HPD news, published Jan. 23, 2026

January 23, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent activity of the Hart Police Department: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026: 2:43 a.m., wellbeing check, 600 block of State Street, City of Hart. 10:19 a.m., suspicious situation, 700 block of East Main Street, City of Hart. 6:46 p.m., a 49-year-old…

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Traffic alert: US 31 closed near county line

January 23, 2026

SUMMIT TOWNSHIP, Mason County — The southbound lane of US 31 freeway near the Mason-Oceana county line was closed Friday, Jan. 23, at 1:15 p.m. due to a vehicle crash.

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Nearly 200 students participate in 41st Math Counts competition

January 23, 2026

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief VICTORY TOWNSHIP — The 41st Math Counts competition was held Thursday, Jan. 22 at West Shore Community College. The event included 197 middle school students from 14 schools. The event is coordinated by…

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Oceana County Courthouse closes due to water issue

January 23, 2026

HART — The Oceana County Courthouse, at 100 S. State St., is closed Friday, Jan. 23, due to a water issue.  ___________________ Please Support Local News and Sports coverage Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will help us to continue to provide you with free local news.  Payment…

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WSCC asking students, staff to re-register CodeRED for emergency alerts

January 23, 2026

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press.  VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College uses CodeRED, an emergency notification system that has recently been updated and rebranded. As a result of this update, all faculty, staff, students and community members must re-enroll to continue receiving emergency alerts from the college. CodeRED allows WSCC to…

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Obituary: Kathryn Ruth “Kay” Novotny, 85, of Hart

January 23, 2026

Kathryn Ruth “Kay” Novotny, 85, of Hart, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026, surrounded by family and friends at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. She was born June 27, 1940, in Alma, the daughter of Frank and Bethel (Lampka) Stimson. Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She enjoyed many activities throughout her life, such…

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Obituary: Gerald Love Davila, 72, of Pentwater

January 23, 2026

Gerald Love Davila, 71, of Pentwater, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his home. He was born October 24, 1954, in Muskegon, the son of Willie and Barb Davila. Gerald proudly served our country in the US Army. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as watching western movies. Gerald is survived by: his daughter,…

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Boys Varsity Basketball: Hart crushes rival Shelby

January 23, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. HART — The Hart Pirates defeated cross-county rival Shelby Tigers Thursday evening 73-30. “Hart overpowered rival Shelby in all phases of the game,” said Hart Coach Nick Bronsema. Able to build a…

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Winter weather advisory issued

January 22, 2026

UPDATE: THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 7 P.M. FRIDAY A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect for several west Michigan counties — including Oceana and Mason counties — until 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. Additional snow accumulation between 1 and 4 inches is expected with “locally higher amounts possible, especially in…

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Closings and cancellations, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

January 22, 2026

The following weather-related closings and cancellations have been reported for Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. This list may be updated. Schools Covenant Christian School, Ludington Gateway to Success Academy, Scottville Hart Public Schools Hart High School evening Snowcoming activities and JV and varsity girls basketball game— will be rescheduled at a later date Ludington Area Catholic School Ludington Area School District;…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Jan. 22, 2026

January 22, 2026

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Andrew Alan Cuddeback, 40, of Hesperia, possession of firearms by a prohibited person. Offense date: Jan. 8, 2026. Agency: Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Bail: $5,000/personal recognizance (PR). Preliminary exam: Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. – Darrell Lee Rader, 30, of Mears, breaking and entering…

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Coaches, please send us your game reports!

January 22, 2026

I recently received a letter from a concerned reader asking why Oceana County Press only covers the sporting events of Hart Public Schools. I was glad she asked this question and I decided that I would share my explanation to all our readers. First, a little history of our company. Media Group 31, LLC owns and operates Oceana County Press.…

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Cold weather advisory issued as arctic blast hits Michigan

January 22, 2026

Most Michigan counties are under a cold air advisory issued by the National Weather Service from 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, until 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. “An arctic blast will bring frigid temperatures, gusty winds and dangerous wind chills to the Northern Plains before expanding to the South and East,” states NWS.  Extremely cold wind chills as low as…

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Varsity Girls Basketball: Eastern defeats Pentwater

January 22, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. PENTWATER — The Mason County Eastern Cardinals defeated the Pentwater Falcons 45-31 during West Michigan D play Wednesday, Jan. 21. “We had a slow start tonight and our execution was sloppy in…

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Obituary: Gail Rebecca Miller, 68, of Hart

January 22, 2026

Gail Rebecca Miller, 68, of Hart, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at her home. She was born January 22, 1957, in Detroit, the daughter of William and Georgianna (McCleish) Miller. In accordance with Gail’s wishes, cremation has taken place and services will be held at Mears United Methodist Church at a later date. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart…

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Employment: School psychologist

January 22, 2026

Employment: School psychologist West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a School Psychologist with a current and valid School Psychologist certificate from the Michigan Department of Education required. To view a complete job posting, please visit our website at www.wsesd.org. Send cover letter, resume and credentials to: Human Resources, West Shore ESD, 2130 W. US 10, Ludington,…

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Woman allegedly assaults officers during three separate incidents

January 21, 2026

HESPERIA — A 34-year-old Fremont woman was tased by an Oceana County sheriff’s deputy while resisting arrest and assaulting the deputy during a traffic stop on Alley Street near South Street Tuesday, Jan. 13, around 4:30 p.m., said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The woman was pulled over for a traffic violation, and when the license plate number was entered…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: Hart defeats Orchard View

January 21, 2026

  MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. HART — The Hart Pirates were able to defend their home court Tuesday, Jan. 20, while securing a 77-52 victory of Muskegon Orchard View. The score was 19-12 after the first…

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Winter weather advisory issued

January 21, 2026

OCEANA COUNTY — Several west Michigan counties — including Oceana and Mason counties — are under a winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, through 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Total snow accumulation between 2 and 5 inches with locally higher amounts are possible and winds gusting as high as 35…

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Closings and cancellations, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

January 21, 2026

  The following closings and cancellations have been reported for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026: Schools: Hart Public Schools Hesperia Community Schools Shelby Public Schools Walkerville Public Schools Others: Math Counts middle school event at West Shore Community College. Postponed until Thursday, Jan. 22. Oceana Council on Aging ____________________ Please Support Local News and Sports coverage Receive daily MCP and OCP…

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Recent death: Frank Joseph Seyka, 77, of Pentwater

January 21, 2026

Frank Joseph Seyka, 77, of Pentwater, died Saturday, January 17, 2026, at home.  He was born February 18, 1948, in Lansing, the son of Frank and Sophie (Jajko) Seyka. A full obituary will be posted later this week. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com   ________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP…

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