Memorial announces intent to merge with Spectrum

May 10, 2013
Memorial announces intent to merge with Spectrum

UPDATED. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Memorial Medical Center has announced it intends to merge with Spectrum Health of Grand Rapids. The hospital signed a non-binding letter of intent to join Spectrum Health this morning during a press conference. The agreement will preserve the hospital’s board of directors, ensuring a local voice in governing the hospital. According to a…

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Our view: Potential merger is a good move

May 10, 2013

Today’s announcement by Memorial Medical Center of its intention to merge with Spectrum Health is exciting news for our area. While, in this day and age, large corporate take-overs of smaller companies seem to be taking away our identities and can often compromise customer service, we believe health care may be an exception. Modern advances in health care have extended…

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Births

May 10, 2013
Births

LUDINGTON — Mason County Press is proud to announce birth announcements. We will post the announcements as they are sent to us. Information is sent to us by Memorial Medical Center at the consent of the parents. However, we will also accept direct announcements and photographs from new parents. You may send them to editor@masoncountypress.com. – Traci Petersen and Jessie…

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Cox is running for mayor

May 10, 2013
Cox is running for mayor

LUDINGTON — Ludington Middle School teacher Ryan Cox has announced he is running for mayor. Cox is the fifth person to take out a petition for the position. “After much deliberation and encouragement from others, I have decided to run for mayor because I want to play a leadership role in ensuring that the City of Ludington remains a wonderful…

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Circuit court

May 10, 2013

Compiled by Allison Scarbrough. MCP Correspondent. LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced this week in 51st Circuit Court: – Andrew Eugene Wicklund, 50, of 5938 W. Fourth St., Ludington, was found guilty May 15 of possession of weapons-firearms. He was sentenced to 270 days in jail with credit for 12 days served; must serve two months up front with balance…

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Arraignments

May 10, 2013
Arraignments

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned this week in 79th District Court at the Mason County Courthouse: KEY: MCSO: Mason County Sheriff’s Office; LPD: Ludington Police Dept.; SPD: Scottville Police Dept; MSP: Michigan State Police; SSCENT: State, Sheriff’s, Chief’s Enforcement Narcotics Team. Felonies – Patrick Michael Mohr, 47, of 506 George St., Ludington, was arrested May 4 by the Ludington…

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Obit: Douglas Hill

May 10, 2013

Douglas L. Hill, aged 63 of Custer, passed away December 30, 2012. Doug was born on December 30, 1949 in Hart to Howard N. and Lillian M. (LaPorte) Hill, and graduated from Pentwater High School. Following graduation, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Doug was well known in the area…

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District court

May 10, 2013

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced this week in 79th District Court: – Barbara Lynne Williams, 49, of 738 Liberty St., Kalamazoo, was found guilty May 1 of driving while license suspended/revoked/denied. She was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; 93 days discretionary jail for one year; and $285 in fines and costs. Conviction…

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Hospital expected to discuss merger plans Friday

May 9, 2013

LUDINGTON – Memorial Medical Center has scheduled a press conference for 10 a.m. Friday to discuss a decision that has been made regarding merging with another health system. In October 2012 the hospital’s board of directors announced it was going to explore forming a partnership with a larger healthcare system. Juniper Avisory LLC of Chicago was hired to advise the…

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MCE cleans up the roads

May 9, 2013
MCE cleans up the roads

CUSTER — Mason County Eastern High School’s School Student Council participated in the annual highway cleanup Wednesday, May 8th.  The MCE student council has adopted the highway from Custer to Scottville and cleans up the highway twice a year as part of their community service. The high school student council is under the leadership of advisor Micah Schmidt

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Scottville Optimists celebrate 60 years

May 9, 2013
Scottville Optimists celebrate 60 years

SCOTTVILLE – The Scottville Optimist Club held its annual 200 Party last Saturday. Nearly 400 people attended the ’50s/’60s themed party. The party commemorated the club’s 60 years in existence. Lava lamp prizes were given to the best themed dress along with trivia questions. A special tribute from Gov. Rick Snyder and Rep. Ray Franz was given to the club.…

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MCC Middle School play

May 9, 2013
MCC Middle School play

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central Middle School drama club presents “The Ransom of Miss Elverna Dower.” The play, directed by Ann Genson, debuts tonight at 7 p.m. Other performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at A.O. Carlson performing arts center. Tickets are $3. More information at: www.facebook.com/events/450667821682344/

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Dickson to retire as library director

May 7, 2013

LUDINGTON — After 19 years as the Director of the Mason County District Library and 18 years before that as the Director of the Mason County Library in Scottville, Robert  Dickson asked the library board to begin the search for his replacement.  The library board has hired the firm of Hartzell-Mika Consulting of East Lansing, Michigan to facilitate the search for…

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Both Ludington school proposals pass

May 7, 2013

LUDINGTON — Both Ludington Area Schools ballot proposals overwhelmingly passed today. The voters approved a millage to purchase new buses and also approved a sinking fund. With 1,366 people voting, the sinking fund proposal passed by 75%, 1,019 yes and 347 no. Almost the same margin passed the bus millage with 1,023 yes and 343 no. The sinking fund proposal…

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Neighborhood shook up by exploding targets

May 7, 2013

SUMMIT TWP. — An explosive target rocked part of Summit Township Tuesday night causing a few people to call 911. Central Dispatch called out Riverton Township Fire Department just after 9 p.m. for a report of an explosion with a plume of smoke in the area of Pere Marquette Highway and Anthony Road. Fire Chief Joe Cooper went directly to…

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Bill would provide free state park entrance to some veterans

May 7, 2013

LANSING — The Michigan House today approved legislation supported by state Rep. Ray Franz that would provide free Recreation Passports for disabled veterans, former prisoners of war and Medal of Honor recipients. House Bill 4297 would give disabled veterans free entry at all state parks, recreation areas and boat access sites. House Bill 4439 is a companion bill that would…

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Reader responds to Franz’ road editorial

May 7, 2013

A Letter to the Editor. By John Sniegowski. Hamlin Township.  I am writing in response to an opinion piece published April 24, 2013, titled “Don’t jump on the roads bandwagon,” which was submitted by Rep.  Ray Franz (see editorial here). I appreciate Representative Franz’s interest in prioritizing funding for the state’s entire transportation system. By investing in our infrastructure properly,…

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Volunteers needed for visitor center

May 7, 2013

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is gearing up for summer and seeking volunteers to staff the Visitor Information Center, located in Downtown Ludington. The Visitor Center will officially open on Memorial Day weekend. Hours are Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday noon to 3 p.m. Those who are interested in volunteering…

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