Aboard the Wilfred Sykes: Part 3. A ship is its crew

October 11, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: For the past several years, I have made it a personal mission to tell the stories of the Great Lakes maritime industry and, especially, the people who work aboard its vessels. As someone who has…

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Aboard the Wilfred Sykes: Part 2. Life aboard a working freighter

October 10, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: For the past several years, I have made it a personal mission to tell the stories of the Great Lakes maritime industry and, especially, the people who work aboard its vessels. As someone who has…

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Not in our school! Scottville Elementary students learn lessons about bullying

October 10, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central Schools in partnership with Mason County Press.  SCOTTVILLE — Students at Mason County Central’s Scottville Elementary School learned valuable lessons Wednesday, Oct. 7, about how to recognize, prevent and deal with bullying. Kevin Kimes, a retired MCC principal and speaker for Lock Out USA, presented his “Not In Our School” program,…

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Ludington to consider development changes amid ongoing budget concerns

October 10, 2026

LUDINGTON — The Ludington City Council will meet Monday, Oct. 12, as the city continues working to address its projected 2027 budget deficit following the withdrawal of controversial special assessments that would have helped fund public safety and street lighting. The council will meet at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at Ludington Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St. Although…

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Aboard the Wilfred Sykes: Part 1. The journey to Port Dolomite

October 9, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: For the past several years, I have made it a personal mission to tell the stories of the Great Lakes maritime industry and, especially, the people who work aboard its vessels. As someone who has…

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County commission to consider 2027 budget, senior millage allocations

October 9, 2026

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The Mason County Board of Commissioners is expected to consider approval of the county’s 2027 budget and more than $883,000 in senior millage funding allocations during its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 13. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the conference room of the Mason County Airport Terminal, 5300 W. US 10. The proposed 2027…

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MCC announces homecoming activities, court

October 9, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.  SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central High School will celebrate homecoming Oct. 12-17 with a variety of activities, including spirit days, a powderpuff football game, tractor parade, homecoming parade, football game and dance. This year’s homecoming theme is “Spartans of the Wild,” with each…

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Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41 returns to Ludington

October 9, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The articulated tug/barge Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41 returned to its home port of Ludington Friday, Oct. 9, arriving about 10 a.m. at the Rieth-Riley Great Lakes Materials terminal along Pere Marquette Lake. The vessel has been…

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West Shore Bank earns 5-star rating from BauerFinancial

October 9, 2026

LUDINGTON — West Shore Bank has earned BauerFinancial Inc.’s highest rating of 5-Star Superior, recognizing the bank’s financial strength and stability. BauerFinancial, based in Coral Gables, Fla., has analyzed and rated the nation’s banks since 1983. Its ratings evaluate financial indicators including capital, asset quality and liquidity. West Shore Bank earned the firm’s highest rating for the most recent quarter,…

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Recent death: Dorothy Manley, 98, of Ludington

October 9, 2026

Dorothy Manley, 98, of Ludington, died on Friday, October 9, 2026. Funeral arrangements are pending at 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 __________…

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Recent death: Thomas Allison Kintner, 75, of Custer

October 9, 2026

  Thomas Allison Kintner, 75, of Custer, died on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Arrangements by 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 Support Local News Receive…

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Employment: High School Counselor, Shelby Public Schools

October 9, 2026

Shelby Public Schools is accepting applications for a high school counselor at Shelby High School. Applicants must have a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and hold the appropriate certification. At least three years of teaching and/or counseling experience in a secondary school is preferred. Candidates should possess excellent communication, organizational and teamwork skills. The counselor will work with students…

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Smith & Eddy Insurance helps seniors navigate Medicare options

October 8, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — Smith & Eddy Insurance is among several insurance agencies across the country helping people ages 65 and older navigate Medicare. Medicare season begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 31. As with every Medicare season, changes are taking place, and Smith & Eddy encourages everyone to review and discuss their Medicare coverage. “There’s a lot of noise out…

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Capt. McClure and the sinking of the Marshall F. Butters

October 7, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  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 Friday, Oct. 20, 1916, Capt. Charles E. McClure was master of the wooden steamer Marshall F. Butters, bound from Midland, Ontario, to…

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Drug investigation at LHS yields marijuana vape, several empty pill bottles

October 7, 2026

LUDINGTON — A drug investigation at Ludington High School Wednesday, Oct. 7, yielded a marijuana vape and several empty prescription narcotic pill bottles, according to a press release from the Ludington Police Department. “On Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the Ludington Police Department received a tip that a Ludington High School student was in possession of a…

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Obituary: Darwin Richard Wahr, 75, of Free Soil

October 7, 2026

Darwin Richard Wahr, 75, of Free Soil, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 2, 2026 in Free Soil. He was born on November 13, 1950 in Manistee, and was the son of the late Richard and Lorraine (Moser) Wahr. He was a graduate of Onekama High School with the class of 1969. Darwin married Cindy Lou Thompson on May 21, 2001…

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Notice to Bidders: WSCC Snow and Ice Management Services

October 7, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Request for Bids (RFB 26-005) Snow and Ice Management Services West Shore Community College is soliciting bids for Snow and Ice Management Services for the 2026-2027 winter season. Bid documents may be obtained by contacting Cheryl Hogan, Director of Procurement, at clhogan@westshore.edu. Issue Date: October 7, 2026 Bid Due Date: October 16, 2026, at 2…

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Manistee woman succumbs to injuries sustained in crash

October 6, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor FREE SOIL TOWNSHIP — A 56-year-old Manistee woman succumbed to a head injury sustained in a two-vehicle crash on US 31 near Forest Trail Road, Sept. 21, at 11:15 p.m., said Michigan State Police Trooper Freddy Bahena of the Hart post. The woman was transported by ambulance to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital and later transferred…

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Police news, published Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 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: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026: 7:25 p.m., (Michigan State Police), a 17-year-old Manistee boy was turned over to his parents after he was apprehended on charges of operating while intoxicated, operating without a license and…

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Ludington eighth graders continue 58-year camp tradition

October 5, 2026

Submitted by Kara Jensen MEARS — Ludington Area School District eighth graders recently continued a nearly six-decade tradition with a week at eighth grade camp at Grace Adventures in Mears. This year marked the 58th year OJ DeJonge Middle School eighth graders have participated in the camp, located on Upper Silver Lake. When students arrived Monday, they were divided into…

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Ludington council to reconsider special assessments Tuesday

October 5, 2026

Editor’s Note: Earlier today we inadvertently reposted a story on this subject from last week.  LUDINGTON — The Ludington City Council will meet in special session Tuesday evening to consider formally ending proposed public safety and street lighting special assessments that would have generated a combined $633,525 annually. The special meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at…

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