Courts

Montague woman ordered to pay over $160,000 in embezzlement case

June 3, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 51-year-old Montague woman was sentenced to five months in jail; two years probation; and ordered to pay $161,170.67 in restitution for a felony embezzlement conviction in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June 2. Amy Elizabeth Babcock pleaded “no contest” to the charge, April 14. “Amy Babcock was hired by and stole…

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Woman pleads ‘no contest’ to assault with intent to do great bodily harm

June 3, 2025

Markie Castillo used a blunt instrument, such as a hammer or bat, to assault a man with whom she had an ‘on-and-off’ relationship. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 34-year-old Walkerville woman pleaded “no contest” to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June 2, for the…

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Brothers allegedly attack brother with screwdriver

June 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP — A pair of brothers face felony charges after allegedly attacking their brother with a screwdriver on Memorial Day, May 26, according to Sgt. Michael Cuevas of the Michigan State Police, Hart post. Simon Gabriel Saldana, 33, is charged with assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, assault with…

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Mears couple plead for justice for their murdered son

May 29, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — It has been over six years since William and Denita Buchanan’s 32-year-old son, Billy, was murdered, and the man who was accused of killing him remains free. The murder, assault and weapon charges against Corey Ryan Beekman, now aged 39, were dismissed in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court, Sept. 22, 2020. Beekman was…

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79th District Court arraignments, published May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court:  Felonies – Joseph Alan Riggs, 42, of Mears, assault with intent to create bodily harm less than murder. Preliminary exam: June 10 at 1 p.m. – Brandon Scott Thrailkill, 31, of Hart; methamphetamine possession. Preliminary exam: June 10 at 1 p.m. – Miguel Angel Guerrero, 43, of…

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