Employment: Fork Lift Drivers

July 6, 2025

Employment: Fork Lift Drivers Indian Summer is hiring first and second shift Fork Lift Drivers for cherry season. First shift starting pay: $16 per hour Second shift starting pay: $17 per hour. Apply in person at Indian Summer 3958 W Chauvez Rd. Ludington. This is a paid posting. Published until July 22, 2025.

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Video: Celebrating 249 years of independence

July 5, 2025

Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington. Video by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Thousands of people attended the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival fireworks Friday evening, the grand finale for Ludington’s Independence Day celebration, observing the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.   _______________________…

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For 2 years, a car ferry operated between Ludington and the UP

July 5, 2025

This MCP Maritime History Blog is presented by Filer Credit Union and Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief The Pere Marquette Railway car ferries, later the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad ferries, traveled to three Wisconsin ports, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Kewaunee, throughout most of their existence. However, there was a short time when rail…

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Protecting the waterways of Mason County

July 5, 2025

By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributor Living in Ludington and the Mason County area, we are on the shores of Lake Michigan and are surrounded by inland lakes too numerous to name and rivers running through our area.  All year round many of us enjoy fishing, sailing, boating these waters and during the warm parts of the year our population surges…

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79th District Court arraignments, published July 5, 2025

July 5, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Brenda Lee McBride, 53; possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine/ecstasy); arrested April 12 by Michigan State Police; arraigned July 2; preliminary hearing: July 23; bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Michael Thomas Fargo, 48; possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine/ecstasy); arrested June 27 by…

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The Declaration of Independence

July 3, 2025

The Declaration of Independence IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the…

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Lakeshore Food Club purchases needed cold storage, warehouse facility

July 3, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Lakeshore Food Club has recently purchased a cold storage facility in Hart, officially launching the Lakeshore Regional Food Hub, which will serve as a food aggregation and distribution center meant to enhance its operations in Mason County and surrounding communities. “This project has been three years in the making—a vision shaped by our board, our staff, and…

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Scottville water project, detour may begin Monday

July 3, 2025

SCOTTVILLE — A major water main replacement project within the city is expected to begin on Monday, July 7, which will also mean a detour will be in effect. The $8 million project, funded through a grant from the State of Michigan, will replace several water mains. Water mains to be replaced include those under portions of State Street (US…

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Mason County police news, published July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following was activity of Mason County law enforcement on Wednesday, July 2, 2025: – 9:15 a.m., Ludington Police Dept. (LPD): A 52-year-old Ludington man was arrested for driving a vehicle while license revoked following a traffic stop near Foster and Harrison streets, City…

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Man sentenced to 20-80 years in prison for deadly drug deal

July 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to 20-80 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 1, for the fentanyl death of his friend. A jury found Travis Michael Gale guilty, March 24, of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine and delivery/manufacture of cocaine, heroin…

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Fountain firefighter carries on her father’s legacy

July 2, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief FOUNTAIN — The fire service is full of tradition, legacy and honor. Such is the case for Mercedy Sayles, a rookie firefighter who has served on Fountain Area Fire Department since November of last year. Mercedy grew up in a fire service family. Her dad, John Sayles, was a captain on the Pentwater Fire Department. Mercedy,…

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71st Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival takes place Thursday, Friday

July 2, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival takes place on Thursday, July 3 and on Independence Day, Friday, July 4. This is the 71st year the Jaycees, now known as JCI Ludington, presents the event. The Freedom Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the Children & Pets Parade. The short parade begins at…

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Mason County police news, published July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following is a report of police activity in Mason County on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. – 1:12 a.m., Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO): Alarm activation, Hamlin Township. – 10 a.m., MCSO: A 53-year-old Pentwater woman was arrested on an outstanding friend of the…

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Recent births, published July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

The birth announcements are a presentation of West Shore Bank, providing service to Mason, Oceana, Manistee, Muskegon, Benzie, and Grand Traverse counties; www.westshorebank.com.  Daisy Aurelia Billinski, the daughter of Natahsa Worden-Bilinski and Paul Bilinski of Ludington, was born on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births  …

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Community Foundation celebrates its successes

July 1, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County hosted its 2025 Annual Gathering on June 18. The event brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, and community members. Held at The Lake House, the evening provided guests with an opportunity to celebrate the Campaign for Mason County’s progress and hear a report from the Mason Youth Advisory Council. Board Chair Carol Nelson…

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Gardening Angels keep White Pine Village blooming

July 1, 2025

By Kai Taylor, MCP Contributor PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP – As Historic White Pine Village nears its 49th anniversary, on July 4, much of the beauty of the 12-acre museum is due to a group of dedicated volunteers who meet each week. Every Tuesday morning, while most people are just easing into their day, a group of green-thumbed volunteers known as…

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Ludington library to host book sale

July 1, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Mason County District Library is holding its annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13. Proceeds from the sale go toward programming and events at the Ludington and Scottville libraries. In the past, up to $10,000 has been raised, which allows the library district to provide a variety of events…

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Obituary: Sally B. Burmeister, 90, of Ludington

July 1, 2025

Sally B. Burmeister, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025 at the age of 90. In 1955, Sally married the love of her life, Van. Together, they shared a life full of love, music, service, and family. Sally and Van settled in Ludington in 1965, where she became an active member…

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Manistee Harbor Tours offers fun shoreline cruises on the Princess

June 30, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief June 28, 2025 MANISTEE — “It’s like being on vacation,” is the comment my wife, Becky, said when we departed the Princess after a 90 minute shoreline cruise Saturday evening. The boat’s crew was hospitable and entertaining. The drinks were refreshing. The passengers were having a great time. The weather was perfect. And, the sunset was…

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Four people injured in two-car crash at US 31 and Fountain Rd.

June 30, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — Four people were transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital by Life EMS for “non-life-threatening injuries” following a two-vehicle crash on US 31 near Fountain Road Saturday, June 28, around 2:30 p.m., according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. An 87-year-old…

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Car chase leads to cocaine, meth possession arrests

June 30, 2025

EDEN TOWNSHIP — A 42-year-old Pentwater man was arrested for fleeing and eluding and possession of cocaine and his passenger, a 48-year-old Scottville man, was arrested for possession of meth following a short vehicle chase Friday, June 27, shortly before 2 a.m., said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. Both suspects are fourth-offense habitual offenders, Cole said. The police news is…

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