Man charged with fentanyl death changes plea to guilty

September 22, 2025

LUDINGTON — A 62-year-old man who was scheduled for trial for multiple drug offenses changed his plea from not guilty to guilty last week. David James Monroe was charged in four separate cases by Mason County Prosecutor Beth Hand including delivery of fentanyl causing the death of 52-year-old William Willoughby of Ludington. Other offenses included two counts of possession of…

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Ludington municipal building closed Friday following threat

September 22, 2025

The building has been re-opened LUDINGTON — Following a threat Friday afternoon, Sept. 19, 2025, the Ludington Municipal Building was closed to the public temporarily. According to a press release from the Ludington Police Department, the department received a phone call in which a threat was made against the department. The caller indicated an intent to drive a vehicle into…

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Local paramedics honored at Capitol

September 22, 2025

Lansing – The life-saving work of local EMS providers were recognized last week at the state Capitol by the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services. The recognition was part of the biennial Stars of Life ceremony, which celebrates the contributions of ambulance practitioners who go above and beyond the call of duty in service to their communities or the EMS profession.…

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Police news, published Sept. 22, 2025

September 22, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following recent police activity has been reported MCP. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 2:22 a.m., Ludington Police Department (LPD): A 26-year-old Pentwater man was arrested for two outstanding warrants out of Oceana County. The arrest took place following a traffic stop near Emily and…

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Obituary: Jerry Ray Shangle, 70, Ludington

September 22, 2025

Jerry Ray Shangle, 70, of Ludington, died Friday, September 19, 2025, at MediLodge of Ludington.  He was born July 5, 1955, in Ludington, the son of Waldon and Grace (Fogarty) Shangle. Jerry retired from Harsco Rail where he had been employed for over 20 years.  In his spare time he enjoyed riding motorcycles, sailing, and tinkering in his garage.  He…

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Engine error cause of carferry accident

September 19, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — An engine error is responsible for the S.S. Badger losing control while backing into its Ludington slip Wednesday evening, Sept. 17. “While backing to the loading apron in the usual manner, the engines did not respond as ordered by the captain operating the engine order telegraphs resulting in the vessel colliding with the permanently…

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Video: Western Michigan Old Engine Club Education Day

September 19, 2025

Video by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — The Western Michigan Old Engine Club hosted its annual Education Day for fifth graders Wednesday, Sept. 17, at its show grounds at Scottville Riverside Park. The event has taken place for over 30 years. During the event, children learned about agriculture in the early 20th century. See more photos and read more here.…

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Second annual Cultural Corners event scheduled for Sept. 26

September 19, 2025

LUDINGTON — The second annual Cultural Corners event will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will highlight four downtown Ludington cultural organizations that are located near each other: Mason County Historical Society, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Sandcastles Children’s Museum and Mason County District Library. The free block party that takes…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Sept. 19, 2025

September 19, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Amilcar D. Bautista-Mendoza, 38; third-offense operating a vehicle while under the influence of liquor and second-offense driving while license suspended; arrested Sept. 14 by Mason County Sheriff’s Office; arraigned Sept. 16; preliminary hearing: Oct. 1; bail: $10,000 cash. -Traylen Wayne Baker,…

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Ludington woman arrested on gun charges, intoxication

September 19, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — A 41-year-old Ludington woman was arrested Thursday, Sept. 18 by Mason County Sheriff’s Office and charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm while intoxicated. The arrest took place in the 100 block of North Jebavy Dr.…

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Obituary: Dorothy Harley, 94, of San Diego, Cali.

September 19, 2025

Dorothy Isabelle Barbour Harley was born on February 27, 1931 in Richmond, Virginia and passed peacefully in her sleep in the morning of Tuesday, August 26, 2025 in San Diego, Calf. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Georgy Liljedahl, her husband Robert Harley, and Jack Spicer. She is survived by sons John Spicer II, Geoff Spicer, Patrick Spicer;…

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Obituary: Barbara Ann Favre, 82, of Pentwater

September 19, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann (Schissler) Favre, 82, of Pentwater. Barbara died Thursday, September 18, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 3, 1943, in Chicago, the daughter of Stephen and Josephine (Mandl) Schissler. Barbara was married to Richard Favre for 56 years. Barbara and Richard met…

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Recent death: Darlene Elaine (Leonard) Berkel, 77, of Scottville

September 19, 2025

  Darlene Elaine (Leonard) Berkel, 77, of Scottville, formerly of Muskegon, died on Friday, September 19, 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…

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Photo Feature: Old engine club Education Day

September 18, 2025

Around the County is a presentation of Preferred Credit Union, www.preferredcu.org, located locally at 266 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington. Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — The Western Michigan Old Engine Club hosted its annual Education Day for fifth graders Wednesday, Sept. 17, at its show grounds at Scottville Riverside Park. The event has taken place for over 30 years.…

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Badger season continues without stern gate

September 18, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The S.S. Badger departed on time for Manitowoc, Wis. Thursday morning, Sept. 18, less than 14 hours after the boat experienced an accident while docking Wednesday. During docking the Badger backed into its sister ship, the S.S. Spartan, which is moored nearby. The incident caused major damage to the Badger’s stern gate. Lake Michigan…

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AFFEW volunteer/board member Sara Bolan wins state environmental award

September 18, 2025

LUDINGTON – Mason County residents may not know Sara Bolan personally, but there is a good chance they have benefitted all she has made possible—fresh, local produce; beautiful wildlife and gardens; even, perhaps, a solar-powered power tools and a water retention system. Bolan is a steadfast volunteer and board member of AFFEW (A Few Friends of the Environment of the…

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Chamber holds awards celebration

September 18, 2025

LUDINGTON — Ludington Bay Brewing Company was named the 2025 Business of the Year by the Chamber Alliance of Mason County during its annual awards dinner Wednesday night at The Lake House. Cartier Mansion was honored as Small Business of the Year, and the community service award went to Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (C.O.V.E.). Ludington Bay Brewing owner, Ted Gedra…

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DHD #10 announces upcoming COVID and flu walk-in clinics

September 18, 2025

LUDINGTON – District Health Department #10 announced that 2025-2026 COVID-19 and flu immunizations are now available, and upcoming COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics are scheduled. The new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination is now available at DHD#10 for everyone ages 5 years and older. To learn more about the COVID-19 immunization schedule, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html. In addition, DHD#10 is beginning its COVID-19 and…

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Obituary: Mary Carolyn (Taber) Klisch, 83 of Ludington

September 18, 2025

Mary Carolyn (Taber) Klisch, 83 of Ludington, formerly of Pentwater, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Ludington. She was born on October 27, 1941, in Battle Creek, to the Rev. Marcius and Mearl (Himelich) Taber. Carolyn married Werner Klaus Klisch on March 20, 1966, and their marriage was filled with love and companionship. A graduate of Pentwater High…

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Badger stern gate damaged while docking

September 17, 2025

This story has been updated at 11:45 p.m. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The S.S. Badger’s stern gate was damaged while the car ferry was docking Wednesday evening, Sept. 17. Witnesses stated the boat’s stern struck the S.S. Spartan’s bow, causing the stern gate to be pushed inward toward the Badger’s car deck. There appears to be a large…

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Police seeking man who reportedly assaulted female LHS student

September 17, 2025

The student pushed the man away and took his picture UPDATE: A suspect, who is a 53-year-old Ludington man, was arrested Wednesday at 8 p.m. and lodged at the Mason County Jail. His identification is pending arraignment. “The Ludington Police Department would like to thank the Ludington Area Schools for the continued partnership along with the Ludington area residents who…

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