WHO YA GONNA CALL?–There was a convergence of ghostbusting going down on Friday during Boo on the Bay. L’Anse Township personnel didn’t disappoint the trick or treating youngsters with this years attire being the Ghostbusters complete with the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man. Handing out the sucessful treat of last year, Fun Dip, they took photos with friends sporting the ghostbusting crew costumes along with any ghosts that came near. Posing with township employees Kim Fedie, Sarah Solberg, Kristin Kahler and Jim Fedie are Lauren, Ryan, Finley, August and Isaaac.
by Melissa Newland
The crisp October air carried laughter and the rustle of costumes through downtown L’Anse as Main Street filled with fluttering capes, crooked witch hats and brightly colored candy buckets. For one festive evening, familiar storefronts became the backdrop for Boo on the Bay, transforming the heart of the village into a lively Halloween scene alive with imagination and community spirit. From 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, witches swept along the sidewalks beside shuffling zombies, tiny monsters, radiant princesses, graceful angels and mischievous devils. Laughter carried through the crisp autumn air as children showed off an imaginative parade of colorful costumes.Organized by the L’Anse Downtown Development Authority, the free celebration offered families a safe, spirited evening of trick-or-treating and seasonal fun in the heart of the village. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
BARAGA COUNTY FIRES–Two wildfires were spotted by a DNR pilot in Baraga County on Friday, Oct. 9. The Ridge Fire, estimated at approximately 256 acres, is burning approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive. The Craig Lake Fire, estimated at approximately 30 acres, is burning north of Craig Lake State Park. This Craig Lake Fire picture from a DNR pilot was taken at approximately 9 a.m. on Sunday. Both fires are in very remote areas and have rugged terrain that is very difficult to access.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters and local partners are working to contain two wildfires in Marquette and Baraga counties. Fire danger is at very high levels today due to drought conditions, warm temperatures and strong winds.
The Ridge Fire, estimated at approximately 256 acres, is burning approximately 10 miles northwest of Marquette between County Road 510 and North Basin Drive. The fire is located in very rugged, difficult terrain, making suppression efforts from firefighters on the ground very challenging. Two Fire Boss aircraft – which scoop up water to drop on the fire – from Minnesota and a Michigan State Police Aviation Type 2 helicopter are assisting with fire suppression efforts today. In addition, 40 DNR firefighters are on the ground working to establish dozer line where they can in an effort to establish containment lines. Negaunee Township Fire Department is also assisting. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
MEMORIAL WALK–A large crowd gathered in Baraga this past weekend for the 17th annual Chelsey LaFernier Memorial Walk, filling the route with purple and carrying forward the memory of a young mother whose life was taken by domestic violence.by Melissa Newland
A large crowd gathered in Baraga this past weekend for the 17th annual Chelsey LaFernier Memo-rial Walk, filling the route with purple and carrying forward the memory of a young mother whose life was taken by domestic violence. The cooler fall weather proved cooperative on Saturday, Oct. 3, as relatives, friends and community members assembled at the corner of McGillan and Lyons streets. Jackets and sweatshirts appeared among the walkers, but the day remained favorable for the procession through the community.
Most participants wore purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, turning the moving line of walkers into a vivid display of remembrance and solidarity. The color has become a national symbol of support for survivors and of the continuing effort to end abuse. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
GARDEN DELECTABLES–The garden was ripe for picking as Arvon Township School students returned to class on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Staff and students planted the seeds before the end of last school year and returned to find fresh vegetables, including crisp green beans and sun-ripened tomatoes which they were more than happy to sample.
by Melissa Newland
Rain tapped against the windows of Arvon Township School as familiar hallways came alive with the shuffle of shoes, cheerful greetings and the hum of a new school year. Although gray skies moved the traditional outdoor flag-raising ceremony inside, the weather did little to dim the excitement of students and teachers returning to their close-knit school.
Classes began Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, with students reciting the pledges indoors before settling into their classrooms. During the first days back, they reacquainted themselves with the building, played math games and returned to the school garden, where they sampled crisp beans and sun-ripened tomatoes grown from their work at the end of the previous school year. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
L’Anse Area School students were back in session Tuesday morning, Sept. 8, to resume classes. Students were busy finding lockers, classrooms and getting back into the swing of things for the 2026-27 school year. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
ASSESSING INJURIES–The full-scale Disaster Drill exercise held on Thursday, Aug. 26, simulated a serious incident that required multiple departments to work together from the first emergency call through patient transport and hospital response. Bay Ambulance and L’Anse Fire Department personnel were on scene to assess this individual who had lost a leg in the explosion.by Melissa Newland
Emergency crews converged on Bayside Village for a realistic disaster drill designed to test how local agencies respond when communication, coordination and quick decision-making matter most. The full-scale exercise simulated a serious incident that required multiple departments to work together from the first emergency call through patient transport and hospital response. The drill took place Thursday, Aug. 27, beginning at approximately 4:30 p.m. The scenario centered on a simulated gas explosion and included road closures, evacuation needs, triage operations and coordinated transport of injured patients to Baraga County Memorial Hospital. The exercise brought together L’Anse Fire Department, the L’Anse Police Department, Bay EMS, the Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Baraga Police Department, Baraga Fire Department, Bayside Village, Baraga County Memorial Hospital, Pelkie EMS, Baraga County Emergency Management and NRCC. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
RALLY RUMBLES–The third annual Summer Rally in the Valley, held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Church in the Valley Bar in Alston, featured more than 70 bikes that competed in a motorcycle show judged across six categories. The rally offered more than a showcase of craftsmanship and chrome. Guests enjoyed raffles, a cookout on-site, and live music.by Melissa Newland
The third annual Summer Rally at Church in the Valley brought together motorcycles, music, food, and community spirit for a lively day along Highway M-38. Riders and visitors filled the grounds to admire polished machines, enjoy live performances, and take part in a gathering that celebrated both local enthusiasm and a meaningful cause.
Held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, the event featured more than 70 bikes that competed in a motorcycle show judged across six categories: Best Sports, Best Vintage, Best Bagger, Best Chopper, Best Stock, and Best in Show. Bikes lined up early as voting opened at noon and continued until 5 p.m., with winners announced at 6 p.m. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
GRAND CHAMP–This big boy won the Youth Market Livestock Grand Champion Steer competition at the Baraga County Fair held Aug 7-9. Jacstin Grentz put a lot of effort into raising this steer which was purchased by MD Contracting Inc. of Baraga. Photo credit BCF volunteers.by Melissa Newland
The sights, sounds, and unmistakable spirit of summer filled the Baraga County Fairgrounds this past weekend as families, exhibitors, volunteers, vendors, and visitors gathered for another memorable weekend at the Baraga County Fair. From the steady clip of horses in the show ring to the roar of engines in the pit, the fair once again brought the community together in Pelkie for three days of agriculture, entertainment, friendly competition, and hometown tradition. This year’s fair was held Aug. 7-9 and carried the theme “A Tradition Worth Keeping,” a fitting description for an event that continues to celebrate Baraga County’s deep agricultural roots while offering new experiences for fairgoers of all ages. Across the grounds, barns stood open, food vendors served steady lines of hungry visitors, music drifted through the afternoon air, and the midway stayed lively with games, raffles, hands-on activities, and the familiar bustle of neighbors greeting neighbors. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
MEET AND GREET–National Night Out was held Tuesday, Aug. 4, beginning at 6 p.m., at Baraga County Memorial Hospital and brought together law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, hospital staff, towing services, corrections personnel, emergency management, and Community comes together for the National Night Out families from across the area. There was fun for all at the community event, including bounce houses, food, and refreshments, though the biggest attraction was meeting the home town heroes of Baraga County.by Melissa Newland
Baraga County marked a milestone this week as residents, first responders, and local agencies gathered for the county’s first-ever National Night Out, a nationwide community-building event designed to strengthen relationships between the public and the hometown heroes who serve them. The event was held Tuesday, Aug. 4, beginning at 6 p.m., and brought together law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, hospital staff, towing services, corrections personnel, emergency management, and families from across the area.
Hosted and sponsored by Baraga County Memorial Hospital (BCMH), which also serves as a first responder organization, the evening offered the community a chance to meet emergency personnel in a welcoming setting rather than during a crisis. Representatives attended from BCMH, the Baraga County Sheriff’s Office, Bay EMS, L’Anse Police and Fire, Baraga Fire, KBIC Police and Fire, Covington Fire, the prison, Dynamite Towing and Wrecker Service, and Baraga County Emergency Management. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
FAIR WEEKEND– The Baraga County Fair will be held this weekend at the Baraga County fairgrounds in Pelkie. This year’s theme “A Tradition Worth Keeping”. The fair begins Friday at 9 a.m.by Melissa Newland
The sights and sounds of summer will soon gather again at the Baraga County Fairgrounds, where barns, booths, engines, music, livestock, and old-fashioned games will fill the weekend with the familiar energy of one of the county’s most enduring traditions. From the first horse show on Friday morning to the final raffle drawing Sunday evening, the Bar-aga County Fair promises three full days of agricultural pride, family entertainment, community competition, and fairground fun. The 2026 Baraga County Fair will be held Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, in Pelkie. This year’s theme, “A Tradition Worth Keeping,” reflects a fair that has grown over generations while still holding close to its agricultural roots, neighborly spirit, and hands-on activities for all ages. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
