News

Kleiner appointed interim city manager

August 19, 2025

HART — Nichole Kleiner was recently appointed unanimously as interim city manager by the Hart City Council following the resignation of Rob Splane. Kleiner served as Hart’s economic and community development director until May, but left that position to start a consulting firm. “I was still involved, but on a contractural basis. “When the city reached out to find somebody…

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2025 Pentwater Sand Sculpture Contest was one for the record books

August 19, 2025

PENTWATER — Picture perfect weather combined with many participants to make the 52nd Pentwater Sand Sculpture Contest Friday, Aug. 15, one of the best ever, according to many longtime followers.  “It’s been more than a half-century since the Pentwater Service Club (PSC) began sponsoring the popular Homecoming weekend event,” said Glenn Beavis, who managed the competition for the club. According…

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Hart hires new elementary principal

August 19, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   HART — Spitler Elementary School students will begin the new school year Sept. 2 with a new principal. The Hart Board of Education Monday, Aug. 18, unanimously approved hiring Jenna Oleneack as the new principal. Oleneack replaces Brandon Bruce who was hired earlier this…

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Shelby boy vying for National Toddler of the Year

August 19, 2025

SHELBY — Daniel Beaird of Shelby, who just turned 4 years old, is currently in first place in the National Toddler of the Year competition, and his family is asking the community to vote for him to help him capture the big prize. There are only two days left to cast ballots with voting closing Thursday, Aug. 21. The winner…

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Pentwater village manager resigns

August 18, 2025

PENTWATER — Pentwater Village Manager Rachel Witherspoon has announced her resignation, and the Pentwater Village Council will promptly begin its search for a replacement. Witherspoon began the job Oct. 1, 2024, replacing Chris Brown who was fired by the council the previous March.  “As I prepare to leave my position as village manager for the Village of Pentwater, I want…

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