News

‘I am left here to serve a life sentence without the man I loved’

April 8, 2014
‘I am left here to serve a life sentence without the man I loved’

The following is the victim impact statement read by Jennifer Sielski, fiance of Trooper Paul Butterfield. Sielski read the letter today during the sentencing of Eric John Knysz in 51st Circuit Court.  Your honor, I know that nothing can bring Paul back into this world or ease the pain of my devastating loss. But, just as Paul did his duty…

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Trooper killer receives life sentence

April 8, 2014
Trooper killer receives life sentence

More updates to come. By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.  LUDINGTON — Eric John Knysz, the 20-year-old Irons resident who murdered Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield, will spend the rest of his life in prison. He was sentenced today in 51st Circuit Court to life in prison without parole. For the first time, since Knysz murdered Trooper Butterfield on North Custer…

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Officials react to sentencing

April 8, 2014
Officials react to sentencing

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.  A community nightmare that began on Sept. 9, 2013, has nearly ended. Eric John Knysz, 20, of Irons was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield. His sentence calls for no chance of parole. The Mason County courthouse was full this afternoon with law enforcement officials and other…

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Former petunia chair’s plea offer postponed

April 8, 2014
Former petunia chair’s plea offer postponed

LUDINGTON — The former chairwoman of the Ludington Petunia Parade appeared in 51st Circuit Court today where she faces embezzlement charges. Brown, 60, 4152 W. Washington Rd., Pentwater, is accused of taking $47,807.15 from the organization since she became chairwoman in November 2007 until November 2013. Embezzlement of more than $20,000 but less than $50,000 is punishable by up to…

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Soldier sentenced to 1 year in jail for assaulting deputy

April 8, 2014
Soldier sentenced to 1 year in jail for assaulting deputy

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. LUDINGTON — A Michigan National Guard soldier who assaulted a Mason County sheriff’s deputy was sentenced to a year in jail today in 51st Circuit Court. Eric Michael Klopp, 33, 1235 Sumac St., Fruitport, pleaded guilty in February for resisting and assaulting Dep. Ed Rasmussen, a corrections officer at the Mason County Jail, following a Nov.…

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