Blog Archives

Driver faces felony after passenger falls out of pickup truck

February 6, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 26-year-old man faces a felony charge of reckless driving causing serious impairment after a female passenger fell out of the pickup truck he was driving in Scottville last fall. Garrett Allen Michels was charged with the crime, Jan. 28, 2026, and turned himself in to authorities, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.…

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Man incarcerated in prison for child sex crimes faces additional charges in Mason County

February 6, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 28-year-old man currently incarcerated in the Muskegon Correctional Facility for child sex crimes faces additional criminal charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court. Kenneth Herrick Spencer Kotarski is charged in Mason County with felonies of child sexually abusive commercial activity, using a computer to commit a crime (two counts) and accosting children…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Feb. 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Dwayne Gene Gardner, 21, third-offense domestic violence. Offense date: Jan. 31, 2026. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Bail: $5,000/10 percent. Preliminary exam: Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. – Geoff Leigh Leverenz, 40, receiving and concealing stolen property and intent to pass false motor vehicle…

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Ludington building contractor charged with fraud

February 5, 2026

LUDINGTON — A 53-year-old man faces four felony charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court in connection to alleged building contractor fraud. Scot Eric Latimer, owner of Pere Marquette Builders, LLC, 913 S. Washington Ave., is charged with the following offenses in two criminal cases: fraudulent use of a building contract; false sworn statement by a contractor $20,000 or more;…

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Winter weather advisory in effect through Friday afternoon

February 5, 2026

A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service for several west and central Michigan counties — including Mason and Oceana counties — is in effect until 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. Expect mixed precipitation with total snow accumulation of 2-4 inches and ice accumulation around a light glaze. Plan on slippery road conditions. Slow down and use caution…

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