by Melissa Newland
In recognition of Suicide Awareness Month, L’Anse High School (LHS) recently hosted a
powerful presentation in collaboration with Baraga County Communities that Care (BCCC)
and Baraga County Memorial Hospital (BCMH). Students gathered last week in the high school gymnasium to hear the impactful story of Jeff Olson, a seasoned educator, coach, and father who has experienced the devastating effects of mental illness firsthand. Olson’s son, Daniel, was an all-state athlete from Ishpeming whose years-long struggle with anxiety and depression ultimately led to his death by suicide in 2012, just shy of his twentieth birthday. Jeff Olson’s heartfelt account of Daniel’s journey brought a profound sense of reality and urgency to the conversation around mental health. Through his openness, Olson encourages students to break the silence surrounding mental illness, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and supporting one another. His visit to
schools is an effort to raise awareness and foster understanding in the community. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by John Raffel
Local emergency crews responded to assist a 19 year-old hiker who was injured in a fall near Canyon Falls on Saturday, Sept. 6. A report was provided by Don Fassbender, who
said responders from L’Anse Fire and Rescue and Bay Ambulance arrived on scene and used
an emergency response unit donated by Eagle Mine to safely reach and assist the hiker. The individual was transported for medical care. No further details are being released
at this time. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Melissa Newland
On the heels of change at the L’Anse waterfront, a fundraising project is underway to preserve a cherished symbol of community service and sacrifice. The Memorial Veterans
Monument, which has stood sentry in front of the old VFW property for years, faces reloca
tion after the land was sold and earmarked for future development. Local organizers, led by
Matt Elmblad and the L’Anse Downtown Development Authority, have embarked on an ambitious effort to give the monument a new home and elevated status at the entrance of L’Anse Village Waterfront Park. “This project will not be cheap, but I think our local Vets are worth the cost, no matter what that is,” said Scott Elmblad, one of the project’s   coordinators, expressing the deep commitment that is galvanized support throughout the
community. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

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.

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.

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.

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.