by Barry Drue
After a long run as owners of Bay Auto Parts in Baraga, Bob and Sally Koskinen are selling the business to veteran employee Nick Lozier. The transition has been in the planning stages for several months and took place last week. After a stint in the Pettibone parts department, Bob Koskinen managed the original store, Brown Auto, since Don and Helen Spear opened it where Mr. Tire is now, adjacent to Larry’s Market. “They were from Hancock and owned the Brown Auto there. When they opened the store here, I managed it since July, 1984,” Bob said. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue
Thanks to Portage Health Foundation’s participation in its third annual “Giving Tuesday” fundraiser, and a very generous four-county community, Baraga County Shelter Home has been awarded a significant grant. Board members graciously accepted a $13,500 check from PHF Executive Director Kevin Store and the foundation’s board chair, Bernadette Yeoman-Ouellette on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. The presentation was made at the shelter board’s regular monthly meeting at the Baraga Lakeside Inn. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Nancy Besonen
Small Business Saturday enjoyed a boost from the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce this holiday season. The Chamber welcomed Christmas shoppers from 9-12 Saturday, Nov. 30 with a  Special Shop Small Business promotion. Visitors were treated to coffee, cookies and donuts, then armed with a Shop Small Business tote and sheet of coupons redeemable at area businesses before making their rounds of town. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue
After several years and a political science bachelors degree at Michigan State University, Charles Beer has returned to the area. He was recently hired as the new coordinator for Communities That Care. A L’Anse/Aura native, Beer graduated L’Anse High School in 2013. Since then he’s been in East Lansing. He earned a political science bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University. He has recently begun work to further his education seeking a masters degree in public administration with a specialization in public management. His future goal involves law school. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue
Work continues to renovate the historic home on N. Main Street across from the Lutheran church. The large home will become a substance recovery residence for about six to eight women. The residence will be operated and is owned by Great Lakes Recover Centers headquartered with administrative offices in Ishpeming. It will be known as the Ripple Recovery Residence due to the driving force for the project by retired MD Dr. Harold Ripple of Skanee. Many others have united behind the cause and volunteered to renovate the interior of the home over the past couple of years. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

by Barry Drue
Baraga County Memorial Hospital opened its Advanced Wound Center on Thursday morning, Oct. 24, 2019. Staff and consultants were on hand for training. The wound center will address patients’ wounds that do not readily heal. Conditions such as diabetes can lead to healing difficulties. “Patients have been traveling to Marquette and Houghton for wound care. This clinic will allow patients to have their wounds treated here,” said Bonny Cotter, Chief Nursing Officer. Some of the patients who require advanced wound care are residents of Bayside Village Nursing Home. BCMH Advanced Wound Care services will be available every Thursday. BCMH family practice physician Dr. Craig Vickstrom will oversee the program, with Nurse Practitioner Jeff Dauphinais evaluating and treating patients. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.