Thief/thieves steal beer from campsites

June 9, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  HESPERIA — A thief or thieves stole multiple cases of beer from outdoor refrigerators at campsites at the River Rock Campground, at 155 W. Michigan Ave., according to Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The thefts were reported Saturday morning, June 7. The following…

Read more »

Hart man arrested following high-speed chase

June 9, 2025

The suspect drove the car with bare rims after driving over stop sticks twice. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor ELBRIDGE TOWNSHIP — A 39-year-old Hart man faces a felony charge of fleeing a police officer after allegedly leading Oceana County sheriff’s deputies on high-speed chase Tuesday afternoon, June 3, that began on 140th Avenue and ended in the City of…

Read more »

Severe thunderstorm watch issued

June 9, 2025

OCEANA COUNTY — Most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. Monday, June 9. The National Weather Service issued the watch at 3:10 p.m. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to continue Monday afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms could be severe with damaging winds and hail. ______________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news…

Read more »

Obituary: Verna ‘Jeanne’ Blackmer, 84, of Hart

June 9, 2025

Verna Jean “Jeanne” Blackmer, 84, of Hart, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was the daughter of Joseph and Beatrice Kapsh and was born on October 21, 1940. Jeanne attended Hart Public Schools, graduating in 1959. That same summer, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Blackmer, on August 29, 1959. Jeanne devoted…

Read more »

Obituary: John Wilbur Curtis, 89, of Hart

June 9, 2025

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…

Read more »

Recent death: Donald Leon Holley, 96, of Pentwater

June 9, 2025

  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…

Read more »

Employment: JV Girls Volleyball Coach

June 9, 2025

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

Read more »

Batteries, gas stolen from asparagus harvesting machinery

June 8, 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…

Read more »

Power tools valued at $20,000 stolen in break-in

June 8, 2025

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…

Read more »

Shelby Purdy chosen as 2025 Asparagus Queen

June 8, 2025

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…

Read more »

Obituary: Milred K. Beard, 98, of Pentwater

June 7, 2025

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…

Read more »

Wartime history uncovered in Stony Lake

June 6, 2025

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…

Read more »

Sudz laundromat opening in Whitehall

June 6, 2025

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.…

Read more »

Five women vie for the asparagus queen crown

June 6, 2025

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…

Read more »

Jury finds Rothbury man guilty of third-degree CSC

June 6, 2025

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.…

Read more »

Obituary: Carolyn Sue Hood, 73, of Ludington

June 6, 2025

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…

Read more »

DHD #10 advising residents to take caution during low air quality alert

June 5, 2025

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…

Read more »

Hesperia students unveil mural made of recycled waste

June 5, 2025

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…

Read more »

51st Circuit Court sentencings, published June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

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…

Read more »

A labor of love

June 4, 2025

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’…

Read more »

Obituary: Judy Kay Copenhaver, 69, of Hart

June 4, 2025

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…

Read more »