LANSING — Steelhead fishing is picking up across rivers in West Michigan as anglers take advantage of improving spring conditions, according to the latest weekly fishing report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Recent warmer temperatures and increased river flows have improved steelhead activity in several rivers, including those flowing into Lake Michigan. Anglers have reported success using spawn,…
Senior organizations in Mason County are receiving a boost in funding aimed at reducing loneliness and improving quality of life for older adults. Molina Healthcare of Michigan, in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord, recently announced $22,000 in grants to local senior-focused organizations, including the Scottville Area Senior Center and Ludington Senior Center. The Crawford County Commission on Aging also received…
BOYNE CITY — Great Lakes Energy has named Kari Crouse as its new vice president of communications and member experience. Crouse will lead the cooperative’s communication strategy, strengthen member engagement and oversee efforts to enhance the overall member experience, according to a press release from the utility. She most recently served as vice president of communications and business strategy for…
MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. Photos and reporting by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Ludington and Mason County Central opened the 2026 varsity softball season Wednesday at Oriole Field, with the Orioles winning both games of the doubleheader, 12-2 and…
James Paul Vernier, 22, of Fort Carson, Colorado, formerly of Free Soil, died on Monday, March 23, 2026. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com. Listing of 2026 deaths.…
The following births have been reported: Jonah Michael Schuler, the son of Calley Schuler and Gavin Schuler of Shelby, was born on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Melody Rose Reeder, the daughter of Kelsey Smith and Zachary Reeder of White Cloud, was born on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. List of 2026 births…
MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Mason County Central and Ludington split a season-opening baseball doubleheader Wednesday at Oriole Field, with Ludington winning the opener 7-4 and MCC taking the nightcap 3-1. In game 1,…
James F. Hartman, 79, of Scottville, formerly of Hillsdale, died Tuesday, March 24, 2026. James, known as Jim or Jimmy, was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., the son of the late James Richard and Maxine Anna (Knuth) Hartman. He graduated from Jonesville High School in 1965. On Jan. 8, 1966, he married Carol Ann Dryer. They shared 60 years together.…
MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. By Kai Taylor, MCP Sports Writer BIG RAPIDS – The Ludington Orioles forced a 0-0 draw Wednesday against the Big Rapids Cardinals. This was their third game of the season, with the team still seeking…
SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central opened the junior varsity softball season Wednesday with a sweep of Ludington, winning 21-1 and 29-0 at Spartan Community Field. In game 1, the Spartans used a strong offensive performance and solid pitching to secure a 21-1 victory in a mercy-rule shortened contest. MCC’s Avery Miller earned the win in the circle, pitching three innings…
Employment Opportunity: Key Account Specialist Ludington Beverage Co., Inc. has a position vacancy for a full-time Key Account Specialist based in Ludington. This entry-level sales position works directly with retail accounts to manage orders, maintain product stock and build displays. Duties include building and maintaining relationships with retail accounts, executing sales plans and promotions, creating and managing product orders, rotating…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — A cruise ship will visit Ludington twice this summer, pending City Council approval of the use of a city docking slip. American Cruise Lines’ new ship, the American Patriot, is tentatively scheduled to visit the Port of Ludington on Aug. 7 and Aug. 14. On Tuesday, March 24, the City Council’s Cemetery, Parks and…
SCOTTVILLE — A warrant is being sought for a 42-year-old Fountain man after he allegedly made a fake 911 call Tuesday, March 24, shortly before 1 a.m. Police are pursuing a charge of misuse of a 911 communication/filing a false police report “He allegedly called 911 to report persons fighting on the Pere Marquette River Bridge south of Scottville,” said…
FREE SOIL TOWNSHIP — A Mason County sheriff’s deputy tackled a fleeing suspect to the ground after the suspect led police on a vehicle chase that began in Mason County and ended in Lake County Wednesday, March 25, shortly before 1 a.m., according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. A deputy attempted a traffic stop on US 31 at Koenig…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 21-year-old man was sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, March 24, to 15-40 years in prison for convictions of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) — victim under age 13, assaulting/resisting/obstructing police, two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence and third-offense habitual offender. Sebastian Aaron-James Cooper pleaded guilty to the charges Jan.…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Following their regular meeting Tuesday afternoon, members of the Ludington City Council’s Cemetery, Parks and Recreation Committee toured the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. Directors and staff from the Mason County Historical Society discussed the city’s relationship with the historical society and future plans for the facility. The museum, located at 217 S. Lakeshore…
MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. By Kai Taylor, MCP Sports Writer ZEELAND – The Ludington Orioles faced off against Zeeland East and Zeeland West today, drawing a 4-4 tie against East, and falling 0-8 to West. “I was pleased with…
Otto William Wendt III, 83, of Fountain, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Otto was born on June 4, 1942 in Frankfort, the son of Otto W. and Audrey E. (Showalter) Wendt II, and grew up in Onekama where he attended Onekama Public Schools. He served his country as a radioman with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Oxford. Upon his…
Lynette Marie Lehman, 61, of Oklahoma City, formerly of Ludington, died on Tuesday, March 24, 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 __________ Please…
Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central School District has been named one of 12 recipients of a 2026 Education Excellence Award, receiving a $2,500 grant for the MCC Immersion Room. Each year, the School Employers Trust–Schools Excess Liability Fund Foundation (SET SEG Foundation) hosts…
Thomas John Shanks, 88, of Ludington, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born Jan. 6, 1938, in Chicago, the son of John and Enes (Gardella) Shanks. He was the oldest of five children and the only boy. After a few years in Chicago, the family moved to Fountain, where summers were spent working on…
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