Fire rekindles, destroying second duplex unit

March 5, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A fire that was extinguished Tuesday afternoon, March 4, rekindled the following morning, completely destroying a second duplex unit that had been saved in the first fire. A grease fire in a kitchen destroyed one duplex unit at 1109 Parmington Ave. Tuesday. When it rekindled early Wednesday morning, the fire destroyed the second…

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Hart High School presents Mary Poppins the Musical

March 5, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. HART — Step into the magical world of Cherry Tree Lane where anything can happen if you let it. The Hart High School drama students invite you to experience the magic, music and wonder of Mary Poppins the Musical. With toe-tapping tunes, dazzling choreography, and…

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Memorial service set for Kevin Graves 

March 5, 2025

ROTHBURY — A memorial service for Kevin Graves is set for later this month — nearly seven years after his 2018 disappearance at the Electric Forest Festival. The 28-year-old Oakland County man’s remains were found Dec. 30, 2024 near the Electric Forest Festival grounds after he vanished July 1, 2018 while attending the widely-attended music festival at the Double JJ…

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Grease fire destroys duplex unit

March 4, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A grease fire in a kitchen destroyed a duplex unit at 1109 Parmington Ave. Tuesday afternoon, March 4. The adjacent living space on the south side of the building was saved by firefighters, but received smoke damage and minimal fire damage. No humans were injured, but at least one cat died. Three other…

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EF adds 40 artists to ‘stacked’ lineup

March 4, 2025

ROTHBURY — Electric Forest announced Monday evening, March 3, over 40 artist additions to its 2025 lineup —ahead of its June 19-22 return to the Double JJ Resort. “One of the world’s most celebrated festivals, Electric Forest is an all-encompassing experience defined by total immersion through its pillars of music, art, community, and exploration,” states a press release from festival…

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Shelby and Hart bands earn top ratings at festival

March 3, 2025

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational School District in partnership with Oceana County Press.  SHELBY — Shelby and Hart high school bands both received overall “1” ratings at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District 1 Band and Orchestra Festival at Shelby High School last week.  The Shelby band director is Erin Ray, and…

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Walkerville man sentenced to 90 years maximum for CSC

March 3, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 45-year-old Walkerville man was sentenced this month for two criminal sexual conduct (CSC) convictions in Oceana and Muskegon counties. Brandon Lee Chase pleaded “no contest” to third-degree CSC in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court, Jan. 13, and was sentenced, Feb. 24, to five to 15 years in prison. The maximum sentence for…

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Ludington man injured in crash

March 3, 2025

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP — A 24-year-old Ludington man was injured in a single-vehicle crash on North 120th Avenue south of Washington Road — near the Oceana-Mason county line — Saturday, March 1, shortly after 3:30 p.m., according to the Michigan State Police, Hart post. The man was driving a red Volvo that hit a bridge railing, according to dispatch information, and…

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Obituary: Kathie Callis Sturgis, 66, of Spring Lake, NC

March 3, 2025

Kathie Callis Sturgis, 66, of Spring Lake, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Born on March 29, 1958, in Oceana County, Kathie lived a life full of love, service, and dedication to others. Kathie was the beloved wife of Darrell Lee Sturgis for 27 years. She was a devoted mother to son Adam Callis…

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Police news, published March 3, 2025

March 3, 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 Oceana County Sheriff’s Office: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025: 10:02 p.m., a 58-year-old Whitehall man was arrested on a warrant and a charge of driving while license revoked, Garfield Road near 136th Avenue, Ferry Township. He was…

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Employment: Nursing Faculty

March 3, 2025

ccEmployment: Nursing Faculty West Shore Community College is seeking an individual who is passionate about teaching in a successful nursing program with a desire to build strong relationships with students and colleagues. This full-time Nursing Faculty position (with potential for continuing appointment and full professor rank) will begin August 2025. This is a 9-month position with summers off. The successful…

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News alert: Crash on 120th Avenue

March 1, 2025

CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP — Emergency crews were dispatched to North 120th Avenue south of Washington Road — near the north county line — for a single-vehicle crash Saturday, March 1, shortly after 3:30 p.m. A red Volvo hit the rail of the bridge, and the approximate 30-year-old male driver was pinned inside the car, according to dispatch information.

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79th District Court arraignments, published Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 2025

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Daniel Lee DeHoff, 35, of Montague; breaking and entering a building with intent. Preliminary exam: March 18 at 1 p.m. – Austin Shelby Valentine, 36, of Mears; second-degree home invasion. Preliminary exam: March 11 at 1 p.m. – Steven Geno Rice II, 27, of Hart,…

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79th District Court sentencings, published Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: David Alan Worth, 40, of Mears, pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to second-offense operating while intoxicated and was sentenced Feb. 11 to five days in jail with credit for three days served; Alcoholic Anonymous twice a week; six months probation; and $1,055 in fines and costs. Conviction reportable…

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New exhibit will showcase artwork in Oceana County libraries

February 28, 2025

PENTWATER — The Pentwater Arts Council has announced a new Oceana County art exhibition for 2025 — the Featured Artist Program.   Oceana County is well represented by a diverse array of artists including functional, display and performing arts. The mission of the Pentwater Arts Council is to support the arts including visual, theater, music and performing arts and to advance…

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HPD report, published Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 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, Feb. 20, 2025: 2:15 p.m., juvenile complaint, 300 block of Johnson Street, City of Hart. 7:45 p.m., suspicious situation, 100 block of East Main Street, City of Hart. Friday,  Feb. 21, 2025:…

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Recent births, published Feb. 28, 2025

February 28, 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.  A son was born to Alexandria Matlock of Fountain on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Jesse David Jacobson, the son of Toni and David Jacobson of Hart, was born on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at…

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Obituary: Harry Wallace Raymond, 102, of Hart, formerly of Pentwater

February 28, 2025

Harry Wallace Raymond, 102, of Hart, formerly of Pentwater, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Harry was born in Hope, Mich., on January 22, 1923, the son of the late Lloyd and Matilda (Clemmenshaw) Raymond. He was a graduate of Pentwater High School. He married the late Alta Cummins, and together they shared five daughters. Harry and Alta…

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Library launches new seed library, offers March garden workshop

February 27, 2025

SHELBY — The Friends of Shelby Area District Library are planning for warmer weather by launching a new project this spring — a seed library.  This popular service is offered by libraries all over the country, including many in west Michigan. Beginning March 7, library card holders can stop by the Shelby library and check out up to 10 seed…

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Moolenaar reintroduces bill to freeze migrant workers’ wage

February 27, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman John Moolenaar (R—Michigan) reintroduced “bipartisan legislation to address high costs Michigan farmers are required to pay due to Department of Labor regulations,” states a press release from his office.  The bill, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A migrant farm workers at the 2023 rate through the end…

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Hart Public Schools Faculty Feud fundraiser set for this Friday evening 

February 26, 2025

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.   By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Hart Public Schools’ first-ever Faculty Feud is set for Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. in the district’s auditorium at the middle school. Like the popular TV game show Family Feud, the competition will feature teams of five…

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Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks