News

Filer Credit Union offering $25,000 in scholarships for high school grads

February 24, 2025

FILER TOWNSHIP (Manistee County) – Filer Credit Union is offering $25,000 in scholarship funds to local high school seniors. The program will provide 10 $2,000 and five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to their future goals. Eligible applicants must be members of Filer Credit Union. If a student is interested in…

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Memorial fund established to honor Samantha Jo Bateson

February 21, 2025

CUSTER — A memorial fund honoring Samantha Jo Bateson has been established at Shelby State Bank. Samantha, 16, died following a car crash Wednesday in the village of Custer. The following was submitted to MCP: Samantha Jo Bateson will always be an amazing light for the Custer and Mason County communities.  She was the definition of kindness by being a…

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Student involved in fatal crash identified

February 21, 2025

CUSTER — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the girl who died in a two vehicle crash on Wednesday, Feb. 19. It has also corrected her age, which had previously been reported as 17. Samantha Jo Bateson, 16, of Custer, died as a result of the crash that occurred about 11:59 a.m. at the intersection of…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Feb. 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Paul Anthony Broner, 32; third offense domestic violence and carrying a concealed weapon; arrested Feb. 12 by Ludington Police Department; arraigned Feb. 13; preliminary hearing: March 5; bail: $1,000/10 percent. Misdemeanors -Matthew Scott Hamilton, 32; performing occupation contractor without a license;…

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79th District Court sentencings, published Feb. 21, 2025

February 21, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Mark Andrew Carey, Jr., pleaded guilty to failure to stop at the scene of an accident and was sentenced to two days in jail and $300 in fines/costs. -Jesus Reyes-Castaneda, 55, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of operating a vehicle while…

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