Those who have lived in the L’Anse area for some time may associate the names Pizza Shack and Carr. Several decades ago, John and Vicki Carr owned and operated the Pizza Shack on North Main Street. Now one of the Carr’s sons–Dustin, and his wife Allison are carrying on a family tradition.
   Dustin and Allison purchased the former Crusty’s Pizza on East Broad in downtown L’Anse last month and changed the name back to reflect the family business of year’s past.
    Things may look the same at the shop, despite the new owners, but it’s the ingredients that have changed, said Allison.

   Cherie Dakota began working for Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) on May 12, 2008, as the Dean of Student Services. Services in this department include: student advising and counseling; assisting with career interest surveys and job searches; providing assistance to alleviate barriers to class attendance; promoting involvement in and supporting student government and student organizations; setting up and providing tutoring; teaching study skills; setting up partnerships with other educational institutions; etc.
   As Dean of Student Services, Dakota also oversees recruitment, admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and student organizations.

   “Three Keweenaw Artists,” Joyce Koskenmaki, Greg Green and Phyllis Fredendall, will show their work at the Oasis Gallery July 1 - Aug. 2, 2008. There will be a reception July 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the gallery located in Masonic Square on Washington Street in Marquette.
   Koskenmaki’s recent work has centered on animals and hiding places. She writes, “The animals I paint are ones to which I feel a strong connection. I work out of an awareness of their vulnerability. So I try to put them in places where they will be safe and protected.” Koskenmaki works in oil on linen. She exhibits widely and lives in Hancock.

   Samantha Schneider recently participated in the International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation on Medicine in India.
   Schneider is the daughter of Donald and Jan Schneider, Chicago, and granddaughter of Ralph and Rose VanWagner of Skanee. Participants in the program include ‘exceptional students from universities across the U.S. who demonstrate exemplary leadership.’
   The program provides high-achieving students with the opportunity to take part in a learning experience designed to inform and enrich their objectives, and foster their ambition to achieve their lifelong goals in a way unlike any other.

   Neil Sauter, 25, of Blissfield is walking tall to earn money for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Michigan.
   Starting out in Toledo, OH, on May 5, Sauter logged an average of 20 miles per day walking on three-foot-high drywall stilts across the state. Collecting money along the way via sponsors and donations, Sauter wrapped his adventure June 27, 2008 when he arrived in Ironwood.
   He was 85 miles from the finish line Monday, June 23 when Sauter stopped for the night at the North 141 Travel Plaza in Covington. There he described how and why he's walking so far–and so tall–for CP.

   Michigan Iron Industry Museum program is tracing immigrant experience from Europe to the Upper Peninsula.
   Barry James, education specialist with the Michigan Historical Center, will present “Getting from Europe to Upper Michigan: The Immigrant Experience,” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee Township.
   Kicking off the museum’s seven-part weekday program series, James’ presentation will shed light on the issues that drove immigrants from their homelands, their shared experiences en route to America, and how they adjusted to a new life in UP mining communities.

   Kristy Roberts of Watton recently combined business with pleasure as a student at a Finnish music/language camp at Concordia Village in Bemidji, MN.
   The camp is a new concept at Concordia Village, which teaches foreign languages through an immersion program. Students speak, shop, work and play at the summer camps, communicating exclusively in the foreign language they are studying.
   Roberts is 16 years old and the daughter of Lale and Joan Roberts. A fourth-year piano student and beginner in flute, she received a scholarship for the camp based on her enthusiasm and positive attitude toward learning. Both attributes shone through when she spoke of Concordia.

   The Trout Creek Pond Fest Committee is grateful for the generosity of area business people in providing donations of prizes, sponsorship, and in-kind services for past pond fest festivities.
   Again this year, the “Prize Patrol” volunteers will be knocking on doors seeking assistance.
   “In light of the current economic hard times, we realize there are many challenges faced by the Western U.P. business people. To assist in acquiring prizes, for our game board, the Pond Fest Committee would like to negotiate purchase prices for merchandise and/or gift certificates at discounted rates,” an organizer said.

   The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on over 70 percent of Michigan's $1.3 billion road and bridge program over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
   Beginning at 3 p.m., Thursday, July 3, and continuing through 6 a.m., Monday, July 7, 100 of 141 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. This move will make travel easier for the 1.5 million motorists that AAA Michigan estimates will travel over the long holiday weekend.

   Twelve young ladies will compete in the 2008 Baraga County Lumberjack Days Queen Competition.
   This year, there will be a Queen and added recognition for First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, and Miss Congeniality.
   The girls have to submit a resume to be reviewed by the judges prior to an interview, which will be held at the Baraga Lakeside Inn on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.
   Added new this year, due to the Miss Congeniality award, will be an ice cream social for the candidates to get together with each other and “try” to relax before the interviews, which was generously donated by the Baraga Lakeside Inn and set to begin at 5:30 p.m. on July 2. Candidates are: Carmela Jane Agustin Bautista,
Courtney Cadeau, Rebecca Dufek, Gabriella “Gabby” Jukkala, Jessica Kemppainen, Ashtin Koski, Megan LaPlante, Hannah Maki, Kristin Mattson,

Melissa Turriff, Melissa Velmer, Jessica Walitalo

   Northern Michigan University announces its graduates. The following students from this area satisfied their degree requirements in May, 2008.
Master's Degree
   Cathryn Beer, L’Anse, MPA Public Administration.
Baccalaureate Degree
   Mark Koski, Baraga, Industrial Tech/Secondary Ed; Tyler Larson, Baraga, Criminal Justice; Megan Shanahan, Baraga, Business CIS; Matthew Turunen, L'Anse, Management; Sean Clements, L’Anse, Construction Management; Michael Nelson, L’Anse, Business CIS; Jeffrey Olsen, L’Anse, Accounting/Corporate Finance Magna Cum Laude; Ronald Seavoy, L’Anse, Hospitality Management; Kathryn Besonen, Watton, Physical Education; Kelly Pohto, Baraga, Social Work.
Associate Degree
   Joe Klobucher, Baraga, Building Technology; Krystal Larson, L’Anse, Office Information Assistant; Kati Moses, L’Anse, Health Information Processing; Sara Niemi, L’Anse, Health Information Processing.
Vocational Diploma
   Justin Robillard, L’Anse, Electrical Line Technician.

   The administration of the L’Anse Area Schools encourages any parent who has not yet registered their child for kindergarten to do so as soon as possible.
   To be enrolled in kindergarten a child must be five years old on or before Dec. 1, 2008. A valid birth certificate, hospital certificate or baptismal certificate must be presented at the time of registration. (For parents who already have registered their child, but not returned the immunization sheet, please do so as soon as possible).
   The administration would also like to encourage all newcomers to the area to register their children at the principal's office in the C. J. Sullivan Elementary School. Doing this early will eliminate confusion later.

   An all-school, all-class Finlandia University and Suomi College alumni reunion takes place next week, June 27-29, on the Finlandia campus. More than 150 alumni and friends are expected for the three-day event.
   The reunion gives special recognition to the Suomi College Class of 1958, and all graduates of the Suomi Theological Seminary, which merged with the Chicago Lutheran Seminary in 1958.
   The official festivities start at 8 a.m., Friday, June 27, with registration at Finlandia Hall, and breakfast in the Mannerheim cafeteria. A kick-off welcome dinner is Friday evening at 7 p.m. at Finlandia Hall, when several alumni awards will be presented.

   Early summer crops are starting to ripen in the field. That can mean only one thing: time for the L'Anse Farmers’ Market! Starting this Saturday, June 28, 2008, the market will begin its summer run each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in its usual location, the pavilion in the downtown Waterfront Park. The market will feature home-grown fruits and veggies as they come into season, as well as eggs, flowers, bakery, crafts and sometimes even poultry and rabbits.
   There is no cost to market vendors. However, pre-registration is strongly recommended, especially if a table is needed, and to take advantage of prior advertising. Donations for advertising costs will be gratefully accepted. Vendors needing more information or wishing to participate may call Susan at 524-7899.

   Calvary Baptist Church of South Range is hosting its fifth annual Tent Meeting from June 29-July 2, 2008. The event features Evangelist Martin Fuller and his family. He has been a preacher for 30 years and has traveled with his family for the past seven.   Fuller and his wife Anne and children Jedi and Joseph play their own live music.
   The event includes three services on Sunday, June 29, at 9:45 and 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Then on Monday-Wednesday events take place nightly beginning at 7 p.m. Special music will take place at all services and snacks and refreshments will be available after each service.

   Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Department of Health and Human Services (KBIC DHHS) will host a free community car seat check on Saturday, June 28, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Donald A. LaPointe Medical Center located at 102 Superior Avenue in Baraga.
   KBIC DHHS is encouraging area families to use this event as an opportunity to prepare for the new Michigan booster seat law which will go into effect next month. Starting July 1, 2008, Michigan law will require children who are both under eight years old and shorter than four feet nine inches tall to ride in a booster seat.

   The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded a $250,000 Regional Innovation Grant to the Six County Employment Alliance in Escanaba to develop a plan that identifies economic opportunities for the entire Upper Peninsula.
   “This grant will bolster the work of our local economic development leaders,” Congressman Bart Stupak said. “So much is already being done in the U.P. and across Michigan to reshape our economy. Our region must think and act strategically to meet current and future economic conditions, and this funding can help further these efforts.”

   The first art show in the new home of Gallery 325 opened on Friday, June 6, 2008. The gallery is now located in the late Marilyn Damman’s home at 315 McGillan Street, Baraga.
   Damman died of cancer three years ago and it was the avid artist’s wish that her house become the permanent home of the gallery she helped to establish.
   Damman worked in a variety of media. She particularly enjoyed using natural items and old, discarded materials to create “yard art”. She invited friends on outdoor walking tours featuring various examples of her art.

   Northern Michigan University announces the Dean's List for the Winter 2008 semester.
   The following students from this area qualified with a grade point average of 4.00: Tyler Larson, Baraga and Daniel Rajala, Watton.
   The following students qualified with a grade point average of 3.25-3.99:
   Baraga-- Kelley Artley, Tracy LaPlante, Katherine Massie, Kirstin Nicklas, Kelly Pohto, Amanda Rinkinen, Megan Shanahan, and Eric Van Straten.
   Covington-- Jennifer Rajala.
   L’Anse-- Daniel Cavanaugh, Sean Clements, Jamie Desrochers, Anthony Giudicelli, Jarod Kent, Nickolas Lincoln, Kati Moses, Sara Niemi, Jeffrey Olsen, Emily Schwartz and Sarah Waisanen.
   Pelkie-- Kevin Huhtasaari and Jonas Wolfe.

   Christina Lazzari served as an honor usher for the 2008 commencement exercises held recently at Lake Superior State University. Lazzari is a junior from Watton, majoring in biology.
   Lazzari is also included on the Dean’s list for the spring 2008 semester.
   LSSU honor ushers are selected solely on the basis of academic merit. They must be juniors or seniors and must carry a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 point scale.

   The L’Anse Middle School honor roll for the fourth quarter 2007-08 published on June 4, 2008, had the following names omitted.
   Sierra Ayres, Jessica Makela, and Laura Webb should have appeared.

   Sarah Lyn Michels of L’Anse, received her Masters of Occupational Therapy Degree from the University of Pittsburg School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences on April 26, 2008.
   Michels completed her undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI. Michels is finishing her internship in Pittsburg, which will be completed at the end of June.
   Michels’ parents, Bob and Lyn, brother John and grandmother Bonnie were able to attend her graduation in Pittsburg. Michels will be home in L’Anse for month of July before starting work. She has several employment options from which to choose.

   A former artist's home is now a home for art.
   Gallery 325 celebrated its new location–315 McGillan St. in Baraga–last Friday, June 6 at the reception of its June show titled "Carrying On the Love, Light and Magic." The art gallery's new site is the former home of a founding member, Marilyn Dammann.
   Dammann died three years ago, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Before she went Dammann and her children agreed her home should house Gallery 325, located at that time in the Baraga Township Hall.

   Authors and artists will be gathering at the second annual “Art–at-the-Market” art show in Covington, on Saturday, June 28, 2008. Upper Peninsula authors will be signing books and artist will be displaying their wares on the grounds of the Historic Covington School which is home to the UP Made Artist Market.
   The indoor artist market, which features 75 artist from the UP and surrounding area, is sponsored by the Community Women’s Group of the Covington Township. The women’s group promotes area artists through the market and the annual art show. All work must be made by the artist and the authors are from or live in the Upper Peninsula.

   Dr. Amy Carr, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Western Illinois University, received WIU’s College of Arts and Sciences “Outstanding Teacher” award for the 2007-2008 academic year. WIU is located in Macomb, IL. Carr is a 1985 graduate of L’Anse High School who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 2004.
   The WIU College of Arts and Sciences houses 18 departments and programs, and teaches over 70 percent of the general education curriculum taken by all WIU students.

   L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools has released its fourth quarter, 2007-08 Alternative Education honor roll. Honored are Cheyenne Crebessa, Michael Johnson and Cody Mills .
   The fourth quarter 2007-08 L’Anse-Baraga Community Schools Adult Education honor roll includes Helena Balowski, Amanda Britten, Julie Gauthier, Roger Kovach, Amber Pelon, Olivia Rajacic and Justin Waisanen.

   Brandi Cote, a C.J. Sullivan Elementary fourth grade student was the regional winner for her age group in a recent writing contest sponsored by the Community Coalition of Grief and Bereavement, Inc. and Finlandia University entitled "Art from the Grieving Heart".
   This contest was open to writers of all ages from all Copper Country counties. Cote’s writing was titled "Gone But Loved" .

   The 2008 Marquette Scandinavian Midsummer Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary on Saturday, June 21, 2008. Music and dance, crafts and a marketplace, ethnic foods and children's activities will take place on and around the bandshell stage at Presque Isle Park.
   Local entertainers will appear at the festival, Richard Salo, Carl Pellonpaa, and Ronald Hill will serve as Masters of Ceremony for these events. Marquette Mayor Tom Tourville will participate in the opening and closing events.
   Festivities begin at 10 a.m. with the raising of the Swedish Midsummer Pole and recognition by flags and anthems of the five Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

    Scott Collins of Watton earned the distinction of being included on the Lake Superior State University Dean’s List for the spring 2008 semester. To make the Dean’s List, students must achieve a 3.5 grade point average for the semester on a 4.0 scale. Collins is a senior studying biology.

   Olivia Ingram, a student in Baraga, will join a select group of students representing their schools, communities, and country as People to People student leaders.
   Ingram has been accepted into the People to People Leadership Summit in Columbia University, New York, June 9-15, 2008. All students accepted into a People to   People program must meet rigorous academic and leadership requirements. Ingram was nominated and accepted for the honor based on scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

   Trout Creek’s Pond Fest 2008 is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008. The day filled with music crafts and food will take place at the Abbott Fox Park on the historic Trout Creek Mill Pond site.
   Crafters, vendors, and community organizations are invited to participate. There will be no charge for table space but the Pond Fest Committee requests a donation of a craft or prize for the giant game board. An addition this year will be a flea market providing an opportunity for individuals to set up a flea market booth. Contact Arlene Vlahos at 827-3598 to reserve your space. Early arrival insures choice of location on the park grounds.

   Mission United Lutheran Church in Pelkie is offering kids in pre-kindergarten through sixth grades a sports themed Vacation Bible School. "We want to give kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts, and have a whole lot of fun," said Pastor John Autio.
   At Game Plan MEGA Sports Camp, kids can pick between basketball, soccer, and baseball. It doesn't matter if they've played all their lives or just started yesterday, MEGA Sports Camp will help kids improve their skills. Drills and practice games will get kids focused on the fundamentals that make athletes great. Plus, MEGA Sports Camp creates a positive and encouraging environment that pumps up their confidence and self-esteem.

   Sacred Heart School will transform into a second-hand shopper’s paradise this weekend, June 5-7, when the school hosts its second annual Kate Harrington Memorial Rummage Sale.
   Harrington was an avid rummage sale shopper and dedicated patron of both the Sacred Heart School and church. The sale honors her memory while benefitting the school with funds raised during the sale.
   Response for donations has been much greater than anticipated, and the school hallways and many classrooms are chock-full of clothing, toyxs, linens, Christmas items, knick-knacks, games and much more.

Sacred Heart School has released the honor roll for the fourth quarter of the 2007-08 school year. Names with an asterisk indicate all A’s.
Grade 4: Emily Magaraggia, Colin Jackson and Jacob Freeman.
Grade 5: Jessi Bianco, Lauren Jackson, Carli Younggren and Elsa Schwartz.
Grade 6: Abbey Tembreull*, Canyon Tober, Jonathon Magaraggia and Savannah Stepan.

The material provided for last week’s story about the C.J. Sullivan Elementary School honor roll omitted one student. L’Anse fifth grader Nicole Rossi made the honor roll for all four quarters this school year.

   The Wannabee gardeners will hold a perennial plant & shrub sale at the Meadowbrook Arena Friday, June 6 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, June 7 from 9-2 p.m.
   A garden seminar will be held in conjunction with the sale at the arena Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. FTD Master Designer Dave Gafner of Escanaba will be the featured speaker.

   “The 126 Army Band” of the Michigan Army National Guard will be touring the UP this summer, and plans two local stops. The official military band of Michigan will appear in the Baraga Lumberjack Days Parade on Friday, July 4, at 3 p.m. The 45-member unit will then head to Covington to top off its long day of Fourth of July activities, appearing on stage at 9 p.m.
   Based in Grand Rapids, MI, the Army Band will begin its UP tour in Ontonagon June 26. The band will perform at MTU, the Crystal Theatre in Crystal Falls, Agassiz Park in Calumet, downtown Iron Mountain, the band shell in Escanaba, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall in Bessemer and the Ironwood Theater, ending the UP visit on July 7.

   Gallery 325 has found a new home.
   The new location will debut along with the June art show at a reception to be held at 315 McGillan St. in Baraga on June 6, 2008, from 7-9 p.m. The McGillan St. site was the home of the former Marilyn Dammann, an accomplished artist and a founding member of Gallery 325.
   The theme of the June show is "Carrying On the Love, Light and Magic," and will feature artwork in a range of media. Anni Gregor, a board member of Gallery 325, said the show honors Dammann who always signed her letters with, "Love, Light and Magic."
   Refreshments will be served, and the show is offered to the public free of charge.

   Kenneth Seid of Rockland has been named an All-American Scholar, based on the recommendation of one of his teachers at Ontonagon Area High School. He is the son of the late Dave Seid and Karen Juntunen from Rockland. His step-father is Robert Juntunen, formerly of Alston. Grandparents are Theodore and Juanita Seid and Richard and Marilys Floyd of Rockland.

   Area youth in grades six through eleven can get scholarships for a Michigan Technological University program that gives them an academic challenge and a taste of both college life and career opportunities.
   Underwritten by local businesses, the scholarships are for Tech’s Summer Youth Program, which offers seventy one-week explorations that range from robotics and photography to rocketry and wolf ecology.
   Each year nearly a thousand youngsters from the Midwest participate in Summer Youth.

   The Shriners are hosting an Orthopedic Evaluation Clinic for Children in L’Anse on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 204 East River Street, L’Anse.
   The clinic is sponsored by the Shriners Hospitals for Children. It is for children with bone, muscle or joint problems that could be helped at a Shriners Hospital. Children 17 years or younger with bone, muscle or joint problems can qualify. Shriners Hospitals are privately funded and all medical care is provided at no cost to children who qualify.
   A medical specialist will be at the L’Anse Masonic Lodge on June 11 to evaluate children. Shriners Hospitals treat conditions such as arm, hand, foot, leg and other deformities, missing limbs and limb-length differences. Also, Cerebral Palsy, Arthrogryposis (stiff joints), hip problems, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Myelodysplasia, Spina Bifida, neurological disorders and Osteogenesis Imperfecta.
Shriners Hospitals also treat post-traumatic deformities, offer plastic surgery and burn and scar treatement, and treat Rickets, spine deformities, Scoliosis and sports injuries.
   To schedule an appointment call Kim at 1-866-535-2766. For more information contact John Drennan at 353-6892.

   The Wannabee gardeners will hold a perennial plant & shrub sale at the Meadow Brook Arena Friday, June 6 from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday, June 7 from 9-2 p.m.
   A garden seminar will be held in conjunction with the sale at the arena Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. FTD Master Designer Dave Gafner of Escanaba will be the featured speaker.

   C.J. Sullivan fourth grade students traveled to Michigan Technological University May 1, 2008 to paticipate in a strategic math board game tournament called TiVitz sponsored by NASA and the Michigan Tech Education Opportunities program.
   Dr. Kathryn Clark from NASA was keynote speaker and the creator of the board game. Grades 4-8 participated in the tournament, and 91 fourth graders from various Copper Country schools were involved.
   Samuel Dix from C.J. Sullivan elementary school placed fourth in the fourth grade division, and Tucker Hemmila placed fifth in the fourth grade division. The first and second place winners in each division traveled on to Ann Arbor for a state TiVitz tournament.

   The Michigan Education Trust, the nation’s first guaranteed tuition program, is reminding Michigan adults that they can enter to win one semester of free tuition for a student in their life. Michigan residents, 18 years of age and older, can enter to win a one semester MET Full Benefits contract through August 31, 2008. It’s as easy as logging onto MET’s web site at www.SETwithMET.com. MET will announce the winner of the random drawing during College Savings Month in September.
   “This is a fun way for MET to remind families about the importance of saving for college,” said State Treasurer Robert J. Kleine. “Higher education is key in helping children get prepared for the best- paying jobs of the future.”

   Saturday, May 24, 2008 turned out to be a big work day down at the historical site of the old Skanee Ravine River Cemetery.
   Laura Augustine and Mina Delene brought four L’Anse High School students, members of the Travel Club, out to Skanee for the day. Nicole Delene, Rebecca Augustine, Stacy Motley and Joe Augustine really jobbed-out as they earned money for their July trip to Italy.
   Mr. Prill brought two of his farm tractors down to the site, along with two of his trailers and the brush pike up. That’s when the pitching and raking really began!
Six hours later a large burn pile had risen on the now cleared landscape. The Prills and Hanshaws were grateful for the energized help for their cemetery restoration project, which has been a work in progress for the past three and one-half years.    They also thanked the Kallio Fund which provided the financial support to fuel the day’s hard work.

   Two years after the business was closed by former owners, Tony's Steakhouse in L'Anse is open again–and customers are finding it was well worth the wait.
   The newly improved Tony's features a refurbished kitchen and bar, new ceilings and flooring, new handicap-accessible bathrooms and even a tap into the village's water system. But to faithful patrons, it's what hasn't changed at Tony's that matter most:
   The restaurant's reputation is for serving up great steaks.
   "We have three of the former cooks on staff, so the steaks have the same taste, and some of my old wait staff is back, too, "said Angie Bianco, who purchased and runs the business with her husband, Joe. "And the salad bar is back!"

   Governor Jennifer M. Granholm declared the week of May 11, 2008, as Michigan’s AmeriCorps Week.
   AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition campaign designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alums for their impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible.
   AmeriCorps Week provides an opportunity for AmeriCorps members, alums, grantees, program partners, and friends to shine a spotlight on the service done by members in communities across the country—and to motivate more Americans to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.

   Finlandia University recognized its students who, in the Spring 2008 semester, earned grade point averages from 3.50 to 4.00. The Dean’s 4.0, Dean’s, and Honors Lists include students who completed at least 12 credit hours in the Spring 2008 semester.
   The Dean’s List 4.00 recognizes Finlandia University students who, in the Spring 2008 semester, completed 12 or more credit hours and earned a perfect 4.00 grade point average. The following students from this area are on the Spring 2008 Dean’s List 4.00: Baraga County-- Tammy Perry, L’Anse and Michael Wilson, Pelkie.
   The semester Dean’s List recognizes Finlandia University students who, in the Spring 2008 semester, earned 12 or more credits, a semester GPA of 3.75 or above, and no grade below a “C”. The following students are on the Spring 2008 Dean’s List: Baraga County-- Lisa Harden, Baraga; Katelyn Maki, Baraga; Courtney Loosemore, L’Anse; Marc Marcotte, L’Anse; Bobbi Teddy, L’Anse; Vicki Peterson, Pelkie and Elizabeth Jaukkuri, Houghton.

   Last fall seven area teachers and their students participated in a national test of a diabetes-based science and health curriculum that highlights Native American culture. Nationally, 72 teachers and 112 classes from Florida to Alaska and Maine to California tried out the materials. Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC), one of eight tribal colleges developing the Health is Life in Balance curriculum, coordinated the testing in our area.
   Local participants were: Dorrena Scharlow’s kindergarten class, Jamie Johnson’s third grade, Rebecca Stroube’s and Kristiina Vanhala’s fourth grade classes, Laura Schneider’s and Michelle Serafin’s health classes, and Monica Markham’s science classes.

   The Community Action Agency has secured a large number of blood pressure kits to make available to local area senior citizens beginning on Tuesday, June 3, 2008.
   The kits will be offered free-of-charge to seniors who may have a need to monitor their blood pressure regularly. Issuance of the kits will take place at the Community Action Agency's business office at 926 Dodge Street, Houghton, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays - between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., until the supply runs out.

   Superior Home Health & Hospice, a division of Western U.P District Health Department, has promoted Laura Zerbst, RN, BSN, to the position of Unit Manager, with responsibilities for management of Superior Home Health & Hospice operations in its L'Anse and Ontonagon service areas.
   Zerbst is a native of Lake Linden and a Lake Linden-Hubbell High School graduate. Zerbst received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University.

   The Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship will sponsor a forum on Sunday, June 8, 2008,) at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Conference Room of BHK Center, Houghton, off M-26, Waterworks street entrance.
   The forum will be a place for sharing the Pleasures, the Power, the History, the Mystery of the Great Lakes based on. personal experiences “What The Great Lakes Mean To Me”.

   Marilyn Harden, manager of the the Baraga County Federal Credit Union, was recently awarded the U.P. Chapter of Michigan Credit Union League Distinguished Service Award.
   The honored was conveyed at the Annual Meeting held April 19th in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

   Former L'Anse resident Paul Mayes has earned the title of Valedictorian of the Class of 2008 at Heritage High School, Broadlands, IL.
   Mayes who started school at C.J. Sullivan Elementary School was in Julie Rogers' kindergarten and Mrs. Helen Kujansuu's first grade classes. He graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 18, 2008..

   Mary Casanova of far-northern Minnesota took Pelkie and Baraga by storm last Friday. The popular author has written several kids’ favorite books, and they loved her when she visited the Pelkie School in the morning, and later in the day, the third through sixth graders at the Baraga building.
   The occasion was Young Authors Day, an event many of the K-2 students at Pelkie and the older elementary students at Baraga had been working up to with anticipation. They’ve been writing and honing stories, drawing pictures and immersing themselves into the world of books, reading and writing.

   National Hospital Week will be celebrated at Baraga County Memorial Hospital during the week of May 11-17, 2008. According to American Hospital Association statistics, hospitals in the U.S. admit nearly 37 million patients each year, treat another 117 million in emergency departments and see another 545 million for other outpatient needs. On any given day, 658,000 patients fill U.S. hospital beds.
   The theme of this year’s National Hospital Week is “Where Healing Happens Every Day”. The nation’s most traditional health care event unites hospitals, health care workers, and communities from coast to coast, building enthusiasm and pride in the giving nature of care.

   The Keweenaw Detachment #1016 Marine Corps League has for the year 2008 up to three $500 scholarships available to local residents (In the Counties of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon) who meet the eligibility requirements who are pursuing post secondary education/training at a recognized institution.
   These scholarships are targeted toward the United States Marine Corps community, (Marines, former Marines and their families) with eligibility as outlined in the application information.
   Applications can be obtained by contacting Paul D. Smigowski (smigp@up.net  or 906-296-0204), high school counselors, and the Houghton County Veterans Board

   Think breaking into the music industry is tough? Try getting a foothold in hip hop–starting in Baraga County.
   Rick Gallagher and Steve Lundy, both 2003 L'Anse High School graduates, are enjoying a measure of success with a hip hop CD they recently produced. On sale at two L'Anse businesses, the $3 disks are proving a bargain among fans of the popular genre.
   Gallagher and Lundy have known each other since seventh grade, but didn't discover their shared interest in hip hop until after they'd collected their diplomas. They teamed up later that year and have been writing and recording ever since.

   Eight L’Anse High School students recently participated at the state level of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference.
   The event was held April 17-18, 2008, at the Grand Traverse Resort in downstate Traverse City. Prior to the state competition, HOSA advisor Laura Schneider said 11 students in her nurse aide class competed at a March 7 regional event. Those students cracking the top 10 in their field of choice earned the right to advance to state.

   The Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Develop Program is offering the Junior Master Gardener Course, geared toward kids in the third, fourth and fifth grades. The program will be held Mondays May 5 through June 9 at the Portage Lake District Library from 4-5:30 p.m.
   The cost is $30 for non-4-H members and $20 for 4-H members. The fee includes manual and instruction. Scholarships may be available. For more information, contact Carol Kreher, 4-H Program Associate at 482-5830 or email her at kreher@msu.edu.

   The new exhibit in the Community Arts Center’s Kerredge Gallery is titled “Of the Land”. It features photographs by Christine Garceau and assemblage and mono prints by Julie Schaffer.
   Garceau owns and operates a fine art portrait studio in Marquette. She has taught traditional black and white photography at Northern Michigan University and is currently working on her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Technical Communication at Michigan Technological University. Garceau will show her recent photos from Romania and give a gallery talk about the Dracula Trail Photography Tour.

   Year-end figures indicate that Beacon House, the Upper Peninsula’s hospital hospitality house, in Marquette, provided accommodations for nearly 14,000 guests in 2007.
   That is an increase of nearly 1,500 people over the 2006 total and an all-time high annual total.
   The facility's weekday occupancy also rose from 61percent in 2006 to 69 percent during the fifth year of operation at the House's current location.
   More and more people are hearing the message that housing is available for medical patients and their loved ones. Beacon House is often a determining factor that helps a patient to decide to utilize the medical facilities in the Marquette area rather than go to another hospital outside the Upper Peninsula that doesn't offer similar housing.

   James Quayle, FIC, of Iron River, a Regional Support Associate with Thrivent Financial for Lutheran’s, has qualified for membership in the 2008 Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).
   Quayle qualified for this honor based on his sales excellence, outstanding client service, ethical conduct and professional knowledge. The MDRT is an international, independent association of life insurance and financial services professionals.

   A re-organizational meeting for SHARE food distribution in Baraga County was recently held at The Hilltop Restaurant with the local SHARE helpers and Rosie Loser, SHARE's Director of Community Leadership from Butler, WI.
   At the meeting it was discussed how to get more information out to the community about the SHARE program as well as choosing the leadership for Baraga County.
   SHARE is a nonprofit food buying club that offers good, nutritious products at reduced cost through a volunteer-run, community based distribution system. Anyone can order; there are no membership fees or eligibility requirements.

    Baraga High School history teacher Michele Serafin took an inexperienced but enthusiastic pair of teams to the sixth annual “History Smackdown” at the Calumet Theatre last Thursday.
    The event is part of Keweenaw National Park’s “Fourth Thursday in History” series. High school teams from Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties gather to test their knowledge of Copper Country and regional history.

   Finlandia University announced that 123 bachelor and associate degrees were awarded to the university’s Class of 2008. Commencement exercises took place on April 27, 2008.
   The 2008 graduating students from this area, and the degrees they earned, their minor or concentration (in parentheses) include: Ryan Scott Artley, Bachelor of Arts, (Liberal Studies) Baraga. Jeremy Alan Nicklas, Bachelor of Business Administration (Entrepreneurial Studies/ Small Business Management), Baraga. Bonnie Jean Huhtasaari, Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Studies), L’Anse. Hollie Sue Lloyd, Bachelor of Arts (Elementary Education), L’Anse. Lori Ann Summers, Bachelor of Arts (Elementary Education), L’Anse. Elizabeth Marie Jaukkuri, Bachelor of Arts (Human Services) Houghton.

   This year's Fortune Lake Festival aims to include everyone in the fun of music-making. The fifth annual festival will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2008. It will feature many classes and performances in comfortable indoor settings. Music artists will teach, demonstrate, and perform throughout the day and evening at Fortune Lake Camp near Crystal Falls. Special food will come from Keweenaw Fisheries.
   During the morning, the Fortune Lake Festival will offer music classes taught by festival performers. Classes include bluegrass guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, five-string, and hammer dulcimer. For these classes, students bring their own instruments. For the five-string kantele class, however, teacher Kay Seppala will provide instruments for the students. Seppala describes the instrument as a “five string Finnish lap harp-- with instant success for beginners, and accomplished musicians can take it and fly!”

    Superior National Bank & Trust will be moving to a new branch in Houghton, from their current CC Mall Branch, tentatively set for August 1, 2008. The new office will be located in Ridgecrest Plaza, a new strip mall under construction by Moyle Inc. It will be located near Walmart and Applebees off of M-26. The new 2,500 plus square foot office will feature safe deposit boxes, a two-lane drive through, and a 24-hour drive-up ATM.
   The bank has hired Ross Cooney of Houghton as the Branch Manager & Loan Officer. Cooney, a graduate of Michigan Tech, brings 12 years of banking experience to Superior National. Cooney began as a lender with D&N Bank which became Republic Bank and later Citizens Bank.

   The UP Finnish Interests Forum, originally scheduled for April 12, has been rescheduled.
   The forum will take place Saturday, May 3, 2008, beginning with lunch at 12:30 p.m., at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center.
   The purpose of the event is to gather the greater Finnish-American community of the UP and bordering areas to brainstorm ideas for increased cooperation among those involved in Finnish culture, heritage, and language activities.
   The forum is organized by the Finnish American Heritage Center and the City of Hancock’s Finnish Theme Committee, a Finlandia Foundation chapter.

   The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia University invite area entrepreneurs to take advantage of free one-on-one business counseling sessions at the university’s Jutila Center for Global Design and Business (CGDB) on Thursday, May 8, 2008.
   Business consultant Roger Woods of Homer Productivity, LLC, can advise on all aspects of small business development from the initial idea through growth and expansion strategies.
   Appointments are recommended and can be made by phone (906-487-7450) or e-mail (cgdb@finlandia.edu).
   The CGDB is located at the Finlandia University Portage Campus (formerly Portage Hospital), at 200 Michigan St., Hancock.

   Belly up to the Baraga County Historical Museum on US-41 in Baraga this summer, where an oldtime saloon display will be on tap.
   The museum highlights an historical aspect of the community each year. Featured displays from the recent past have included salutes to school days, logging and Captain James Bendry. This year's pick was by museum curator Karen Tousignant–with blessings by president Jim Dompier.
   "We've got a lot of old memorabilia relating to saloons," Dompier said. "It's probably not the best part of history we want to remember, but its's a very real part of Baraga County's history."

   Starting in May, third-year UP campus medical student Jeff Wheeler will be participating in an eight-week Rural Family Medicine clerkship supervised by L’Anse family physicians.
   Wheeler will work with Drs. Scott Pynnonen, Todd Ingram and Craig Vickstrom at Bayview Family Practice in L’Anse.
   Operating under the premise that medical students educated in rural and underserved communities are more likely to practice in smaller communities, the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU-CHM) accepts 10 students each year into the Rural Physician Program.

   The Spring 2008 meeting of the Northland Historical Consortium is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at the Covington Multi Purpose Building, The public is invited regardless of their affiliation with a heritage organization.
   The event will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome from members of the Covington Township Historical Society, who are hosting the meeting. The morning program will highlight the activities of the Historical Society of Michigan (HSM) in the Upper Peninsula.

   Keith Herrala, a graduate of Baraga Area School and a student at Michigan Technological University, was recently inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, an academic honor society. Herrala is the son of Gail and Harold Herrala.
   Herrala was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi by chapter president Dr. Paul A. Nelson and past president Dr. Charles Nelson in a ceremony held April 9.
   Herrala is also a member of the Michigan Tech Aerospace Enterprise.

   Area dads are invited to take part in a free four-week course designed to build parenting and family-involvement skills in fathers.
   The course, called “24/7 Dad,” will begin the week of May 5, 2008, at four locations around the Copper Country. Classes will run for two hours, one day or evening a week for four weeks.
   “The 24/7 Dad curriculum is a research-based program created by the National Fatherhood Initiative that will offer area fathers a great set of tools for building stronger fatherhood skills,” said Buck Foltz, coordinator of BHK’s Fathers to Dads program. “Whether a new dad or an experienced father of older children, this program should provide great benefits to fathers.”

   Rebecca Tober, Baraga resident and independent consultant for Nikken has been promoted to the “New Silver” level after the successful achievement of qualifying criteria.
   "I am honored to be promoted and I thank the entire Nikken family for their support and encouragement leading up to this," Tober said. "It is so rewarding to reach my goals, and this latest rank advancement just motivates me to set the bar even higher."

   A Watton student finishing a degree in biology at Lake Superior State has presented the results of his undergraduate research during a symposium at LSSU April 11 - 12.
   Scott Collins' senior thesis project tested whether salmon waste and carcasses would enrich water with enough nutrients to cause an uptick in algae and diminished water quality. The spawning salmon stir up stream water enough to prevent this.

   Upper Peninsula Chapter #16 of the State Employee Retirees Association will hold its spring luncheon May 5, 2008 at noon at the Elks Club in Escanaba.
   Ronda Couthen, Group Service Representative from Blue Cross Blue Shield, has been invited to speak. She will discuss the health care plan and answer questions. A representative from the Volunteer Benefits Solutions has also been invited.

   “Preventing Fraud in the Public Sector” is the topic of a free luncheon designed for area municipal representatives in the Copper Country. The presentation takes place on April 30, 2008, at 12 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 920 Razorback Drive in Houghton.
   Jim Goeser, vice president of Public Funds Solutions and a former county treasurer will discuss the following topics during his presentation: Detecting embezzlement, common fraud schemes, profile of the typical fraudster, five mistakes not to make and password advice.
   The luncheon is sponsored by the Citizens Bank branches in the Keweenaw area. Registration is required. To register call Ryan Dove at the L’Anse Citizens Bank branch 524-6966.

   On Saturday, April 19, 2008, the Baraga Educational Support Team (BEST) sponsored its second annual "Spring Fling" at the Baraga Area Schools.
   There were numerous activities/games for the children to attend. Vendors set up products and concessions were sponsored by BEST. The highlight for the children was the magic show.
   The other main activities for the "Spring Fling" were the annual basketball games. The Baraga and L'Anse faculty and staff battled it out on the court. In a close and exciting game, the Baraga faculty and staff pulled out an exciting 47-44 victory.

   The BHK Foundation is accepting applications for three $500 scholarships from area high school seniors who attended BHK Child Development Board early childhood programs.
   The scholarships may be used to cover any expenses related to post-secondary education, including tuition, room, board, books, supplies and other expenses at colleges, universities and trade schools.
   “Post-secondary education is a key ingredient to success in the 21st century,” said Willis Fontaine, Foundation President. “By offering these scholarships, the BHK Foundation hopes to help some of our local youth achieve that success.”

   A fruit tree pruning workshop will demonstrate the proper way to prune your fruit trees and blueberry bushes. The workshop will be sponsored by Michigan State University Extension on Thursday, April 24, 2008, from 2-4 p.m. at the Gierke Blueberry Farm in Chassell. The farm is located one mile east of U.S. 41 on South Klingville Road.
   Mike Schira, County Extension Director will facilitate the demonstration. There is no charge. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the MSU Extension Office at 482-5830 or via email: schira@msu.edu

   Senior citizens were invited to stop by Baragaland Senior Center last Thursday to sign up for “TRIAD”. The organization has been active in Baraga County since 2002. It represents various law enforcement and senior organizations working together to promote safety and well-being for senior citizens.
   Last Thursday’s open house at the L’Anse senior center brought people together for a chance to win prizes and enjoy refreshments and snacks, and more importantly, to learn about TRIAD.

   The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Finlandia University invite area entrepreneurs to take advantage of free one-on-one business counseling sessions at the university’s Jutila Center for Global Design and Business (CGDB) on Thursday, April 17, 2008.
   Business consultant Roger Woods of Homer Productivity, LLC, can advise on all aspects of small business development from the initial idea through growth and expansion strategies.

   Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Fall, 2007, semester. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.
   Students honored for the fall semester include: Erin Brennan of L’Anse and Kelly Selden of Baraga earned placement on the Grand Valley dean’s list.

    The Calumet Theatre is pleased to present an Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The event begins with displays and demonstrations in the ballroom at 5 p.m. followed by a folk concert in the Theatre at 7 p.m.
   The concert features musicians from the EarthWorks Music Collective in a round-robin celebration of music. Featured performers are Daisy May, Seth Bernard, Breathe Owl Breathe, Susan Fawcett, Chris Dorman, Darlene, Laura Bates, Brandon Foote, Jen Sygit and Luke Winslow-King among others.

   Almost two-thirds of Upper Peninsula state highway roadsides are kept clean and more attractive by Adopt-A-Highway volunteers, but more than 600 miles remain open for adoption.
   In Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw and Marquette counties, contact Marion Johnson, 485-4270.
   For more information about the program, visit www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway .

   The Plum Creek Foundation recently awarded a $3,000 grant to Bay Ambulance, Inc. to help contribute to the ambulance’s Camp 911 program, which teaches kids safety, CPR and first aid.
   Bay Ambulance provides paramedic emergency medical services to Baraga County. Additionally, safety and illness prevention programs are an integral part of their mission. Through the Bay Ambulance Camp 911 program, Baraga and Ontonagon County students, ages 9-12 will have the opportunity to learn about fire, electrical and bicycle safety as well as proper fire extinguisher use and how to react during emergencies. Participants also receive a kit with various safety items, including a bike helmet, gunlock and smoke alarm. The two-day program teaches children valuable safety skills and encourages students to volunteer or pursue careers in the medical emergency field.

   So you’ve done your spring cleaning and found that old bag of grandpa’s silver coins in the attic. You’ve discovered those silver dollars and gold $5 pieces your family collected decades ago.
   What to do with them? What are they really worth? Who can you trust to appraise them? Who can help you sell them at a fair price?
   Todd Van Kleeck of Chassell can. He’s spent 35 years collecting coins and owns an extensive personal collection. Originally from the area, Todd and his wife, Sally, operated a coin collector shop in Indianapolis for 18 years. They returned to the UP in 2005.

   The Rice Memorial Clinic Foundation announce that Community Mental Health Careers Scholarship Awards are available again this year. The foundation established the program in 1992 to promote careers in professions related to community mental health.
   A $500 scholarship is available to a graduating senior from each of the 15 schools in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties, the area served by Copper Country Mental Health Services Board.
   The scholarship will be available to the recipient for each year of their undergraduate education, up to a maximum of $2,000, as long as the recipient remains in an accepted program of study.

   Portage Health’s one-day Childbirth Education class, part of its pregnancy-related class series, is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008, in the Portage Health Conference Center, 500 Campus Drive, Hancock. This class is not part of Portage Health’s six-week childbirth education class.
   Portage's Childbirth Education class, for women in their third trimesters, prepares expectant mothers for the birth process. The day-long class provides information about the signs and stages of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, equipment used during delivery and methods used for pain relief. It also includes a tour of the Portage Health Family Birthing Center and a demonstration on bathing newborns. Cost for this class is $25.

   John Parkila has spent a long winter recovering from burns he suffered when his Alston home blew up on Nov. 11, 2007. The propane explosion destroyed the home, but it couldn’t stop Parkila’s determination to start again.
   With the first hints of snow melt, Parkila is out at his Alston Cemetery Road property taking down the remains of his home. Parkila is living with his brother, Ron, and his wife, June Parkila. He’s still facing the pain and rigors of constantly stretching the skin on his hands following skin graphs.
   “He’s got a guardian angel!” June Parkila said. “The explosion blew the roof off, turned it askew and then it came back down. It blew one wall totally out, and that’s how he was able to get out.”