Courts

79th District Court felony arraignments, published June 4, 2026

June 4, 2026

HART — The following were arraigned recently on felony charges in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Brett Anthony Peoples, 34, of Hart, third-offense operating while intoxicated and a misdemeanor of driving while license suspended. Offense date: May 21, 2026. Agency: Michigan State Police (MSP). Bail: $7,500/cash/surety/10 percent. Preliminary exam: June 9 at 1 p.m. Timothy John Werkema, 43, of Howard…

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Hesperia man sent to prison for stealing tools valued at nearly $16,000

June 3, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 39-year-old Hesperia man with an extensive criminal history was sentenced to a prison term of 14 months to five years for a conviction of larceny $1,000-$20,000 in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June 1. Jason Alan Ennis pleaded guilty to the charge Feb. 23, 2026, according to court records.  “Jason Ennis…

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Judge denies defense’s motion in child death case

June 1, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — The judge presiding over a criminal case against against a 27-year-old mother and her 34-year-old boyfriend who are charged with multiple counts of child abuse in connection to the death of her son, 7-month-old Maverick Lyle Bouck, denied a motion presented by the mother’s attorney in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June…

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Boy survives 35-foot fall from zip line platform

May 14, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — A 12-year-old boy fell 35 feet from a zip line platform at Grace Adventures Christian Camp Thursday, May 14, shortly before 10 a.m., according to Michigan State Police Sgt. Michael Cuevas of the Hart post. The boy was suffering from hip pain, but it did not appear he had life-threatening injuries, said…

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Oceana County man sentenced to prison for receiving, concealing stolen tools

May 13, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 34-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to 40 months to 20 years in prison for a conviction of receiving and concealing stolen property in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, May 12. Nicholas James Gale pleaded no contest to the charge, Jan. 30. His charge was amended from an original felony count…

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