Blog Archives

Obituary: Lonny Alan Wright, 56, of Branch

October 7, 2025

Lonny Alan Wright, 56, of Branch, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  He was born June 3, 1969, in Adrian. Lonny was employed as a correctional officer at The Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee for 26 years until his medical retirement in December 2024.  Lonny was very active in fitness and sports, and also enjoyed…

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Working on the Badger: Keepers of the Legacy, Chief Engineer Diedrich

October 6, 2025

Part 5 Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LAKE MICHIGAN — When Kevin Diedrich was growing up in Manitowoc, Wis. his grandparents lived near the lakeshore. Kevin and his sister had the chore of mowing their grandparents’ lawn. When they were done they would go down by the shore and watch the carferries come and go. “My sister used…

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Applications open for chamber leadership initiative

October 6, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Chamber Alliance of Mason County is now accepting applications for the next cohort of Leadership Mason County, a six-month professional development program launching in January 2026. This initiative is designed to empower local professionals with the knowledge, skills, and connections to lead effectively in both their workplaces and the broader community. Professionals with a passion for growing…

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Obituary: Herbert Charles Schaner, 89, of Free Soil,

October 6, 2025

Herbert Charles Schaner, 89, of Free Soil, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Known affectionately as Herb, he was born on May 13, 1936, in Hart, to the late Albert and Edna (Wilde) Schaner. Herb was married to Doris Jean Ohse on May 1, 1957. They shared many memorable years together until her passing on September 5, 2021. Herb…

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Working on the Badger: Keepers of the Legacy, Andy, Chase, and V

October 5, 2025

Part 4 Story by Mark Varenhorst, Contributing Writer Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LAKE MICHIGAN — On Tuesday, Sept. 29 2025, I boarded the S.S. Badger with my editor and friend Rob Alway. We were both covering that trip from different views and also from different crew members we spoke to along the way. In my earlier article I mentioned…

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