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 When Capt. Wallace Henry Van Dyke died aboard the railroad carferry Pere Marquette 22 on March 25, 1936, he left behind a maritime…
Dear Mason County Press and Oceana County Press readers, Every day, Mason County Press and Oceana County Press work to keep you informed about what’s happening in our communities. From breaking news and local government to schools, businesses, public safety and the people who make Mason and Oceana counties special, our commitment is to provide accurate, timely and independent local…
SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — Two Bear Lake women, ages 69 and 28, were killed Friday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash at US 31 and Sugar Grove Road. According to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole, emergency personnel were called to the crash at 4:46 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. The crash involved a 2015 motorcycle, a 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan and…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Descendants of the family for whom Stearns Park is named are opposing the City of Ludington’s latest proposal to charge visitors to park at the popular Lake Michigan beach, saying the fees would go against the family’s longstanding wishes that the park remain free to the public. Beth Hicks, a great-great-granddaughter of Justus and…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Members of the Mason County Board of Commissioners, the county’s Facilities Management and Planning Study Group, and county staff toured several county-owned properties Friday, Oct. 23, as part of an ongoing effort to evaluate the condition of county facilities and determine future needs. Among the county’s biggest concerns are space limitations at the Mason…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Nearly 15 years ago, I launched Mason County Press in an effort to bring another news source to our area. Those of you who regularly follow MCP are probably aware that I have a keen interest in local history, particularly maritime history, as well as the maritime industry itself. Naturally, many of the stories I write…
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a dense fog advisory for Oceana, Mason, Clare and Osceola counties until 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Visibility will be ¼ mile or less in dense fog, making driving conditions hazardous. Slow down, use your low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you. ______________________________________ Please Support Local News Coverage…
LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned on felony charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Victor Clarence Adamczak, year of birth 1973*, felony firearm and receiving and concealing firearms. Offense date: March 30, 2025. Bail: $5,000. Preliminary exam: Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. Keif Rahkeen Shepard, year of birth 2007, first-degree home invasion and unlawful driving away of an…
SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — 4:50 p.m.: Report of a multi-vehicle crash at US 31 and Sugar Grove Road. US 31 has been closed in that vicinity.
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — In another effort to make up for lost revenue, Ludington City Council is now re-exploring charging non-residents for parking at Stearns Park and several other waterfront locations. A draft proposal prepared for council review is calling for a $15 daily parking fee or a $75 annual pass. Qualifying city property owners and residents would…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief MANISTEE — Manistee Harbor Tours will wrap up its 2026 sailing season with special fall color cruises aboard the Princess of Manistee this weekend and next weekend, offering passengers an opportunity to view the autumn scenery along Lake Michigan and the Manistee River. The two-hour cruises are scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and…
LUDINGTON — The Mason County District Library will show “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Ludington Library. The movie and lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the library’s teen area. The event is open to students in sixth through 12th grades. All Mason County District Library programs are free. The Ludington Library is located…
LUDINGTON — Kelli Stojic has been named executive director of Sandcastles Children’s Museum, effective Nov. 1. Stojic has served on the museum’s board of directors since 2019, including leading the fundraising team for Ludington’s Got Talent. She became interim executive director in May, succeeding Brian Sak, who had also served as interim director. “Kelli has stepped into the role of…
VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College will offer a free trial week for its community group fitness classes Oct. 25-31, giving participants an opportunity to try a variety of classes before the next session begins. No registration is required to participate in the free trial week. The college’s second fall fitness session runs Nov. 1 through Dec. 19 and…
West Shore School News is presented by West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. LUDINGTON — A partnership among several west Michigan organizations is seeking community support to fund 24 classroom libraries for second-grade students in Mason, Lake and Oceana counties. The Adopt-a-Library program has raised $35,500 toward its $72,000 fundraising goal.…
The following birth has been reported: Lorelai River Vanderpool, the daughter of Haley and Cole Vanderpool of Branch, was born on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. List of 2026 births List of 2025 births __________________________________ Please Support Local News Coverage For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while Mason County…
Ludington Mass Transit Authority (LMTA) is currently hiring part-time Dial-A-Ride drivers to work 20 to 30 hours per week starting at $20.85 per hour. Must be available to work various shifts, weekends and split days. Applicants must have a clean driving record and be able to obtain a CDL with passenger and air brake endorsements, pass a criminal background check,…
West Shore Educational Service District has a vacancy for a KickStart to Career Program Coordinator (employed by EduStaff). Bachelor’s degree and or equivalent experience required. To view a complete job posting, please visit our website at www.wsesd.org. Send cover letter, resume and credentials to: Human Resources, West Shore ESD, 2130 W. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431 or via email to:…
Carl Wayne Wilson, 47, of Ionia, formerly of Ludington, died on Wednesday, October 21, 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…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 79-year-old man was sentenced to 50 months (four years and two months) to 10 years in prison for a conviction of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Oct. 20. Ernest Jay Bowker pleaded guilty to the charge, Sept. 1, court records show. Bowker has…
LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced recently in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: Arthur Patrick Williams, 58, pleaded guilty Aug. 4 to third-offense operating while intoxicated and was sentenced Oct. 13 to 30 days in jail; three years probation; and $1,133 in fines and costs. Raquel Angela Lopez, 34, pleaded no contest Aug. 11 to methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and lying to…
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