Latest Story

School leader reflects on long career as he readies for retirement

May 14, 2026

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor.  HART — Mark Platt will be the longest-serving superintendent in Hart Public School’s history when he retires at the end of the school year. Platt, 60, has led a team of dedicated educators with the cooperation of strong and supportive…

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Over 50 honored during Make a Difference Awards

May 14, 2026

West Shore School News is presented by West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief AMBER TOWNSHIP — More than 50 educators, support staff, community members and organizations were honored Wednesday during the 11th…

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Memorial Day parade schedule

May 14, 2026

The following are parades and ceremonies scheduled in Oceana County in observance of Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 25: Ferry: 9 a.m., services begin at the North Cemetery; proceed to the South Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.; then the Otto Township Cemetery at 10 a.m.;…

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Tigers battle No. 6 North Muskegon in hard-fought conference match

May 14, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. NORTH MUSKEGON — The Shelby…

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Porter’s hat trick leads Hart past Orchard View on Senior Night

May 14, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. HART — Hart girls soccer…

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Recent death: Betty Leola Alvesteffer, 91, of Hart

May 14, 2026

Betty Leola Alvesteffer, 91, of Hart, died on Thursday, May 7, 2026. In accordance with Betty’s wishes, no services will be held. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is…

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Car crashes into Pentwater business

May 13, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor PENTWATER — An 87-year-old Pentwater man was ticketed for careless driving and transported by ambulance to Trinity Health Lakeshore Hospital in Shelby Tuesday, May 12,…

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Oceana County man sentenced to prison for receiving, concealing stolen tools

May 13, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to 40 months to 20 years in prison for a conviction of receiving and concealing stolen…

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Employment: Part-time Music Director

May 13, 2026

St. John’s Church Position: Part-time Music Director Overview: Seeking a passionate director to lead music ministry. Services feature a blended worship style. Responsibilities: ·         Direct music for one weekly Sunday morning service ·         Play…

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Motions filed in murder case

May 12, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — The attorney representing a 46-year-old Ferry Township woman accused of murdering her husband presented two motions in 51st Circuit Court Monday, May 11.…

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Attorneys file motions in baby death case

May 12, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Attorneys representing a 27-year-old mother and her 34-year-old boyfriend charged with multiple counts of child abuse in connection to the death of her…

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Traffic alert: Crash in downtown Pentwater

May 12, 2026

PENTWATER — Emergency crews were dispatched to Hancock Street near Sixth Street Tuesday, May 12, around 1 p.m. for a vehicle that struck “multiple buildings” at the Snug Harbor Marina,…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026

HART — The following were sentenced Monday, May 11, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: Joe Don Baisden, 47, pleaded no contest March 23 to a high-court misdemeanor of failure…

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Man receives prison sentence for meth, probation violation

May 12, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor  HART — A 42-year-old man was sentenced to prison in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, May 11, for convictions of methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and probation…

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Muskegon Catholic Central tops Shelby girls soccer team 4-2

May 12, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. SHELBY — Shelby dropped a…

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Employment: High School English Teacher

May 12, 2026

Employment: High School English Teacher Mason County Central School District is hiring a High School English Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. See details and apply online at: www.mccschools.org Job…

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Larceny theft investigations top police activity

May 11, 2026

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 Oceana County: Tuesday, May 5, 2026:…

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Marshville Dam Road re-opens

May 11, 2026

BENONA TOWNSHIP — Marshville Dam Road between 64th and 56th avenues re-opened to traffic Saturday, May 9, according to the Oceana County Road Commission. The stretch of road had been…

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OCCOA Ladies Tea focuses on flowers

May 11, 2026

HART — The Oceana County Council on Aging welcomed guests the Friday before Mother’s Day, May 8, to a free charming Ladies Tea celebrating the Victorian floral tradition of “tussie…

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Hart boys win WMC Rivers track championship at MCC

May 11, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. SCOTTVILLE — Hart dominated the…

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Shelby softball claims tournament title with wins over Onekema, MCE

May 10, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas. CUSTER — The Shelby Tigers…

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