Man arrested on six charges with meth charge pending

July 7, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A 36-year-old Muskegon man was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding police, operating while intoxicated, carrying a concealed weapon, felony firearm, second-offense driving while license revoked and operating without insurance on northbound US 31 near Stony Lake Road Sunday,…

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Police news, published July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

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: Wednesday, July 2, 2025: 4:17 p.m., (Oceana County Sheriff’s Office), a 43-year-old New Era man was cited for second-offense driving while license revoked, Oceana Drive and Wilke Road, Grant Township. Thursday, July 3, 2025:…

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Obituary: Lois Irene Haus, 98, of Ludington, formerly of Pentwater

July 7, 2025

Lois Irene (Pratt) Haus, 98, of Ludington, formerly of Pentwater, passed away on Thursday July 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born March 12, 1927, in Scottville, Lois was the daughter of the late Ward and Hazel (Davis) Pratt. She graduated from Scottville High School, class of 1945, then went on to Central Michigan University where she received her master’s…

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Employment: Fork Lift Drivers

July 6, 2025

Employment: Fork Lift Drivers Indian Summer is hiring first and second shift Fork Lift Drivers for cherry season. First shift starting pay: $16 per hour Second shift starting pay: $17 per hour. Apply in person at Indian Summer 3958 W Chauvez Rd. Ludington. This is a paid posting. Published until July 22, 2025.

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Obituary: John Christian Herremans, 90, of Walkerville

July 5, 2025

John Christian Herremans, 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, with much love and support from his family. John was proceeded in death by his parents, Peter and Rosa (VanAgtmael) Herremans; and beloved son Patrick (Pat) Neil Herremans. John will be deeply missed by his devoted wife…

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Obituary: Monica May Baranski, 87, of Shelby

July 5, 2025

Monica May Baranski, 87, of Shelby, passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025. She was born May 4, 1938, in Detroit, the daughter of Stanley and Elizabeth (Ziobron) Wierzbicki. Following high school, Monica worked as a comptroller for the railroad. She had various hobbies, including sewing and jigsaw puzzles, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Monica…

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Super drunk driving suspect leads police on high-speed chase

July 2, 2025

FERRY TOWNSHIP — A 31-year-old Hesperia man was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding police, operating with a high blood alcohol content (.17 or higher)/super drunk driving, second-offense driving while license revoked and parole violation Sunday, June 29, at 8:20 p.m. on East Garfield Road near 154th Avenue, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. During the police chase, the…

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Kids find artillery shell while magnet fishing in Lake Michigan

July 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor CLAYBANKS TOWNSHIP — Less than a month after artillery mortars from the former US Army training base, Camp Claybanks, were discovered at a residence, an artillery shell from the military camp was found in Lake Michigan, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The first mortars were uncovered in a culvert underneath a resident’s driveway, June…

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Man sentenced to 20-80 years in prison for deadly drug deal

July 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Oceana County man was sentenced to 20-80 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, July 1, for the fentanyl death of his friend. A jury found Travis Michael Gale guilty, March 24, of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine and delivery/manufacture of cocaine, heroin or another…

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Hart High School honor roll

July 1, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.  HART — The following were named to the Hart High School honor roll for the fourth marking period: High honors Seniors  Adams, Devyn Lynn Arjona, Brianna Marie Bizon, Joseph John Bolan, Janice Rose Brown, Rhylly J-Lynn Bustos, Joshua Ethan Jordan Carter, Brooklyn Ava Case, Reagan…

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Fireworks to light up the sky this week for the Fourth of July

July 1, 2025

The following are fireworks shows on tap this week in celebration of the Fourth of July: Wednesday, July 2: Hart Sparks, downtown Hart, dusk Thursday, July 3: Pentwater Fireworks, Charles State Park, dusk Friday, July 4: Thunder over the Dunes, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, dusk Friday, July 4: Hesperia Family Fun Fest, downtown Hesperia, dusk Have a safe and happy…

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Hart High School Class of ’95 reunion

July 1, 2025

HART — The Hart High School Class of 1995 is having a 30-year reunion Saturday, Aug. 16, from 6-10 p.m. at the Colonial Golf Course. The cost is $20 per person and includes dinner — mini pulled pork sandwiches, pasta salad, veggies, fruit, chips and more. There will be a cash bar. RSVP with Courtney at 616-915-8457. ________________________ Please Support…

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New Era Police Chief to retire after 61 years in law enforcement

June 30, 2025

Chief Roy Strait turns 88 years old July 3 By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor NEW ERA — New Era Police Chief Roy Strait is hanging up his police officer hat after a 61-year career in law enforcement. Chief Strait’s last day on the job will be Thursday, July 3, which is also his 88th birthday. The chief’s long career in…

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Sheriff’s office to participate in Operation Dry Water July 4-6

June 30, 2025

Boaters can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence on the water, including sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols.  PENTWATER – The Fourth of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the water, with millions of boaters across the United States taking to lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. This increased activity often leads to…

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Obituary: Elsa F. Creed, 75, of Hart

June 30, 2025

Elsa F. Creed, laid down her sword for the final time on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in her fierce fight against cancer.  She did not lose the battle, but simply grew too weary to carry on. Elsa Flores made her debut on July 5, 1949, in Alice, Texas, to Catalina and Ernesto.  She was the third child in a family…

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Police news, published June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  Monday, June 23, 2025: 8:57 p.m,. A 27-year-old Linden, Michigan man was arrested for probation violation and operating under the influence of drugs, 8600 block of Silver Lake Road, Golden Township. A charge of possession with intent to deliver is pending lab analysis…

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Suspect in counterfeit money case identified

June 27, 2025

OCP readers help find suspect HESPERIA — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office “has identified a suspect and is working through the investigation” in a counterfeit money case, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The sheriff’s office was seeking a person of interest in the crime, which occurred at Ed’s Orchard Market in Hesperia. “The suspect was identified through the OCP…

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79th District Court arraignments, published June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Tony Liu, 27, of Swedesboro, New Jersey; delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance — cocaine, heroin or another narcotic less than 50 grams. Preliminary exam: July 8 at 1 p.m. – Richard Allen Edlund II, 47, of Rothbury; methamphetamine possession. Preliminary exam: July 15 at 1…

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79th District Court sentencings, published June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Lisa Rebecca Birkett, 53, of Rothbury, pleaded guilty June 3 to operating while intoxicated and was sentenced to two days in jail with credit for two days served; six months probation; Alcohol Highway Safety Education; Victim Impact Panel; and $1,000 in fines and costs. One count of…

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MSP: Six people arrested within Electric Forest Festival grounds

June 25, 2025

ROTHBURY — The massive four-day music festival, Electric Forest, wrapped up at the Double JJ Resort Sunday, June 22, with tens of thousands of people from all over the country attending. Michigan State Police Spl. Lt. Michelle Robinson, who is the public information officer for the Sixth District, said there were six arrests over the four-day period and four other…

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Until next year, Electric Forest

June 25, 2025

By Ross Field, Contributing Writer ROTHBURY — And that’s a wrap. The massive number of cars heading south on US 31 Monday morning, June 23, was proof positive that the 2025 Electric Forest had come to an end. While Mother Nature brought intermittent rain on Thursday and Friday, and high winds over Saturday and Sunday, these weather events actually contributed…

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