Freezing drizzle forecast prompts winter weather advisory

February 2, 2026

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory that is in effect for a large portion of west and central Michigan — including Oceana and Mason counties — until 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2. Areas of freezing drizzle are expected with a light glaze of ice accumulation. Plan on slippery roads.  “Freezing drizzle may end earlier or linger longer…

Read more »

Youth Hockey: West Shore Wolves win district championhsip

February 1, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. JACKSON — The 12U West Shore Wolves won the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association District 6 championship Sunday at the Jackson Optimist Center, earning the opportunity to represent District 6 at the MAHA state…

Read more »

Co-op Hockey: Double defeats for Lakeshore Badgers

February 1, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. The Lakeshore Badgers were on the road over the weekend. First playing against the Gladwin Flying Gs in Gladwin on Friday then against the Manistique Emeralds on Saturday. Unfortunately, the Badgers were…

Read more »

Varsity girls basketball: Close conference win for Shelby

January 31, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. RAVENNA — The Shelby Tigers defeated Ravenna Friday in a close West Michigan Conference Lakes Division game, 40-39. “It was definitely a nail biter tonight,” said Shelby Coach Sarah Wolting.  “Down by…

Read more »

Recent death: Ned Anthony Zaffino, 89, of Hart

January 31, 2026

Ned Anthony Zaffino, 89, of Hart, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility. A full obituary is being drafted and will be posted in the coming days. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Joseph Weare Catholic Church, 2380 West Jackson Road, Weare Township,…

Read more »

Culture, tasty food, warmth, connection on the menu at OCCOA’s ‘Dinners around the World’

January 30, 2026

HART — Despite the wintery weather conditions, over 70 people attended Oceana County Council on Aging’s first of two “Dinners around the World” event Saturday, Jan. 24.  Diners feasted on a multi-course meal featuring food from India. The menu offered familiar dishes like butter chicken and new flavors, like rice pudding made with saffron, cardamom and pistachios. Guests enjoyed the…

Read more »

Hart PD news, published Jan. 30, 2026

January 30, 2026

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, Jan. 22, 2026: 8:20 a.m., vehicle crash, no injury, 3000 block of Polk Road, City of Hart. 11:03 a.m., open burning, 1000 block of Parmington Avenue, City of Hart. Friday, Jan. 23,…

Read more »

Shelby Optimist Club supports youth activities, organizations county-wide

January 30, 2026

Tom Fox and Dale Burmeister honored for 50 years of service SHELBY — Shelby Optimist Club members take a pledge to support youth activities and organizations throughout Oceana County. The Sportsman’s Banquet, the club’s major fundraiser that took place Jan. 21, not only helped to fulfill that pledge, but also showed the community’s eagerness to support the club’s worthy cause. …

Read more »

Varsity Boys Basketball: Hart defeats Kent City

January 30, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. KENT CITY — The visiting Hart Pirates were able to employ early pressure as they created a solid lead by a score of 24-7 after one quarter.  Kent City showed great fight in…

Read more »

Employment: Elementary School Teacher

January 30, 2026

Employment: Elementary School Teacher About the School Ludington Area Catholic School welcomes all children, promotes academic excellence, nurtures their faith, and builds their character in a Catholic Christian environment where Jesus is the heart of our school.  We are located in the beautiful city of Ludington, on the shores of Lake Michigan. We are seeking a 3rd/4th grade multiage classroom…

Read more »

Girls Varsity Basketball: Kent City tops Hart; Smith scores 27 points

January 29, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. HART — Kent City beat Hart 64-58 Thursday in non-conference competition. Pirate Reese Smith scored 27 points including 14 in the fourth quarter while teammate Rilynn Porter scored 15 points. “Too many…

Read more »

15-20 below zero windchills forecasted in Michigan

January 29, 2026

Wind chills of 15-20 below zero are expected across most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and the eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula from midnight Thursday, Jan. 29, until 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, according to the National Weather Service. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 20 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30…

Read more »

West Shore FFA competes in districts

January 29, 2026

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational School District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. MONTAGUE — The West Shore FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter competed at districts hosted by Montague High School Wednesday. Though the team fell short of advancing to the regionals, their coach, Mark Willis, said they competed…

Read more »

EMS professionals to participate in conference this weekend

January 29, 2026

​​WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor MANISTEE — Emergency medical workers from Mason and Oceana counties will receive critical training and engage in professional networking during a conference this weekend at the Little River Casino in partnership with West Shore Community…

Read more »

Hart man sentenced to prison for meth delivery, multiple charges

January 29, 2026

Boot camp recommended By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Hart man was sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 27, to prison for a conviction of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine, along with several other convictions. Kash Verlyn Valley, pleaded guilty Jan. 14, 2025 to delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine; possession of cocaine, heroin or another narcotic; driving while…

Read more »

Winter weather advisory extended until 1 p.m.

January 29, 2026

OCEANA COUNTY — A winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service for several west Michigan counties, including Oceana and Mason counties, has been extended until 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. It was originally slated to end at 10 a.m. “Roads will remain slick and hazardous,” states NWS. “Visibility and road conditions may change rapidly over short distances in…

Read more »

Girls Varsity Basketball: Wildcats fall to Eastern

January 29, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. CUSTER — Mason County Eastern defeated the Walkerville Wildcats in West Michigan D play Wednesday, 50-38. “The varsity team was strong on the glass all night,” said MCE Coach Jake Smith. “Annabelle…

Read more »

Co-op Varsity Hockey: Badgers fall to Grand Haven

January 29, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. FRUITPORT — The Lakeshore Badgers fell to the Grand Haven Buccaneers Wednesday evening 3-1. The contest was tight with the Badgers taking on a “bend, don’t break” stance being outshot 34-14 on…

Read more »

Varsity Girls Basketball: Shelby defeats Montague

January 28, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. SHELBY — The Shelby Tigers defeated the Montague Wildcats Wednesday, 63-15. Shelby scorers: Jayna Burmeister, 23 Annabelle Stark, 12 Michelle Peterson, 9 Ava Lamberg, 6 Kylie Brown, 4 Peyton Rapes, 4 Score…

Read more »

Varsity Boys Basketball: MCC overpowers Shelby in conference action

January 28, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. Photos and story by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central defeated the Shelby Tigers 64-41 in West Michigan Conference Lakes Division play Tuesday. “It came down to free throws and…

Read more »

Pirate Snowcoming royalty to be crowned Feb. 12

January 28, 2026

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  HART — After Snowcoming was canceled due to a snow day Jan. 23, Hart High School has rescheduled the event to Thursday, Feb. 12, right before midwinter break. The Snowcoming court will be recognized, and the king and queen will be crowned following the varsity…

Read more »

Area Churches