Lost hunter arrested for drunk hunting

October 5, 2026

COLFAX TOWNSHIP — A 54-year-old Hudsonville man was arrested for hunting while intoxicated after he called 911 stating that he was lost in the woods Friday, Oct. 2, around 9:30 p.m. in the 8000 block of Maple Island Road, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. When deputies responded to the call, they found the lost hunter and also discovered that…

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Police release info about deadly crash 

October 5, 2026

WRIGHT TOWNSHIP, Ottawa County — The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office released information about the three-vehicle crash on I 96 that killed Lucus Jerry Werkema-Grondsma, 18, of Pentwater on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 12:15 a.m. Werkema-Grondsma was a passenger in a Nissan Infiniti driven by a 23-year-old Custer man, whose name has not been released. Preliminary investigation shows that a semi-truck…

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Obituary: James Temberg, 71, of Hesperia

October 5, 2026

James “Jim” or “Jimmy” Temberg, of Hesperia, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at age 71. Born on November 23, 1954 to Mary (Flood) and Einar Temberg and raised in Whitehall, Jimmy spent a long career as a stone mason in the west Michigan area. Jimmy loved Michigan and often said there was no better place to live. Happily…

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Crain, Deur outline priorities in 101st District

October 2, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor Democrat Christopher Crain and Republican Jaxon Deur will face each other in the Nov. 3 general election for Michigan’s 101st House of Representatives District. The 101st District includes parts of Oceana, Mason and Lake counties and all of Newaygo and Wexford counties. The district includes the eastern townships of Mason County — Sheridan, Branch and…

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Hart Community Performing Arts Series kicks off concert season with the Wildwoods

October 1, 2026

HART — The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will begin its 2026-2027 season Friday, Oct. 9, with a 7:30 p.m. concert by the Wildwoods In the Hart Public Schools auditorium.  From the heart of Lincoln, Neb., The Wildwoods have grown into a folk/Americana trio rooted in rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling. Formed by husband-and-wife duo Noah (guitar) and Chloe Gose…

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Why I’m running to represent the lakeshore

October 1, 2026

The following opinion editorial is paid content. Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kim Cole.  Editor’s Note: Kim Cole is the Republican candidate for the Michigan’s 32nd Senate District, which includes all of Mason, Manistee, Benzie and Oceana counties, along with portions of Muskegon County. By Kim Cole My family has called Mason County home for five generations. I’ve…

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Oceana Republican election info office opens in Hart

October 1, 2026

HART — The Oceana County Republican election information office is now open at 907 State St. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sunday. “Feel free to stop by for signs and voter information. We look forward to seeing you,” said Oceana County Republican Committee Chair Cynthia Fout.…

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Senate candidate El-Sayed to host town hall in Hart

October 1, 2026

HART — The Oceana County Democratic Party is bringing Abdul El-Sayed, Democratic candidate to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, to a live town hall event Saturday, Oct. 10.  El-Sayed has quickly risen as a national political figure in a key Senate race after an upset win against Haley Stevens in the August primary. He faces Republican nominee and former…

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Obituary: Lucus Jerry Werkema-Grondsma, 18, of Pentwater

September 30, 2026

In Loving Memory of Lucus Jerry Werkema-Grondsma It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lucus Jerry Werkema-Grondsma, 18, a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. Lucas died on Sunday, September 27, 2026. He was born on April 22, 2008. Though only 18 years old, Lucus lived a life full of adventure, laughter, and genuine…

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Traffic alert: Carrot slime on 176th Avenue

September 29, 2026

LEAVITT TOWNSHIP — Emergency crews were dispatched to 176th Avenue near Clock Road to hose carrot slime off the road Tuesday, Sept. 29, around 3:30 p.m. ______________________________________ Please Support Local News Coverage For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while Mason County Press and Oceana County Press remain free to everyone, the cost of producing quality local journalism…

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Man with 18 priors receives prison term for B&E

September 29, 2026

Paul Madison Phillips broke into several local businesses By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 41-year-old man currently incarcerated in prison received a concurrent prison term of two years and five months to 10 years for a conviction of breaking and entering with intent in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Sept. 28. Paul Madison Phillips pleaded guilty to…

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Man injured when car hits tree

September 29, 2026

OTTO TOWNSHIP — A 52-year-old Muskegon man was transported to Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital after the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu he was driving struck a tree on 116th Avenue Sunday, Sept. 27, at 5:23 p.m., according to an Oceana County Sheriff’s Office traffic crash report.  “(The) driver was traveling north on South 116th Avenue near West Roosevelt Road when driving left…

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Pair arrested for possession with intent to deliver drugs

September 29, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. WEARE TOWNSHIP — Two Hart men, ages 44 and 39, were arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office on Van Buren Road near Oceana Drive Monday, Sept. 21, shortly after 2 p.m. and each were charged with possession with intent to deliver drugs.…

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Obituary: Barbara Van (Halverson) Jareo, 83, of Mears

September 29, 2026

Barbara Van (Halverson) Jareo, 83, of Mears, died on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Barbara “Barb” Van (Halverson) Jareo was a warm, loving, and generous woman whose life was centered around her family, her community, and helping others. She had a giving heart, a creative spirit, and an energy that kept her always on the go. Barb was born on November…

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Recent death: Sara Jean Rounds, 65, of Walkerville

September 29, 2026

Sara Jean Rounds, 65, of Walkerville, died on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. __________ Receive email alerts and recaps starting at $10 per month Thank you for reading Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. We are now featuring our convenient Email Service, which includes a daily recap of the day’s…

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Obituary: Rose Risch, 101, of Mears

September 29, 2026

Rose Risch, 101, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, September 25, 2026. Rose was born April 29, 1925. She lived a long and beautiful life filled with family, faith, and the simple things she loved most. She spent many years living on a farm before eventually making her home in Mears where she continued to live independently on…

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Hesperia man allegedly threatens deputies with machete after running over neighbor’s foot with ORV

September 28, 2026

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP — A 70-year-old Hesperia man faces two counts of felonious assault of a police officer and one count of felonious assault of a citizen after he allegedly ran over his neighbor’s foot with a Side-by-Side ORV and was then armed with a machete when deputies responded to the call Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 2:22 p.m. in the 2300…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Sept. 28, 2026

September 28, 2026

HART — The following were recently sentenced in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: Lord Serapis Ophiucus Bey, 37, pleaded guilty July 20 to methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and was sentenced Sept. 28 to 10 months in jail with credit for 107 days served; 18 months probation; and $598 in fines and costs. One count of controlled substance possession of cocaine, heroin or…

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Tigers gear up for homecoming

September 28, 2026

  SHELBY — Shelby High School will celebrate homecoming next week. The 2026 Shelby High School Homecoming Court includes: freshmen Isabella Adame and Osiel Hinojosa; sophomores Saudita Gonzalez Tomas and Oliver Soelberg; juniors Briar Peters and Peyton Hoover; seniors Nova Gottschalk, Fernanda Espinoza, Charlee Friedman, Lydia Soelberg, Adelyn Kelley, Elijah Dashiel, Jaylin Henderson, Brody Fessenden, Santos Melchor and Wyatt Bozeman;…

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Read Muskegon to host training for English language tutors

September 28, 2026

NEW ERA — Read Muskegon will host a training session for volunteer tutors interested in supporting English language learners Tuesday, Oct. 13. from 5:30-8 p.m. at New Era Christian Reformed Church, 1820 Ray Ave. Volunteers can sign up by clicking here. Tutors meet with learners at a time and public space that works best for them. No experience is required.…

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Pirate royalty

September 26, 2026

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   Alayna Schiller and Rhet Johnson and were crowned the 2026 Hart High School Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the Pirates Varsity Football game against the Orchard View Cardinals Friday night, Sept. 25. The Pirates were blanked by the Cardinals 46-0. ______________________________________ Please Support…

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