Art contest winners

March 24, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  HART — Spitler Elementary School fourth grader Allisson Delacruz and first grader Liv Riley recently earned the top prize in the school’s annual art contest. Allisson won in the third/fourth grade category, and Liv won in the first/second grade category. “They each received a bag…

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Employment: Utility Maintenance Operator II, City of Ludington

March 24, 2025

Employment: Utility Maintenance Operator II, City of Ludington The City of Ludington is accepting applications for a Utility Maintenance Operator II position. Requires a CDL License (Class A with a tanker endorsement) and residency within 20 miles from the city boundaries within six months of hire date. Must obtain a Ml S-4 Water Distribution License within three years of hire…

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Winter weather advisory issued for Sunday evening and Monday

March 23, 2025

OCEANA COUNTY — The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a winter weather advisory that begins at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 23, and continues through 8 p.m. Monday, March 24. The advisory includes Oceana, Mason, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Newaygo and Mecosta counties. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches are expected, along with winds gusting as high…

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Obituary: Robert Paul Cornelisen, 86, of Pentwater

March 21, 2025

Robert Paul Cornelisen, 86, of Pentwater, passed away Friday, February 27, 2025. Born on January 20, 1939, in Detroit, he was the son of Paul and Pauline Cornelisen. Bob (nicknamed Corny) grew up in Riverside, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois, where he joined Sigma Chi and met his future wife, Carol. He graduated with a finance degree and…

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Public Notice: City of Ludington 2025 Annual Contracts

March 21, 2025

Public Notice: City of Ludington 2025 Annual Contracts The City of Ludington will be accepting bids for the following 2025 annual contracts: Crack Sealing Fire Extinguisher Inspections Bids will be accepted until the bid opening, scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. Please submit bid in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the service contract you are bidding…

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Employment: Joint Media Sales Representative

March 21, 2025

Synergy Media, owner of WKLA, WWKR, WLDN, WKZC, and WMLQ radio, along with Media Group 31, owner of Mason County Press and Oceana County Press, are seeking a joint full time media sales representative. This position will offer a flexible schedule with salary plus commission. Submit resume and letter of interest to: traffic@gowithsynergy.com

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Recent death: Randall Scott Rose, 63, of Rothbury

March 21, 2025

Randall Scott Rose, 63, of Rothbury, died on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He was born November 6, 1961, in Muskegon, the son of Ray and Betty (Burns) Rose. A graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Sunrise Memorial Gardens, in Muskegon. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.…

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Court of appeals upholds murder conviction

March 19, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the 2023 murder conviction of Carlos Andres Sanchez, 35, of Muskegon. Sanchez was found guilty by a jury, Sept. 21, 2023 of first-degree murder and felony firearm for shooting and killing a 28-year-old Miguel Angel Gutierrez of Muskegon with a handgun June 12, 2022. Sanchez was sentenced…

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Diman-Wolf Pre-K Round Up set for March 25 and April 7

March 19, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  HART — Hart Public Schools Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center has scheduled two Pre-K Round Up sessions for Tuesday, March 25, from 4:30-6 p.m. and Monday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a photo opportunity, goody bags and a raffle drawing.…

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Trail cam photos lead to suspect’s arrest

March 19, 2025

HART  — A homeowner’s trail cam photos, a post on OCP and the public’s sharing of OCP’s post aided police in the arrest of a theft suspect, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office sought the public’s help in finding a person of interest in a larceny theft that recently occurred in Elbridge Township. The homeowner’s…

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Walkerville to host Space Adventure Party April 10

March 19, 2025

Wildcat News is a presentation of Walkerville Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor WALKERVILLE — Whether you’re a Walkerville family with a 4, 5 or 6-year-old or a family with a youngster who would like to explore more about Walkerville Public Schools, you’re invited to a Space Adventure Party Thursday, April 10, from…

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Recent births, published March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

The birth announcements are a presentation of West Shore Bank, providing service to Mason, Oceana, Manistee, Muskegon, Benzie, and Grand Traverse counties; www.westshorebank.com.  Indigo Annalee Walker, the daughter of Crystal Underwood and Gadge Walker of Ludington, was born on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Lyla Jay Motcheck, the daughter of Madeline and Matthew Motcheck of Shelby, was born on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.…

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Obituary: Pauline Kokx, 84, of Ludington

March 19, 2025

Pauline Margaret Kokx, 84, of Ludington, formerly of Hart, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. She was born May 14, 1940, in Muskegon, the daughter of Ernest and Margaret (Zuder) Morisson. Pauline grew up in Muskegon, and graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1958. During that time she enjoyed working at…

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Employment: FloraCraft Business Intelligence Analyst II

March 19, 2025

Employment: FloraCraft Business Intelligence Analyst II In this cross functional role, you will be responsible for developing insights to help determine the success and health of the business. In this role you will manage data sources, both internal and external, building and maintaining reporting dashboards. You will assist and support internal team data analysis within Business Intelligence (Power BI) tools.…

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Police seek public’s help in finding a person of interest in theft case

March 18, 2025

ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a person of interest in a larceny theft that recently occurred in the 1000 block of East Clock Road. “The complainant is missing a few different things, including a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy, six small propane containers, two folding seats, and a couple other…

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Easter events 2025

March 18, 2025

The following Easter events scheduled for Oceana and Mason counties have been reported to Oceana County Press and Mason County Press. If your organization is holding an event, please email: allison@mediagroup31.com. Begin the subject line with “Easter Event.”  Oceana County: Friday, April 18, 2025: Noon, Community Good Friday Service at The Ladder, 67 N. State St., Shelby. Saturday, April 19,…

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Obituary: Douglas LaPage, 78, of Pentwater

March 18, 2025

Douglas Clayton LaPage, 78, beloved widower, father, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025.  He was born on August 18, 1946, in Saginaw, the son of Joseph and Berdella (Moore) LaPage. Douglas graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and Central Michigan University with his bachelor’s degree in education.  He taught for four years in Saginaw, then moved to…

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Electric grid upgrade to interrupt power in Hesperia Friday night

March 17, 2025

HESPERIA – Consumers Energy will temporarily interrupt power to 2,347 customers in Hesperia later this week as it coordinates upgrades with Wolverine Power Cooperative to provide more reliable electric service. The work will last from 10 p.m. Friday, March 21, until as late as 6 a.m. the next morning. “We appreciate the patience of our customers and the coordination with…

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Police news, published March 17, 2025

March 17, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent activity of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office: Monday, March 10, 2025: 1:34 p.m., larceny of a St. Patrick’s Day wreath, 100 block of North State Street, Village of Walkerville. 3:28 p.m., a 58-year-old Rothbury man was cited for second-offense…

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K-9 tracks suspects into the woods following car chase

March 17, 2025
K-9 tracks suspects into the woods following car chase

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HESPERIA — A 31-year-old Greenville man and a 26-year-old Greenville woman were arrested by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies Wednesday afternoon, March 12, following a police chase that ended with the suspects’ vehicle crashing and a K-9 tracking them down in the woods, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The pursuit began shortly after 1 p.m.…

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White River Light Station to celebrate 150th anniversary

March 17, 2025

FRUITLAND TOWNSHIP, Muskegon County – The historic White River Light Station and Museum is turning 150 years old, and Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association is celebrating in grand style Saturday, June 21. All are welcome for a full day of festivities, including entertainment, a special ceremony and state tribute, food, drinks, a silent auction and raffle, lighthouse tower climbs, and…

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