Recent death: Lavern “Vern” Welch, 72, of Fountain

July 22, 2025

Lavern “Vern” Welch, 72, of Fountain, died on Monday, July 21, 2025. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. 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 briefings along with…

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Recent death: Debora Ann Fouts, 72, of Scottville

July 22, 2025

Debora Ann Fouts, 72, of Scottville died on Monday, July 21, 2025. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. 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 briefings along with…

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Employment: Senior Advocate/Front Desk Attendant

July 22, 2025

The Ludington Senior Center is accepting applications for a Senior Advocate / Front Desk Attendant.  The starting wage is $17 per hour plus benefits. The applicant must live within 20 miles of the nearest city boundary within six months of hire date. This role involves answering phone calls, managing records, assisting with fundraising efforts, and promoting awareness of opportunities available to…

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Grant fire chief Melchert has spent a lifetime serving his community

July 21, 2025

Now he needs his community’s help By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief GRANT TOWNSHIP — Ron Melchert Jr. and the Grant Township Fire Department are symbiotic. Chief Melchert has served the department since it began in 1977. Technically, he didn’t join until 1978, when he turned 18 and graduated from Mason County Central High School. However, he helped his father, Ron Melchert…

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Cuttin’ grain for the Old Engine & Tractor Show

July 21, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief EDEN TOWNSHIP — Members of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club gathered late Monday morning to cut grain in — the old fashioned way, of course — in preparation for the 51st Western Michigan Old Engine & Tractor Show. The pre-show tradition always takes place a week or two prior to the show. The grain is…

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Man shoots himself inside Wesco bathroom

July 21, 2025

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — A 56-year-old Newaygo County man died from an apparent “single self-inflected gunshot” inside a bathroom at the Wesco Eastgate store at 5685 W. US 10 Sunday evening, July 20, according to Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. Mason County deputies were dispatched to the convenience store 5685 W. US 10 at 7:40 p.m. “regarding an individual who…

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Vandal throws picnic table into lake

July 21, 2025

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — “An unknown person” broke and then threw a Hamlin Township picnic table into Hamlin Lake, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The crime was reported Friday, July 18, at 9:10 a.m. in the 3600 block of North Lakeshore Drive.  ________________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for…

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Walkerville man arrested for invading home, stalking

July 21, 2025

AMBER TOWNSHIP —  A 23-year-old Walkerville man was arrested on charges of home invasion and stalking after allegedly breaking into a woman’s apartment Saturday, July 19, shortly before 1:30 a.m. in the 100 block of South Wildwood Crossing, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The victim, who knew the man, called 911 to report that he broke into her apartment,…

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Man arrested for allegedly stealing crossbow, security system from neighbor

July 21, 2025

SCOTTVILLE — A 37-year-old Scottville man was arrested for larceny by Mason County sheriff’s deputies after he allegedly stole a crossbow and a home security system from his neighbor Saturday, July 19, at 9:05 p.m. in the 200 block of East Second Street, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. He was lodged in the Mason County Jail. ________________________ Please Support…

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Motorcyclist tries to outrun deputy, but gets arrested

July 21, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  AMBER TOWNSHIP — A 52-year-old Ludington man, who was riding a motorcycle, was arrested for fleeing and eluding after he reportedly attempted to outrun a Mason County sheriff’s deputy during an attempted traffic stop Friday, July 18, around 5:30 p.m. at Amber and…

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Police news, published July 21, 2025

July 21, 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: Thursday, July 17, 2025: 1:12 p.m., (Ludington Police Department), a 26-year-old Ludington woman was arrested on a failure to appear warrant issued by Mason County’s 79th District Court, 900 block of South Washington Avenue.…

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Obituary: Jeri Sue Fleetwood, 70, of Ludington

July 21, 2025

Jeri Sue Fleetwood, 70, of Ludington, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025. Born on September 28, 1954, in Ludington, Jeri was the daughter of the late Gerald and Dorothy (Christensen) Cory. She graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1972. She married Jeffrey Fleetwood on April 23, 2010, and they shared almost 14 years together before Jeff passed…

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Recent death: Maggie McKee, 64, of Fountain

July 21, 2025

  Maggie McKee, 64, of Fountain, died on Monday, July 21, 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 Support Local…

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VIDEO: A busy Sunday afternoon at the Port of Ludington

July 20, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Just as the Spartan tug and Spartan II barge arrived at Ludington harbor Sunday afternoon, the boats participating in the week-long Ludington Offshore Classic fishing tournament’s final day also arrived back to port. The arrival made for a very busy channel for several minutes. Additionally, in the distance offshore were several sailboats participating in…

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MSU Extension to offer Mindfulness for Better Sleep workshop

July 20, 2025

Michigan State University Extension will offer a Mindfulness for Better Sleep online workshop in August and September. The free program combines the benefits of mindfulness and sleep education for anyone. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress-related symptoms such as worry, depression, physical tension, and may be helpful in managing chronic conditions. Participants will also learn techniques to improve the…

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Pastor Henrik Lidman, Mason County’s newest American citizen

July 18, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Pastor Henrik Lidman is Mason County’s newest American citizen. After 28 years of legally living in the United States, Lidman was sworn in as a citizen on Thursday, July 17. The delay in earning his citizenship was a result of several factors, but his love for the U.S. has been deep. Henrik, 57, is…

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79th District Court arraignments, published July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Odell Eugene Martin, 45; two counts of failure to pay child support; date of offense: Jan. 1, 2023; arraigned July 11; preliminary hearing: July 30; bail: $10,000 cash. -Richard Lee Frisbie, 24; third-offense domestic violence and assault with intent to do…

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Police news, published July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following is Mason County Sheriff’s Office activity Thursday, July 17, 2025: 9:35 a.m., a 50-year-old Walhalla man was cited for driving while license suspended following a traffic stop, Johnson Road and US 31, Amber Township. 9:36 a.m., alarm activation, Grant Township. 3:15…

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Obituary: Bonnie Kate Griffin, 86, of Ludington

July 18, 2025

Bonnie Kate Griffin, 86, of Ludington, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025, at home.  She was born August 9, 1938, in Battle Creek, the daughter of Albert and Ada (Webb) Hard. On September 19, 1952, Bonnie married Ray “Bud” Griffin II, and in 1954, they moved to Ludington to raise their family. Bonnie worked as a line/prep cook for many…

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Fire destroys Long Lake garage

July 17, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief BRANCH TOWNSHIP — Fire destroyed a garage this morning at 136 N. Fair Oaks Avenue near Long Lake. Emergency personnel were dispatched at 6:39 a.m. Upon arrival the building was engulfed in flames. Responding to the scene were Branch Fire Department, Carr Area Fire Department, Custer Fire Department, Scottville Fire Department, and Mason County Sheriff’s Office.…

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Libraries to host Worm Day

July 17, 2025

The Mason County District Library will host Worm Day next week at its locations in Ludington and Scottville. The Ludington library event will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 21 and the Scottville library event will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23. Ms. Katie will talk about worms – how they behave, what they do…

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