Latest Story

Dam disaster averted in historic flood

April 16, 2026

Story by Allison Scarbrough, News Editor Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief HESPERIA — The Hesperia Dam was seriously threatened by high waters of the raging White River in what Village Manager Mike Farber calls a “200-year flood,” but fortunately the structure survived what was likely the most critical night of heavy rainfall Wednesday night, April 16. “I’d say the dam…

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Varsity Girls Soccer: Shelby blanks Oakridge 3-0 in home opener

April 16, 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. By Kai Taylor, OCP Sports Writer SHELBY — The Tigers hosted the Oakridge Vikings on Thursday for their first home…

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Life-threatening flooding possible in Hesperia near White River

April 15, 2026

HESPERIA — Residents who live near the Hesperia Dam on the White River should prepare to evacuate due to potentially life-threatening flooding Wednesday, April 15, according to the Village of Hesperia. “Oceana County Emergency Management is sending out the following message: prepare to evacuate areas…

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Mears couple plead for justice for their son murdered 7 years ago

April 15, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — April 16, 2026, marks seven years since William and Denita Buchanan’s 32-year-old son, Billy, was murdered, and the man who was accused of…

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Oceana County man sentenced to prison in 2018 CSC case

April 15, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 64-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to three and a half to 15 years in prison Monday, April 13, by Judge Susan…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published April 15, 2026

April 15, 2026

HART — The following were sentenced this week in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: Brett Daniel Robart, 42, pleaded no contest Feb, 23 to third-degree fleeing a police officer and…

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Obituary: Daniel Wayne Rickard, 78, of Fort Wayne

April 15, 2026

Daniel Wayne Rickard, 78, of Fort Wayne, formerly of Ada, Ohio, died Friday, April 3, 2026, at Majestic Care Jefferson Pointe in Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born September 5,…

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Robert Allen “Bubba” Tubbs, 72, of Hart

April 15, 2026

Robert Allen “Bubba” Tubbs, 72, of Hart, died on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com   Listing of 2026…

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Weather Alert: Tornado watch in effect until 4 a.m.

April 14, 2026

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a tornado watch, which includes Mason and Oceana counties and surrounding Lake Michigan waters, in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday. The…

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Washington man sentenced for CSC, indecent exposure at 2013  Electric Forest

April 14, 2026

HART – A 37-year-old Harbor, Wash. man was sentenced to 15½ months in jail in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, April 13, for convictions of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct,…

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Hart streetscape project underway

April 14, 2026

HART — Construction on the City of Hart’s Downtown Event Plaza and streetscape project at the intersection of State and Main streets began Monday, April 6. “The project will transform…

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Varsity Girls Soccer: Shelby returns after 19-day layoff to defeat Whitehall

April 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. WHITEHALL — After a 19-day…

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Obituary: Lela Rae Walker, 90, of Walkerville

April 14, 2026

Lela Rae Walker, 90, of Walkerville, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at her home.  She was born July 23, 1935, in Elberon, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Agnes…

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Man faces multiple felony charges following dog death

April 13, 2026

Case encounters hurdle as alleged domestic violence victim claims she not assaulted By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 37-year-old Pentwater man was arraigned in Oceana County’s 79th District…

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Police news, published April 13, 2026

April 13, 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 Oceana County Sheriff’s Office: Tuesday, April…

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79th District Court sentences, published April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Shenel Lee Rudd-Corbin, 22, of Battle Creek, pleaded guilty Feb. 3 to operating with a high blood…

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Excessive rainfall could cause flooding

April 13, 2026

UPDATE: THE FLOOD WATCH HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 2 A.M. FRIDAY, APRIL 17. THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF OCEANA COUNTY IS UNDER A FLOOD ADVISORY UNTIL 2:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15.…

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Varsity Girls Soccer: Hart Bested by State-Ranked Leland in 0-3 Duel

April 13, 2026

By Kai Taylor, OCP Sports Writer HART — The Hart Pirates hosted the No. 8-ranked Division 4 girls soccer team, the Leland Chargers, on Saturday, falling 3-0. According to head…

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Track & Field: Pentwater, Shelby have strong performances at Scottville Optimist invite

April 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 — Pentwater and Shelby…

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79th District Court arraignments, published April 10, 2026

April 10, 2026

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felony Jacob Donald Alberts, 30, of Shelby, third-offense operating while intoxicated, fleeing a police officer and driving…

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Varsity Baseball: Falcons fall to Brethren in doubleheader, drop close opener 7-6

April 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. PENTWATER — The Pentwater Falcons…

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