L'Anse Sentinel | On guard for more than 130 years.

Van Straten Bros. a ‘Company to Watch’ ; Honored at Small Business gala in Lansing

Tammy

-

June 9, 2017

PERSONAL TOUR–The VanStratens were given a tour of the Michigan Capitol building when they were in Lansing. L-r are 38th District State Senator Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, Jill, George, Peter and Diane Van Straten, Ronald Fisher of Vollwerth & Baroni Co., and 110th District State Representative Scott Dianda, D-Calumet.

Van Straten Brothers, Inc. has been recognized as one of the 2017 “Michigan Companies to Watch,” an awards program presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Co-Owners, George and Peter Van Straten were honored at the awards ceremony during the 13th Annual Awards Celebration – Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala event, May 4, 2017 in Lansing, MI. Van Straten Brothers, Inc. prevailed along with 49 other companies to receive this distinction from out of over 400 nominees. The Van Straten business was established in the early 1960’s by Pete and Lil Van Straten (Van Straten & Sons). George and Peter purchased the business from their parents over 20 years ago and the company (Van Straten Brothers, Inc.) is currently being operated by the second and third generations of the Van Straten family. Van Straten is an experienced and well-known metal fabrication shop specializing in custom machining, welding and fabrication of high quality products to customer specifications. Services include the fabrication of machined steel weldments, scaffolding, bridges (permanent and portable), capital equipment, heavy equipment chassis, booms, buckets, cranes, frames, lift arms, grapples, snow plows, log truck trailers, boat cradles and power systems. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

‘Made Baraga great again!’ -Class of 2017 graduates 31

Tammy

-

June 2, 2017

0

CELEBRATING–Baraga Class of 2017 exchanges hugs as mortarboards are tossed and balloons fall from the ceiling. Memories of fun times and challenges were shared during graduation on Friday, May 26, 2017.

by Barry Drue
The humor and uniqueness of Baraga’s Class of 2017 was celebrated as 31 seniors received diplomas at commencement at BHS on Friday, May 26. Much was said of the ultimate senior prank to drive, carry and push a car into the high school office lobby a few days ago. “We’re not a normal class. . .and I mean that in a good way!” said Valedictorian Jake Putala. He spoke of the impact the Class of 2017 has had on the school and community with its “take charge attitude”. “Anytime the staff wanted something done they came to us,” Putala noted. “And our class has never failed to make the faculty chuckle!” Putala encouraged classmates to “set goals for ourselves, reach them, and set the bar even higher”. He urged his peers to turn negative energy into positive energy. Himself a budding politician heading to Lansing Community College with a state Capitol internship already lined up, Putala has long been involved in the Republican Party at the local, state and even national level. He joined Republican Presidential candidates when they convened on Mackinac Island during the 2016 race. Reaching to his roots, Putala couldn’t resist: He said of his Class of 2017: “We made Baraga great again!” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Plant officials detail plans

Tammy

-

May 26, 2017

0

PELKIE PLANT–A rendering of the proposed “A.J. Mihm Generating Station”. The plant will generate electricity from burning natural gas. Officials are meeting with property owners regarding plans for the plant.

by Barry Drue
The community and neighbors of the proposed 55 megawatt natural gas electrical generating station in Pelkie were set for an update on the project at the Ojibwa Casino as this paper went to press on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corporation (UMERC) spokesperson Amy Jahns and Project Manager Terry Carroll addressed the progress of the planning process Tuesday evening. “We’re holding an open house for residents living near the generating station, and the community,” Jahns said. The company purchased 40 acres on Sarya Road to site the plant. “We do constantly call those neighbors,” Jahns said. “We sent invitations to neighbors within two miles of the site—and the community is invited too.” To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Baraga food pantry fuels hungry students

Tammy

-

May 19, 2017

0

PANTRY PROJECT—Students in Amanda Rinkinen’s English 11 class were challenged to come up with projects to make the Baraga school or community a better place. One idea that has taken off is a food pantry organized by, l-r, McKenzie Barrett and Andrea Chagnon. Food is available anonymously for students in need. Backpacks of food are sent home for families on Friday afternoons.

by Barry Drue
A guest speaker focusing on better and more sustainable communities led to a variety of “good works” created and accomplished by Baraga students in Amanda Rinkinen’s English 11 class. Two of those students, juniors Andrea Chagnon and McKenzie Barrett led the effort toward a food pantry for Baraga students. “We had a guest speaker who talked about UN global projects to make communities better and more sustainable,” Chagnon said. “Mrs. Rinkinen asked us if we wanted to do a project. It’s a class assignment.” One group of Rinkinen’s students “adopted” a second grade class to read to and mentor. Another group is securing funding for a new playground. “One is showing tourists what’s around here,” Barrett said, “doing what my mom (Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Tracey Barrett) does.” The food pantry is located in a room in the high school office. There are snacks and foods for consumption during the day if a student is hungry. The pantry is handled anonymously through office staff, including High School Secretary Courtney VanderZanden. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

KBOCC honors 10 graduates, 16 certifications

Tammy

-

May 12, 2017

0

front page pic

GRADUATION DAY!–The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s Class of 2017 proudly poses for a group shot at commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 6. Left to right are Brittanee Gauthier, Oedith Harris, Jolene DeCota, Michelle Moulden, Cynthia Thierry, Amanda Nordstrom, Keri Williams, Rachel Voakes, Heather Ochoa and Melissa Treadeau. Photo courtesy of KBOCC.

by Nancy Besonen
Ten graduates received their Associates degrees Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College’s (KBOCC) commencement exercises. The graduating class was one of KBOCC’s biggest according to Dean of Instruction Lynn Aho. Sixteen Criminal Justice Program graduates also received their certificates at the ceremony held in the Niiwin Akeaa Center Gymnasium in Baraga. KBOCC Board of Regents Chairman Robin Chosa served as Master of Ceremonies for the event which began at noon. Woodlands Drum performed the Processional, and colors were posted by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Honor Guard. The Commencement Address was given by Ron His Horse Is Thunder, former Tribal Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe. He has served as president of three different tribal colleges, and is a former president of the American Indian College Fund. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Remember ‘Gar’ for legal career, friendship

Tammy

-

May 5, 2017

0

front page pic

GOOD TIMES–Sue and Gar Hood taking it easy at
Bridgefest, 2009. When they retired to Florida Gar
loved his boat and the beach. He died on April 21,
2017, after battling illness in recent years.

by Barry Drue
Longtime area attorney and judge Garfield Hood is remembered by many bar association colleagues and friends for his dedication to his craft, his openness and friendly personality, and certainly for his humor. “Gar”, as he was known to everyone, died at his retirement home in Englewood, FL, after battling several illnesses in recent years. Gar died peacefully in Englewood on April 21, 2017. He was 71. Following his wishes, wife Sue and children Sarah, Lauren and Kristin made the decision to place their husband and dad in hospice following a stroke. Mercifully, Gar was there only one night before the end. Gar wanted to be remembered this way, in his own words: “I loved my family, I tried to be fair, I did the best I could”. As the news arrived in the Copper Country any were saddened and surprised. Sue said she and her daughters and their families had time to adjust. “I’m fine,” Sue said Monday, May 1, a week and a half after her husband’s passing. “It was not a real shock. He was ill for about four years.” Sue noted that she and Gar had owned a place in Florida since 1996 and very much enjoyed time there. When Gar retired after an 18- year career as 12th Circuit Judge in September, 2008, the Hoods purchased a condo in Englewood and spent more and more time there. Those years have proven a godsend to Sue who has developed many friendships to help her through difficult times. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Baraga offers contracts, tenure

Tammy

-

April 21, 2017

0

front page pic — Spring sightings–Two readers captured moose on their phone cameras recently. Above left, Deb Stouffer found this moose near Tioga Creek a week and a half ago. Michigamme news columnist Virginia Olson sent the photo above, right, showing a moose with scruffy winter hair. She came across the moose along M-95 near Republic. Two young moose were killed near the Herman- Nestoria Road on U.S. 41 in a vehicle accident on Easter Sunday night.

by Barry Drue
The Baraga school board granted tenure to two teachers and extended probationary contracts to numerous others at its regular meeting on Monday, April 10, 2017. History and civics teacher Gregory Markkanen and grade five teacher Mike Aubin were each granted tenure, on separate 4-0 votes. Receiving fifth year probationary contracts were high school and elementary art teacher Viktoria Klein, and HS/JH science teacher Lori Wisniewski, both on a 4-0 vote. Fourth year probationary contracts were extended to Lauren Sheer, HS language arts and Spanish teacher; and Desiree Lauritsen, second grade teacher, on a 4-0 vote. A third year probationary contract was approved, 4-0, for Christina Gallup, HS/JH math and economics teacher. Three teachers were approved, 4-0, for second year probationary contracts. They are Tyrell Peterson, K-12 music teacher; Rachael Lassi, elementary special education teacher; and Elisa Anderson, at-risk counselor. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Army commends firefighter Spc. Cerne

Tammy

-

April 14, 2017

0

by Barry Drue
Spc. Sara Cerne has been recognized by the United States Army for her role as a firefighter. She was one of the women soldiers who were profiled in honor of Women’s History Month in the base newspaper, the Fort Polk Guardian, at Fort Polk, LA. Cerne is a 12M Army firefighter assigned to the Fort Polk fire station. She serves with six other Army firefighters and several civilian firefighters. She is the only woman. Cerne is a 2013 L’Anse High School graduate who has shown plenty of determination and drive in her life and purpose. She is remembered for having brought together area cancer survivors and raising cancer awareness in her Girl Scout Gold Award project in L’Anse in her senior year. That project earned her an automatic advancement step when she joined the Army. She has gone on to be a leader among her peers in the Army, and is building her skills. The Specialist recently attended Leadership Training. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Welcome 25 new EMT’s; KBOCC grant pays for training

Tammy

-

April 7, 2017

0

by Barry Drue
An area-wide Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) shortage has been alleviated, at least in the near term, with the certification of 25 people after months of classes and recent testing. As many as 38 began twice-weekly testing last Oct. 4, and met monthly for daylong Saturday classes. They also signed on for clinical hours on ambulance runs and at Baraga County Memorial Hospital throughout the fall and winter. After finding few applicants in recent years the big class was especially appreciated by local EMT services which have been running low on staff. “This is the last huge class since mine in 1989-90,” said Linda Pakkola of Bay Ambulance. “It was about 20 people.” “This was huge for us,” Bay Director Gary Wadaga said. “We are close to crisis in rural EMS. Now we have about 25 spread through Pelkie, Baraga, L’Anse, Aura, Skanee and Covington.” The training was paid through a grant from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College, which made it much easier for many to take the training. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Job fair hit with students

Tammy

-

March 31, 2017

0

by Barry Drue
L’Anse and Baraga high schoolers wandered among displays from 65 businesses, organizations, colleges and military representatives at the L’Anse Job Fair on Thursday afternoon, March 23, 2017. Displays and tables spilled out of the gym as students visited sites of interest. Teacher Paul Moore and his Current Events class did the organizing, along with some help from Callie Budweg’s Publications Class. “I think it went well. There was a good turn-out of businesses. They made the commitment and almost all of them showed up. My students did most of the calling and emailing to contact them. They helped with set-up and helped people carry their stuff in,” Moore said. In his first year taking over the job fair for the retired Frank Taddeucci, Moore had L’Anse ninth through 12th graders attend, as well as a group of 42 Baraga High School juniors and seniors. Now that Moore has his first job fair behind him he wants to bring in more students next year. Additional schools have been invited in the past. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.