Dix is the oldest of 7 children and his mother said, “He (Jordan) paved the way for his siblings and was a great role model for them.” In the 7th grade, Jordan announced his desire to get into the Naval Academy. He knew getting good grades was important to reach his goal. Having learned that getting into the Naval Academy was a series of steps, he got involved in as many things as possible, which included studying hard in school. As a high school student, he traveled to Tok, Alaska, embarking on an adventure shared with other young people at a Christian camp. His mother Beth said, “it was a very remote place, and they were roughing it.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland Despite the tragic boating incident that happened on Lake Superior during the Keweenaw Classic Fishing Tournament (see seperate story on this page) this past weekend, the Baraga County Next Gen Team made the hard decision to push on, weighing in fish and handing out prize money to the top teams. “Despite the terrible boating incident for one of our teams, the 2024 Keweenaw Bay Classic Fishing Tournament was a success,” said  Shawnia Taisto, Baraga County Next Gen Team Member. “Our team offers our deepest condolences to the friends and families affected by the tragedy that occurred during the tournament.” The annual Lake Trout Festival and Keweenaw Classic Fishing Tournament coincided with free fishing weekend and was cohosted by the Baraga County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Baraga County Next Gen Team. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

A LAST HURRAH–was seen at L’Anse Area School last week during graduation on Thursday, May 30, as the 31 graduates tossed their caps in the air and received hugs and congratulations amongst falling balloons for having completed this milestone and start a new chapter in their lives.

by Melissa Newland

Though this year’s L’Anse High School (LHS) graduating class was small at 31 students, the celebration was huge and there was much joy and congratulations in the air as the class of 2024 gathered in the gymnasium for the last time to receive their diplomas last week. The evening was warm and beautiful on Thursday, May 30 as the L’Anse Area School (LAS) gym bleachers filled up with guests and the class of 2024 lined up by the gym doors waiting for the ceremony to begin at 7 p.m. LHS band members and Director Aaron Poniatowski started the program with James D. Ployhar’s “Fanfare & Processional,” announcing the senior’s entrance. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by John Raffel The Baraga State Park hosted and participated in a Baraga County disaster drill for 2 1/2 hours from, 5 to 7:30 p.m. on May 22. Ahead of time, park officials alerted guests that they could expect to see EMS, law enforcement and fire vehicles and staff in the park along with mock victims of a school bus accident. Park officials were set to practice its emergency response and guests may have been contacted but were not to be alarmed as its only a drill to practice county-wide coordinated emergency response and planning. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Porter Davis With a rainy start to the morning, the Denise Marth Fun Run had a dreary outlook this year, and organizers were worried no one would show up. Of course, though, there are members of the community that make a show no matter the weather conditions, because some  things are more important than a bit of discomfort. What is exercise after all if not a bit of discomfort for the sake of body and wellness. The Denise Marth Memorial Fun Run was held on Saturday, May 11, at the L’Anse Waterfront Park from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Denise Marth would no doubt be proud of everyone who attended this year if she were still here. In her memory, runners, cyclists, roller skaters, and all manner of exercise enthusiasts owned the day and conquered the weather for Denise and for themselves. Making the trek along the bay shore, participants were rewarded with snacks, drinks, water bottles and prizes. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.