Police news, published Dec. 19, 2025

December 19, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following police activity took place on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025: – 7:45 a.m., Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO): Car/deer crash, no injuries, US 31 north of Millerton Road, Sherman Township. – 6:44 p.m., MCSO: A 23-year-old Scottville man was arrested for operating a…

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Chief Norman Tafelski, 66, of Ludington

December 19, 2025

Norman Joseph Tafelski, 66, of Ludington, died Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids after a four and half year battle with cancer.  He was born June 27, 1959, in Mt. Pleasant, the son of John and Barbara (Martin) Tafelski. Norman served 23 1/2 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as a senior chief…

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Obituary: Monica Carnell, 95, of Ludington

December 19, 2025

Monica Mary Karle Carnell was born in Detroit Michigan on December 10, 1930.  She went to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, at the age of 95, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. She and her sister, Theresa, were placed in an orphanage at a young age, which impacted their lives in many ways.  As a young girl, Monica attended Saint…

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Closings and cancellations for Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

December 18, 2025

The following are closings and cancellations have been reported to MCP/OCP for Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. Please check the list for updates. Schools Gateway to Success Academy Hart Public Schools Pentwater Public Schools Shelby Public Schools Walkerville Public Schools Other Oceana County Council on Aging and Our Friends House, closed ________________________ Please Support Local News and Sports Coverage Receive daily…

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Ludington couple, Alma woman injured in US 10 crash

December 18, 2025

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — An elderly couple was injured in a two-vehicle crash on US 10 near Pere Marquette Highway after another vehicle pulled out into their path Wednesday, Dec. 17, around 5 p.m., according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “A 26-year-old Alma, Mich. woman received minor injuries after the vehicle she was driving pulled into the path of…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Dec. 18, 2025

December 18, 2025

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Donald Scott Knowles, 54, six counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC). Offense date: April 14, 2007. Ludington Police Department (LPD). Preliminary exam: Jan. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Bail: $10,000/cash/surety. – Howard Mark Larson, 40, possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy, second-degree home invasion, unlawful use of a…

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High School Wrestling: Spartans dominate the mats over Ravenna, Reeths Puffer

December 18, 2025

MCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Smith & Eddy Insurance, VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals, Mission Graphics, Squires Chiropractic, Fresh Coast Foam and Baker Ford Ludington.  RAVENNA — Mason County Central scored dual wins Wednesday, Dec. 17, at a tri-meet hosted by Ravenna. The Spartans defeated the Ravenna Bulldogs 60-18 and the Reeths Puffer Rockets 43-36. Winning both matches on…

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MCE Boys Basketball: MCE varsity defeats Brethren

December 18, 2025

MCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Smith & Eddy Insurance, VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals, Mission Graphics, Squires Chiropractic, Fresh Coast Foam and Baker Ford Ludington.  CUSTER — Mason County Eastern’s Varsity Boys Basketball team scored a win against the Brethren Bobcats Wednesday, Dec. 17, 64-60. “We’ve been mostly competitive in our games this year and they haven’t been going…

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High School Bowling: Montague defeats LHS

December 18, 2025

MCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Smith & Eddy Insurance, VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals, Mission Graphics, Squires Chiropractic, Fresh Coast Foam and Baker Ford Ludington.  HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Montague defeated Ludington’s boys and girls bowling teams Wednesday, Dec. 17 at a home match hosted by Park Lanes at Stix Bar. “Our boys are still bowling short but the ones…

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Winter weather advisory issued with flash freeze predicted

December 18, 2025

A winter weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for several northern Lower Peninsula counties, including Mason County, beginning at 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, and continuing until 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19. “After a mild and occasionally rainy day today, much colder temperatures arrive this evening through Friday,” states NWS. “Temperatures are expected to fall a…

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Obituary: Dorothy Carol Boon, 96, of Ludington

December 18, 2025

After a long, rich life, Dorothy Carol Alexander Beeker Boon gently stepped out of this life and began eternity with Our Lord and those she loved who went before her.  She left us on Sunday, December 14, 2025, leaving a brilliant space that surrounded her for nearly 100 years. Dorothy was born February 8, 1929, in Kansas City, Mo., and…

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Thank you from the Oriole Giving Tree committee

December 18, 2025

Letters to the editor are opinion editorials submitted by readers. Letters to the editor are a long tradition in American journalism. The views and opinions of the writer do not necessarily reflect those of Mason County Press, its staff or its parent company. For more information, please refer to MCP’s Letter to the Editor Policy. Dear Editor, The Oriole Giving Tree…

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Local family to match final donations to foundation’s Campaign for Mason County

December 18, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County is in the final stretch of its Campaign for Mason County, a $5 million initiative launched last winter to triple the organization’s grant-making power. While the foundation has successfully met the planned giving portion of the goal, it is now in the home stretch of completing the cash side of the campaign with $163,812 left to raise. This week, local…

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Employment: Police Officer

December 18, 2025

Employment: Police Officer Job Posting: Full-time Police Officer (MCOLES Certified Preference) $10,000 hiring incentive for experienced, currently MCOLES certified officers Opening Date: Dec. 18, 2025 Closing Date: May 18, 2026 The City of Ludington (pop. 7,800) is accepting applications for the position of full time police officer, with preference being given to Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certified…

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LASD interim superintendent sees great potential in district

December 17, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Last week, Mary Marshall took the helm as interim superintendent of Ludington Area School District. Marshall brings with her a diverse experience in education and a philosophy that all who work for a district are educators with the responsibility of teaching a community’s children. “This school district can be a beacon in the state,”…

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LASD teachers, board approve new contract

December 17, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area School District Board of Education and the Ludington Education Association came to agreement on the union’s contract for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years. The agreement was reached on Dec. 8 with LEA members ratifying the agreement during a Dec. 11 vote. The LASD Board officially approved the contract during its Dec. 15 meeting.  The…

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Capt. Muir commanded first Ludington ‘black boat’ until his death

December 17, 2025

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. Masters of the PM Steamers By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief On the night of Saturday, Nov. 10, 1888, Capt. James B. Muir was in command of the Flint & Pere Marquette No. 1 when he informed his first mate that he was feeling…

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2026 Lake Jump to benefit youth hockey program

December 17, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Ludington Lake Jump Board has designated the beneficiary of the 2026 Jump to be the West Shore Amateur Hockey Association. The Lake Jump is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Stearns Park. Participants seek pledges to jump into Lake Michigan. The West Shore Amateur Hockey Association operates the West Shore Wolves Hockey Club. The funds raised…

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Charles ‘Chuck’ Hurd, 84, of Manistee

December 17, 2025

Charles “Chuck” William Hurd formerly of Manistee passed away at the home of his daughter and grandsons in VanBuren Township on Thursday, November 27, 2025.  He was the son of Charles and Adine (Lynch) Hurd, born in Pellston, on November 29, 1940. He was a 1959 graduate of Free Soil High School.  In high school he participated in sports, band…

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Obituary: Beverly Fleetwood, 84, of Ludington

December 17, 2025

Beverly Fleetwood, 84, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Ludington. Born on October 30, 1941 in Harbor Springs, she was a cherished member of her community and a loving figure within her family. Beverly was the heart of her family, known for being a caring and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to her beloved husband,…

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Recent death: Melissa Ann (Couture) Rezny, 62, of Ludington

December 17, 2025

Melissa Ann (Couture) Rezny, 62, of Ludington, died on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.   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 daily…

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