Swihart promoted to sergeant

February 17, 2025

HART — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office recently announced Deputy Jeremy Swihart earned his stripes and has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. “Sgt. Swihart has been with the sheriff’s office for 21 years,” states an announcement from the sheriff’s office. “He began his career working in the jail as a corrections deputy. He then went to West Shore…

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Obituary: Charles Floyd Smith, 90, of Pentwater

February 17, 2025

Charles Floyd Smith, also affectionately known as Chuck or Grandpa Chuck, passed away at the age of 90, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at his home in Pentwater, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 29, 1934, in Flint, the son of Floyd Charles and Alta Mae (Covington) Smith. A love story that began in 1951, resulted in…

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Employment: Agriculture Technician

February 17, 2025

Employment: Agriculture Technician The Mason-Lake Conservation District is seeking an Agriculture Technician to provide technical expertise to agricultural clientele in the area, carry out the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and provide guidance on soil health and improvement techniques. This is a fast-paced job as part of a welcoming team in a beautiful area. This position is funded by…

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Recent births, published Feb. 17, 2025

February 17, 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.  Victoria Lynn Rodriguez, the daughter of Jenna and Christian Rodriguez of Oceana County, was born on Friday, February 14, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births  …

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Closings and cancellations, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025

February 16, 2025

The following are closings and cancellations for Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Please check the list for updates. Schools Covenant Christian School, Ludington Hart Public Schools Ludington Area Catholic School (virtual learning day) Ludington Area School District Mason County Eastern Schools Manistee Area Public Schools Oceana Christian School in Hart Shelby Public Schools Trinity Lutheran School, Manistee West Shore Community College…

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Winter weather advisory remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday

February 16, 2025

UDPATE: THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 7 A.M. TUESDAY A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. Expect additional snow accumulations up to 4 inches and winds gusting as high as 35 mph. Sub zero wind chills are also expected by Monday morning. The advisory includes…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published Feb. 14, 2025

February 14, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — The following were sentenced this week in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Cody Allen Lohman, 28, of Holton pleaded guilty Dec. 16 to two felony counts of carrying a concealed weapon and was sentenced Feb. 10 to one day in jail with credit for one day served; one year probation; and $726…

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‘Round 2’ of winter weather expected to hit late tonight

February 14, 2025

OCEANA COUNTY — After digging out from a winter storm Thursday, Feb. 13, that resulted in all Oceana County schools closing, another round of wintry weather is expected to hit west Michigan beginning late Friday night Feb. 14. Oceana County, along with portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Michigan, is under a winter weather advisory issued by…

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Obituary: Linda Kay McLouth, 87, of Hart

February 14, 2025

On Friday February 7, 2025, Linda Kay McLouth, 87, of Hart, joined her beloved husband, Clem, in Heaven on his birthday.  She was born September 7, 1937, in Mason, Michigan daughter of Lyle and Evelyn (Diehl) Tompkins. Linda grew up in Oceana County and attended Hart Public Schools, graduating from Hart High School in 1956.  During her senior year, Linda…

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79th District Court arraignments, published Feb. 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Terry Clyde Sherman, 34, of Warren, Michigan; two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Preliminary exam: March 4 at 1 p.m. – Jesus Arnoldo Arellano, Jr., 32, of Hart; one count of possession of a narcotic or cocaine less than 25 grams and one…

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79th District Court sentences, published Feb. 13, 2025

February 13, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: David Alan Worth, 40, of Mears, pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to second-offense operating while intoxicated and was sentenced Feb. 11 to five days in jail with credit for five days served; six months probation; Alcoholics Anonymous twice a week; and $1,055 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable…

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News alert: Crash on US 31 near Shelby

February 13, 2025

Emergency crews were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on US 31 near mile marker 145 in the Shelby area Thursday, Feb. 13, around 11:20 a.m. A northbound SUV rolled into the median, according to dispatch information. It was not immediately known if anyone was injured.

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News alert: 3-vehicle crash in Rothbury

February 13, 2025

ROTHBURY — Emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Winston Road by the Wesco convenience store for a three-vehicle crash Thursday, Feb. 13, around 11:15 a.m. One person was complaining of neck pain.    

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FAFSA Completion Night set for Feb. 25

February 13, 2025

SHELBY — High school seniors in Oceana County are invited to FAFSA Completion Night at Shelby High School Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6-8 p.m. This event was originally scheduled for Feb. 12, but had to be rescheduled due to weather. “This is open to all Oceana families — come hungry, we will take care of dinner, and you will leave…

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Closings and cancellations for Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025

February 12, 2025

The following are closings and cancellations for Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Please check the list for updates. Schools Hart Public Schools Hesperia Community Schools Oceana Christian School in Hart Pentwater Public Schools Shelby Public Schools Walkerville Public Schools Other Oceana County Council on Aging in Hart Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email…

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Expanding services to children in crisis

February 12, 2025

Oceana County enters partnership with Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center When agencies come together to coordinate services, the results can be outstanding. Such is the case for children in Oceana County, thanks to the recent efforts of local professionals determined to protect and serve vulnerable children, states a press release from the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center.   Representatives from the Oceana County…

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Pirate Snowcoming royalty

February 11, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   HART — Hart High School crowned 2025 Snowcoming Queen Addi Hovey and King Kai Miller during the JV and varsity boys basketball games against Mason County Central Friday, Feb. 7. Other members of the Snowcoming court, which includes all seniors, are: Faith Vander Vlucht, Julia…

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Obituary: Flossie Alna Miller, 92, of Pentwater, formerly of New Era

February 11, 2025

Flossie Alna Miller, 92, of Pentwater passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025.  Flossie was born on December 20, 1932 in Ludington, the daughter of Andrew Edward and Winnie Ethel (Lincoln) Dains, and graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1950.  On July 4, 1953 she married Donald B. Miller and they celebrated 54 years together before Donald preceded her…

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Winter storm could produce 5-8 inches of snow

February 10, 2025

UPDATE: THE WINTER STORM WATCH WAS UPGRADED TO A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY TUESDAY. OCEANA COUNTY — Several west Michigan counties, including Oceana, are under a winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service that is in effect Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 12, through Thursday morning, Feb. 13. Heavy snow is possible with total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches.…

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Naked dog sitter pleads ‘no contest’ to killing dogs

February 10, 2025

‘(The dog owners) went out to check on the dogs, and the dogs were both dead and their friend was standing there naked, and he was armed with some substantial firearms.’ By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 55-year-old Pleasant Lake, Michigan man who shot and killed two dogs in the 7400 block of Johnson Road in Benona Township…

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Wildcat royalty

February 10, 2025

Wildcat News is a presentation of Walkerville Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  WALKERVILLE — Walkerville High School seniors Gage Mannor and Jaymes Conklin were crowned the 2025 Homecoming king and queen Friday evening, Feb. 7, during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game against Bear Lake.  

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