The County of Mason is seeking a qualified individual for a County Drain Maintenance Technician position with the Mason County Drain Commissioner’s Office. Individuals applying for this position must be able to work effectively with the public, administer various permit programs, perform periodic drain inspections and oversee drain maintenance projects. Additional duties include conducting post-closure maintenance at two landfill sites…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief GRANT TOWNSHIP — Long before Ron Melchert II wore a fire chief’s helmet, he was helping build the fire station where he would spend nearly five decades serving his neighbors. For Melchert, being a firefighter was more than a responsibility or a title. It was a way of life, rooted in family tradition, a deep commitment…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Maritime historian, author and shipwreck explorer Valerie van Heest, whose work has helped shape the visitor experience at all three Mason County Historical Society museums, will be the featured speaker at the society’s annual dinner meeting Thursday, Dec. 3. Van Heest, one of Michigan’s leading maritime historians and shipwreck researchers, will present…
This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, and the Mason County Historical Society. Masters of the Ludington Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief On Nov. 11, 1940, as the Armistice Day Storm swept across the Great Lakes, Capt. Alfred “Fred” Londry made the decision to keep his…
This MCP Maritime Journal is presented by Great Lakes Boat Blog by Rob Alway. Please consider subscribing to www.greatlakesboatblog.com for an exclusive page about the story of the maritime industry past and present. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Growing up, Sam Bouchier thought he might follow in his father’s footsteps and become a truck driver. Instead, he found a…
LUDINGTON — A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an Oct. 20 breaking and entering at Backstage Hobbies and Games, according to the Ludington Police Department. Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones announced Friday, Nov. 6, that the suspect had been identified and arrested following an investigation into the break-in at the business, located at 119 S. James St.…
Photo by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — A rainbow appeared over Mason County Central Middle School in Scottville just before 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, as morning sunlight broke through the clouds following rain. The rainbow provided a colorful backdrop to the school as students arrived for the day. Become a subscriber and help keep local news coverage alive…
LUDINGTON — The City of Ludington is asking residents to voluntarily help identify the material of the water service lines that serve their homes as the city continues its Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Like all communities across Michigan, Ludington is required under the state’s Lead and Copper Rule to inventory every water service line and replace lead lines, as…
The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is activity of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026: 11:06 a.m., abandoned vehicle, 4000 block of North US 31, Victory Township. 11:44 a.m., two-vehicle crash, no injuries, State and Main streets, City of Scottville. 11:57 a.m., threats, 2000…
LUDINGTON — Early Wednesday morning, Mason County Press reported results of the Nov. 3 City of Ludington election as final. However, MCP did not anticipate that early voting results would be reported separately under a new reporting system. As a result, some of the vote totals published in our initial report were incorrect. The updated results include all six city…
LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County has published its fall 2026 Community Wish Lists, featuring 113 wishes totaling more than $193,000 in needs for local nonprofit organizations. The foundation will celebrate its second annual Wish List Wednesday on Nov. 11, encouraging individuals, businesses and organizations to help fulfill the wishes of Mason County nonprofits. Established in 2025, Wish…
Celebrating the Life of Betty Jane Orton-Cochran Early in the morning of Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Betty Orton, in her 87th year, passed away peacefully at home. While we will grieve, we also celebrate her new journey. As she told her family, “I’m ready to meet Jesus.” Betty leaves behind her husband Roger Cochran and her four daughters Wendy Orton,…
Sandra Carol Stakenas (Sanders), 83, of Free Soil, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 13, 1942, in Muskegon to Jonas Henry Sanders and Ruth Bonnett Nelson Sanders. Sandra married Gene Raymond Stakenas on March 4, 1961. Together, they operated Sanders Burial Vaults and Meadow Dairy Farm. Working side by…
Thomas George Shafer, 96, of Ludington, died on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com. Listing of 2026 deaths Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Become a subscriber and…
This MCP Maritime Journal is presented by Great Lakes Boat Blog by Rob Alway. Please consider subscribing to www.greatlakesboatblog.com for an exclusive page about the story of the maritime industry past and present. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — When the Canadian freighter Northern Venture arrived off the coast of Ludington late Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, strong winds and waves…
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — Michigan State Police troopers seized what is believed to be cocaine found roadside along US 31 near the Ludington rest area Monday, Nov. 2, said D/Sgt. Michael Cuevas from the Hart post. The Michigan Department of Transportation notified the state police of the discovery around 2:30 p.m. The case is under investigation. _____________________________________________ Become a subscriber and…
The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON — A 62-year-old Custer man was arrested by Ludington police officers on charges of prowling, public intoxication and probation violation in the 200 block of East Filer Street Wednesday, Nov. 4, around 8:30 p.m. Officers were responding to a suspicious situation complaint,…
The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is activity of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026: 4:26 a.m., wellbeing check, 4000 block of West First Street, Amber Township. 7:12 a.m., car/deer crash, 3000 block of South Elk Trail, Pere Marquette Township. 9:30 a.m., wellbeing check,…
Dear Editor, Worldwide, affordable housing is difficult to find. It’s no different here in Ludington. Many employees, those workers who keep our businesses open and thriving during the busy summer season, have to live outside the boundaries of Ludington proper to find affordable housing. This means they live north of Bryant, south of Sixth Street, and with a few exceptions,…
Sandra Carol Stakenas, 83, of Free Soil, died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com. Listing of 2026 deaths Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Become a subscriber…
Betty J. Orton 87, of Ludington, died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral and Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville. Listing of 2026 deaths Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Become…
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