Man pleads to child sex crimes on second day of trial

August 18, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 51-year-old man pleaded no contest to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree CSC on the second day of his criminal trial in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Aug. 18. Raymond Draper sexually assaulted two young girls who are related to him, said Mason County Prosecuting…

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WSCC accepts donation of Manierre Dawson artwork

August 18, 2026

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — On Monday, during its regular monthly meeting, the West Shore Community College Board of Trustees accepted the gift of eight works by pioneering American abstract artist and longtime Riverton Township resident Manierre Dawson. The art adds to the college’s existed collection of Dawson’s art. The donation includes six watercolors and two oil paintings on canvas. The oils…

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Harmful algae bloom confirmed at Bass Lake

August 18, 2026

SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — District Health Department No. 10 and state environmental officials have confirmed a harmful algae bloom at Bass Lake in Mason County. The bloom was confirmed Monday, Aug. 17, by DHD No. 10 in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Health officials said they will continue monitoring the harmful algae bloom, or HAB,…

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Ludington plans sanitary sewer replacement near Gaylord Avenue

August 18, 2026

LUDINGTON — The City of Ludington will begin work later this month on a sanitary sewer replacement project in the alley between Ferry Street and Gaylord Avenue. The project will extend from Pere Marquette Street to Haight Street and is intended to replace aging sanitary sewer infrastructure and improve the reliability and long-term performance of the city’s sewer system. Work…

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WSCC announces 2026-27 Performing Arts Series

August 18, 2026

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press.  VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College is preparing for a new season of entertainment with its 2026-27 Performing Arts Series, featuring nationally touring performers, theater productions, jazz, comedy and appearances by acclaimed artists and authors. The season will include performances at the college’s…

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Employment: Assistant Marina Manager, City of Ludington

August 18, 2026

The City of Ludington is seeking persons interested in the Assistant Marina Manager’s position.  Job Descriptions are available at City Hall or on the City website www.ludington.mi.us. Send resume to City of Ludington, 400 S. Harrison St., Ludington, MI 49431, or by email to jchristensen@ci.ludington.mi.us. EOE This is a paid posting. Published until Sept. 3, 2026

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Hamlin Township board to consider interim zoning administrator at special meeting

August 17, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The Hamlin Township Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting today to consider appointing an interim zoning administrator following the resignation of Zak Iverson, whose departure temporarily halted zoning permit processing in the township. The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hamlin Township Hall, 3775 N. Jebavy Drive. In addition to…

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Recall elections scheduled for two Hamlin Township officials

August 17, 2026

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Recall petitions against Hamlin Township Treasurer Susan Ptaszenski and Trustee Johnaine Gurzynski have been declared sufficient, and recall elections for both officials are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mason County Clerk Cheryl Kelly issued official calls for the elections last week after the recall petitions met the requirements to proceed to the ballot. According to the official…

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Teen arrested for break-in, stolen truck following rollover crash

August 17, 2026

RIVERTON TOWNSHIP — A 17-year-old Scottville boy was arrested after Mason County sheriff’s deputies responded to an OnStar detected crash Sunday, Aug. 16, around 2:30 a.m. near Bradshaw and Riggle roads, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “Arriving deputies found a 2026 Chevy Silverado pickup truck rolled over in a field with no one around,” said Sheriff Coe. “Deputies and…

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Wanted man allegedly leaves pistol in gas station bathroom

August 17, 2026

He was also in possession of suspected meth SCOTTVILLE — A 49-year-old Scottville man wanted on several warrants was arrested after a Mason County sheriff’s deputy noticed him standing in the parking lot of the Admiral gas station on State Street Friday evening, Aug. 14, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “When the deputy turned around to address the wanted…

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Spartan Reunion to feature Clown Band, MCC Jazz Band, brick sales, auction Tuesday, Aug. 18

August 17, 2026

Event is open to all. SCOTTVILLE — The Scottville Clown Band and the Mason County Central band program are teaming up to present the inaugural Spartan Reunion on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The evening of music, community and memories will be held in the parking lot of Mason County Central High School. The MCC High School Jazz Band will perform beginning…

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Mason County seeks residents to fill board, commission openings

August 17, 2026

LUDINGTON — Mason County is seeking residents interested in serving their community through appointments to several county boards and commissions. The Mason County Board of Commissioners has announced openings on 13 boards, commissions and committees, with terms ranging from one to six years. Openings include two seats on the Construction Code Board of Appeals, three on the Department of Public…

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Crashes, warrant arrests, OWI arrests top weekend police activity

August 17, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent police activity in Mason County: Friday, Aug. 14, 2026: 7:52 a.m., (Mason County Sheriff’s Office), two-vehicle crash, no injury, US 10 east of Nelson Road, Pere Marquette Township. 12:03 p.m., (Mason County Sheriff’s Office), two-vehicle crash, no injury, US…

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Obituary: Wayne Everett Forrester, 91, of Custer

August 17, 2026

June 3, 1935 to August 10, 2026 On the morning of Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, with family by his bedside, our beloved Wayne Everett Forrester passed peacefully into his eternal home in heaven. He lived an extraordinary life and reflected Christ to everyone he met. His quick wit, positive attitude, and willingness to help anyone in need will forever be…

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Obituary: Raymond Dale Bates, 72, of Ludington

August 17, 2026

Raymond Dale Bates, 72, of Ludington, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026,in Scottville. He was born Jan. 26, 1954, in Ludington, the son of Raymond andWauneta (McDonald) Bates. Raymond worked for over 25 years at Metal Works in Ludington until his retirement in 2003. In his spare time he was a passionate gardener who loved being outdoors, collecting coins and…

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Recent death: Virginia May Underwood, 95, of Ludington

August 17, 2026

  Virginia May Underwood, 95, of Ludington, died on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Arrangements by Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com. Listing of 2026 deaths. 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 __________ Please Support Local News Receive…

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Memorial service scheduled for Joan Schwass

August 17, 2026

A memorial service for Joan “Joanie” Edith (Ziemkowski) Schwass, who passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026, will be held on Wednesday Aug. 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Ludington. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Read her obituary here. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services. www.GraceCremations.com __________ Please Support Local News…

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Coast Guard to enforce Ludington harbor navigation restrictions beginning Tuesday

August 15, 2026

LUDINGTON — The U.S. Coast Guard will begin enforcing the regulated navigation area in Ludington Harbor at 4 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, requiring recreational and commercial waterway users to maintain minimum distances from large vessels. The Coast Guard announced Thursday that the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, is activating the regulated navigation area covering all navigable waters of…

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79th District Court felony arraignments, published Aug. 15, 2026

August 15, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently on felony charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Donald Scott Knowles, 55, breaking and entering a building with intent and larceny of firearms. Offense date: Nov. 25, 2025. Agency: Michigan State Police (MSP). Bail: $50,000/cash/surety. Preliminary exam: Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m. Emanuel Lopez. 19, felony charges of using a computer to…

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Gateway to Success Academy to host open house

August 15, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — Gateway to Success Academy will host an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19, giving prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn more about the school’s educational programs. Gateway to Success, also known as G2S, offers students a hands-on, project-based education in a trauma-informed school environment. The academy focuses on providing an educational experience…

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AndyS celebrates long-awaited opening with ribbon cutting

August 14, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Nearly a year after construction was halted by the City of Ludington, AndyS celebrated its long-awaited arrival in downtown Ludington Friday evening with a ribbon cutting and open house. The restaurant, sports bar and entertainment venue, located at 129 W. Ludington Ave., will officially open to the public Sunday, Aug. 16, at 4 p.m.…

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