Courts

Deportation expected for armed robbers

November 3, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — The second of two men was sentenced in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Nov. 3, for robbing the La Mexicana De Pancho grocery store at gunpoint last December, and he and his accomplice are expected to be deported from the U.S. after serving their prison terms. Jorge Soriano Benitez, 39, of Shelby…

Read more »

51st Circuit Court sentences, published Oct. 28, 2025

October 28, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced this week in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Bobby Jo Scheel, 44, pleaded guilty June 9 to methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and was sentenced Oct. 27 to 10 months in jail with credit for four days served; one and a half years probation; electronic monitoring; and $598 in fines and costs. – Ryan Joseph Anthony,…

Read more »

79th District Court sentences, published Oct. 27, 2025

October 27, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Richard Vern Holtrop, 45, pleaded guilty Oct. 14 to operating while intoxicated and was sentenced to complete Alcohol Highway Safety Education and $1,155 in fines and costs. Mitchell James Mulder, 23, pleaded guilty Oct. 14 to operating while impaired and was sentenced to two days in jail;…

Read more »

Mom faces charges for Muskegon County crash that killed 6-year-old daughter

October 24, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor MUSKEGON — A 36-year-old mother has been charged with operating while intoxicated causing death and reckless driving causing death in connection to the tragic death of her 6-year-old daughter. The child died in a three-vehicle crash on Holton Road near East Michillinda Road in Dalton Township Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 21, according to the Muskegon County…

Read more »

79th District Court arraignments, published Oct. 22, 2025

October 22, 2025

HART — the following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Gabriella Jovita Pena, 29, of Hart, methamphetamine possession. Preliminary exam: Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. – Brian Gager, 57, of Hesperia, methamphetamine possession. Preliminary exam: Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. – Gregory Patrick Lighton, 34, of Rothbury, possession of a narcotic/cocaine less than 25 grams.…

Read more »

Area Churches