News

Super drunk driving suspect leads police on high-speed chase

July 2, 2025

FERRY TOWNSHIP — A 31-year-old Hesperia man was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding police, operating with a high blood alcohol content (.17 or higher)/super drunk driving, second-offense driving while license revoked and parole violation Sunday, June 29, at 8:20 p.m. on East Garfield Road near 154th Avenue, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. During the police chase, the…

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Kids find artillery shell while magnet fishing in Lake Michigan

July 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP — Less than a month after artillery mortars from the former US Army training base, Camp Claybanks, were discovered at a residence, an artillery shell from the military camp was found in Lake Michigan, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The first mortars were uncovered in a culvert underneath a resident’s driveway, June…

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Man sentenced to 20-80 years in prison for deadly drug deal

July 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to 20-80 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 1, for the fentanyl death of his friend. A jury found Travis Michael Gale guilty, March 24, of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine and delivery/manufacture of cocaine, heroin or another…

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New Era Police Chief to retire after 61 years in law enforcement

June 30, 2025

Chief Roy Strait turns 88 years old July 3 By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor NEW ERA — New Era Police Chief Roy Strait is hanging up his police officer hat after a 61-year career in law enforcement. Chief Strait’s last day on the job will be Thursday, July 3, which is also his 88th birthday. The chief’s long career in…

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Sheriff’s office to participate in Operation Dry Water July 4-6

June 30, 2025

Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the water, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols.  PENTWATER – The Fourth of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the water, with millions of boaters across the United States taking to lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This increased activity often leads to…

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