Obituary: Arthur Russell Lunn, 97, of Hart

October 12, 2026

Arthur Russell Lunn, 97, of Hart, formerly of Livonia, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 11, 1929, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, the son of Herbert and Emily (Bradley) Lunn. Russ attended the University of Alabama as an Air Force ROTC cadet and graduated with a degree in accounting in…

Read more »

Recent death: Robert Lewis Schultz, 79, of Pentwater

October 12, 2026

Robert Lewis Schultz, 79, of Pentwater, died on Sunday, October 11, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at noon, at Grace Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ludington, www.GraceCremations.com. Listing of 2026 deaths. Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of…

Read more »

Shelby boy earns bravery award from sheriffs

October 9, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART —  Shelby Elementary School student Tucker Henrickson, 10, was presented a bravery award from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, Oct. 8, for his courageous actions when attempting to save his dad’s life last summer. Mark “Hondo” Henrickson, Jr., died after he ”jumped head-first” into a swimming pool Tuesday afternoon, July 14, in the…

Read more »

Learn about sustainable harvesting 

October 9, 2026

NEWAYGO — Curious about the Indigenous principles of an honorable harvest? Join Wild Ones West Michigan Shore-to-Prairie Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. at the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ for a two-part program focusing on sustainable harvesting—a mindset that helps to build and guide the reciprocal relationship between the people and the land. Saturday’s program features…

Read more »

West Shore Bank earns 5-star rating from BauerFinancial

October 9, 2026

LUDINGTON — West Shore Bank has earned BauerFinancial Inc.’s highest rating of 5-Star Superior, recognizing the bank’s financial strength and stability. BauerFinancial, based in Coral Gables, Fla., has analyzed and rated the nation’s banks since 1983. Its ratings evaluate financial indicators including capital, asset quality and liquidity. West Shore Bank earned the firm’s highest rating for the most recent quarter,…

Read more »

Obituary: Mario Pineda, 57, of Rothbury

October 9, 2026

Mario Pineda, 57, of Rothbury, passed away Wednesday, October 7, 2026. He was born August 22, 1969, in Shelby, the son of David and Darlene (Pego) Pineda. On Oct. 11, 2012, Mario married Franki (Wicks) Long, and together they spent 26 loving years together. Mario loved his family and always lit up whenever kids were around. Mario graduated from Montague…

Read more »

Obituary: Walene Pieske, 88, of Hart

October 9, 2026

Walene Pieske, 88, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 leaving a legacy of family and community connection. Born on August 9, 1938, in Chicago, to Walter and Francis, she was raised in the city and graduated from Lane Technical High School. During her school years, she co-founded a social club with her peers known as the Vixens, maintaining those…

Read more »

Officials gather to celebrate solar project

October 8, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART TOWNSHIP — NorthStar Clean Energy hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the 120-megawatt Hart Solar Project, at 1642 W. Polk Rd., Thursday, Oct. 8.  “Hart Solar will deliver clean, renewable energy to Michigan communities through long-term agreements with Executive Energy Services and Michigan Public Power Agency,” states a press release.  The $200 million project…

Read more »

Criminal trial ends with hung jury

October 8, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — The criminal trial against a 45-year-old woman accused of breaking into storage units with three accomplices last April ended in a hung jury Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court. Melissa Sue Young was charged with two felony counts of breaking and entering a building with intent following a break-in to…

Read more »

Obituary: Roger Jorissen, 76, of Pentwater

October 8, 2026

Roger Jorissen, 76, of Pentwater, passed away at home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. He was born July 22, 1950, in Hart to John and Nellie (Arnouts) Jorissen. Roger served in the United States Army in Berlin, Germany. After returning home from military service, he met Jean Raymond of Walkerville. They were married on October 21, 1972, and raised three…

Read more »

Smith & Eddy Insurance helps seniors navigate Medicare options

October 8, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — Smith & Eddy Insurance is among several insurance agencies across the country helping people ages 65 and older navigate Medicare. Medicare season begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 31. As with every Medicare season, changes are taking place, and Smith & Eddy encourages everyone to review and discuss their Medicare coverage. “There’s a lot of noise out…

Read more »

79th District Court felony arraignments, published Oct. 7, 2026

October 7, 2026

HART — The following were recently arraigned on felony charges in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Janee Nichole Johnson, 36, assault with a dangerous weapon. Offense date: Sept. 18, 2026. Agency: Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Bail: $500/10 percent. Probable cause conference: Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.   Brian James Puffenberger, 34, possession of a narcotic or cocaine less than…

Read more »

Oktoberfest brings cars, music, 5K, food, fall fun to Pentwater 

October 7, 2026

PENTWATER — Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and a full day of family fun during Oktoberfest this Saturday, Oct. 10. Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Oktoberfest Car Show that will feature more than 150 classic cars and hot rods lining Hancock Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. at the Pentwater Chamber…

Read more »

Walkerville board to begin contract negotiations with new school leader

October 7, 2026

WALKERVILLE — Wendy Maynard-Somers, who was superintendent at Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools for seven years, has entered contract negotiations with the Walkerville Public Schools Board of Education for the part-time superintendent job. The school board voted unanimously Tuesday evening, Oct. 6, to enter contract negotiations with Maynard-Somers. The board unanimously approved last month to advance her as the sole finalist in…

Read more »

51st Circuit Court sentences, published Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 2026

HART — The following were sentenced Monday, Oct. 5, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: Isaac Robert Gill, 37, was found guilty by a jury, Aug. 5, of methamphetamine/ecstasy possession and was sentenced, Oct. 5, to one year in jail with credit for 64 days served; two years probation; and $598 in fines and costs. Amanda Marie Fetterhoff, 39, pleaded…

Read more »

Police looking for trail cam thief

October 6, 2026

GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is looking for the driver of a tan Chevrolet Tahoe in the above photo that was captured on the owner’s trail cam feed before the Bushnell brand trail cam valued at $100 was stolen from the 6100 block of East Garfield Road, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The theft was reported…

Read more »

Police news, published Oct. 6, 2026

October 6, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent police activity in Oceana County: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026: 10 a.m., (Michigan State Police), a 27-year-old Hesperia man was arrested for probation violation, Garfield Road, Hesperia. He was lodged in the Oceana County Jail. Friday, Sept. 25, 2026: 2:35…

Read more »

3 dogs, 4 cats die in house fire

October 5, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP — A family lost their home and their pets in a house fire Sunday, Oct. 4, at 5038 South 44th Ave., according to Grant Township Fire Chief Dan Yost. The family returned from church to find the back of their house on fire, said Chief Yost. Firefighters from Grant Township, Shelby-Benona and Ferry…

Read more »

Lost hunter arrested for drunk hunting

October 5, 2026

COLFAX TOWNSHIP — A 54-year-old Hudsonville man was arrested for hunting while intoxicated after he called 911 stating that he was lost in the woods Friday, Oct. 2, around 9:30 p.m. in the 8000 block of Maple Island Road, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. When deputies responded to the call, they found the lost hunter and also discovered that…

Read more »

Police release info about deadly crash 

October 5, 2026

WRIGHT TOWNSHIP, Ottawa County — The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office released information about the three-vehicle crash on I 96 that killed Lucus Jerry Werkema-Grondsma, 18, of Pentwater on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 12:15 a.m. Werkema-Grondsma was a passenger in a Nissan Infiniti driven by a 23-year-old Custer man, whose name has not been released. Preliminary investigation shows that a semi-truck…

Read more »

Obituary: James Temberg, 71, of Hesperia

October 5, 2026

James “Jim” or “Jimmy” Temberg, of Hesperia, passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at age 71. Born on November 23, 1954 to Mary (Flood) and Einar Temberg and raised in Whitehall, Jimmy spent a long career as a stone mason in the west Michigan area. Jimmy loved Michigan and often said there was no better place to live. Happily…

Read more »

Subscribe to OCP

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks

Amen Free Clinic