FLOAT WINNER–Homestead Graphics took first place in the Baraga Lumberjack Days Parade. Reliance Agency took second, Pettibone third, Aluminum Sting Robotics fourth, Country Root & Dirty Boots fifth, and Erickson’s True Value & Lumber sixth. All floats were decorated with red, white, and blue, commemorating America’s 250th year celebration of freedom.by Melissa Newland
Red, white and blue swept across Baraga County as communities gathered to mark Independence Day and the historic 250th year celebration of America’s freedom.
From the shoreline of Keweenaw Bay to small town parade routes lined with families, flags and lawn chairs, the holiday unfolded as a proud tribute to country, community and the enduring spirit of liberty. In Baraga, Lumberjack Days once again stood at the heart of the celebration, filling Superior Avenue with music, ceremony, food, laughter and patriotic color. With this year’s theme, “America’s 250th Year,” the long-running event carried added
meaning as residents and visitors honored the nation’s founding while celebrating the local traditions that continue to bind generations together. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
HAZARDOUS SITUATION–Students who attended Camp 911 hosted by Bay Ambulance June 17-18 were able to try on HazMat suits, gaining a glimpse of the protective equipment used when responders face dangerous materials or unknown hazards. The camp concluded with a relay race that allowed students to put several of their newly learned safety skills into action. An awards ceremony was done at the end, concluding the 26th annual Camp 911 program.by Melissa Newland
Sirens, flashing lights, fire gear, rescue tools, and hands-on safety lessons filled two busy days as 28 fifth- and sixth-grade students from Baraga County schools took part in the
26th annual Camp 911, hosted by Bay Ambulance. The yearly program gives local students a close-up look at the people, equipment, and skills involved in emergency medical services, fire response, law enforcement, and public safety. More than a classroom lesson, Camp 911 places students directly into the world of first responders through demonstrations, practice stations, and real life safety scenarios designed to teach confidence, awareness, and responsibility. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
YOUNGEST ANGLER–Seven-year-old Millie Larson from Chassell, all smiles, caught this coho during the Keweenaw Bay Classic tourney.
by Melissa Newland
Wind swept across Keweenaw Bay and rattled the shoreline this past weekend, but it could not keep anglers, families and festivalgoers from gathering for one of Baraga County’s most anticipated summer traditions. The Keweenaw Bay Lake Trout Classic Fishing Tourna-ment, hosted by Baraga County Next Gen Team, and Baraga County Lake Trout Festival,and also hosted by the L’Anse Fire Department, returned with a full slate of competition, community events, food, prizes and waterfront activity, even as rough conditions forced organizers to adjust the schedule. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
CHILLY RUN–Against the scenic backdrop of Bay Shore Drive in L’Anse, the 20th annual Denise Marth Fun Run event held on Saturday, May 20, 2026, attracted com munity members from diverse walks of life, ready to embrace the challenge despite the bracing wind rolling in from the expansive waters of Lake Superior. True to its slogan, “For the Health of it,” the gathering was a celebration of health, wellness, and enduring spirit of individuals.by Melissa Newland
It was a crisp and chilly morning for the 20th annual Denise Marth Memorial Family Fun Run, yet determined participants gathered with warmth and enthusiasm to honor Denise Marth’s remarkable legacy. Against the scenic backdrop of Bay Shore Drive in L’Anse, the event attracted community members from diverse walks of life, ready to embrace the challenge despite the bracing wind rolling in from the expansive waters of Lake Superior.
The event took place on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with participants assembling at the L’Anse Waterfront Park. Registrants were originally set to gather at 10 a.m., but Baraga County Community Foundation organizers decided to wait until 11 a.m. hoping the wind would die down by that time. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
LITTLE VIKES–Families, teachers and friends gathered at Philip LaTendresse Elementary School (PLES) to celebrate a joyful milestone as Baraga Area Schools honored its kindergarten graduates in a ceremony filled with music, smiles and proud applause. The celebration took place on Friday, May 29, and began with the kindergarten students making their entrance, giving families a treasured photo opportunity before the program officially started.by Melissa Newland
Families, teachers and friends gathered at Philip LaTendresse Elementary School to celebrate a joyful milestone as Baraga Area Schools honored its 47 kindergarten graduates in a ceremony filled with music, smiles and proud applause. The celebration took place on Friday, May 29, and began with the kindergarten students making their entrance, giving families a treasured photo opportunity before the program officially started. Dean of Students Tim Routheaux then led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, joined by the young graduates and the audience, setting a proud and patriotic tone for the morning. One of the most memorable parts of the ceremony came during the students’ musical performances. The children delighted the crowd with the Baraga Vikings Song, the uplifting “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and a spirited rendition of the kindergarten graduation song, “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. Their voices and enthusiasm filled the room, drawing smiles and applause from proud loved ones. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
NEXT CHAPTER–The L’Anse High School graduating Class of 2026 are ready to move on to the next chapter after diplomas were handed out to the 31 graduates on Thursday, May 21. The gymnasium erupted in celebration, caps flew into the air and balloons and confetti rained down, transforming the moment into a vivid scene of triumph and release. Hugs, laughter, and tears followed as classmates embraced one another and took their final steps out of the gym as L’Anse Area School students. L’Anse graduation photos all credited to KTCreative Photography.by Melissa Newland
Amid applause, proud smiles, and heartfelt tears, L’Anse High School honored 31 graduates Thursday evening in a commencement ceremony that celebrated not only academic achievement, but also perseverance, family support, and the strength of community. Inside the L’Anse Area School gymnasium, relatives, friends, educators, and neighbors gathered to watch the Class of 2026 mark the end of one chapter and step confidently into the next.
The ceremony began at 7 p.m. on May 21 with a sense of celebration that was matched by an undercurrent of emotion, as school leaders reflected on the graduates’ long journey to the stage. The evening quickly became a tribute to years of growth, hard work, and shared memories, as the school community came together to recognize a class that had left a lasting impression. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
GUEST SPEAKER–L’Anse Area Schools Superintendent Chris Davidson, giving the welcome address and speaker introduction during Honors Convocation held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the LAS gymnasium. Davidson himself was the guest speaker and noted he was honored to be at the event. Awards were presented to students from grades four through twelve. A 3.5 GPA average for the first three terms in all classes is honored.by Melissa Newland
L’Anse Area School (LAS) recently recognized students who were awarded medals for the 2025-26 school year for Honor’s Convocation. The presentation was held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the LAS gymnasium, starting off with the processional “Celebration March” by Bob Cotter, played by the 7-12 grade band and directed by Aaron Poniatowski. Valedictorian Grace Peltola and Salutatorian Lola Cichosz led the procession. Superintendent Christopher Davidson then gave the welcome and introduced himself as the speaker. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
KBOCC GRADUATES–Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) reached a historic milestone Friday evening as it honored 28 graduates during its 2026 Honors and Commencement Ceremony, the largest graduating class in the college’s history. Held at 6 p.m. May 8 in the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, the ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement, but a year of institutional growth that included the college’s first graduates in nursing and psychology, its first nursing pinning ceremony, a new science lab, new articulation agreements with four-year universities and the formation of student government.by Melissa Newland
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) reached a historic milestone Friday evening as it honored 28 graduates during its 2026 Honors and Commence-ment Ceremony, the largest graduating class in the college’s history and one defined by a series of firsts. Held at 6 p.m. May 8 in the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, the ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement, but a year of institutional growth that included the college’s first graduates in nursing and psychology, its first nursing pinning ceremony, a new science lab, new articulation agreements with four-year universities and the formation of student government. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
CHILDREN’S POWWOW–This past weekend, the vibrant sounds of drumbeats and the swirl of colorful regalia filled the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga as the 2nd Annual Children’s Powwow returned, inviting families and community members for a day of tradition, celebration, and unity. The event, open to the public, offered a unique opportunity for all ages to experience the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples through song, dance, and feast. Photo credit Stan Spruce.by Melissa Newland
This past weekend, the vibrant sounds of drumbeats and the swirl of colorful regalia filled the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga as the 2nd Annual Children’s Powwow returned, inviting families and community members for a day of tradition, celebration, and unity. The event, open to the public, offered a unique opportunity for all ages to experience the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples through song, dance, and feast. Cultural education is at the heart of the powwow, with children learning traditional dances and songs firsthand. Families and young participants are actively involved in every aspect of the event, encouraging engagement rather than passive observation. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
Guest speaker-Angeline Boulley-Photo by Marcella Haddenby Melissa Newland
The Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) is poised to mark a major milestone in its history as it prepares to honor 28 graduates at the 2026 Honors and Commen-cement Ceremony. The event will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 8, in the Niiwin Akeaa Center in Baraga, and promises to be a memorable evening for students, faculty, and the broader community. This year’s graduating class is the largest in the College’s history and includes the first cohort of students to complete the Associate of Science in Nursing program. To read more, subscribe to the L’Anse Sentinel online, or buy a print copy at our local retailers.
