News

Over $22K in restitution ordered in trailer theft case

August 4, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 38-year-old Pierson, Mich. man was ordered in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Aug. 3, to pay over $22,000 in restitution for stealing a utility trailer from a local contractor. Jared Matthew Nichols pleaded guilty, June 8, to larceny $1,000-$20,000. “He stole a utility trailer from a local contractor,” said Oceana County…

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Man sentenced to prison in child death case

August 3, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 34-year-old man was sentenced to 54 months (4 ½ years) to 10 years in prison in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Aug. 3, in connection to the death of a 7-month-old boy who was his girlfriend’s son. Devin Austin Brown-Fowler pleaded no contest to second-degree child abuse, June 8. Charges are…

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OWI, concealed weapon, fleeing arrests top weekend police activity

August 3, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. Monday, July 27, 2026: 8:11 p.m., a 25-year-old Manistee man was arrested on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, driving while license suspended and car theft, Jefferson Road and 96th Avenue, Weare Township. The car, which is a 2008 Dodge Avenger, was reported…

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Sheriff’s office announces 90-day trial of Flock cameras

August 3, 2026

‘The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office does not intend to share data with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of this evaluation or any potential future deployment.’ HART — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office announced the start of a 90-day trial of Flock Safety License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras Monday, Aug. 3. The trial of the Flock cameras will…

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Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club accepting funding requests 

July 31, 2026

PENTWATER — Pentwater Jr. Women’s Club is accepting funding requests from local organizations.  The funding guidelines and the funding request form are available on www.pentwaterjrwomensclub.com. Requests must be submitted no later than Aug. 31. Funding requests may also be e-mailed to pentwaterjrwomensclub@gmail.com or sent via US mail to PJWC, PO Box 357, Pentwater, MI 49449. Funded projects will be announced…

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