Blog Archives

Man arraigned on 8 felony charges in child sex case

January 22, 2026

LUDINGTON — A 53-year-old man faces eight felony counts in Mason County’s 79th District Court in connection to a child sex case. John Edward Engelsman is charged with two counts of child sexually abusive commercial activity, one count of accosting children for immoral purposes, three counts of using a computer to commit a crime, and two counts of felony firearms.…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Jan. 22, 2026

January 22, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced this week in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Jonathon Raymond Witt, 42, pleaded guilty Nov. 18 to third-offense operating while intoxicated and was sentenced Jan. 20 to 30 days in jail with credit for two days served; three years probation; and $833 in fines and costs. One count of open intoxicants was dismissed.…

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Cold weather advisory issued as arctic blast hits Michigan

January 22, 2026

Most Michigan counties are under a cold air advisory issued by the National Weather Service from 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, until 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. “An arctic blast will bring frigid temperatures, gusty winds and dangerous wind chills to the Northern Plains before expanding to the South and East,” states NWS. Extremely cold wind chills as low as…

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Arsonist sent to prison, ordered to pay nearly $820,000 in restitution 

January 21, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 53-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to 15-50 years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $820,000 in restitution for convictions of second-degree arson, third-offense domestic violence and third-degree child abuse in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 20. Patrick Joseph Cybert pleaded guilty to the charges, Nov. 12, after setting fire…

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Winter weather advisory issued

January 21, 2026

MASON COUNTY — Several west Michigan counties — including Mason and Oceana counties — are under a winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, through 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Total snow accumulation between 2 and 5 inches with locally higher amounts are possible and winds gusting as high as 35…

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