PROCESS CONTINUES–L’Anse Warden Elec-tric plant officials are seeking a Renewable Operating Permit through a virtual process for public information and public comments. The ROP for the biomass plant was initially applied for in February, 2015. Numerous issues have arisen to stall the process. Public comment will be taken through Oct. 21, 2020.
by Barry Drue
A public information and comment process is underway in the five-year effort of the L’Anse Warden Electric Co. (LWEC) to secure a Renewable Operating Permit (ROP) through the Air Quality Division, Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The Environmental Protection Agency also reviews the ROP. Warden was sold in January, 2020. Libra Capital US, Inc. is the current owner. The last ROP was issued two owners ago to Traxys Power Group. Convergen Energy had owned LWEC until January.
FIERCE WIND–Very strong wind accompanied a thunderstorm after dark on Friday night, Sept. 25, 2020. Large trees were uprooted and downed across Baraga and L’Anse. This was the scene at the L’Anse American Legion Saturday. People on the deck watching the spectacular lightning barely had time to get inside as the wind hit, and everything went black with the power loss.
by Barry Drue and Nancy Besonen
A sudden storm that struck after dark on Friday night, Sept. 25, 2020, ripped through Baraga and L’Anse toppling huge trees and downing power lines throughout the area. Power was out for many hours although it was back on for many people by midday Saturday. The storm hit the area around 10 p.m. The eerie, pitch-black scene and sudden blast of damage was backlit by lightning flashes and parts of Baraga where power remained on. The storm tore through Baraga, littering U.S. 41 with trees and closing the highway from M-38 to The Pines. Baraga Cemetery was hit hard as many trees toppled. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
A confirmed COVID-19 case resulted in closure of Baraga Area Schools on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. Word went out to staff, parents and students via social media and the district’s web site in the early morning hours Monday. School resumed on Tuesday after health department contact tracing. Superintendent Rich Sarau wrote on Monday, “We are working closely with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department to identify exposures and prevent further cases. The school feels it is in the best interest and safety of the staff, students and community to close the building to students. . .in order to allow for thorough contact tracing.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
MAKING LEARNING FUN–Arvon teacher Kristina Waara using puppets “Little Critter” and “Clifford” to inspire youngsters learning remotely. “I’m using puppets to help reach kids, rather than just Mrs. Waara speaking on a computer screen,” Waara said.
Editor’s note: The Arvon Township School board and staff provided the following look at reopening for the 2020-21 school year: Arvon Township School began the new year online in a very unique way. Students and teachers interact with each other throughout the school day and the structure closely mimics spending a day in the classroom. Students meet in whole groups and individually by grade. A morning snack break, lunch time and a “recess” period is incorporated into the day. Families have the option of participating in the school lunch program and meals are delivered to the school for pick up. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Derek Dougovito, top, and Lyle Olsen, bottom, from L’Anse Fire and Rescue.
by Barry Drue
L’Anse Fire Department hosted another rope rescue training over two weekends in August. Training involved classroom instruction, rope rescue “elevations” practice off the fire hall tower, and rope technician training at Canyon Falls. LFD Training Officer Cory Frisk and Safety Officer Derek Dougovito took the lead in arranging the class. Five LFD members received their Rope Technician Certificates after the classes. They are Ken Harju, Fabian Kristo, Lyle Olsen, Dougovito and Frisk. Need for rope rescue is growing in this area with popular—and potentially dangerous—attractions. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Plans for trails, picnic and camping areas at Pt. Abbaye by UP Engineers and Architects.
by Barry Drue
The second phase of a multi-year plan to improve access and facilities at the county park at Pt. Abbaye is expected to be completed this fall before snow flies. The rugged, rocky shores at the tip of the point are popular with tourists and local residents alike. The largely grant-funded projects were approved by the Pt. Abbaye Planning Committee back in 2011 after significant public input. The committee included Bill Menge, Don Mankee, Doug Mills, Bob Korth, Calvin and Roy Koski. County Clerk Wendy Goodreau noted that Phase 1 was completed in 2018, Phase 2 will be most likely done this fall mainly to improve trails and add some picnic areas, and future trail work will be done in Phase 3. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Babes at the ballpark–Young fans turned out with their parents and family for Men’s slowpitch softball last Thursday at Aura. Above, left photo, twins Allison and Chloe Maki, 17 months, are regulars with their two-seater stroller pushed by mom Courtney Maki. Their dad Paul Maki plays for 906 Truck, and Courtney plays in the women’s softball league. Above right, baby Lazer is greeted by uncle Danny Connor who plays for Ojibwa Casino.
by Nancy Besonen
The Baraga Area Schools (BAS) Board of Education has approved its Safe Start To School plan for the 2020/2021 school year.
The plan provides responses to three separate phases, depending on where the state stands on its fight vs. coronavirus when the new school year begins Sept. 1, 2020. All three are based upon school resuming on a full-time basis, either online or on campus. Schools Superintendent Rich Sarau reported to the board Monday, Aug. 10, 2020 in the school library. Public participation was online due to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order limiting public meetings to 10 people. “We believe this is the best we can do at this time,” Sarau said of the plan forged with the aid of a committee including teachers, community members, staff and more. “It’s evolving, a living document. It is our goal to keep students, staff and the community safe while we open school.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
L’ANSE TWP. PARK–has been very busy since opening. “The phone is non-stop,” said Steve Foucault. “90 percent are not local–more than usual.” This Monday KBIC Head Start booked the pavilion for a belated graduation and family fun party, above. Kids, teachers and families enjoyed a picnic, activities and a chance to reunite outside.
by Nancy Besonen
Business is booming at the Baraga State Park this summer. “I’ve worked here (Baraga State Park) for 20 years, and this is one of the busiest I can remember,” said WOC Unit Supervisor Kelly Somero. “We’re full all the time.” The park opened June 22, 2020. It typically opens at the end of April or beginning of June, Somero said, but the camping season was delayed by restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus. The Baraga State Park usually closes up shop at the end of October. Based on the steady stream of traffic since the season finally started, the camping public would appear to be making up for lost time. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
HEAVY DAMAGE–Roofs were ripped off two adjacent homes on Ford Road, Pequaming, in the early morning storm July 19, 2020. Pelkie was severely damaged, too. Wind estimated at around 100 miles per hour hit the Mark and Barb Summersett home.
Editor’s note: Next door neighbors Barb and Mark Summersett and Jackie and Joe Treadeau suffered heavy home damage in the July 19, 2020, wind and rain storm. Each couple responded with their stories and sincere thanks to the community. Summersetts: I wanted to share a few pictures from our home, and a story following the storm on July 19. There are plenty more pictures between ours and our next door neighbors, Joe and Jackie Treadeau. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
STRONG STORM–Rain, lightning and strong wind hit many areas early Sunday morning, July 19. 2020. Dowd residence on Pelkie Road, downtown shows flattened truck. Alston-Nisula and First and Second Sand and Pequaming also had downed trees and power lines. Rower outages lasted for hours. Photos by Gale Eilola.
by Nancy Besonen
Areas of Baraga County are still reeling from a blow that caused substantial damage early Sunday morning, July 19, 2020. Pelkie, Pequaming, Alston-Nisula and Keweenaw Bay were the hardest hit by the rainstorm that was accompanied in areas by straight line winds. Buildings were damaged, trees uprooted and snapped and a nursery was flattened at Hulkkonen’s farm in Nisula before the storm moved out before daybreak. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
