Badger’s Chief Engineer Diedrich retiring after 24 years

March 8, 2026

Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Last week Lake Michigan Carferry announced the retirement of Chief Engineer Kevin Diedrich after 24 years with the company. Diedrich worked every position in the ship’s engineering department during his tenure. A 1979 graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Diedrich, 65, began his career as a production machinist. In 1982…

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Outdoors: The Great Falls in the Big Woods

March 8, 2026

By Joan Young, contributing writer I am in the East this week, traveling through my home territory of the Finger Lakes in New York. Although it’s not in Michigan, I really have to share a very special place. Yes, it’s special to me, but it’s pretty significant in the grander scheme of things as well. Taughannock Falls (say tuh-GAN-uck) near…

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Mason, Manistee United Way organizations merge into one entity

March 8, 2026

LUDINGTON — The merger between United Way of Mason County and United Way of Manistee County is now final, creating a new regional organization called United Way of the West Shore. The merger was originally announced last June but discussions began in 2024, according to a press release issued in June 2025. According to a press release recently issued, the newly combined entity strengthens services…

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Fin & Feather Club offering pistol classes

March 8, 2026

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — The Fin & Feather Club of Mason County will be hosting a basic pistol class on Saturday, March 21. The basic pistol class will be held all day with shooting pistols taking place at the end of the class. The cost is $20. Register by calling Jim Glover at 231-907-8330. CPL class The Fin & Feather Club…

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Recent death: Linda Marlene (Boals) Olson, 86, of Ludington

March 8, 2026

Linda Marlene (Boals) Olson, 86, of Ludington, died on Friday, March 6, 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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Recent death: Barbara Mary Bailey, 81, of Scottville

March 8, 2026

Barbara Mary Bailey, 81, of Scottville, died on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at home. She was born February 17, 1945, in Hart, the daughter of Elten Eugene and Julia (Kequom) Bailey. Barbara was a tribal member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Cremation has taken place and Barbara will interred in Mears Cemetery with her parents in the…

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MCE graduate Avery Crawford accepted to MSU Honors College

March 6, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief EAST LANSING — Avery Crawford of Custer has been accepted into the Honors College at Michigan State University. Crawford, a 2025 graduate of Mason County Eastern High School and the daughter of Miranda and Darrell Crawford, is currently a freshman at MSU. She is majoring in biology on a pre-health track through the university’s MSU College…

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We need your help

March 6, 2026

Folks, we need your help. Before I continue, I want to thank those who have accepted our request and are now subscribing to the MCP/OCP Daily Briefing. We are asking for you to make a small monthly investment in order for us to continue to provide you with local news and sports coverage. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press…

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Dancing with the Local Stars to raise funds for Oriole Foundation

March 6, 2026

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The Ludington Area School District’s Oriole Foundation will hold its annual Dancing with the Local Stars on Saturday, April 18 at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. The event will raise money for the foundation and the district’s band and choir programs. “We are incredibly grateful to these generous and courageous community members who are taking to the dance…

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Varsity Boys Swimming: Oriole diver Sawyer Bishop qualifies for state

March 6, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. OTSEGO — Ludington Sophomore Sawyer Bishop qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals with a fifth place finish at the Regional 9 diving competition on Thursday, March 6, 2026…

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Disturbance at Stearns Park leads to arrest

March 6, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON —  A 37-year-old Ludington man was arrested by Ludington police on charges of disorderly conduct and assaulting/resisting/obstructing police following a disturbance call at Stearns Park Thursday, March 5, shortly after 1 p.m., according to Capt. Michael Haveman. The man was lodged in…

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Recent births, published March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

Remington Wayne Maidens, the son of Jessica and DuWane Maidens of Manistee, was born on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2026 births List of 2025 births   __________________________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: Orioles win regional final, move into state quarterfinals

March 5, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. GAYLORD — The Ludington Orioles will advance into state quarterfinals following their win over Kingsford Thursday in the Michigan High School Athletic Association District 9 regional final hosted by Gaylord High School.…

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WSCC presents ‘The Crucible’ to MCC, LHS sophomores

March 5, 2026

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press. VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Last week, 10th grade students from Mason County Central High School and Ludington High School attended the West Shore Community College production of “The Crucible.”  In past seasons, WSCC has partnered with local elementary schools for student matinees of productions such…

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Moolenaar receives Medal of Merit from National Guard

March 5, 2026

Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Midland) was awarded the 2025 Medal of Merit by the National Guard Association of the United States this week. The annual award recognizes legislators on the state and federal level for contributions to the National Guard. Moolenaar was presented the medal by the National Guard Association of Michigan. “For 390 years, dedicated guardsmen have served the United States as…

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Scottville man injured in 3-vehicle US 10 crash

March 5, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. CUSTER TOWNSHIP — A 57-year-old Scottville man received minor injuries in a three-vehicle crash on US 10 east of Darr Road Wednesday, March 4, shortly after 7 a.m., said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The man’s vehicle was rear-ended while he was stopped…

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79th District Court arraignments, published March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies Kevin Scott Criss, 56, one count of third-degree child abuse and one count of third-degree child abuse — committed in the presence of a child. Offense date: Feb. 3, 2026. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Bail: $5,000/personal recognizance (PR). Preliminary exam: March 11 at 1:30…

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Easter events 2026

March 5, 2026

The following Easter events scheduled for Oceana and Mason counties have been reported to Oceana County Press and Mason County Press. If your organization is holding an event, please email: editor@oceanacountypress.com. Begin the subject line with “Easter Event.” Friday, April 3, 2026 Ludington’s Cornerstone Baptist Church Community Good Friday Service, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026: Silver Lake Sand Dunes…

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Varsity Girls Basketball: Walkerville prevails against Eastern in district semifinal

March 5, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. CUSTER — Walkerville defeated Mason County Eastern Wednesday in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 District 110 semifinal. The Wildcats won 50-47. “We fell behind early and then it was…

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Recent death: Beth Clemensen, 73, of Scottville

March 5, 2026

Beth Clemensen, 73, of Scottville, died on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. 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 __________ Receive daily MCP and OCP news…

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Employment Opportunity: Special Education Paraprofessional

March 5, 2026

Employment Opportunity: Special Education Paraprofessional West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a Special Education Paraprofessional.  High School diploma required; 2 years experience preferred. To view a complete job posting, please visit our website at www.wsesd.org.  Send cover letter, resume and credentials to:  Human Resources, West Shore ESD, 2130 W. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431 or via…

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Eats & Drinks

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