
GRANT TOWNSHIP — Emergency crews were dispatched to northbound US 31 near Webster Road for a rollover crash involving an injury Sunday, March 16, around 3:30 p.m.

LUDINGTON — Over its 70-plus years of service, the SS Badger has been a vessel of making special memories for thousands of people that span multiple generations. For one Hart family the Badger not only provided an important service during a time of hardship, it has become an integral part of their lives. “My 21-year-old daughter, Sarah Ursiny, had been…

OCEANA COUNTY — There have been several reports of power lines and trees down around Oceana County due to strong winds Saturday, March 15. A wind advisory remains in effect Saturday until 8 p.m. The National Weather Service is reporting south winds 25-35 mph with gusts reaching up to 55 mph. Oceana County remains under a burning ban. Fire crews…

OCEANA COUNTY —Several central Lower Peninsula counties are under a burning ban issued by the Department of Natural Resources due to warm, dry, windy conditions. Residents are urged not to burn due to how quickly a fire can spread in these weather patterns. A wind advisory issued by The National Weather Service is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday, March…

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — Springtime in west Michigan brings warmer temperatures and sunny skies, but it also creates an opportunity for powerful winds, thunderstorms, hail, flash flooding and tornadoes. Severe Weather Awareness Week is March 16-22, and Oceana County Emergency Manager Troy Maloney encourages residents to visit ready.gov for important severe weather safety tips. “Ready.gov is all…

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, March 6, 2025: 7:55 a.m., assault and battery, 10 block of State Street, City of Hart. 2:23 p.m., family trouble, 400 block of Church Street, City of Hart. 6:07 p.m., disturbance, 300…

WEARE TOWNSHIP — The 2025 West Central Spring Horticulture Meeting is set for Tuesday, March 25, at the West Central Michigan Research and Extension Center at 5185 N. Oceana Dr. This meeting is hosted by Michigan State University Extension, and MSU Extension educators and industry partners will provide a full day of informative talks and answer questions. Registration will begin…
Employment: Police Department Administrative Clerk Job Posting: Police Department Administrative Clerk Location: City of Ludington Department: Police Department Job Type: Full-Time, Benefitted, At-Will Position Starting Pay Range: $21 – $23 per hour, DOE Date Posted: March 13, 2025 Position Overview: The City of Ludington Police Department is seeking a dedicated, organized, and reliable individual to join our team as an…

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 27-year-old New Era man was sentenced to a minimum of 13 ½ years in prison for 11 felony convictions in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, March 11. Levi Alan Richard pleaded no contest Jan. 14 to two counts of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine; one count of conspiracy to deliver/manufacture methamphetamine; four counts…

NEWFIELD TOWNSHIP — Ferry Township and Hesperia fire departments were dispatched to a grass fire near Baker Road between 200th and 204th avenues Wednesday, March 12, shortly after 11:30 a.m. _________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will help us to continue to provide…
Employment: Athletic Director/Assistant Principal or Dean of Students Mason County Central School District is hiring an Athletic Director/Assistant Principal (or Dean of Students). For details and to apply visit: www.mccschools.org. Application deadline: April 7, 2025 at 4 p.m. Job ID: #610 This is a paid posting. Posted until April 7, 2025

HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court: – Juan Sanchez, Jr., 28, of Shelby, pleaded guilty Jan. 13 to third-offense operating while intoxicated and was sentenced March 10 to 10 months in jail; 18 months probation; and $748 in fines and costs. One misdemeanor count of driving while license suspended was dismissed. – Mark…

Fire department sets up Go Fund Me page By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor GRANT TOWNSHIP — Grant Township Firefighter Gilbert Flores, 44, suffered a cardiac event while in the line of duty Tuesday, March 11, and his colleagues have set up a Go Fund Me Page to help him and his family with expenses. Flores and his fellow firefighters were…

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART — A 58-year-old Hart man was sentenced in Oceana County’s 51st Circuit Court Monday, March, 10, to two to 15 years in prison for a felony conviction of assault with intent to rob while unarmed. Francisco Lujano Paniagua pleaded guilty to the charge Jan. 6. Felony charges of assault with intent to rob while…

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor PENTWATER — Eight west Michigan police agencies participated in an emergency breaching training session hosted by the Pentwater Police Department at the Park Place Event Center Friday, March 7. “This one-day training is designed to give officers the knowledge and skills they need to gain entry into buildings in emergencies,” said Pentwater Police Chief Laude…

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, March 7, 2025: 8:25 p.m., a 28-year-old Muskegon man was arrested for operating while intoxicated, Lincoln Street, City of Hart. He was lodged in the Oceana County Jail. Saturday, March 8,…

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. GRANT TOWNSHIP — A 26-year-old Rothbury man was arrested for a felony of fleeing and eluding police and a misdemeanor of operating without a license, following an approximate 5-mile pursuit by Oceana County sheriff’s deputies that began on Winston Road near 96th Avenue…

HART – The Hart Economic & Redevelopment Team (HEART) announced the winners of the 2025 Main Street Market Pitch Competition that took place Thursday, March 6. Morgan Howe, owner of Hound and Heeler Treat Co., and Natalie Schultz, owner of Royalty by Natalie, each secured free rent (valued at $900) for the 2025 season at the Main Street Market after…

HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Devon Izac Matthew Smith, 28, of Montague; a felony of fleeing and eluding police and a misdemeanor of driving while license suspended (DWLS). Preliminary exam: March 25 at 1 p.m. – Ken Vincent Tetzlaff, 54, of Twin Lake, a felony of third-offense operating while intoxicated.…