Courts

Former Scottville clerk’s embezzlement case adjourned to Sept. 30

September 2, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — A probable cause conference for former Scottville City Clerk Kelse Rae Lester, who is charged with embezzling $100,000 or more from the city, was adjourned Wednesday in 79th District Court at the request of her attorney, Tracie McCarn-Dinehart. Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand said McCarn-Dinehart requested additional time to review discovery and seek…

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Man, 77, ‘aggressively’ beats on doors, steals cat

August 24, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — A 77-year-old Hamlin Township man, who had a felony case recently dismissed in Mason County’s 79th District Court following a mental competency evaluation, was arrested on new charges days later. Gary Lynn Dewey of  3239 N. Jebavy Dr. was arrested by Mason County sheriff’s deputies Thursday, Aug. 20, after he reportedly “aggressively”…

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79th District Court felony arraignments, published Aug. 20, 2026

August 20, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned on felony charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Jayson David LaPorte, 49, methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and felony firearm. Offense date: Aug. 14, 2026. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office. Bail: $25,000/cash/surety. Preliminary exam: Sept. 2 at 1:30 p.m. Rusty Dale McGrady, 37, third-offense operating while intoxicated. Offense date: Aug. 14, 2026. Agency: Ludington Police…

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Man pleads to child sex crimes on second day of trial

August 18, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 51-year-old man pleaded no contest to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree CSC on the second day of his criminal trial in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Aug. 18. Raymond Draper sexually assaulted two young girls who are related to him, said Mason County Prosecuting…

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79th District Court felony arraignments, published Aug. 15, 2026

August 15, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently on felony charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Donald Scott Knowles, 55, breaking and entering a building with intent and larceny of firearms. Offense date: Nov. 25, 2025. Agency: Michigan State Police (MSP). Bail: $50,000/cash/surety. Preliminary exam: Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Emanuel Lopez. 19, felony charges of using a computer to…

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