JV Boys Basketball: Eastern defeats Walkerville

February 3, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. CUSTER — Mason County Eastern defeated Walkerville 52-43 Monday. “It was a well earned victory in a competitive game tonight. I thought we did a nice job of sharing the ball and scoring…

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Employment Snowplow Drivers, winter/seasonal

February 3, 2026

Employment Snowplow Drivers, winter/seasonal The Mason County Road Commission is seeking Winter/Seasonal employees for the position of snowplow truck driver.  Applicants must be 18 years of age and possess a current CDL.  The hourly rate of pay is $18 per hour with no benefits. Winter hours are 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. If there is a snow…

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Silver Lake man uncovers what could be human bones

February 2, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A Silver Lake area man discovered what could possibly be the remains of a Native American from centuries ago while cleaning out his garage. After finding an old beer box in his garage that contained what was originally thought to just be pottery that his late parents found in Lake Michigan in the…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Feb. 2, 2026

February 2, 2026

HART — The following were sentenced Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Derrick DaWayne Speech, 37, pleaded no contest Dec. 15, 2025 to assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and was sentenced Feb. 2, 2026 to five months in jail and $398 in fines and costs. – Paulette Jean Moon, 61, pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025 to third-offense operating…

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Freezing drizzle forecast prompts winter weather advisory

February 2, 2026

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory that is in effect for a large portion of west and central Michigan — including Oceana and Mason counties — until 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2. Areas of freezing drizzle are expected with a light glaze of ice accumulation. Plan on slippery roads.  “Freezing drizzle may end earlier or linger longer…

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Youth Hockey: West Shore Wolves win district championhsip

February 1, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. JACKSON — The 12U West Shore Wolves won the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association District 6 championship Sunday at the Jackson Optimist Center, earning the opportunity to represent District 6 at the MAHA state…

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Co-op Hockey: Double defeats for Lakeshore Badgers

February 1, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. The Lakeshore Badgers were on the road over the weekend. First playing against the Gladwin Flying Gs in Gladwin on Friday then against the Manistique Emeralds on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Badgers were…

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Varsity girls basketball: Close conference win for Shelby

January 31, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. RAVENNA — The Shelby Tigers defeated Ravenna Friday in a close West Michigan Conference Lakes Division game, 40-39. “It was definitely a nail biter tonight,” said Shelby Coach Sarah Wolting.  “Down by…

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Recent death: Ned Anthony Zaffino, 89, of Hart

January 31, 2026

Ned Anthony Zaffino, 89, of Hart, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. A full obituary is being drafted and will be posted in the coming days. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, 2380 West Jackson Road, Weare Township,…

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Culture, tasty food, warmth, connection on the menu at OCCOA’s ‘Dinners around the World’

January 30, 2026

HART — Despite the wintery weather conditions, over 70 people attended Oceana County Council on Aging’s first of two “Dinners around the World” event Saturday, Jan. 24.  Diners feasted on a multi-course meal featuring food from India. The menu offered familiar dishes like butter chicken and new flavors, like rice pudding made with saffron, cardamom and pistachios. Guests enjoyed the…

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Hart PD news, published Jan. 30, 2026

January 30, 2026

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 Hart Police Department: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026: 8:20 a.m., vehicle crash, no injury, 3000 block of Polk Road, City of Hart. 11:03 a.m., open burning, 1000 block of Parmington Avenue, City of Hart. Friday, Jan. 23,…

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Shelby Optimist Club supports youth activities, organizations county-wide

January 30, 2026

Tom Fox and Dale Burmeister honored for 50 years of service SHELBY — Shelby Optimist Club members take a pledge to support youth activities and organizations throughout Oceana County. The Sportsman’s Banquet, the club’s major fundraiser that took place Jan. 21, not only helped to fulfill that pledge, but also showed the community’s eagerness to support the club’s worthy cause. …

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Varsity Boys Basketball: Hart defeats Kent City

January 30, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. KENT CITY — The visiting Hart Pirates were able to employ early pressure as they created a solid lead by a score of 24-7 after one quarter.  Kent City showed great fight in…

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Employment: Elementary School Teacher

January 30, 2026

Employment: Elementary School Teacher About the School Ludington Area Catholic School welcomes all children, promotes academic excellence, nurtures their faith, and builds their character in a Catholic Christian environment where Jesus is the heart of our school.  We are located in the beautiful city of Ludington, on the shores of Lake Michigan. We are seeking a 3rd/4th grade multiage classroom…

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Girls Varsity Basketball: Kent City tops Hart; Smith scores 27 points

January 29, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. HART — Kent City beat Hart 64-58 Thursday in non-conference competition. Pirate Reese Smith scored 27 points including 14 in the fourth quarter while teammate Rilynn Porter scored 15 points. “Too many…

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15-20 below zero windchills forecasted in Michigan

January 29, 2026

Wind chills of 15-20 below zero are expected across most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and the eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula from midnight Thursday, Jan. 29, until 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, according to the National Weather Service. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30…

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West Shore FFA competes in districts

January 29, 2026

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational School District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. MONTAGUE — The West Shore FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter competed at districts hosted by Montague High School Wednesday. Though the team fell short of advancing to the regionals, their coach, Mark Willis, said they competed…

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EMS professionals to participate in conference this weekend

January 29, 2026

​​WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor MANISTEE — Emergency medical workers from Mason and Oceana counties will receive critical training and engage in professional networking during a conference this weekend at the Little River Casino in partnership with West Shore Community…

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Hart man sentenced to prison for meth delivery, multiple charges

January 29, 2026

Boot camp recommended By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Hart man was sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 27, to prison for a conviction of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine, along with several other convictions. Kash Verlyn Valley, pleaded guilty Jan. 14, 2025 to delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine; possession of cocaine, heroin or another narcotic; driving while…

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Winter weather advisory extended until 1 p.m.

January 29, 2026

OCEANA COUNTY — A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service for several west Michigan counties, including Oceana and Mason counties, has been extended until 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. It was originally slated to end at 10 a.m. “Roads will remain slick and hazardous,” states NWS. “Visibility and road conditions may change rapidly over short distances in…

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Girls Varsity Basketball: Wildcats fall to Eastern

January 29, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. CUSTER — Mason County Eastern defeated the Walkerville Wildcats in West Michigan D play Wednesday, 50-38. “The varsity team was strong on the glass all night,” said MCE Coach Jake Smith. “Annabelle…

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