Five women vie for the asparagus queen crown

June 6, 2025

Photos courtesy of Britani Dostal Photography  HART — One of five candidates will be selected Saturday, June 7, to reign as the 2025 Asparagus Queen. The candidates will meet with the judges panel Saturday, and the 2025 National Asparagus Queen and Runner-up will be announced. The queen and runner-up will be crowned Friday evening, June 13, during a free concert…

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Jury finds Rothbury man guilty of third-degree CSC

June 6, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A jury found a 37-year-old Rothbury man guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC) Thursday, June 5, in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court. However, Ricardo Daniel Rodriguez-Flores was found not guilty of three counts of first-degree CSC. Rodriguez-Flores, who was free on bond, was remanded to the Oceana County Jail following the verdict.…

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Obituary: Carolyn Sue Hood, 73, of Ludington

June 6, 2025

Carolyn Sue Hood, 73, of Ludington, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 2, 1951, in Jackson to Alvin and Louise (Robins) Mackey. Carolyn was known for her generous heart, hardworking spirit, and unmatched talent in crafting. If you knew her, you likely received a handmade gift – whether it…

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DHD #10 advising residents to take caution during low air quality alert

June 5, 2025

HART — District Health Department #10 encourages residents to take precautions based on current air conditions. The Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert for Michigan’s entire Lower Peninsula Thursday, June 5. “Due to widespread wildfires in Canada, smoke plumes are moving through the atmosphere and are impacting air quality,” states a DHD #10…

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Hesperia students unveil mural made of recycled waste

June 5, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HESPERIA — A large mural made of recycled waste, entitled “Reclaimed Beauty,” was officially unveiled at Vida Weaver Park Thursday morning, June 5. The unique mural was created by students in Monica Grimard’s 3-D art class at Hesperia High School. “The mural features a steelhead, a powerful symbol of Hesperia,” said Hesperia Student Body President…

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51st Circuit Court sentencings, published June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Andres Rodriguez, 41, pleaded guilty March 3 to possession of cocaine, heroin or another narcotic and was sentenced May 12 to 24 days in jail with credit for 24 days served; two years probation; and $283 in fines and costs. – Tina Joy Ingersoll, 51, pleaded…

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A labor of love

June 4, 2025

Spitler Elementary School celebrates upgraded Pirates’ Paradise playground Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — It has been a project two years in the making, involving parents, school staff, students, community members and charitable organizations, and it is finally complete. The new and improved Pirates’…

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Obituary: Judy Kay Copenhaver, 69, of Hart

June 4, 2025

Judy Kay Copenhaver, 69, of Hart, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at her home. She was born July 28, 1955, in Hart, the daughter of Merrill and Lillian (Clark) Eckholm. Judy was a loving daughter, mother, nana, sister, and friend. She loved spending time with her family, whether having a picnic, going camping, or having family get-togethers. She especially…

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Limited access dune community forum set for June 12

June 3, 2025

BENONA TOWNSHIP — Mason-Oceana 911 is hosting a Limited Access Dune Community forum Thursday, June 12, at 10 a.m. at the Little Point Sable Stone Church, 668 S. Stone Church Rd., Shelby. Limited access dune communities pose a serious challenge to emergency responders who need to gain access to homes for emergencies, such as house fires. “We just had yet…

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Montague woman ordered to pay over $160,000 in embezzlement case

June 3, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 51-year-old Montague woman was sentenced to five months in jail; two years probation; and ordered to pay $161,170.67 in restitution for a felony embezzlement conviction in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June 2. Amy Elizabeth Babcock pleaded “no contest” to the charge, April 14. “Amy Babcock was hired by and stole…

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Woman pleads ‘no contest’ to assault with intent to do great bodily harm

June 3, 2025

Markie Castillo used a blunt instrument, such as a hammer or bat, to assault a man with whom she had an ‘on-and-off’ relationship. By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 34-year-old Walkerville woman pleaded “no contest” to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, June 2, for the…

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House severely damaged by dune grass fire

June 2, 2025

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SUMMIT TOWNSHIP — Multiple emergency agencies responded to what began as a dune grass fire that turned into a house fire Monday afternoon just north of the Mason-Oceana county line. Riverton Fire Department was initially called to Montgomery Drive south of the Bass Lake outlet near Lake Michigan at 12:50 p.m. for a reported dune grass…

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US 31 lane closures will now be halted during EF

June 2, 2025

GRANT TOWNSHIP — Lane closures for road work on northbound and southbound US 31 between Winston Road and M 20 scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 4, will be halted during the Electric Forest Festival, the Michigan Department of Transportation announced Monday, June 2. “We have good news for the forest-dwelling music lovers,” said John Richard of MDOT’s communications team. “Lane…

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Brothers allegedly attack brother with screwdriver

June 2, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP — A pair of brothers face felony charges after allegedly attacking their brother with a screwdriver on Memorial Day, May 26, according to Sgt. Michael Cuevas of the Michigan State Police, Hart post. Simon Gabriel Saldana, 33, is charged with assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, assault with…

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MSU Extension and Farm Bureau host Farm/Home Safety Day 

June 2, 2025

WEARE TOWNSHIP — Mason and Oceana County MSU Extension, in partnership with Farm Bureau, are hosting a Farm/Home Safety Day for children ages 7 and older Thursday, June 26, from 1-5 p.m. at the West Michigan Research Station, at 5185 N. Oceana Dr.   Sponsors for this year’s event include Helena Agrichemical, Matt Williams Farm Bureau Agency, Lane Stotler Farm Bureau…

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News alert: motorhome fire in Silver Lake

June 2, 2025

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — Emergency crews were dispatched to Sun Retreats on 34th Avenue in Silver Lake for a motorhome fire Monday, June 2, shortly before 11 a.m.

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Weekend police news, published June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following is Oceana County Sheriff’s Office activity over the weekend: Friday, May 30, 2025: 8:30 p.m., a 45-year-old Muskegon man was arrested for methamphetamine possession, East Garfield Road, Ferry Township. He was lodged in the Oceana County Jail. Saturday, May 31, 2025:  …

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Recent births, published June 2, 2025

June 2, 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.  Johnny Justin Garza Jr., the son of Abigail and Johnny Garza of Shelby, was born on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births  …

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Memorial service: Charles Anthony Priese, 81, of Rothbury

June 2, 2025

A memorial service will be held for Charles Anthony Priese at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Assumption Catholic Church, 2964 W. Winston Rd., Rothbury. Charles Anthony Priese of Rothbury, died at the age of 81 on Dec. 17, 2024. Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home, Shelby. __________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings…

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Air quality alert in effect through Saturday morning

May 30, 2025

Thunderstorms expected this evening The entire State of Michigan is under an air quality alert through 6 a.m. Saturday, May 31. “Air quality is expected to be poor as smoke from Canadian fires mixes down to the surface,” states NWS. “It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like…

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MSU Extension offers food preservation class June 10

May 30, 2025

NEW ERA — MSU Extension is offering a free course about the “Basics of Food Preservation” Tuesday, June 10, at 5 p.m. during the first New Era Farmers Market of the 2025 season. “Welcome summer! It’s time again to plan, garden, harvest and preserve our generous bounty of local foods,” states a press release from MSU Extension. “Although it is…

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