Obituary: Alfonso Padron, 87, of Scottville

May 12, 2025

Alfonso Padron, 87, passed away on Thursday, May 9, 2025, in Scottville. Born on December 18, 1937, in Eagle Pass, Texas, he was a man of integrity, faithful husband and loving father. He was known for his caring, compassionate, and loyal nature. Alfonso brought joy to those around him with his warm smile and helping hand. He had a devout…

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Obituary: Mary Louise Meissner, 99, of Ludington

May 12, 2025

Mary Louise Meissner (née Canada), 99, of Village Manor in Ludington, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, May 10, 2025. Born on February 22, 1926, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mary was the daughter of Edward and Helen Canada, and one of six children. Mary grew up in St. Louis, Mo., and attended St. Louis University…

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Obituary: Hilda Jankowski, 76, of Ludington

May 12, 2025

Hilda (Hernandez) Jankowski, 76, of Ludington, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Hilda was born on November 10, 1948, daughter of Esequiel (Danny) Hernandez and Rafaela (Rae) (Villarreal) Hernandez. Hilda worked many different jobs throughout her life in the Mason County area. She was the wife of Daniel Jankowski for 52 years, loving Mother and Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Hilda…

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Obituary: Robert Matthew Kemmer, 67, of Ludington

May 12, 2025

Robert Mathew Kemmer, 67, of Ludington, died on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at home.  He was born August 18, 1957, in Lansing. Robert is survived by: his sister, Esther Wooden; his brothers, John (Donna) Wooden and Darwin (Nancy) Wooden; and several nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by: his mother, Maxine; his sister, Connie Kemmer; and his brother,…

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MV Manitowoc returns to Manistee

May 11, 2025

MCP Boat Blog is a presentation of the Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, ludingtonmaritimemuseum.org, located at 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Documenting west Michigan’s commercial and recreational maritime industry.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Sunday, May 11, 2025 MANISTEE — The MV Manitowoc made its second visit to Manistee early Sunday morning, arriving at the pier heads…

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Recent death: Alfonso Padron, 87, of Scottville

May 11, 2025

  Alfonso Padron, 87, of Scottville, died on Friday, May 9, 2025. A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Wayne B. Wheeler Jr. presiding. Visitation on Monday will begin at 10 a.m. Visitation will also be held on Sunday, May 18,…

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The Ann Arbor No. 1, first Lake Michigan car ferry

May 10, 2025

This Maritime History Blog is a presentation of the Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, ludingtonmaritimemuseum.org, located at 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief The first railroad to offer car ferry service across Lake Michigan was the Toledo Ann Arbor & North Michigan Railway, predecessor of the Ann Arbor Railroad, with the debut of…

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Local businesses help MCC purchase rowing equipment

May 10, 2025

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central School District recently purchased eight rowing machines for its student athletics, with the majority of the equipment bought with donations. This idea started as a rehabilitation idea for athletes who weren’t able to run…

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Obituary: Ronald Allen Sorensen, 82, of Custer

May 10, 2025

Ronald Allen Sorensen, 82, of Custer peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Ludington. Ron was born at home on September 20, 1942, the second of six children born to Anker and Bernice Sorensen. He attended St. Mary’s School in Riverton Township before transferring to Scottville High School. Ronald left high school during his junior year to enlist…

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MCC community celebrates agriculture

May 9, 2025

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.  SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central School District held its fourth annual Community Agriculture Night Thursday at the Upper Elementary. Over 380 people attended the free event that featured multiple farming-related exhibits along with the Michigan Farm Bureau Farm Science Lab. _____________ Please Support…

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Lake Jump raises over $33,000 for senior centers

May 9, 2025

Article submitted by Mason County senior centers LUDINGTON — Mason County’s four senior centers will share proceeds from Ludington Lake Jump 2025 which attracted more than $33,000 in donations and a large, enthusiastic crowd at Stearns Park on April 26. “The event exceeded our expectations, with a great crowd and total donations of $33,353,” said Free Soil Senior Center Director…

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Woman sent to prison for meth delivery/manufacturing

May 9, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 37-year-old woman was sentenced to four to 30 years in prison for delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, May 6. Danielle Renae Perow pleaded “no contest” Feb. 25, 2025 to delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine. In a second criminal file, Perow pleaded “no contest” Dec. 17, 2024 to delivery/manufacture of…

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Planned peony farm wins Momentum Business Plan Competition

May 9, 2025

LUDINGTON — The Roots Peony Farm won the grand prize of $15,000 in the Momentum Business Plan Competition Thursday evening. The prize was awarded after finalists presented their business pitches to a live audience and a panel of judges during the event at Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Business owner, Troy Venneman, was presented a check from the Pennies…

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79th District Court arraignments, published May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Leobardo Olivarez-Alpizar, 53; assault with intent to murder; arrested May 4 by Mason County Sheriff’s Office; arraigned May 5; preliminary hearing: May 21; bail: $500,000 cash. READ related story here -Ryan Steven Brock, 44; second-degree home invasion and possession of a…

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51st Circuit Court sentencings, published May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced this week in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Brett Fredrick Portman, 66, pleaded guilty March 11 to three counts of breaking and entering with intent and was sentenced May 6 to one year in jail with credit for 155 days served; five years probation; $1,479.27 in restitution; and $794 in fines and costs.…

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Wag and Walk event will raise money for Friends of Ludington Police

May 9, 2025

LUDINGTON — Friends of Ludington Police will host its inaugural Wag and Walk on Saturday, May 17. The fundraising walk will begin at Rotary Park at 2 p.m. with walkers and their dogs proceeding east along Ludington Avenue. Local business sponsors will be handing out bags of dog treats to each of the walkers and dogs from each business along…

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Recent death: Ronald Sorensen, 82, of Custer

May 9, 2025

Ronald Sorensen, 82, of Custer, died on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email…

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Calumet is first freighter to visit Ludington this shipping season

May 8, 2025

MCP Boat Blog is a presentation of the Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, ludingtonmaritimemuseum.org, located at 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Documenting west Michigan’s commercial and recreational maritime industry.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Thursday, May 8, 2025. The MV Calumet was the first freighter to visit Ludington harbor this shipping season, arriving — finally — Thursday…

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MCC 4-year H.G. Bacon Award recipients honored

May 8, 2025

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Mason County Central High School seniors who have earned the Four Year H.G.  Bacon Academic Excellence Award were honored Wednesday evening at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. In order to receive the honor, students had to maintain a minimum grade point…

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Scottville breaks ground on park improvements

May 8, 2025

SCOTTVILLE — The City of Scottville and the Scottville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, May 8 on the city’s revitalization of Optimist Park and sculpture improvement project. The revitalization will include renovations to the Scottville Clown Band Shell along with sidewalk and landscape improvements, and placement of a new sculpture, “The Big Noise,” which will be…

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Fire damages Fountain garage

May 8, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief FOUNTAIN — Three Mason County Rural Fire Authority departments responded to a fire that damaged a garage at 6855 E. Main St. Wednesday evening. Emergency units were dispatched to the property, owned by Dale Root, at 9:29 p.m. The first firefighter on scene reported the garage was fully engulfed in flames, however firefighters were able to…

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