DELIGHTFUL PERFORMANCE–Families and community members gathered for a delightful performing arts show put on by the Northern Michigan University (NMU) Wildcat Performing Arts Academy (WPAA) at the Skanee Town Hall last week. The academy brought 15 talented students to perform songs, dances, and short acting skits for the audience on Monday, April 14, 2025.
by Melissa Newland
Families and community members gathered for a delightful performing arts show put on by the Northern Michigan University (NMU) Wildcat Performing Arts Academy (WPAA) at the Skanee Town Hall last week. The academy brought 15 talented students to perform songs, dances, and short acting skits for the audience on Monday, April 14, 2025. Most of the NMU
students were pursuing degrees in dance or performing arts or were double majoring with another specialty. The WPAA School Education Expedition began that morning at 9 a.m. when the WPAA team arrived to unload the bus, set up the space, and rehearsed. The house opened at 10 a.m., allowing the audience to arrive, and the show started promptly
thereafter. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Kids and parents had an amazing day on Saturday, April 12, at the Spring Fling which took place at the Niiwin Akeaa Campus Gym located at 111 Beartown Road (behind the Ojibwa Casino) from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. where families enjoyed a variety of activities, engaging games, and free giveaways, all while discovering over 15 community organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in the area. The event was open to all community members, with a particular focus on families with young children. The Spring Fling is organized by the Baraga County Task Force, a work group of the Copper Country Great Start Collaborative, and the Family Coalition. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
PARFAIT PREPARATION–A fun and educational exercise designed to connect children with traditional Ojibwa food practices was happening at the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) last week. The students, or Little Eagles (Migiziinsag), were delighted to cut up their own fruit and make their parfaits.
by Melissa Newland
Excitement filled the air last week in the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) Great Start Readiness Program’s (GSRP) classroom as the Little Eagles (Migiziinsag) students welcomed Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s (KBOCC) Land Grant team on Thursday. Cindy Wiltse, Land Grant Coordinator; Kit Laux, Land
Director; and Grant Suzie Kahkonen, Land Grant Assistant, were present from KBOCC and were met with joy and enthusiasm from both the students and teachers for the day’s
activity. The fun and educational exercise was designed to connect the children with
traditional Ojibwa food practices and involved making yogurt parfaits. The team provided students with an assortment of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and bananas, allowing each child to learn the basics of fruit preparation by washing, cutting, and
assembling their own parfaits. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS–The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel in L’Anse is celebrating 25 years of commitment to the community. The Reid family, which includes its employees, would like to thank the community for its support. Reid Funeral Service and Chapel will continue to provide compassionate care and commitment for seamless, personalized services that honor the lives and legacies of those it will serve in the upcoming years.
by Melissa Newland
In the heart of L’Anse, Reid Funeral Service and Chapel has been a beacon of solace and support for countless families over the past 25 years. Established in 2000 by the late John L. “Jack” Reid and his wife, Betty Harrington Reid, the funeral home has grown into a trusted institution within the greater Baraga County area. Jack Reid’s journey began in Pontiac, MI. He acquired degrees in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University and (later in life) in Health Care Administration from the University of Michigan which helped enhance his skills and knowledge as a caregiver and funeral director. Jack’s working career also included a national sales trainer position with an international pharmaceutical firm and a supervisory role at General Motors. When moving to the Upper Peninsula, he continued serving his community by providing temporary coverage for many funeral homes. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
TREE TAPPING–Students from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s (KBOCC) Environmental Science program recently embarked on an enriching adventure, learning the art of maple tapping. Students attending included (pictured l-r) Angela Kelly, Jill Witz and son Ivan, Ryland Edwards, Jon Dowd, Environmental Science Instructor Andrew Kozich PhD, Dustin Shelifoe, Madison Kelly, and Rebecca Meroni.
by Melissa Newland
Students from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s (KBOCC) Environmental Science program recently embarked on an enriching adventure, learning the art of maple tapping.
Guided by KBOCC Admissions Coordinator Kristy Laramore at her picturesque property in
Skanee, the students delved into the intricate process of collecting sap, gaining valuable hands-on experience and deepening their appreciation for sustainable practices on Friday, March 21. The day was filled with fresh air, the sounds of nature, and the sweet reward of harvesting sap from the trees. Students attending included Angela Kelly, Jill Witz, Ryland Edwards, Jon Dowd, Dustin Shelifoe, Madison Kelly, and Rebecca Meroni along with Environmental Science Instructor Andrew Kozich, PhD. The group was able to get 53 trees tapped by the end of the day, with Laramore noting that all trees instantly started to
flow. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
DOWN TIME–Students, faculty, and staff from the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) traveled to Rapid City, SD, to participate in the 2025 AIHEC (American Indian Higher Education Consortium) Student Conference. While there, the group was able to explore the area, including Devils Tower and Mt. Rushmore. Picture is (back, l-r) Tony Magnant, Victor Westman, Madison Kelly, Danielle Hueckstaedt, Andrew Kozich PhD/Environmental Science Department Chair, Ryland Edwards, Robert Curtis, Daniel Lauritsen, (front, l-r) Bob Rabin PhD/Environmental Science Adjunct Instructor, Naomi Smith, Jenna Maki, Kristy Laramore Admissions Coordinator/Advisor, and Jordis Numinen. Missing from the photo are Jon Dowd Cultural Advisor/ Anishinaabe Studies and Cielle Waters-Umfleet Student Success Coordinator.
by Melissa Newland
Fun was had and awards were brought home after students, faculty, and staff from the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) traveled to Rapid City, SD, to partic
ipate in the 2025 AIHEC (American Indian Higher Education Consortium) Student Conference. The AIHEC was established in 1972 to represent the interests of the newly
developed tribal colleges, which are controlled and operated by American Indian nations.
THE AIHEC Student Conference is an annual event, originating in 1980, and has grown significantly, now welcoming over 1,000 participants each spring to engage in academic, cul
tural, and artistic exercises. Those traveling to the event included KBOCC staff/faculty Kristy Laramore Admissions Coordinator/Advisor, Andrew Kozich PhD/Environmental Science Department Chair, Bob Rabin PhD/Environmental Science Adjunct Instructor, Cielle
Waters-Umfleet Student Success Coordinator, and Jon Dowd Cultural Advisor/Anishinaabe Studies. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
SKATING SPECTACULAR–This group of young L’Anse-Baraga Figure Skating Club skaters performed to Sound of Music’s “Do-Re-Mi” choreographed by Danielle Solberg and Hannah Johnston. Skaters included Arabella Bianco, Maizie Boever, Rosemary Klobucher, Ali Pietila, and Bailey Sullivan.
by Melissa Newland
The Meadowbrook Arena buzzed with excitement this past weekend as the L’Anse–Baraga Figure Skating Club (LBFSC) showcased its annual ice show, ‘A Night at the Tony’s.’ The event captivat ed a large audience, who were treated to a dazzling display of talent, perseverance, and dedication, leaving them both mesmerized and inspired. The performances high lighted the skaters’ commitment and passion backed by the tireless
efforts of instructors, volunteers, and professional staff. The show was a resounding success, with every participant playing a vital role in bringing the event to fruition. Performance times included Saturday, March 8 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Club President Sarah Solberg reported that approximately 450-500 people attended
to watch the stunning talent on ice. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
TOWN MEETING–Republican Karl Bohnak, Representative for Michigan’s 109th House of Representatives district and elected this past November, was on hand at the Silver River Bakery in L’Anse on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, to conduct a Town Hall meeting. The public welcomed Bohnak with enthusiasm, asking questions of the politician, former weatherman, and stating their concerns. Pictured is Cathy Stanaway standing up about her concerns, filling Bohnak in about the lack of school teachers and dentists in the area with her thought that it is due to schooling costs and locations. Bohnak was sympathetic to everyone’s concerns there. While there, he also summarized his last month and a half in office.
by Melissa Newland
Republican Karl Bohnak, the newly elected Representative for Michigan’s 109th House of
Representatives district and a familiar face for Upper Peninsula residents, hosted a Town Hall meeting at the Silver River Bakery in L’Anse. Known for his previous career as the local UP weatherman, Bohnak was met with a warm reception by the local community on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 1-2 p.m. amidst the smell of delicious bakery and fresh pasties. The cozy atmosphere of the bakery provided an intimate setting for the public to voice their concerns and ask questions. Among the attendees was Cathy Stanaway, who passionately addressed the shortage of schoolteachers and dentists in the area. She attributed these shortages to the high costs of education and the difficulty of accessing schooling in rural areas. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
IN THE HOUSE–Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist recently visited Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) for an extensive campus tour. During the visit, he took the opportunity to engage with key figures at KBOCC, including (l-r) KBOCC’s Dean of Student Services Amanda Nordstrom and Interim President/Dean of Academic Affairs Megan Haataja, KBOCC’s Board of Regents Trustees Kathleen Smith and Karen Andersen, KBOCC Board of Regents Chairman Keith Rolof, (Gilchrist), Regent Trustee Donald Chosa, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President Robert Curtis, KBIC Council rep Doreen Blaker, and Regent Vice Chairman Robin Chosa.
by Melissa Newland
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) recently had the esteemed honor of welcoming Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for an extensive campus tour.
During the visit, Lt. Governor Gilchrist took the opportunity to engage with key figures at KBOCC, including members of the KBOCC Board of Regents, the Keweenaw Bay Indian
Community (KBIC) Tribal Council, the Dean of Academic Affairs/Interim President, and the Dean of Student Services. This visit underscored the importance of higher education and its impact on local development and the group had an in-depth discussion about the college’s ongoing growth and its significant role within the community. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
BIG HELP–One of the top contributors to the Baraga American Legion’s ‘Da Yoopers Souper Bowl Tackle Hunger Food Drive,’ were the American Legion Riders (ALR), this year donating $100 towards food for the pantry. Pictured is (l-r) Pete ‘Bear’ Goodreau, ALR Associate Director, Baraga Legion Vice Commander Lance Heikkinen, and ALR, member Tom LaTandresse. The riders were essential in raising awareness of veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and raising funds for companion dogs last year when the group hosted its First Annual Hell to Paradise Ride.
by Melissa Newland
The Baraga American Legion Post #444 scored big during its ‘Da Yoopers Souper Bowl Tackle Hunger Food Drive,’ collecting and donating many nonperishable food items to the St. Vincent De Paul’s Food Pantry in L’Anse on Monday. Serving those in need in the community is important to the members/volunteers of the Baraga American Legion Post #444 and during the Legion’s Tackle Hunger Food Drive campaign, which took place between January 5, 2025, and Sunday’s Super Bowl (Legion’s Super Bowl Tail Gate Party), the group took in many items along with monetary donations. The drive encouraged community members to bring in a can of soup or other non-perishable item(s) up to and including on the day of the Super Bowl when visiting the establishment to receive $2
off the first beverage of choice, which is the average price of a can of soup today. The offer was available once per patron daily. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
