News

Man serving 20-80 year prison term for deadly drug deal adds another five years for other crimes

September 17, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Oceana County man who was sentenced to 20-80 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court, July 1, for the fentanyl death of his friend tacked on another five years to his prison time when he was sentenced for multiple other convictions Tuesday, Sept. 16. Travis Michael Gale was sentenced…

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M 120 between Cleveland and Arthur roads to be closed for road work

September 17, 2025

GREENWOOD — Maintenance work on M 120 in between Cleveland and Arthur roads is scheduled to begin Monday, Sept. 22, at 6 a.m., according to the Oceana County Road Commission. “This work will require the road to be completely shut down and traffic will be directed to take eastbound/westbound M 82 to Stone Road; up to M 20; and then…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Sept. 16, 2025

September 16, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Ricky Lee Eschman, 64, of Shelby, first-degree criminal sexual conduct — victim under age 13. Preliminary exam: Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. No mugshot.  – Chelce Jo Beagle, 32, (no hometown listed) two counts of breaking and entering with intent. Probable cause conference: Oct. 14…

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Rothbury man sentenced to prison for sex crime

September 15, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 38-year-old Rothbury man convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct was sentenced to 32 months to 15 years in prison in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Sept. 15. A jury found Ricardo Daniel Rodriguez-Flores guilty of the charge, June 5. However, Rodriguez-Flores was found not guilty of three counts of first-degree CSC. …

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Kayaks, trailer stolen during break-in

September 15, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  BENONA TOWNSHIP — A utility trailer, two kayaks, a generator, a lawnmower and other miscellaneous items were stolen during a breaking and entering of seasonal property on West Johnson Road, according to Sgt. Jeremy Swihart of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office. The break-in…

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