Obituary: Lynette Marie Lehman, 61 of Oklahoma City, formerly of Ludington

March 27, 2026

Lynette Marie Lehman, 61 of Oklahoma City, formerly of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Lynette, affectionately known as Nettie, was born on June 25, 1964, the daughter of the late Marvin and Antoinette (Iervolina) Brault. She attended Mason County Eastern Schools. She was the significant other to Jesse “Clint” Brown. On her free time, she loved tending…

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Summit Tech students build bookshelves for Scottville, Walkerville elementary classrooms

March 26, 2026

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. AMBER TOWNSHIP — Students in the construction trades program at Summit Tech Center recently completed a hands-on project benefiting local elementary students, building custom bookshelves for classrooms at Mason County Central’s Scottville Elementary and Walkerville Public Schools’…

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Man charged with a dozen felonies in child abuse cases

March 26, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 43-year-old Scottville man faces 12 felony counts in two separate criminal cases involving child abuse and assault. Michael Reece Herndon was recently arraigned on eight of those charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; two counts of second-degree…

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Fleeing suspect arraigned on 7 charges

March 26, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — The 31-year-old Wellston man who was tackled by a Mason County sheriff’s deputy to stop him from allegedly fleeing from police Wednesday, March 25, was arraigned on seven charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court. Joseph Wade Conrad is charged with felonies of third-degree fleeing and eluding police, assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and possession of…

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MCC forensics team earns strong finishes, prepares for state competition

March 26, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.  SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central High School Forensics Team continues to see success during its invitational season as it prepares for upcoming state competitions. The team recently traveled to Novi High School on March 14 to compete in both the Novice State…

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LHS Charity Week raises over $3,000 for Lakeshore Food 4 Kids

March 26, 2026

LUDINGTON — Ludington High School students raised more than $3,000 for a local nonprofit during the school’s annual Charity Week, organized by the LHS Student Council. This year’s fundraising effort benefited Lakeshore Food 4 Kids, which was selected after Student Council members nominated several local charities and the student body voted on the final choice. The weeklong event began with…

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Police news, published March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent police activity in Mason County: Monday, March 23, 2026: 7:34 p.m., (Mason County Sheriff’s Office), two-vehicle crash, no injury, US 10 and Brye Road, Amber Township. 8:40 p.m., (MCSO), car/deer crash, no injury, Stiles Road north of Sugar Grove…

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DNR: Steelhead fishing improving across West Michigan rivers

March 26, 2026

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,…

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Senior centers receive $22K to combat social isolation

March 26, 2026

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…

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Great Lakes Energy names new vice president of communications, member experience

March 26, 2026

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…

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Varsity Softball: Ludington sweeps season-opening doubleheader from MCC

March 26, 2026

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…

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Recent death: James Paul Vernier, 22, of Fort Carson, Colorado, formerly of Free Soil

March 26, 2026

  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.…

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Recent births, published March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

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…

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Varsity Baseball: Spartans, Orioles split season-opening doubleheader

March 26, 2026

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,…

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Obituary: James F. Hartman, 79, of Scottville

March 26, 2026

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.…

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Varsity Girls Soccer: Orioles tie Big Rapids, move to 0-2-1 on season

March 26, 2026

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…

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JV Softball: Spartans dominate Orioles in season opener

March 26, 2026

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…

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Employment Opportunity: Key Account Specialist, Ludington Beverage

March 26, 2026

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…

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Cruise ship will make 2 Ludington visits in August, pending council approval

March 25, 2026

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…

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Man gets caught trying to trick police with fake 911 call

March 25, 2026

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…

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Deputy tackles fleeing suspect to the ground, ending 2-county chase

March 25, 2026

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…

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