by Teri Rowe
At this time of year, the Sentinel offers a recap of the past year to its readers. Here are the important stories from January to June 2021. The year 2021 was better than 2020, albeit everyone moved cautiously with COVID 19 precautions. It seems to be the new normal.  Here are some of the stories from January through June, 2021. January- Baraga and L’Anse Area Schools welcomed their full student bodies back to school. Class resumed
Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 to the start of a new year. Hopefully, this marked the end of the order issued Nov. 15, by the MDHHS, calling for a halt to in-person attendance at high school and colleges. During a 3- week period, COVID-19 cases were on the rise. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
A drive-thru Christmas party was held at the Baraga Fire Hall last weekend where kids were able to hand deliver their lists to Santa, register for a gift and a get a bag of sugary delights. The event was held Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and was sponsored by the Baraga Fire Department. Approximately 200 children attended to place
their letters to Santa in the mailbox and drive through the Fire Hall garage to pick up their goodies. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
Baraga County was ‘lit up’ this past Saturday with a full day of events as family, friends and community members gathered to celebrate ‘Light Up Baraga County’ with holiday cheer, a visit from Santa, caroling, a parade and a bonfire along with the lighting of the Christmas  tree. Approximately 25 entrants registered floats, according to the Baraga County  Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Barb McEwen. “It was all around amazing,” said McEwen.  “The crowd turnout, the volunteers and the community all made it so special”. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Teri Rowe
On Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College presented the  KBIC Tribal Council General Election Candidate Forum via Zoom. Denise M. Cadeau,  Anishinaabe Studies Department Chair Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, hosted the forum and Brent Waranka, representing the student body, asked eight questions. Baraga District Candidates attending the event Liz Julio, Chris Loonsfoot, Dale Goodreau (INC), Susan LaFernier (INC), Suzie Elmblad, Tyler Larson, Kim Klopstein (INC) and Chris Swartz (INC). To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Teri Rowe
Baraga’s own Van Straten Enterprises, Inc. (VSE) has been awarded “Best of Show”, while Ford won ‘Car of the Year’ by Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas,
NV for its X3 Solar Generator/ Charging System in the Ford Mustang Mache-E. The VSE X3 Solar Generator/Charging System highlights removable solar panels on the hood and  windshield. Solar panels on the roof and rear window can be either permanently fixed or removable. Louvers allow the electric car to operate fully without access to an EV (electric vehicle) charging station. “The SEMA Award celebrates the industry’s unique ability to identify and set trends that influence automotive enthusiasts worldwide,” said Chris Kersting—Sema President and CEO. “Consumers are able to look at SEMA Award winners for guidance on which vehicles offer the greatest opportunities for customization.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
After 10 years in the making and crossing the finish line at the Show Me Rally in Potosi, MO, Al Dantes of L’Anse officially celebrated his win for the title of 2021 American Rally Association East Division Open 2WD Driver Champion. Dantes and his team were elated to take home the hard-won honor after the event held Nov. 5-6, 2021 that they worked so hard to attain. “This year’s American Rally Association and NASA RallySport season was unbelievable for me,” said Dantes about the season. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
The L’Anse Area School’s (LAS) Industrial Education (IE) building has had many new  equipment upgrades to help introduce students into several common local trades. This past summer, LAS hired on new IE Instructor James Oger to teach Machine Woods, Work Based Learning, Metal Fabrications and a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Foudations class. With over 20 years in the industry, Oger brings with him previous experience teaching  welding for the Gogebic – Ontonagon Intermediate School District (GOISD) and also for Southern Technical College in Orlando, FL. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.