At 78, Joan Young passes halfway point on 350-mile Sheltowee Trace hike

October 5, 2026

By Joan Young, MCP Contributing Writer I’m actually a bit more than halfway done with a hike of the Sheltowee Trace (say shell-TOW-ee) in Kentucky and Tennessee, mostly through the Daniel Boone National Forest. The entire trail is more than 350 miles long, but there are 16 miles near the middle that were devastated by a tornado last year, and…

Read more »

Drive-through dispute leads to arrest

October 5, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. AMBER TOWNSHIP — A 43-year-old Ludington man was arrested following a dispute over service in the Taco Bell drive-through on US 10 after he refused to leave when asked, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The incident occurred Saturday, Oct. 3, at 1:19…

Read more »

Ludington teacher finds purpose in the classroom

October 5, 2026

By Kate Krieger Watkins, MCP Contributor  LUDINGTON — Teaching was not originally part of Chaz Dila’s career plan. The Ludington Elementary STEAM teacher initially envisioned a future that might include the Peace Corps and law school. That changed after he met the woman who would become his wife, Kristie, who was already pursuing a career in education. “I was probably…

Read more »

WSCC to host artist Hale Ekinci for HumanKind workshops, exhibition

October 5, 2026

West Shore Community College, as part of its HumanKind Series, will host artist Hale Ekinci for a series of workshops and exhibitions titled “Inherited Intelligence: The Memory, the Machine, and the Hand” throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. Unlike a traditional exhibition in which an artist presents completed works for display, the exhibition will invite community members to become part of…

Read more »

Obituary: Malene Joyce LeVee, 82, of Ludington

October 5, 2026

Malene Joyce LeVee, 82, of Ludington, passed away Monday, September 28, 2026, at home. She was born June 20, 1944 in Los Angeles. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Malene spent most of her life loving and caring for others. Most of her adult life was spent running a daycare in her home spreading her love to all of…

Read more »

Employment: Forklift Drivers

October 5, 2026

Indian Summer is hiring two first shift forklift positions for its pressroom department. These positions are outside forklift jobs. If interested, please apply in person at 3158 W. Chauvez Rd. Ludington, MI 49431. This is a paid posting. Published until Oct. 21, 2026

Read more »

Public Notice of Sheriff Vacancy and Request for Applications

October 5, 2026

Notice of Sheriff Vacancy and Request for Applicants to fill Vacancy Effective October 31, 2026, Mason County will have an opening to fill the remainder of the term of office for the Mason County Sheriff.  The term ends December 31, 2028. General Duties: Law Enforcement: Enforcing state laws and maintaining peace within the county. Jail Operations: Maintaining and administering the…

Read more »

Pennies from Heaven, developer plan Foster School property housing

October 2, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Pennies from Heaven Foundation and Keel Capital announced Friday that they are partnering to redevelop the former Foster Elementary School property into workforce housing. Pennies from Heaven Foundation has purchased the approximately 3-acre property at 504 and 507 E. Foster St., which includes the former school building and the former playground property across Foster…

Read more »

Mason County man charged with operating under the influence causing death

October 2, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 41-year-old Mason County man is charged with a felony of operating under the influence causing death following a traffic crash last October that resulted in the death of Gary Lee Overdorf, 67, of Grand Haven. Joshua David Spore was recently arraigned on the charge in Mason County’s 79th District Court. Mason County…

Read more »

Finally catching the Algoma Buffalo

October 2, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Oct. 2, 2026 MUSKEGON — I have been trying to get a good set of photographs of the M/V Algoma Buffalo for nearly a year. My first real attempt came Nov. 17, 2025, when the ship called at Manistee. The weather was less…

Read more »

Crain, Deur outline priorities in 101st District

October 2, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor Democrat Christopher Crain and Republican Jaxon Deur will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election for Michigan’s 101st House of Representatives District. The 101st District includes parts of Oceana, Mason and Lake counties and all of Newaygo and Wexford counties. The district includes the eastern townships of Mason County — Sheridan, Branch and…

Read more »

Suspect fueled by road rage breaks vehicle window 

October 2, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — A 23-year-old Branch man was arrested following a reported road rage incident that occurred on US 10 Thursday, Oct. 1, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole.  “It was alleged the suspect located the other driver’s vehicle later in the…

Read more »

Stage Left Theatre Company hosts ‘Not-So-Scary Stories’ at Ludington library

October 2, 2026

LUDINGTON — Stage Left Theatre Company will present “Not-So-Scary Stories” from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the Mason County District Library Ludington branch, 217 E. Ludington Ave., in conjunction with Creative Kids. Creative Kids is a weekly program that meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays at the Ludington branch and Mondays and Wednesdays at the Scottville…

Read more »

West Shore Beekeepers to host A Taste of Honey

October 2, 2026

LUDINGTON — The West Shore Beekeepers Association will host its annual “A Taste of Honey” event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Ludington Senior Center, 308 S. Rowe St. The free event will feature local honey and bee products, educational activities and opportunities to meet area beekeepers. This year’s event will include an expanded children’s…

Read more »

79th District Court felony arraignments, published Oct. 2, 2026

October 2, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned on felony charges recently in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Christopher John Cobb, 50, dangerous weapons. Offense date: July 22, 2026. Agency: Michigan State Police. Bail: $5,000/personal recognizance. Probable cause hearing: Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. John Michael Copenhaver, 61, third-offense operating while intoxicated. Offense date: Sept. 21, 2026. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office…

Read more »

South James Street to close Sunday for Lumber Days event

October 2, 2026

LUDINGTON — South James Street between Foster and Melendy streets will be closed to through traffic Sunday, Oct. 4, for the Lumber Days Cars & Coffee event. The closure will be in effect from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid congestion and delays. ___________ Please Support Local News…

Read more »

Obituary: Winnie Anna Barnett, 93, of Amber Township

October 2, 2026

Winnie Anna Barnett, 93, of Amber Township, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Winnie was born on January 22, 1933, at home, the daughter of the late Andrew and Winnie (Lincoln) Dains. She was a 1952 graduate of Ludington High School. On May 2, 1953, she married Wayne Barnett. Winnie was an avid bowler. She was part of many…

Read more »

Recent death: Nina Virginia Bird, 101, of Ludington

October 2, 2026

  Nina Virginia Bird, 101, of Ludington, died on Wednesday, September 30, 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…

Read more »

Former Scottville clerk waives preliminary exam in embezzlement case

October 1, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Former Scottville City Clerk Kelse Rae Lester waived her right to a preliminary examination Wednesday, Sept. 30, in 79th District Court, allowing the felony case against her to move to Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court. Mason County Prosecutor Beth Hand said Lester appeared in district court Wednesday and waived the preliminary examination. The case…

Read more »

Four-way stop coming to Townline, Quarterline intersection

October 1, 2026

GRANT TOWNSHIP — A four-way stop will soon be installed at the intersection of Townline and Quarterline roads on the border of Grant and Victory townships, according to the Mason County Road Commission. The change coincides with the recent paving of Townline Road between Quarterline Road and U.S. 31. That section of Townline Road had previously been gravel. The new…

Read more »

Why I’m running to represent the lakeshore

October 1, 2026

The following opinion editorial is paid content. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kim Cole.  Editor’s Note: Kim Cole is the Republican candidate for the Michigan’s 32nd Senate District, which includes all of Mason, Manistee, Benzie and Oceana counties, along with portions of Muskegon County. By Kim Cole My family has called Mason County home for five generations. I’ve…

Read more »

Subscribe to MCP

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks