Former Globetrotter inspires area students

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INSPIRING STUDENTS-at Baraga Area School, pictured, as well as L’Anse Area School was retired Globetrotter, Melvin Adams, who speaks to and influences kids and teens against drugs, violence, and other items affecting youth and lets them know it is okay to reach for the stars.

by Melissa Newland
Students in grades 6-12 at both L’Anse (LAS) and Baraga Area Schools (BAS) enjoyed an inspirational assembly with Melvin Adams, a former Harlem Globetrotter, who speaks to and influences kids and teens against drugs, violence, and other items affecting youth and
lets them know it is okay to reach for the stars. Adams has shared his passion with many, performing and telling of his experiences and giving his uplifting messages to over two million youth through his presentations. Adams spoke at both BAS and LAS, with the assembly held at BAS at 10:15 a.m. and LAS at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, thanks to the Baraga County Community. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

 

Volunteers needed for Lake Trout Festival

SEEKING HELP–The very popular Lake Trout Festival is in need of help. Organizers are looking for volunteers for the June 2023 event. Without volunteer help, this year’s festival will not happen. Call the Baraga County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau at 906-524-7444 for more info.

by Melissa Newland
The Baraga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (BCCVB) is hoping to reel in more volunteers for this year’s Baraga County Lake Trout Festival which nets both local and visiting enthusiasts by correlating with free fishing weekend and the annual Keweenaw Bay
Classic Fishing Tournament. According to BCCVB Manager Barb McEwen, if volunteers are not forthcoming, the Lake Trout Festival will not be happening. Though McEwen noted
she can get the groundwork done for the family affair, which is held annually downtown L’Anse at the Waterfront Park, volunteer workers are much needed the day before, day
of, and the day after the event. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Eilola is new county board chairman

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NEW CHAIRMAN–Gale Eilola, formerly vicechair for the County Board of Commissioners was voted in as the new Chairman last week.

by John Raffel
The Baraga County Board of Commissioners voted for a new chairman and vice chairman at its meeting last week. Gale Eilola, who had been vice-chairman, was selected for a two-year term ending Dec. 31 2024. He replaces Williams Rolof, who did not run for reelection.
Brad Dakota was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for a one-year term ending Dec. 31. 2023. Newly elected commissioners William Menge, Chad Cichosz and Craig Kent were welcomed to the board. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

KBIC reorganizes; seats new president, two contested seats

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CASTING BALLOTS–Many ballots were cast during the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s (KBIC) Tribal Council Reorganization meeting this past weekend, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, as the seat for Vice President was tied 6 to 6 the first four casts of the ballot with the fifth round going to Toni Minton over Rodney Loonsfoot in a vote of 7 to 4 with one member abstaining.

by Melissa Newland
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s (KBIC) Tribal Council Reorganizational meeting was held this past weekend, with four elected members and Associate Judge from the  December General Election sworn in, a new Tribal President seated, and two council seats being contested with tied votes. The Reorganizational meeting was held Saturday, Dec. 7, 2023, at the Ojibwa Casino Conference Room in Baraga starting at 9 a.m. During approval of the agenda, council member Rodney Loonsfoot asked to add an item to the agenda which included council doing a roll call vote instead of the traditional ballot vote. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

New Year’s Eve hike draws 70

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Around 70 people spent this year’s New Year’s Eve going on a lantern lit snowshoe hike on the L’Anse trails. The hike began at 6:30 and extended past 8 p.m. with event-goers enjoying the warm weather and clear skies around a bonfire with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Baraga County Trails in Motion sponsored this free event.

by Teri Rowe
‘Baraga County Trails in Motion’ hosted a New Year’s Eve Lantern Lit Snowshoe Walk last
Saturday, Dec. 31, at the L’Anse Trails just outside of L’Anse. It was a great way to spend the last day of the year. The weather cooperated with 31 degrees and clear skies so everyone could enjoy the walk. The candlelit lanterns along the snow trails made the
woods look magical. About 70 people showed up, most choosing to walk the main trail using snow shoes, Yaktrax, or just their boots. Hot chocolate warmed the evening while marshmallows were roasted over the blazing bonfire. Since the weather was so nice, everyone lingered and chatted by the fire well after 8 p.m. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

LAS students attend MTU’s Mind Trekkers Event

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CHAPERONING–the L’Anse Area School’s eighth grade students at Michigan Technological University’s (MTU) Center for Educational Outreach Dec. 13, 2022, was LAS teacher John Jacobson, along with (not pictured) Jennifer Lynn, Ed.D., CCISD Early Literacy coach/Place Education & Continuous Consultant.

by Melissa Newland
L’Anse Area School (LAS) 8th grade students recently took a trip to
Michigan Technological University’s (MTU) Center for Educational Outreach to the Mind Trekkers Event. Mind Trekkers is a program that aspires to peak student interest in STEM careers and local  opportunities and is a flagship program of MTU’s Center for Educational Outreach. “Undergraduate and graduate students become
Mind Trekker guides, traveling across the country to deliver high-energy, handson, STEM demonstrations to K-12 students, inspiring
them to pursue post-secondary education,” states its website,
www.mtu.edu/mindtrekkers. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

ATS students fill hall with music

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FINE AND FANCY–attire was worn during the Arvon Township School Christmas Program held Dec. 13, 2022 at the Arvon Township Hall. K-2 students were first up on stage singing popular Christmas carols, including, “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, “Frosty the Snowman,” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” K-2 students included, l-r, Carter Wiseman, Makenna Jorgensen, Leila Jorgensen, Brooke Waara and Avery Kahkonen.

by Melissa Newland

The Arvon Township Hall was filled with music and merriment as
Arvon Township School students put on a holiday concert for parents and community members last week. ATS students along with ATS
Music Teacher, Alex Frazier, had been busy in the previous months
practicing for the Christmas event, which was held Tuesday, Dec. 13,
2022. Students in the K-8 school took to the stage to show their talents with singalongs, instrumentals, and solos during the program. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

L’Anse lights up Baraga County

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ELF SCHOOL–In downtown L’Anse the Light UP Baraga County parade was held on Saturday evening, Dec. 10. Among the floats in the parade was the “Jolly Elf School”. Santa’s helpers were on site handing out candy to all the little good boys and girls.

by Teri Rowe
Christmas is the time most of us want snow, and Saturday evening, Dec 10, didn’t disappoint. Snow enhanced all of the ‘Light Up Baraga County’ festivities in L’Anse. Things kicked off with Santa and Mrs. Claus visiting the L’Anse Firehouse from 3 to 4:30. The kids were able to meet with Santa and put in their wish list before they enjoyed the
parade. Coffee and cookies and juice were served to help everyone fend off the cold. Great globs of wet snow fell on the L’Anse parade as
it left from Meadowbrook Arena at 5:30. As it slowly turned left onto Main Street, it was as noisy as it was lit up, with sirens blasting from the police cars and the fire truck. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

Zeba powwow well attended

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DRUMMING–and singing are a big part of a tribal powwow and drummers for the 2nd annual ‘Nanda-Gikendan’ Powwow included Host Drum Woodland and Invited Drums, Four Thunder and Loon Travelers. The first ‘Nanda-Gikendan’ powwow was held before Covid 19 shut everything down. Finally, the Ojibwa community was able to bring this year’s event together.

by Teri Rowe
Snow fell and winds blew hard last Saturday, Dec. 3, but that didn’t stop anyone from attending the second annual ‘Nanda Gikendan’ (Seek to Learn) KBOCC Powwow at Zeba Hall in Zeba. Young and old, and all ages in between, came to dance and feast, and to share stories. The purpose is always community love, but to also reinforce the practices and traditions of the Ojibwa people. “All of our head dancers (here at the powwow) are KBOCC students, employees, or board members,” said Lori Ann Sherman, who works at the Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC). To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.

‘Huffin and Puffin for Stuffin’

TURKEY TROT–During some pretty heavy snowfall on Saturday, Nov. 19, a 5K Turkey Trot was held beginning at the Baraga schools to raise funds for its Track and Field and Cross Country programs. Sporting their ‘Huffin and Puffin for Stuffin’ T-shirts are l-r, Ari Jahfetson, Georgia Larson, Izi Jahfetson, Danica Jahfetson, Maddy Holm, Kiana Loonsfoot. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Holley.

by Teri Rowe
A ‘5k Turkey Trot’ was held beginning at the Baraga Area Schools on
Nov. 19, 2022. The event raised almost $2,000 for the Baraga High School’s Track and Field and CrossCountry programs. The funds will help pay for scheduled meets, equipment, training tools for the athletes, or any other needs that we have. According to track and
field coach Tammy Crittendon, there are still some donations coming in. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.