New band director takes the Pirate podium 

December 16, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Reece Zeller, 24, was hired as Hart Public Schools band director right before the start of the school year. Zeller took over for John Breitenbach, who was hired as band director at Pinewood Middle School in the Kentwood…

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Local priest accused of sexual assault will not face criminal charges

December 16, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor A priest who led Catholic churches in Montague, Rothbury and Claybanks Township was accused of sexual assault and has been sent back to his home diocese in Nigeria. “Father Peter Omogo has resigned as administrator of St. James Parish, Montague, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Rothbury, and St. John the Baptist Mission, Claybanks, effective…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: Hart topples Manistee

December 16, 2025

OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Smith & Eddy Insurance, VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals, Mission Graphics, Squires Chiropractic, Fresh Coast Foam and Baker Ford Ludington.  HART — Hart Varsity dominated Manistee 76-49 in an impressive home victory, improving their perfect record to 6-0. The team showcased balanced scoring and exceptional shooting throughout the contest, with multiple players stepping up…

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Porch pirate steals Christmas stars

December 15, 2025

BENONA TOWNSHIP — A porch pirate or pirates stole Amazon packages that were delivered to a residence in the 7200 block of West Grant Road, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The theft was reported Monday, Dec. 8, at 9:38 a.m. Two lighted Christmas tree stars valued at $120 were stolen. ____________________ Please Support Local News and Sports coverage Receive…

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Payroll checks stolen from business office

December 15, 2025

HART TOWNSHIP — A breaking and entering was reported to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Monday, Dec. 8, at 11:16 a.m. at Northland Castings Corporation, located on West Tyler Road. Blank payroll checks were stolen from a desk drawer in the office. The business owners were also notified by their bank that there was fraudulent activity on their debit card,…

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Police news, published Dec. 15, 2025

December 15, 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, Dec. 8, 2025: 6:14 a.m., a 27-year-old Whitehall man was cited for driving while license suspended, Polk Road near US 31, City of Hart.  Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025: 8:51 a.m., a…

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Employment: HomeBound Special Education Teacher

December 15, 2025

Employment: HomeBound Special Education Teacher Part-Time, 2 hours per week West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a Part-Time HomeBound Special Education Teacher.  Minimum of 60 college credit hours required. To view a complete job posting, please visit our website at www.wsesd.org.  Send cover letter, resume and credentials to:  Human Resources, West Shore ESD, 2130 W. US…

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Employment: Migrant Program Rectruiter, Family Advocate

December 15, 2025

Employment: Migrant Program Rectruiter, Family Advocate This is a paid posting. Published until Dec. 30, 2025

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West Michigan under winter weather advisory

December 13, 2025

Oceana and Mason counties, along with several west Michigan counties, are under a winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service from 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, to 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. “While snowfall amounts will not be significant — 1 to 3 inches in most areas, the snow when combined with very cold temperatures will result in…

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Boys Varsity Basketball: Hart dominates Shelby in rivalary match

December 13, 2025

MCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Smith & Eddy Insurance, VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals, Mission Graphics, Squires Chiropractic, Fresh Coast Foam and Baker Ford Ludington.  SHELBY — Hart delivered a dominant 88-43 victory Friday, Dec. 12, over Shelby on the road, improving their record to 5-0 this season. “The team showcased incredible offensive firepower and balanced scoring throughout the…

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Shelby State Bank launches child care program

December 12, 2025

SHELBY — Shelby State Bank is participating in the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care Program, a statewide initiative designed to make high-quality childcare more affordable for working families to serve employees in Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. In partnership with Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, a designated regional facilitator hub, the bank will now offer eligible employees a groundbreaking benefit…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Dec. 12, 2025

December 12, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Dale William Iverson, 57, of New Era, a felony of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and a misdemeanor of operating with a high blood alcohol content/.17 or higher. Preliminary exam: Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. – Joseph Lee Derby, 58, of Hart, third-offense operating while intoxicated. Preliminary exam:…

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Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program competion is Dec. 21

December 12, 2025

LUDINGTON — The public is invited to attend the 2026 Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Pageant taking place on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025 at L.F. Peterson Auditorium. The show will begin at 4 p.m., doors will open at 3:30 pm. Five candidates from Mason and Oceana counties will be taking the stage to compete in talent, private interview, on-stage interview, lifestyle…

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Varsity Girls Basketball: Shelby defeats Hart

December 12, 2025

OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Smith & Eddy Insurance, VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals, Mission Graphics, Squires Chiropractic, Fresh Coast Foam and Baker Ford Ludington. Varsity Girls Basketball: Shelby defeats Hart SHELBY — The Shelby Tigers defeated the Hart Pirates Thursday, Dec. 11, 35-24. “It was a tough night for the Pirates,” said HHS Coach Ron Williamson. “Shelby came…

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Obituary: Cindy Fethke, 62, of Shelby, formerly of Hart

December 12, 2025

Cindy Fethke, 62, of Shelby, formerly of Hart, passed away on Friday December 5, 2025 at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital, surrounded by all of her loved ones. Cindy was born in Shelby and was the daughter of George and Darlene (Gebhart) England. In the summer of 1979, at the Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater, she met the man who would…

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Hart PD news, published Dec. 12, 2025

December 12, 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 Hart Police Department: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025: 10:57 a.m., general assistance, Oceana Drive and Lever Road, City of Hart. 9:17 a.m., opening burning, 1000 block of Parmington Avenue, City of Hart. 10:15 a.m., medical assist, 300…

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Obituary: Beverly Jean Eitniear, 90, of Hart

December 12, 2025

Beverly Jean Eitniear, 90, of Hart, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility in Hart. She was born December 26, 1934, in Hart, the daughter of Monroe and Phronie (Wehry) Sutherland. Beverly enjoyed crafting items for people and was skilled in knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She also enjoyed playing games with family and friends…

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Employment: Student Success Specialist

December 12, 2025

Employment: Student Success Specialist Mason County Central School District is currently accepting applications for the position of Upper Elementary Student Success Specialist for the 2025-2026 school year. For details and to apply visit www.mccschools.org. Job #591. Application deadline: Jan. 5, 2026 at 4 p.m. This is a paid posting. Published until Jan. 5, 2026. 

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Man sentenced to jail for stealing from storage units

December 11, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 34-year-old man was sentenced to one year in jail and ordered to pay $3,640 in restitution in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Dec. 8, for stealing from storage units. Dylan Ray Krcma, 34, pleaded guilty Oct. 6 to larceny $1,000-$20,000.  Two felony counts of breaking and entering a building with intent…

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Hesperia student, mom die in Muskegon County crash 

December 10, 2025

EGELSTON TOWNSHIP (Muskegon County) — The 9-year-old girl who died in a car vs. semi tanker truck crash Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, on Maple Island Road north of Sullivan Road was a third grader at Hesperia Community Schools, and the 51-year-old woman who died in the crash was the child’s mother. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the…

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Woman, girl die when car hits semi tanker in Muskegon County

December 10, 2025

EGELSTON TOWNSHIP (Muskegon County) — A 51-year-old woman and a 9-year-old girl died in a car vs. semi tanker truck crash Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 10:18 a.m. on Maple Island Road north of Sullivan Road, according to the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office. “It was determined that a car traveling north on North Maple Island Road lost control and crossed the…

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