Pentwater campground to host Airstream rally

September 30, 2025

PENTWATER — The Michigan Airstream Club will bring 36 iconic Airstream travel trailers to Whispering Surf Campground at Bass Lake for its fourth annual fall rally this weekend, Oct. 2–5.  The sold-out, private event is expected to be the largest Michigan rally the club is hosting this year, drawing members from across the state and beyond. “We love hosting unique,…

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Fireplace embers determined to be cause of house fire 

September 29, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor FERRY TOWNSHIP — Fireplace embers were determined to be the cause of a house fire at 2660 E. M 20 Saturday, Sept. 27, according to Ferry Township Fire Chief Brad Fritcher. The house is a “total loss,” said Chief Fritcher. The house, which was insured, was owned by Jason McIntyre. “The cause of the fire…

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Teen injured after pickup truck hits tree head-on

September 29, 2025

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP — An 18-year-old Holton man was transported by Life EMS to Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital following a single-vehicle crash on 198th Avenue near M 20 Tuesday, Sept. 23, shortly before 10 p.m., according to an Oceana County Sheriff’s Office accident report. The teen was driving a 2000 GMC New Sierra pickup truck and “was traveling south on South…

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Van Ess appointed Pentwater village manager

September 29, 2025

PENTWATER — The Pentwater Village Council voted unanimously to appoint James “Toby” Van Ess as the new village manager last week. Van Ess replaces Rachel Witherspoon who resigned in August and began the job Oct. 1, 2024. “Toby has served as our zoning administrator since March of this year,” states the Village of Pentwater’s website. “His decades-long ties to Pentwater;…

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Hart Community Performing Arts Series kicks off season with first concert Oct. 10

September 29, 2025

HART — The Hart Community Performing Arts Series will kick off its 2025-2026 season Friday, Oct. 10, when it presents the Kris Johnson Group in concert.  The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Hart Public Schools Auditorium, located in the Hart Middle School. Tickets are available at the door or online at hartseries.org. Kris Johnson is an empathetic,…

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Police news, published Sept. 29, 2025

September 29, 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, Sept. 24, 2025: 2:41 p.m., (Oceana County Sheriff’s Office), larceny of a trailer, 3500 block of West Jackson Road, Weare Township. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025: 3:09 p.m., (Michigan State Police), a 37-year-old Muskegon…

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Obituary: Mary Jane Crimp, 94, of Rockford, formerly of Pentwater

September 29, 2025

Mary Jane Crimp, 94, of Rockford, formerly of Pentwater, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at StoryPoint in Rockford. She was born November 17, 1930, in Detroit, the daughter of Lloyd Paul and Irene Edna (Hodder) Bradshaw. On May 10, 1952, Mary Jane married the love of her life, Calvin Samuel Crimp, in Detroit, and they enjoyed 65 wonderful years…

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Obituary: Marilyn Ruth Tanner, 97, of Walkerville

September 29, 2025

Marilyn Ruth (Gundy) Tanner passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Hart. She was born September 5, 1928, in Muskegon, to Ralph and Fannie Gundy. She graduated from North Muskegon High School in 1946. Marilyn married LaVerne Tanner on December 26, 1947, and they celebrated 35 years together until his passing in 1983. She then spent 22 years…

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Obituary: Jeffrey Dean McCann Sr, 64, of Hart

September 29, 2025

Jeffrey Dean McCann Sr, 64, passed away comfortably in his home, Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was born June 3, 1961, the son of Roy and Charlotte (Pulsipher) McCann of Hesperia. Jeffrey lived a full and active life, always bringing energy and laughter wherever he went. Known for his quick wit and endless supply of jokes, he had a gift…

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Firefighters battle house fire

September 27, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor FERRY TOWNSHIP — Firefighters from four departments battled a house fire at 2660 E. M 20 Saturday, Sept. 27. Fire departments from Ferry Township, Shelby-Benona, Hesperia and Grant Township were dispatched to the scene located near the north branch of the White River around 11:30 a.m.  A family of five — including children ages 2,…

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Employment: On-Site Manufacturing Engineering Manager

September 27, 2025

Employment: On-Site Manufacturing Engineering Manager Business Focus: Aluminum Value Stream Job Description: This role leads a dynamic team of engineers and maintenance professionals in a fast-paced, innovation-driven manufacturing environment. It combines strategic process optimization, capital planning, and cost-saving initiatives with hands-on technical expertise in aluminum manufacturing. Through strong leadership and project execution, you’ll drive long-term operational success while shaping the future of…

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Beautifying Pirate Nation

September 26, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Jaykob Gallop, a 2014 Hart High School graduate, has found his dream job as head of grounds at Hart Public Schools, and the school property has never looked better. Thanks to Gallop’s hard work coupled with technology, the…

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HPD report, published Sept. 26, 2025

September 26, 2025

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, Sept. 18, 2025: 12:18 p.m., found property, 200 block of State Street, City of Hart. 3:38 p.m., suspicious situation, 300 block of Johnson Street, City of Hart. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025: 12:30…

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Obituary: Larry Lee Snider, 83, of Hart

September 26, 2025

Larry Lee Snider, 83, of Hart, was welcomed into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus, Tuesday, September 23, 2025. He was born October 10, 1941, in Troy, Ohio, the son of Earl and Marguerite (Shroyer) Snider. Larry grew up in Clark County, Ohio on a 500 acre grain farm near South Charleston, where his father, Earl, was a sharecropper.…

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Oceana County Road Commission receives 3 state awards

September 25, 2025

OCRC has the lowest injury rate in the state in its payroll class. HART — The Oceana County Road Commission received three statewide safety awards this week from the County Road Association Self Insurance Fund (CRASIF).  CRASIF is the worker’s compensation/liability pool for 72 of the road commissions in Michigan.  The first award is the Goose Egg award for zero…

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Oceana residents invited to participate in chemical exposure monitoring program

September 24, 2025

Participants will get a $75 gift card as a thank you for their time LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is asking Michigan residents in Oceana and Mason counties to join the Michigan Chemical Exposure Monitoring (MiChEM) program.  The MiChEM program started in 2022 and is an ongoing statewide effort to gather data on the amount…

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Helping Hands Food Pantry receives grant for fresh produce

September 24, 2025

ROTHBURY — The Rothbury Community Church Helping Hands Food Pantry, in collaboration with District Health Department #10 and the Centers for Disease Control’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program, have received a $2,500 grant from the Great Lakes Energy People Fund. This funding will be used to purchase fresh produce for pantry clients, helping ensure that local…

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Obituary: Willard ‘Lee’ Harvey, 88, of Elbridge

September 24, 2025

Willard Leroy “Lee” Harvey, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 22, 2025. He was born December 29, 1936, in Dearborn, the son of Robert and Alice (Mongeau) Harvey. Lee was a devoted member of the Elbridge Community Church, where he not only worshiped but also dedicated countless hours to volunteering and supporting the church’s fundraising efforts. He built his…

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Obituary: Dr. John Persson, 71, of Pentwater

September 24, 2025

Dr. John Craig Persson, 71, of Pentwater, formerly of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Born on June 15, 1954, John, affectionately known as “Dino” by many, was the son of the late Clarence J. and Shirley M. (Newton) Persson. He graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 1972 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree…

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Men caught stealing fruit return to pay farmer

September 23, 2025

BENONA TOWNSHIP — Two men who allegedly stole fruit from a fruit stand returned and paid the farmer, resulting in no charges being pressed against the suspects, said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast. The men were observed in a white pickup truck with a trailer stealing $75 worth of fruit in the 900 block of South 32nd Avenue Saturday, Sept.…

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Hart High School celebrates homecoming next week

September 23, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.    HART — Hart High School’s homecoming events will kick off Sunday, Sept, 28, with the annual powderpuff games starting at 6 p.m. at the football field.  The homecoming theme this year is “Around the World.”  Spirit week will begin Monday, Sept. 29, when students will…

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