Freeze warning issued

October 16, 2026

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a freeze warning for Oceana County and several other counties beginning at midnight Friday night, Oct. 16, through 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Temperatures as low as 31 are expected. The warning covers portions of central, south central, southwest, and west central Michigan, including Oceana, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa, Mecosta, Isabella, Montcalm,…

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Recent birth, published Oct. 16, 2026

October 16, 2026

The following birth has been reported: Miley Kathryn Howard, the daughter of Jayme and Matthew McCrary-Howard of Pentwater, was born on Friday, October 16, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. List of 2026 births List of 2025 births   __________________________________ Please Support Local News Coverage For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while Mason County…

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Rivals team up for a good cause

October 15, 2026

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — They may be fierce rivals on the football field. But off the field, Hart and Shelby high schools are working together for the betterment of the community. A food drive organized by school resource officers Tim Simon and…

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Hart woman receives lifesaving award from sheriff

October 15, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Heather Hallack of Hart recently received a Michigan Sheriff’s Association award from the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office for saving the life of another woman. Hallack’s heroism extended beyond that courageous act when she organized a campaign that raised $36,900 to ensure all Oceana County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicles are equipped with AEDs (automated…

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Mom sentenced to 4 ½ to 10 years in prison in baby death case

October 14, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 27-year-old mother convicted of second-degree child abuse in connection to the death of her 7-month-old son was sentenced to 54 months (4 ½ years) to 10 years in prison in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Oct. 12. Elizabeth LynnLanor Hogan pleaded no contest to the charge, Aug. 10. Her boyfriend, Devin…

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Gull Lake football investigation turned over to Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office 

October 14, 2026

HART — After a nearly four-month investigation, the Michigan State Police turned over a 385-page report regarding allegations involving the Gull Lake High School football program to the Oceana County Prosecutor’s Office. Oceana County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Bizon said it will be a long process to review the file. “It is massive and will take time to review,” he said. …

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Obituary: Carolee Ann Youngstrom, 95, of Hart

October 14, 2026

Carolee Ann Youngstrom, 95, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Grand Rapids. Born July 4, 1931, to Carrie and Andy Reames, one of seven daughters. Carolee graduated from Hart High School, class of 1949, then became a legal secretary. She went on to work as an office manager at Oceana County Mental Health until retirement. Carolee married Ervin…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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