51st Circuit Court sentencings, published Jan. 7, 2025

January 7, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Timothy Lee Hardy, Sr., 61, pleaded guilty Nov. 18, 2024 to assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced Jan. 6, 2025 to 38 days in jail with credit for 38 days served; one year probation; and $658 in fines and costs. –…

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79th District Court sentences, published Jan. 7, 2025

January 7, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Brandon Scott Thrailkill, 31, of Mears pleaded guilty Aug. 13, 2024 to larceny less than $200 and was sentenced Dec. 17, 2024 to 45 days in jail with credit for 15 days served; one year probation; and $400 in fines and costs. “Defendant must serve 30 more…

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Recent births, published Jan. 7, 2025

January 7, 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.  Madison LaVern Meitner, the daughter of Danyelle Leys and Tyler Meitner of Walkerville, was born on Sunday, January 5, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births  …

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Employment: Hi-Lo Driver

January 7, 2025

Employment: Hi-Lo Driver Indian Summer is looking for an experienced Hi-Lo driver for a fast-paced warehouse. Must be able to work independently as well as with others. Basic computer skills are required. Ability to throw 30 pound cases daily. Reliable transportation. If you are interested, please call Wendy at 231-845-6248 ext. 312 to set up an interview. This is a…

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Employment: Custodial/Maintenance Worker

January 7, 2025

West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a Custodial/Maintenance Worker. High School diploma and at least six months experience with maintenance of systems (HVAC, boiler, plumbing, electrical) and grounds work required. To view a complete job posting, please visit our website at www.wsesd.org.  Send cover letter, resume and credentials to:  Human Resources, West Shore ESD, 2130 W.…

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Man faces prison term for unarmed robbery

January 6, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 58-year-old Hart man faces serving two years in prison after pleading guilty to unarmed robbery in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, Jan. 6. The robbery conviction against Francisco Lujando Paniagua, of 513 S. Griswold St., stems from an incident involving a BB gun and a juvenile accomplice last March in the…

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Oceana Community Foundation awards $5,000 grant to support housing counseling services

January 6, 2025

SHELBY — Mid Michigan Community Action Agency announced that it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Oceana Community Foundation to support housing counseling services in Oceana County. Funding for the project is provided by the Community Investment Fund, Homeless Prevention Endowment Fund, and William R. Lathers Foundation Fund. The grant will help Mid Michigan CAA provide essential housing…

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The Ladder hosts Party Club for kids ages 5-12

January 6, 2025

SHELBY — Children ages 5-12 are invited to The Ladder Community Center once a month for Party Club. Join the Mid-Winter Party Saturday, Jan. 11, from 1-2:30 p.m. for songs, Bible lessons, games and snacks. Party Club is sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship, a Bible-centered ministry serving in every region of the world. All teachers and helpers have been trained…

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Police news, published Jan. 6, 2025

January 6, 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, Dec. 25, 2024: 7:55 p.m., a 44-year-old Shelby woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated, 5300 block of South Oceana Drive, Grant Township. She was lodged in the Oceana County Jail. 10:04 p.m.,…

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Police looking for beer theft suspects

January 6, 2025

SHELBY — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a larceny of beer that occurred at the Shelby Wesco convenience store on State Street early Monday morning, Jan. 6. Images of two male suspects were captured on the store’s surveillance camera. Also pictured is a red sedan that is believed to have been used in the theft. The larceny of…

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Recent death: Stephen Thomas Nichols, 69, of Pentwater

January 6, 2025

Stephen Thomas Nichols, 69, of Pentwater died on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Receive email alerts and recaps starting at $10 per month Thank you for reading Mason County Press…

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Obituary: James ‘Jimmer’ Nauta, 75, of Pentwater

January 5, 2025

James ‘Jimmer’ Nauta, 75, of Pentwater, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, after a courageous four-year battle with ALS.  The disease may have robbed him of his body, but never his spirit. Jim married the love of his life, Carol, and they shared 54 wonderful years together.  They raised their three children in Lowell and were well known to…

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Employment: County Drain Maintenance Technician

January 5, 2025

Employment: County Drain Maintenance Technician The County of Mason is seeking a qualified individual for a County Drain Maintenance Technician position with the Mason County Drain Commissioner’s office.  Individuals applying for this position must be able to work effectively with the public, administer various permit programs, perform periodic drain inspections and oversee drain maintenance projects.  Additional duties include conducting post-closure…

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Employment: Court Clerk

January 5, 2025

Employment: Court Clerk The 79th District Court in Mason County seeks a Court Clerk. PAY RATE: Clerical (See https://www.masoncounty.net/county-board/salaries-and-wage-schedule.html) *Pursuant to section 109 of the Mason County Employee Handbook, individuals with similar job experience may qualify for an advanced start rate. *Individuals who record as a Certified Electronic Operator (CEO), may obtain additional compensation as may be agreed upon by…

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EF makes statement about discovery of missing festival goer’s remains

January 3, 2025

ROTHBURY — Electric Forest Festival posted a statement on social media Friday, Jan. 3, extending condolences to the family and friends of  Kevin Graves, whose remains were found earlier this week near the Electric Forest Festival grounds six and a half years after his disappearance. EF issued the following statement: “The news about Kevin Graves is deeply saddening. We would…

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Shelby woman airlifted after car and dump truck collide

January 3, 2025

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A 67-year-old Shelby woman was airlifted via Aeromed to a Grand Rapids hospital after the car she was driving and a dump truck collided on South Oceana Drive near Dad’s Automotive, just south of the Village of Shelby, Thursday, Jan. 2, around 5:30 p.m., according to Michigan State Police Cadet Dante Richards of the Hart post. The…

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News Alert: Crash closes Oceana Drive near Shelby

January 2, 2025

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Oceana Drive was closed south of the Village of Shelby between Water Road and 80th Avenue for a vehicle crash Thursday, Jan. 2, around 5:30 p.m., according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

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Human remains identified as missing Electric Forest attendee Kevin Graves

January 2, 2025

‘The cause of death has yet to be determined and may take several months. However, there are no indications of foul play at this time.’ ROTHBURY — Michigan State Police detectives have confirmed that the human remains found earlier this week near the Electric Forest Festival grounds are Kevin Graves, the 28-year-old Oakland County man who has been missing since…

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Winter weather advisory begins at 4 a.m. Friday

January 2, 2025

  UPDATE: THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 1 A.M. SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 2025 The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for west Michigan, including Oceana County, for Friday, Jan. 3, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches are expected with “locally higher amounts possible in lake effect bands.”…

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Kevin Graves’ phone, wallet found near human remains

January 2, 2025

GRANT TOWNSHIP — A phone and wallet that belonged to Kevin Graves, the 28-year-old Oakland County man who disappeared while attending the Electric Forest Festival in 2018, were found near the scene where human remains were discovered Monday, Dec. 30, Graves’ sister told Wood TV 8. Kevin Graves’ father, Gary Graves, told mlive that Kevin Graves’ phone and wallet were…

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Human remains found in woods near Rothbury

December 31, 2024

ROTHBURY — Troopers and detectives from the Michigan State Police Hart post were dispatched to a wooded area near Rothbury following the discovery of human remains Monday, Dec. 30, according to an MSP press release issued Tuesday. “The investigation continued today with additional evidence being recovered. Forensic anthropologists from the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine responded…

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