Ludington duo auditions for ‘America’s Got Talent’.

November 18, 2015
Ludington duo auditions for ‘America’s Got Talent’.

    By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Ludington High School juniors Emma Taranko and Mallory Shinn recently auditioned for the television show “America’s Got Talent” in Detroit. The duo said they enjoyed the experience and will find out if they made it to the next level early next year. “I think it went really well,” Emma said.…

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More than just a food pantry, Lakeshore Resource Center will serve those in need.

November 18, 2015
More than just a food pantry, Lakeshore Resource Center will serve those in need.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Mason County residents who find themselves in need of food and services will soon have a centralized location to receive assistance. The Lakeshore Resource Center, located at 920 E. Tinkham Ave. — the former home of Lakeshore Lumber Company — is expected to open in late spring or early summer 2016. The building is…

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Retirement open house for retiring credit union CEO.

November 18, 2015

LUDINGTON — Safe Harbor Credit Union will hold an open house for retiring CEO, Jean Mazur who has been with the credit union for 30 years, serving the last 10 as CEO. The open house will be at the credit union office, 1200 E. Tinkham Ave., on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 from noon to 4 p.m. Jean will be in the lobby greeting members…

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Allendale man pleads to attempted 1st-degree CSC

November 17, 2015
Allendale man pleads to attempted 1st-degree CSC

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 24-year-old Allendale man is looking at serving one year in jail after pleading guilty to attempted first-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) with a child under the age of 13 in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday Nov. 17. William Rhody Dwyer, Jr., testified that the inappropriate touching of the young girl occurred between the…

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Ludington man receives jail term for resisting police, domestic violence

November 17, 2015
Ludington man receives jail term for resisting police, domestic violence

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to serve 10 months up front of a one-year discretionary jail sentence Tuesday, Nov. 17, in 51st Circuit Court for convictions of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and domestic violence. Elrico James Brooks was arrested last December by Ludington Police Department and has been lodged in the Mason County Jail…

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Shoplifting leads to jail sentence

November 17, 2015
Shoplifting leads to jail sentence

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 50-year-old Ludington woman was sentenced to serve 180 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail sentence, with credit for 156 days served, for a first-degree retail fraud conviction in in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 17. Laurie Lynne Bell was also sentenced to five years probation. Bell, who was arrested last…

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Ludington man sent to prison for strangulation

November 17, 2015
Ludington man sent to prison for strangulation

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 38-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to two to 20 years in prison in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 17, for a conviction of assault by strangulation. Joseph Otto Chamness was arrested last December by the Ludington Police Department for a 10-year felony of assault by strangulation and second-offense domestic violence. In exchange for…

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Carferry picture wins 2016 Ludington city calendar contest.

November 17, 2015
Carferry picture wins 2016 Ludington city calendar contest.

LUDINGTON — A photograph by Jamie Loney of Ludington of the carferry S.S. Badger is the winning image for the 2016 City of Ludington calendar. This is the second year the City of Ludington will be printing a calendar for residents. One photo is chosen each year to grace the cover of the calendar. “This photo was so eye catching that…

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Man sent to jail for sexual relationship with 15-year-old girl

November 17, 2015
Man sent to jail for sexual relationship with 15-year-old girl

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON — A 22-year-old Fountain man was sentenced to one year in jail in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 17, after pleading guilty last month to attempted third-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC). Troy Leland Ambrose engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl when he was 21 years old at the time, said Mason…

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MCC band selling fruit.

November 17, 2015

SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central band program is again holding a citrus fruit sale fundraiser. Prices range from $19 for 10 pounds of oranges or grapefruit to $33 for a 4/5 bushel of mixed citrus and also pears and apples as well. The The fruit will be delivered to the MCC High School band room on Dec. 7, fresh from…

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President of West Shore Medical Center appointed to college board.

November 17, 2015
President of West Shore Medical Center appointed to college board.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — James Barker has been appointed to fill the vacancy on West Shore Community College’s Board of Trustees replacing retiring board member Phyllis Cowden. Last month, Cowden announced her intent to resign on December 1, due to a change in residency for a portion of the year. Barker was among three candidates who submitted a letter of interest…

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Welcome to the world! Recent births, reported Nov. 17, 2015.

November 17, 2015
Welcome to the world! Recent births, reported Nov. 17, 2015.

Recent births are brought to you by Shelby Gem Factory. See more information about these fine businesses below.  Births took place at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital, unless indicated otherwise.  Freya LaVerne Hawkins, the son of Allegree Tate and Justin Hawkins of Baldwin, was born Nov. 12, 2015. Kelly John Lindbloom, the son of Lindsey and Dylan Lindbloom of Ludington, was born Nov. 13,…

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2 suspects face numerous gun charges

November 17, 2015
2 suspects face numerous gun charges

The police news is sponsored by Benedict-Shilander Collision, now located at 5851 W. U.S. 10 behind Family Video; 231-843-4181 and Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart), www.springsteadlaw. PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Mason County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two suspects on numerous weapons charges early Monday evening, Nov. 16, following a seven-month investigation that involved obtaining…

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Recent deaths, reported Nov. 17, 2015.

November 17, 2015

Scott Agens, 49, of Bitely passed away on November 10, 2015 at his home. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ludington. Susan Rae Puisis, 69, of Ludington passed away on November 10, 2015 at Oakview Medical Care Facility. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Ludington. List of 2015 deaths on record. 

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What to do if you get pulled over.

November 17, 2015
What to do if you get pulled over.

Good Neighbor Tips. A blog by Erin Doan, Erin Doan State Farm Insurance, Scottville;www.erindoan.com. Getting pulled over can be stressful and scary for a lot of drivers — especially if they don’t know how to handle the situation. Slowly pull over. Use the turn signal and proceed to the right side of the road. If the location seems dangerous, continue driving…

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Scottville water rates increase; sewer rates remain the same.

November 16, 2015
Scottville water rates increase; sewer rates remain the same.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. SCOTTVILLE — The Scottville City Commission approved a 21% water rate increase Monday during its regular meeting. The hike, however, is only for water rates, not for sewer rates. The increase was necessary based on what the city pays the City of Ludington for water plus estimates for needed water main repairs. The motion was passed…

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Scottville continues to fight blight; some owners resist.

November 16, 2015
Scottville continues to fight blight; some owners resist.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. SCOTTVILLE — Scottville has made progress tackling blighted homes. For the past few years, the effort has been a top priority for the city commission. The city has identified 18 properties that are in violation of the city’s exterior building ordinance. City Manager Amy Williams told the commission, during its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 16, 2015,…

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New facility expected to combine local food pantries; details to be released Wednesday.

November 16, 2015
New facility expected to combine local food pantries; details to be released Wednesday.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — Plans are underway to develop a centralized food pantry in Mason County. On Wednesday a press conference is planned to announce the creation of Lakeshore Resource Network, an effort that is being led by United Way of Mason County and the Pennies from Heaven Foundation. The LRN will be located in the former Lakeshore…

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Blue Cross Complete expected to provide more insurance coverage for area residents.

November 16, 2015

DETROIT — Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan has announced that it is expanding its coverage for lower income individuals and families in select counties in Michigan, including Mason and Oceana counties. Blue Cross Complete of Michigan is a  joint venture between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and AmeriHealth Caritas, which serves Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan members in…

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Talent Connect event scheduled.

November 16, 2015

LUDINGTON — A Talent Connect Ludington will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 in downtown Ludington. The event, sponsored by the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce, is an opportunity for job seekers to talk to businesses that are potentially hiring. Representatives will be on hand from various local companies and industries to network with potential career paths…

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College offering financial aid workshops at area high schools.

November 16, 2015
College offering financial aid workshops at area high schools.

West Shore Community College’s Financial Aid Office will host a series of financial aid workshops for prospective college students and their families. High school students as well as adults considering going to college are encouraged to attend a workshop. On Nov. 17, at 6 p.m., Mason County Eastern High School and Mason County Central (MCC) High School will attend a…

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