Jo Dereske died on Saturday, July 5, 2025. She was born in Ludington on October 1, 1947, to John and June (Zemke) Dereske. She graduated from Mason County Central High School in Scottville in 1965, and received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Western Michigan University. Jo worked mainly as an academic librarian, but her true profession was writing.…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief I am stepping outside of my comfort zone. While I began my career in radio in 1988, as a news stringer and board operator at WKZC radio, I quickly moved into newspaper. But, this week, as a way to share my interest in maritime history, I have introduced the Great Lakes Boat Blog video and podcast…
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — A jet ran off a runway this morning while landing at the Mason County Airport Sunday, July 6, around 10: 30 a.m. There were no injuries. The Embraer Phenom 300 twin jet, was landing on runway 26 at when it apparently overshot the runway. Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole said the jet was traveling from Chicago…
Employment: Fork Lift Drivers Indian Summer is hiring first and second shift Fork Lift Drivers for cherry season. First shift starting pay: $16 per hour Second shift starting pay: $17 per hour. Apply in person at Indian Summer 3958 W Chauvez Rd. Ludington. This is a paid posting. Published until July 22, 2025.
Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington. Video by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Thousands of people attended the Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival fireworks Friday evening, the grand finale for Ludington’s Independence Day celebration, observing the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. _______________________…
This MCP Maritime History Blog is presented by Filer Credit Union and Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief The Pere Marquette Railway car ferries, later the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad ferries, traveled to three Wisconsin ports, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and Kewaunee, throughout most of their existence. However, there was a short time when rail…
By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributor Living in Ludington and the Mason County area, we are on the shores of Lake Michigan and are surrounded by inland lakes too numerous to name and rivers running through our area. All year round many of us enjoy fishing, sailing, boating these waters and during the warm parts of the year our population surges…
By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Brenda Lee McBride, 53; possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine/ecstasy); arrested April 12 by Michigan State Police; arraigned July 2; preliminary hearing: July 23; bail: $2,500/10 percent. -Michael Thomas Fargo, 48; possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine/ecstasy); arrested June 27 by…
The Declaration of Independence IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the…
LUDINGTON — The Lakeshore Food Club has recently purchased a cold storage facility in Hart, officially launching the Lakeshore Regional Food Hub, which will serve as a food aggregation and distribution center meant to enhance its operations in Mason County and surrounding communities. “This project has been three years in the making—a vision shaped by our board, our staff, and…
SCOTTVILLE — A major water main replacement project within the city is expected to begin on Monday, July 7, which will also mean a detour will be in effect. The $8 million project, funded through a grant from the State of Michigan, will replace several water mains. Water mains to be replaced include those under portions of State Street (US…
The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following was activity of Mason County law enforcement on Wednesday, July 2, 2025: – 9:15 a.m., Ludington Police Dept. (LPD): A 52-year-old Ludington man was arrested for driving a vehicle while license revoked following a traffic stop near Foster and Harrison streets, City…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to 20-80 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 1, for the fentanyl death of his friend. A jury found Travis Michael Gale guilty, March 24, of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine and delivery/manufacture of cocaine, heroin…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief FOUNTAIN — The fire service is full of tradition, legacy and honor. Such is the case for Mercedy Sayles, a rookie firefighter who has served on Fountain Area Fire Department since November of last year. Mercedy grew up in a fire service family. Her dad, John Sayles, was a captain on the Pentwater Fire Department. Mercedy,…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The Ludington Area Jaycees Freedom Festival takes place on Thursday, July 3 and on Independence Day, Friday, July 4. This is the 71st year the Jaycees, now known as JCI Ludington, presents the event. The Freedom Festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Thursday with the Children & Pets Parade. The short parade begins at…
The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is a report of police activity in Mason County on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. – 1:12 a.m., Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO): Alarm activation, Hamlin Township. – 10 a.m., MCSO: A 53-year-old Pentwater woman was arrested on an outstanding friend of the…
The birth announcements are a presentation of West Shore Bank, providing service to Mason, Oceana, Manistee, Muskegon, Benzie, and Grand Traverse counties; www.westshorebank.com. Daisy Aurelia Billinski, the daughter of Natahsa Worden-Bilinski and Paul Bilinski of Ludington, was born on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. List of 2024 births List of 2023 births …
LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County hosted its 2025 Annual Gathering on June 18. The event brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, and community members. Held at The Lake House, the evening provided guests with an opportunity to celebrate the Campaign for Mason County’s progress and hear a report from the Mason Youth Advisory Council. Board Chair Carol Nelson…
By Kai Taylor, MCP Contributor PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP – As Historic White Pine Village nears its 49th anniversary, on July 4, much of the beauty of the 12-acre museum is due to a group of dedicated volunteers who meet each week. Every Tuesday morning, while most people are just easing into their day, a group of green-thumbed volunteers known as…
LUDINGTON — The Mason County District Library is holding its annual Friends of the Library Used Book Sale Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13. Proceeds from the sale go toward programming and events at the Ludington and Scottville libraries. In the past, up to $10,000 has been raised, which allows the library district to provide a variety of events…
Sally B. Burmeister, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025 at the age of 90. In 1955, Sally married the love of her life, Van. Together, they shared a life full of love, music, service, and family. Sally and Van settled in Ludington in 1965, where she became an active member…
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