Obituary: Margaret Jane McKee, 64, of Fountain

July 25, 2025

Margaret Jane McKee, 64, of Fountain, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025. Maggie was born on March 12, 1961, the daughter of Evie Cress. She attended Battle Creek High School. She was employed as an in-home care giver, in Des Moines, Iowa, for six years. Known as a fruit loop by her family members, she…

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Protecting the Lakes and Waters, part 2: 4th of July and summer!

July 24, 2025

This MCP Great Lakes Boat Blog is a presentation of House of Flavors Restaurant of Ludington and the Mason County Historical Society’s Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.  By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributor In my first article on the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit I spent quite a bit of time with Dep. Mike Fort (who is in charge of the unit)…

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Two new beach games for Stearns Park

July 24, 2025

Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington. LUDINGTON — By the end of next week two new games will be featured at the playground area on the south end of Stearns Park. The 9 Square in the Air and Gaga Ball games were funded through a Mason County Youth…

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Recent births, published July 24, 2025

July 24, 2025

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.  Benjamin Charles Albus, the son of Elizabeth and Jordan Albus of Hart, was born on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births   __________________________________…

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Obituary: William Wilde, 69, of Manistee

July 24, 2025

William “Bill” Wilde, 69, of Manistee, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Bill was born on April 9, 1956, the son of Herschel Wilde, and Suzanne (Stone) Boucher.  He worked with his father in his younger years repairing and doing installations on cranes and hoists and retired in 2017.  He enjoyed fishing and hunting and repairing small engines, and…

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Police news, published July 24, 2025

July 24, 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: Tuesday, July 22, 2025: 2:08 p.m., (Ludington Police Department), a 35-year-old Ludington was cited for driving while license revoked following a traffic stop, Washington Avenue and Lowell Street, City of Ludington. Wednesday, July 23,…

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Obituary: Norma Jean Grimes, 83, of Branch

July 24, 2025

Norma Jean Grimes, 83, of Branch, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.  Norma was born on June 27, 1942 in Hammond, Indiana the daughter of Albert J. and Helen (Winkler) Dinelli and graduated high school in Calumet City, Illinois.  On September 2, 1977 she married Theodore Grimes at St. Victor’s Parish in Calumet City and they celebrated 33 years…

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Conservation district native plant sale

July 24, 2025

SCOTTVILLE — The Mason-Lake Conservation District’s Native Plant Sale is now open for orders. The annual sale offers a variety of Michigan grown native flowers, grasses, and garden kits that help support pollinators, birds, and healthy soil. Plants are available in several formats, including individual quarts, single species flats of 38 (available for nearly all species), and pre-designed garden kits.…

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4-H Acres of Adventure to offer free programs at fair

July 24, 2025

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Families and curious young minds are invited to experience 4-H Acres of Adventure, an engaging four-day special interest (SPIN) blub at the Western Michigan Fair from August 5-8. Hosted by Michigan State University Extension, the free-to-join 4-H program offers daily themed activities with all materials provided—making it easy for kids to dig into learning, creativity, and…

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Great Lakes History Log podcast: The Killing of Luther Foster

July 24, 2025

The 1876 killing of Luther Foster is Mason County, Michigan’s oldest unsolved murder. Download our latest Great Lakes History Log podcast here. This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union with locations in Manistee, East Lake, Bear Lake, and Ludington and the Mason County Historical Society, which operates Historical White Pine Village, the Port of Ludington Maritime…

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MCE Preschool to host Sweet Summer Celebration

July 23, 2025

CUSTER — Mason County Eastern Preschool will hold a Sweet Summer Celebration on Monday, July 28 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the MCE Elementary playground. The event is open to currently enrolled preschool families, giving them an opportunity to connect with teachers and friends before the new school year begins. Families interested in enrolling their child in MCE’s free…

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Employment: High School Principal, Hart Public Schools

July 23, 2025

Employment: High School Principal, Hart Public Schools Hart Public Schools is currently seeking to hire a High School Principal. Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Education or Administration. At least five years of teaching experience at the secondary level. Cultivate and grow a positive school climate with staff and students Collaborate and engage staff in the School Improvement Process Collaborate…

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Obituary: Debbie Fouts, 72, of Scottville

July 23, 2025

Debbie Fouts, 72, of Scottville, passed away suddenly at home on Jul 21, 2025. Debbie was born on June 10, 1953 in Charlotte, to Mable Norris. She grew up in the Lansing area as an only child and was doted on by all who met her. Debbie met her future husband, Barry Fouts, while in junior high school. Though life…

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Employment: Customer Service, SS Badger

July 23, 2025

Employment: Customer Service, SS Badger Lake Michigan Carferry has immediate openings in Customer Service. Work to ensure customers’ safety and enjoyment. Tasks include, but are not limited to taking customer orders, register work, and maintaining cleanliness in the passenger areas. Must enjoy customer interaction and have the ability to multi-task. You can work three days in this position and earn…

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Touring a Great Lakes cruise ship, the Pearl Mist

July 22, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief MUSKEGON — On Monday I had the opportunity to tour the MV Pearl Mist while it was docked at Heritage Landing along Muskegon Lake. My tour guide was the ship’s master, Capt. Richard Joseph Tagupa. This was the Pearl Mist’s second visit to Muskegon this season. It was the first cruise ship to visit the port…

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Ludington native named head of Georgia Tech neuroscience

July 22, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief ATLANTA, Georgia — Ludington native Christopher Rozell was recently named the inaugural executive director of the Institute of Neuroscience, Neurotechnology, and Society (INNS) at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Rozell is the son of Judy Weiers and the late John Rozell. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1994 and attended the University of Michigan…

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LMTA asking for millage renewal in Ludington, Scottville

July 22, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — On Tuesday, Aug. 5, voters in the cities of Ludington and Scottville will be asked to renew a public transportation millage of up to 1.975 mill. If approved, the five year millage will raise about $480,000 each year for Ludington Mass Transit Authority. The millage covers 20 percent of LMTA’s budget.  The authority provides…

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Police news, published July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following is police activity in Mason County Monday, July 21, 2025: 6:03 a.m., (Ludington Police Department), a 24-year-old Ludington man was cited for illegal camping, Waterfront Park, City of Ludington. 5:35 p.m., (LPD), an 86-year-old Ludington man was cited for driving while…

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Celebration of life: Ruth Ann Donald of Free Soil

July 22, 2025

A celebration of life for Ruth Ann Donald will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, beginning at noon, at Ruth and Jerry’s home, 8194 N. Reid Rd., Meade Township. Ruth passed away on May 24, 2025 at the age of 79. Please bring photos, memories and a lawn chair to sit in the shade and reminisce with Jerry. Memorial contributions may…

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Recent births published July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

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.  Elyjah Lee Oom, the son of Jodyn and Jeffery Oom of Scottville, was born on Monday, July 21, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births   __________________________________…

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Employment: Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent

July 22, 2025

The City of Ludington is accepting applications for a Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent.  This position requires a State of Michigan Class B Certification License or the ability to obtain one. Residency requirement within 20 miles of the city boundaries within six months of the hire date. The starting salary is between $70,000 and $80,000, depending on qualifications and experience.  Applications…

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