by Melissa Newland
Known for his dedication and commitment to Baraga County and its surrounding small communities, the late Roy “Buddy” Koski was recently awarded with the County Road Association’s Distinguished Service Award.” The award “recognizes those who have dedicated their time and service to the advancement of the county road system and is typically bestowed on members who  have gone above and beyond the call of duty in serving the Association and its members.” The award was presented to Roy’s wife, Eila, at a small gathering at the Baraga County Road Commission Office on Thursday, July 8, 2021, by Commission Vice Chair Harold Miron on behalf of the other members. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
Plenty of things were happening in Baraga County for the Fourth of July celebration this past weekend, including numerous parades, a street dance, kid’s games, a bean bag tournament, karaoke and fireworks. The weather was beautiful starting out the festivities for the weekend and throughout as old and young alike celebrated the Stars and Stripes on Saturday and Sunday in Baraga for the Lumberjack Days. After not having the event last year due to COVID-19, many were eager this year to celebrate with friends, family and neighbors. “We needed this event after the year off,” said Lumberjack Days Committee Secretary Abby Mayo. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Breanna Hoffman and
Melissa Newland
After 37 years of service, L’Anse Village Patrol Officer, and former Chief of Police, David Seavoy completed his last official day on the job at the L’Anse Village Police Department June 4, 2021 when he officially hung up his badge in lieu of retirement. His career, and commitment to the Baraga County community, has spanned many years and Baraga County residents have much to thank him for. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by John Raffel
The Baraga County Road Commission has released some highlight of road activity in the county this year: • US41 – Reconstruction of the M28/US41 is underway and being completed by Bacco Construction. This is a $5.2 million project reconstruction of about 4.5 miles of US-41 from Pine Street in Three Lakes to east of Tioga Creek, Baraga County. • 2.0 miles of paving is underway on Ford Road from M28 southerly in Covington Township. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue
Locally sourced, grown and produced food is becoming increasingly popular as more consumers reach out for local, organic and humanely produced food. Food networks have become established around Marquette and Houghton, which both offer popular food co-operatives with many products from the UP and area. An effort is taking shape to provide consumers in and around Baraga County with more organized information about sources for local food and homemade products. For now the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce is providing space on its site for a list of producers and products that can be accessed through baragacounty.org. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
If lakefront property is something you are interested in purchasing, looking into the old church property located at 15456 Pequaming Road., L’Anse, MI may be for you. The now closed “Most Holy Name of Jesus—Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church” is up for auction, with online bidding through Sheridan Realty & Auction Company. The bidding will go through June 16, 2021 and will end at 1 p.m. on that day. The highest bidder of the auction will go home with approximately 300 feet of water frontage on 0.8 acres of property, with the now dilapidated approximately 1565 square feet of
buildings in tow. Sheridan Realty & Auction Company has been commissioned by the seller, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), to auction the property at public auction. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue
Baraga’s Class of 2021 stepped from the Viking football field to its future on Friday, May 28, 2021. Graduation finally arrived after a difficult but successful battle through the COVID pandemic that initially began with remote education in March of 2020. “It’s been a tough year, guys,” Superintendent Rich Sarau noted before presentation of special administrative and faculty awards for outstanding seniors. Sarau addressed students, staff, parents, families and friends seated before him from the stage on the 50 yard line. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. It says a lot for your character, your moxie, your dedication,” Sarau told the graduates. “And my staff this year has been amazing (working through) the obstacles.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland

L’Anse Area School (LAS) recognized students who were awarded medals for the 2020-21 school year for Honor’s Convocation. The presentation was held May 19, 2021 at the LAS gymnasium, starting off with the processional “Celebration March” by Bob Cotter, played by the 7-12 grade band and directed by Aaron Poniatowski. The processional was led by Valedictorian Alayna Waara and Salutatorian Daniel Williams, with a welcome speech given by Superintendent Susan Tollefson. Tollefson gave the introduction of the speaker, Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh, a 2005 L’Anse High School graduate. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue

Dr. Scott Pynnonen and his wife Dee have a unique perspective on the evolution of health care services in this area over the last 36 years. The Pynnonens set up shop in L’Anse as an independent provider in 1985, selling the practice to Baraga County Memorial Hospital and becoming part of the BCMH Physicians Group in 2004. At the height of the independent practice in a twice-enlarged former house on N. Main Street the Pynnonens had around 23 employees, full and part-time, and four providers over the years seeing local patients. It was very much a family affair and a labor of love for the Pynnonens, who raised two children, David and Katie, through those times. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.