News

Planting the petunias

May 16, 2026

LUDINGTON — Over 400 volunteers showed up Saturday morning to plant over 32,000 red, white and blue petunias along portions of Ludington Avenue, Loomis Street, and Ferry Street for the 39th Ludington Petunia Parade. The Ludington Petunia Parade was started in 1987 by Ellery and Sue Sabin. It is a non-profit organization, funded by private donations and governed by a…

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Freighter Manitowoc expected in port Saturday, Prime on Sunday

May 15, 2026

This Great Lakes Boat Blog is presented by Manistee Harbor Tours, operator of the Princess of Manistee. Book your cruise at www.manisteeharbortours.com. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The 630-foot long MV Manitowoc is expected to make its first visit to Ludington this shipping season Saturday morning. According to the Marine Traffic app, the freighter is expected to arrive at the…

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Free Soil schoolhouse slated for demolition under land bank project

May 15, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief FREE SOIL — The long-vacant Free Soil School building is expected to be demolished later this year as part of an expanded Mason County Land Bank Authority blight elimination effort funded through the Michigan State Land Bank Authority. Mason County Treasurer Andrew Kmetz IV said the project became possible after plans shifted from stabilizing the former…

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New nonprofit supporting local journalism receives Press Forward grant

May 15, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — A new locally based nonprofit organization has been formed to help ensure the long-term sustainability of local news in Mason and Oceana counties and surrounding communities. Sable Points Media Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, will gather news and information for Mason County Press and Oceana County Press while working alongside Media Group 31, parent company of the two online…

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Ludington Petunia Parade planting day is Saturday, launches watering truck fundraiser

May 15, 2026

LUDINGTON — As volunteers prepare to plant more than 32,000 petunias Saturday morning, the Ludington Petunia Parade has launched a capital campaign to raise $75,000 for the purchase of a newer watering truck, citing growing maintenance concerns with the organization’s current vehicle. The volunteer-led nonprofit organization announced the campaign as it enters its 39th season of maintaining the signature red,…

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