Obituary: Margaret Anne (Sjoholm) Hayes, 85, of Ludington

March 19, 2026

Margaret Anne (Sjoholm) Hayes, 85, of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Margaret was born on August 5, 1940, in Ludington to the late Frans and Anne (Stuart) Sjoholm. She was a 1958 graduate of Ludington High Schol. In 1962, she graduated from Albion College, earning her bachelor’s degree in math and physics. She truly was a woman…

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Obituary: Lyle Harry Griffith,  92, of Custer

March 19, 2026

Lyle Harry Griffith,  92, of Custer passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.  Lyle was born on October 17, 1933 in Tallman, the youngest of nine children born to Harry A. and Mary J. (Warner) Griffith.  On August 16, 1952 he married Fayetta Dawn Cormany at Fountain Methodist Church and they celebrated 71 years by each other’s side until Fayetta preceded him…

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Obituary: Christopher Lloyd Barnes, 52, of Ludington

March 19, 2026

Christopher Lloyd Barnes, 52, of Ludington, died Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Corewell Health Butterworth Campus. He was born September 18, 1973, in Muskegon, the son of Clarence and Diane (Wagner) Barnes. Chris worked for several years as a certified nursing assistant. In his spare time he was an avid fisherman. Chris also loved rescuing animals, especially cats. Chris is…

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Judge lifts stop-work order on AndyS development project

March 18, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — A judge has lifted the city of Ludington’s stop-work order on the development of AndyS restaurant building, allowing construction to resume while the underlying lawsuit continues. In a March 16 opinion, Judge Eric R. Fox granted a preliminary injunction in favor of ASR Real Estate LLC, concluding the stop-work order issued by the city…

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Petitions taken out to recall two Hamlin Township board members

March 18, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Recall petitions have been filed against two Hamlin Township officials, Treasurer Susan Ptaszenski and Trustee Johnaine Gurzynski. The petition language, written verbatim, against Ptaszenski states: “Susan Ptaszenski in April 30, 2022 thur March 31, 2025. She provided false + financial report to the board MCL 750.489.” The petition language, written verbatim, against Gurzynski…

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MCC student success specialist Tim Danielson nominated for favorite teacher contest

March 18, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.  SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central student success specialist and coach Tim Danielson is in the running for Reader’s Digest’s “America’s Favorite Teacher” contest. The annual competition will award one educator a grand prize that includes $25,000, a trip to Hawaii and a school…

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Over 3,000 attend Family AfFAIR

March 18, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — The 34th annual Family AfFAIR was held last Saturday at Mason County Central High School. The free event drew more than 3,010 people, who visited 74 booths. This year’s theme was “Sharing S’More Kindness Builds Strong Families and Communities.” Activities included photo booths, arts and crafts, obstacle courses, bounce houses, balloon animals, carnival games, structure building, a free…

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Teens arrested for break-in

March 18, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON — A 17-year-old Ludington male suspect and a 19-year-old Ludington female suspect were arrested by Ludington police officers following a reported breaking and entering in the 600 block of East Dowland Street Tuesday, March 17, around 4:20 p.m., according to the Ludington…

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Obituary: Darlene Kay Dodson, 78 of Fountain

March 18, 2026

Darlene Kay Dodson, 78 of Fountain, passed away unexpectedly early Sunday morning, March 15, 2026. Born May 14, 1947, in Ludington, Darlene was the daughter of the late Felix Charles and Eunice May (Genson) Mickevich. She graduated from Mason County Central and went on to attend West Shore Community College where she received her associate degree as a licensed practical…

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Obituary: Nellie May Anderson, 102, of Ludington

March 18, 2026

Nellie May Anderson, 102, of Ludington, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2026. Nellie was born on April 16, 1923, in Riverton Township to Robert and Emma (Kiefer) Bedker.  She attended East Riverton School and graduated from Scottville High School with the class of 1941 as the salutatorian. On March 28, 1943, she married Melvin Anderson in Newaygo. Nellie was preceded…

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Obituary: John ‘Jack’ David Courtland, 97, of Muskegon

March 18, 2026

John “Jack” David Courtland, 97, of Muskegon, formerly of Mason County, died on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1928, in Scottville, the seventh child of nine to the late Ernest and Lettie (Gulembo) Courtland. His younger years were spent in Mason County where he helped work on the family farm taking care of cattle and…

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History Talk to explore Mason County school consolidation

March 17, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — The 20th century brought major changes to education in the United States, and Mason County was no exception. At the beginning of the century, Mason County had 69 public school districts. By the late 1960s, that number had been reduced to four and eventually to three today. On Thursday, March 19, Rob Alway will discuss the history of…

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WSCC board of trustees meeting rescheduled to March 23

March 17, 2026

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — The regular meeting of the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees scheduled for Monday, March 16 has been rescheduled for Monday, March 23. The regularly scheduled meeting was postponed due to weather. The Board of Trustees will consider a new tuition policy for Michigan public institutions, review financial reports and vote on a long-term lease with…

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Bluegrass band to perform at WSCC Saturday

March 17, 2026

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press.  VICTORY TOWNSHIP — The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band (J2B2) will take the stage at WSCC’s Center Stage Theater on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Renowned guitarist and multi-instrumentalist John Jorgenson brings a distinguished career spanning decades and genres to the bluegrass ensemble.…

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Obituary: Raymond E. Galinski, 93, of Ludington

March 17, 2026

Raymond E. Galinski, 93, of Ludington, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026. Ray was born on August28, 1932, in Chicago, to Stanley and Eva Galinski. He and his siblings were raised in the house on a hill on South Washington Avenue in Ludington. After graduating from Ludington High School, Ray attended and was a graduate of Western Michigan University.…

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Recent death: Lyle H. Griffith, 92, of Custer

March 17, 2026

Lyle H. Griffith, 92, of Custer died on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services 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 __________ Receive daily MCP and OCP…

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The Butlers: Three generations of Great Lakes captains

March 16, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. Masters of the PM Steamers Family histories needed Editor’s Note: This is the seventh article in the “Masters of the PM Steamers” series. I am seeking historical artifacts and stories from people whose family members worked as ship captains or in Ludington’s…

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Sheriff asks residents not to drive unless necessary due to dangerous storm

March 16, 2026

MASON COUNTY — As a winter storm barrels down on Mason County, Sheriff Kim Cole is asking residents not to drive unless it is necessary. “Roads continue to deteriorate across the county,” states Sheriff Cole in a Facebook post issued Monday afternoon, March 16. “It is highly recommended that, if travel is not necessary, individuals refrain from traveling. Winds are…

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Varsity Boys Swimming: Orioles compete in state finals

March 16, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. HOLLAND — Eight members of the Ludington High School Swim and Dive Team competed in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division Three state finals last weekend finishing in 20th place. The…

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Closings and cancellations for Tuesday, March 17, 2026

March 16, 2026

The following closings and cancellations have been reported to MCP and OCP for Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This list may be updated. Schools: Fountain Child Development Center Hart Public School District Ludington Area School District Ludington Catholic School Mason County Central School District including Victory Early Childhood Center Mason County Eastern School District Pentwater Public Schools Walkerville Public School West…

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Scam targets sex offender registrants

March 16, 2026

HART — The Hart post of the Michigan State Police is warning residents that there is a phone scam targeting sex offender registrants. The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office notified residents of a similar scam last August. The caller is claiming to be ‘Trooper Callahan,’ who does not exist, said MSP Sgt. Cuevas. “He is claiming to be assigned to the…

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