Sheriff’s office to offer free violent incident survival training

September 14, 2026

RIVERTON TOWSHIP — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office will offer a free community safety training program Monday, Sept. 21, focusing on how to respond during violent incidents. The “Surviving Violent Incidents” program will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Paul Church Activity Center, 3212 W. Kinney Road. Sheriff’s deputies will discuss recognizing potential threats, situational awareness,…

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79th District Court felony arraignments, published Sept. 14, 2026

September 14, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently on felony charges on Mason County’s 79th District Court: Stephen Tadeusz Lewandowski, 40, two felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor charges of stalking—domestic relationship, malicious use of telecommunications—domestic relationship, reckless driving and driving while license suspended. Offense date: Sept. 2, 2026. Agency: Ludington Police Department (LPD). Bail: $10,000/cash/surety. Preliminary…

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Ludington PD weekend report, published Sept. 14, 2026

September 14, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is Ludington Police Department activity over the weekend: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026: 6:11 p.m., a 43-year-old Ludington man was arrested on a failure to appear warrant at Waterfront Park, City of Ludington. He was lodged in the Mason County Jail. 8:50…

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Obituary: Patricia Ann Ferwerda, 69, of Ludington, formerly of Mears

September 14, 2026

Patricia Ann “Patty” Ferwerda, 69, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at Ludington Woods. Born January 8, 1957, in Grand Haven, to Joseph and Edith Ferwerda, Patty lived a life grounded in family, hard work, helping others and, above all, an unwavering faith in the Lord. Patty spent her early childhood in Nunica, before moving with her family to…

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Ackerman family built a lasting legacy on the Great Lakes

September 11, 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 PM Steamers By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief The final order Capt. John C. Ackerman gave aboard Pere Marquette 18 (II) was an ordinary one. The carferry was entering Ludington harbor and closing on the railroad slip on the afternoon of Dec.…

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Custer man arraigned on felonious assault charge following rifle incident

September 11, 2026

LUDINGTON — A 62-year-old Custer man accused of pointing a rifle at a farmer along a property line was arraigned Thursday, Sept. 10, in 79th District Court at the Mason County Courthouse. Scott Aldon Martinchek was charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, also known as felonious assault. According to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, Martinchek was…

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O.J. DeJonge students mark 25th anniversary of Sept. 11

September 11, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Students from O.J. DeJonge Middle School gathered at Oriole Field Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, joining members of the Ludington Fire Department, Ludington Police Department and Life EMS for a day centered on remembrance, service and community. The event was organized by O.J. DeJonge Health and…

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Custer man allegedly points rifle at farmer along property line

September 11, 2026

CUSTER TOWNSHIP — A 62-year-old Custer man was arrested by Mason County sheriff’s deputies after he reportedly pointed a rifle at another man who was operating a farm tractor along a property line, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The incident occurred Wednesday, Sept. 9, around 4:30 p.m. in the 3700 block of East US 10. The suspect, who is…

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Domestic assault at campsite results in strangulation charge

September 11, 2026

GRANT TOWNSHIP — A 23-year-old Kingsley man was arrested on charges of assault by strangulation, interfering with a telecommunications device and domestic violence following a 911 call reporting an assault Thursday, Sept. 10, at 9:15 a.m. at a Green Road campsite in the Manistee National Forest, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The suspect was lodged in the Mason County…

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WSCC to host closing event for Jamey Barnard art exhibition

September 11, 2026

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College will host a closing event for its current exhibition, “Go, Color. Go!,” featuring works by Jamey Barnard. The event will take place Thursday, Sept. 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Manierre Dawson Gallery. The event will include a pasta bar and is free and open to the public. The exhibition presents…

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Mason County Historical Society gala to celebrate 50 years of Historic White Pine Village

September 11, 2026

LUDINGTON — The Mason County Historical Society will celebrate local history and the work of its museums during its annual gala Sept. 26 at the Stearns Hotel Ballroom, 212 E. Ludington Ave. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the event, which will include dinner, Mason County trivia, a silent auction, cultural experience auction items, a historical costume contest, games,…

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Vehicle flees accident scene after injuring passenger

September 11, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — A 19-year-old Ludington man received minor injuries after the passenger side door of the vehicle he was riding in was struck by a vehicle which failed to yield and then fled the scene on US 10 near Pere Marquette…

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End of Summer Toy Run will benefit Toys for Tots

September 11, 2026

LUDINGTON — UAW Local 1464 and the Great Lakes Castings Veterans Committee will hold the End of Summer Toy Run Sunday, Sept. 20, to benefit Toys for Tots. The rain-or-shine event will begin at the Great Lakes Castings foundry parking lot, 800 N. Washington Ave. Registration will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. The event is open to motorcycles,…

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Obituary: Richard L. Skinner, 75, of Branch

September 11, 2026

Richard L. Skinner, 75 of Branch, formerly of Clio, passed away in the comfort of his home on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Richard, lovingly known as Rick, was born on Dec. 10, 1950, in Flint, the son of Percy J. and Donna Jean (Curtis) Skinner. He graduated from Clio High School, Class of 1969. On April 18, 1970, he married…

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Traffic Alert: 2 vehicle crash in Walhalla

September 11, 2026

WALHALLA — 1:59 p.m.: Emergency crews have been dispatched to the intersection of US 10 and Walhalla Road for a two vehicle crash with injuries.

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Recent death: Patricia Ann Ferwerda, 69, of Ludington

September 11, 2026

Patricia Ann Ferwerda, 69, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at Ludington Woods Assisted Living.  She was born Jan. 8, 1957, in Grand Haven, the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Rose) Ferwerda. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Avenue, Hart.  Interment will be…

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MCC contacts law enforcement after buses experience mechanical problems

September 10, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central School District officials contacted law enforcement Thursday after two school buses experienced mechanical problems during afternoon routes. Superintendent Jeff Tuka notified the school community Thursday evening about the incidents. “Late this afternoon, two buses in our fleet incurred mechanical problems on the afternoon route,” Tuka said. “We cannot speculate on the…

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Road commission breaks ground on new Custer facility

September 10, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief CUSTER — The Mason County Road Commission broke ground Thursday afternoon on a new headquarters and maintenance facility on its 90-acre property in the village of Custer, beginning the next phase of a move from its longtime Scottville location. The ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the Road Commission property at 2055 E. US 10 and included…

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Remembering Trooper Butterfield

September 10, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief FREE SOIL TOWNSHIP — Thirteen years ago Wednesday, on Sept. 9, 2013, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II, 43, was killed in the line of duty after he was shot during a routine traffic stop on Custer Road north of Townline Road. Butterfield, a Grant Township resident assigned to the Michigan State Police Hart…

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Two LHS seniors named National Merit semifinalists

September 10, 2026

LUDINGTON — Two Ludington High School seniors have been named semifinalists in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Gabriel Grierson and Steele Stowe were among 535 Michigan students recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Semifinalists represent approximately the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide. Gabriel is the son of Dr. Joe and Kathy Grierson and Steele is the…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Sept. 10, 2026

September 10, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: Kayla Jean Johnson, 34, pleaded guilty June 30 to methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and controlled substance possession—cocaine, heroin or another narcotic and was sentenced Sept. 1 to one year in jail with credit for 122 days served in jail; three years probation; and $266 in fines and costs. In…

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