Obituary: David Christian Boomgaard, 88, of Irons

August 12, 2025

David Christian Boomgaard, 88, of Irons, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Born on December 8, 1936, in Grand Rapids, he was a respected and beloved figure in his community and beyond. David graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School in 1953 and soon after served his country in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on the…

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Obituary: Butch Petzak, 85, of Murfreesboro, Tenn., formerly of Ludington

August 12, 2025

Butch Petzak, 85, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital following a brief illness. He was born on October 30, 1939, in Ludington where he lived a great deal of his life. Butch was a devoted husband to Carol (Lyon) and loving father to Thomas, Scott, Jeffery (Bugs) and Holly Jo. Butch…

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Police news, published Aug. 12, 2025

August 12, 2025

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: Monday, Aug. 4, 2025: 1 p.m., (Michigan State Police, Hart post) two-vehicle crash, no injuries, US 10 near  Pere Marquette Highway, Pere Marquette Township. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025: 12:30 p.m., (MSP), one-vehicle crash, minor…

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Employment: Kindergarten Teacher – Shelby Public Schools

August 12, 2025

Employment: Kindergarten Teacher – Shelby Public Schools This is a paid posting. Published until Aug. 19, 2025

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Body of Melissa Simmons exhumed; sheriff expected to announce new direction in case

August 11, 2025

UPDATE: The announcement by the sheriff has been postponed until Thursday due to scheduling conflicts. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has taken a major step in the investigation of a 32-year-old cold case. Last week, the body of Melissa Simmons was exhumed from Pere Marquette Catholic Cemetery in Pere Marquette Township and has been…

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Scottville closes down Johnson Road; drivers urged to use official detour

August 11, 2025

SCOTTVILLE — After nearly a month of drivers disregarding “road closed to local traffic” signs on Johnson Road, the City of Scottville has doubled down on barricading the local street. Currently US 10 west of Main Street is closed due to replacement of a water main. The official detour is Main Street/Scottville Road north to US 31 for westbound State…

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Manistee man arrested for aggravated indecent exposure

August 11, 2025

LUDINGTON — A 27-year-old Manistee man was arrested by Ludington police officers on charges of aggravated indecent exposure, providing false information and two counts of resisting arrest following a 911 call in the 900 block of East Ludington Avenue Saturday, Aug. 9, at 3:50 p.m.  “The suspect had exposed and was fondling himself,” said Cpt. Michael Haveman of the Ludington…

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Scottville man arrested for strangulation, assaulting police, damaging police property

August 11, 2025

BRANCH TOWNSHIP — A 32-year-old Scottville man was arrested by Mason County sheriff’s deputies on charges of felony domestic assault by strangulation, assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and damage to police property Saturday, Aug. 9, shortly after 12:30 p.m. on US 10 near Walhalla Road, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The man was arrested following a 911 call reporting an assault by…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Aug. 11, 2025

August 11, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Ged William Strzynski, 44; aggravated stalking; arrested June 10 by Mason County Sheriff’s Office; arraigned Aug. 5; preliminary hearing: Aug. 20; bail: $5,000 personal recognizance. -Marcus Alexander Gentleman, 37; two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct; arrested July 29 by Mason…

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Deputies busy with crashes over the weekend

August 11, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following is recent Mason County Sheriff’s Office activity: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025: 12:10 a.m., a 22-year-old Branch man was arrested on an outstanding failure to appear warrant following a call of a suspicious person, 4400 block of West US 10, Amber Township.…

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Obituary: Katharine Ann “Katie” McPike, 81, of Ludington

August 11, 2025

Katharine Ann “Katie” (Mudrovich) McPike, 81, of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.  Katie was born on November 18, 1943 in Monroe, the oldest daughter of Thomas and Mildred Mudrovich.  After graduating high school in Monroe, she attended Central Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, and later earned her…

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Obituary: Josie Watson, 91, of Ludington

August 11, 2025

In Loving Memory of Josie Watson. It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our mother, Josie (Josephine) Watson, 91, on Friday, June 27, 2025 at Village Manor in Ludington, Michigan. She was born and grew up in Meadowlake, Saskatchewan, Canada. Josie was the beloved wife of the late Barry Watson and will be sadly missed by her…

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Employment: Mason County Emergency Management Coordinator/Planner

August 11, 2025

Employment: Mason County Emergency Management Coordinator/Planner The County of Mason is seeking a qualified individual for the full-time position of Mason County Emergency Management Coordinator/Planner.  Individuals applying for this position must possess excellent communication and administrative skills. The successful candidate will be responsible for the coordination of emergency management/planning activities for the County of Mason.  Interested candidates are asked to…

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Recent death: Donald Willis Barnett, 95, of Ludington

August 11, 2025

Donald Willis Barnett, 95, of Ludington, died Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Sutter Living Center in Ludington. Graveside services were held Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lakeview Cemetery, in Ludington, with Pastor Brian Ford officiating.  Military honors were conducted under the auspices of the Edwin H. Ewing American Legion Post 76 and the U.S. Army. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service,…

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Employment: Water Plant Maintenance Relief Operator

August 11, 2025

Employment: Water Plant Maintenance Relief Operator The City of Ludington is accepting applications/resumes to fill a vacancy for a Water Treatment Plant Maintenance Relief Operator position. If hired, the applicant may have up to two years to obtain an EGLE F-4 or higher Waterworks System Operator License. Employee must retain license as a condition of employment. An entrance exam with…

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Employment: Administrative Assistant, Mason Co. Road Commission

August 11, 2025

Employment: Administrative Assistant, Mason Co. Road Commission The Mason County Road Commission is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Administrative Assistant. The position requires considerable knowledge and understanding of: general ledger accounting and accounting terminology; transaction codes and procedures used in a complex computerized financial management system; office procedures and proven ability to exercise discretion, good judgement and take…

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Driver in Thursday crash dies from injuries

August 10, 2025

SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP — One of the drivers involved in a two vehicle crash Thursday, Aug. 7, died as a result of her injuries, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. Cole said his office was contacted by the Kent County medical examiner’s office that the 74-year-old Jenison woman passed away.  The crash occurred about 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of…

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Demo derby is grand finale to 86th West Michigan Fair

August 10, 2025

Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — The grandstands at the Mason County Fairgrounds were at full capacity Saturday night for the grand finale event of the 86th Western Michigan Fair, the TNT Mid Season Championship Demolition Derby. Western Michigan Fair Board officials said this year’s fair had record-breaking attendance each day. ___________________ Please Support Local News Receive…

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Recent death: Henry Wilford Copenhaver Jr., 68, of Ludington

August 10, 2025

  Henry Wilford Copenhaver Jr., 68, of Ludington, died on Friday, August 8, 2025. Arrangements by Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.GraceCremations.com. 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…

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Historical society celebrates the centennial of Sanders Meats

August 9, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Mason County Historical Society honored the Sanders family, owners of Sanders Meats of Custer. This year, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary. Sanders Meats was founded by Joesph T. Sanders in 1925, delivering homemade products in a Ford Model T. On Saturday, the descendants of Joe and Vera Sanders…

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Pedal pulling at the fair

August 9, 2025

Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — An annual tradition at the Western Michigan Fair is the Friday pedal, presented by Cooper & Sons Pedal Pulling. Here are some highlights: Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will help us to continue to…

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