News

CarvePrize kicks off in Shelby

May 15, 2026

Story and photos by Allison Scarbrough, News Editor SHELBY — A new and unique art exhibit that features eye-catching chainsaw-carved sculptures kicked off Friday, May 15. CarvePrize, modeled after ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, displays 15 different sculptures along Michigan Avenue, transforming the downtown into an “open-air gallery.” For the next two months, residents and visitors can vote for their favorite…

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M 20 near the tunnel project to re-open Friday

May 14, 2026

Story by Allison Scarbrough, News Editor SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The portion of M 20 that has been closed to traffic since March 9 when construction of a $2.6 million tunnel project began will re-open Friday, May 15, at 8 a.m., according to the Oceana County Road Commission. The approximate 76-foot-long tunnel underneath M 20 will allow pedestrians and tram traffic to…

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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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School leader reflects on long career as he readies for retirement

May 14, 2026

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor.  HART — Mark Platt will be the longest-serving superintendent in Hart Public School’s history when he retires at the end of the school year. Platt, 60, has led a team of dedicated educators with the cooperation of strong and supportive…

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Memorial Day parade schedule

May 14, 2026

The following are parades and ceremonies scheduled in Oceana County in observance of Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 25: Ferry: 9 a.m., services begin at the North Cemetery; proceed to the South Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.; then the Otto Township Cemetery at 10 a.m.; and wrap up with a parade in town at 10:30 a.m. Hart: 11 a.m. parade…

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