John Wilburn Curtis, 89, of Hart, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was born November 9, 1935, in Steele, Missouri, the son of John Milburn and Clara Mae (Lipsey) Curtis. John graduated from Hart High School and enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country. Following his military service, John furthered his education at Michigan State University…
Donald Leon Holley, 96, of Pentwater, died on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Receive email alerts and recaps starting at $10 per month Thank you for reading Mason County Press…
Employment: JV Girls Volleyball Coach Mason County Central School District is accepting applications for a Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach for the 2024-2025 school year. Previous volleyball playing and/or coaching experience preferred. For details and to apply, go to www.mccschools.org. This is a paid posting. Published until June 24, 2025
LEAVITT TOWNSHIP — Four batteries valued at $400 and three gas tanks valued at $150 were stolen off an asparagus picker on North 168th Avenue near Tyler Road, according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The larceny theft was reported Tuesday, June 3, at 8:33 a.m. The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan…
BENONA TOWNSHIP — Several power tools valued at $20,000 were stolen during a breaking and entering in the 7000 block of West Weaver Road, according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The break-in was reported Monday, June 2, at 9:22 a.m. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office at 231-873-2121. The police…
HART — Shelby Purdy was selected as the 2025 Asparagus Queen, and Haley Walsworth was chosen as the Runner Up Saturday, June 7. Shelby and Haley will be crowned Friday evening, June 13, during a free concert at the Oceana County Fairgrounds. Five semifinalists, who were narrowed down from a field of 11 applicants, ran for the National Asparagus Festival…
Mildred K. Beard, 98, of Pentwater went to heaven on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 with her son and caregiver for the last 16 years at her bedside. Mildred was born on September 20, 1926 in Chicago, the daughter of Carl and Ella (Wehmus) Wigren. On August 17, 1951 she married Robert Beard in Ludington and they celebrated 57 years together until Robert…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP — Artillery mortars from the former US Army training base, Camp Claybanks, were discovered in a culvert underneath a resident’s driveway Thursday, June 5. The mortars, which are being turned over to the National Guard for disposal, were found in the 7300 block of South Scenic Drive. “There was an old Army base…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor WHITEHALL — A new laundromat, Sudz, will be opening soon at 206 Colby St. The laundromat, which offers all new high-efficiency machines, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The laundromat is located in retail space next to the former AFC gym site in the plaza by the closed Chen’s restaurant.…
Photos courtesy of Britani Dostal Photography HART — One of five candidates will be selected Saturday, June 7, to reign as the 2025 Asparagus Queen. The candidates will meet with the judges panel Saturday, and the 2025 National Asparagus Queen and Runner-up will be announced. The queen and runner-up will be crowned Friday evening, June 13, during a free concert…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A jury found a 37-year-old Rothbury man guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) Thursday, June 5, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court. However, Ricardo Daniel Rodriguez-Flores was found not guilty of three counts of first-degree CSC. Rodriguez-Flores, who was free on bond, was remanded to the Oceana County Jail following the verdict.…
Carolyn Sue Hood, 73, of Ludington, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 2, 1951, in Jackson to Alvin and Louise (Robins) Mackey. Carolyn was known for her generous heart, hardworking spirit, and unmatched talent in crafting. If you knew her, you likely received a handmade gift – whether it…
HART — District Health Department #10 encourages residents to take precautions based on current air conditions. The Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for Michigan’s entire Lower Peninsula Thursday, June 5. “Due to widespread wildfires in Canada, smoke plumes are moving through the atmosphere and are impacting air quality,” states a DHD #10…
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HESPERIA — A large mural made of recycled waste, entitled “Reclaimed Beauty,” was officially unveiled at Vida Weaver Park Thursday morning, June 5. The unique mural was created by students in Monica Grimard’s 3-D art class at Hesperia High School. “The mural features a steelhead, a powerful symbol of Hesperia,” said Hesperia Student Body President…
HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Andres Rodriguez, 41, pleaded guilty March 3 to possession of cocaine, heroin or another narcotic and was sentenced May 12 to 24 days in jail with credit for 24 days served; two years probation; and $283 in fines and costs. – Tina Joy Ingersoll, 51, pleaded…
Spitler Elementary School celebrates upgraded Pirates’ Paradise playground Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — It has been a project two years in the making, involving parents, school staff, students, community members and charitable organizations, and it is finally complete. The new and improved Pirates’…
Judy Kay Copenhaver, 69, of Hart, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at her home. She was born July 28, 1955, in Hart, the daughter of Merrill and Lillian (Clark) Eckholm. Judy was a loving daughter, mother, nana, sister, and friend. She loved spending time with her family, whether having a picnic, going camping, or having family get-togethers. She especially…
BENONA TOWNSHIP — Mason-Oceana 911 is hosting a Limited Access Dune Community forum Thursday, June 12, at 10 a.m. at the Little Point Sable Stone Church, 668 S. Stone Church Rd., Shelby. Limited access dune communities pose a serious challenge to emergency responders who need to gain access to homes for emergencies, such as house fires. “We just had yet…
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…
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…
By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — Multiple emergency agencies responded to what began as a dune grass fire that turned into a house fire Monday afternoon just north of the Mason-Oceana county line. Riverton Fire Department was initially called to Montgomery Drive south of the Bass Lake outlet near Lake Michigan at 12:50 p.m. for a reported dune grass…
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