William A. “Bill” Cookenmaster, 92, of Pentwater

February 2, 2024

William A. “Bill” Cookenmaster, 92, of Pentwater William A. “Bill” Cookenmaster passed away peacefully, at home, on January 28, 2024.  He was born June 14, 1931, to Vivian (Stovel) and Thurber Cookenmaster, in Caro. After graduating from Caro High School, he joined the U. S. Navy in 1951.  After serving for four years, he entered Western Michigan University, graduating with…

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M 120 in Hesperia closed for gas line repairs

February 2, 2024

UPDATE: The road is now open to traffic M 120 in Hesperia closed for gas line repairs HESPERIA — M 120/Division Street in downtown Hesperia is closed for gas line repairs, according to the Oceana County Road Commission. A detour has been set up, and local residents are able to access their homes.

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79th District Court arraignments

February 1, 2024

79th District Court arraignments HART — The following were arraigned recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Christopher Matthew Kubacki, 40, of 83 Burke Ave., Holland, Michigan; one count of first criminal sexual conduct (CSC) — victim under age 13 and one count of second-degree CSC — victim under age 13. Preliminary exam: Feb. 6 at 1 p.m.…

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Schools using statewide initiative to train new, local teachers

February 1, 2024

Schools using statewide initiative to train new, local teachers West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief A new statewide initiative is giving 900 aspiring teachers an opportunity to earn certification with no debt. Talent Together was launched…

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Mead hired to lead Read Early Read Often program

February 1, 2024

Mead hired to lead Read Early Read Often program Teresa Mead has been hired as the new program coordinator for Oceana Community Foundation’s Read Early Read Often program. Mead worked 24 years for Shelby Public Schools. She started in 1999 at Benona Elementary; then worked seven years at New Era Elementary, running the computer and library programs; and spent her…

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Expect lane closures on US 31 north of Shelby

February 1, 2024

Expect lane closures on US 31 north of Shelby SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Lane closures for road work will be in effect Thursday, Feb. 1, until 3 p.m. on southbound US 31 at 66th Avenue, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.  

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Notice to Bidders: Mason County Road Commission Pickup Truck for Sale

February 1, 2024

Notice to Bidders: Mason County Road Commission Pickup Truck for Sale The Mason County Road Commission is offering for sale: (1) 2021 Chevrolet 2500HD Custom Crew Cab pickup. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Mason County Road Commission, 510 East State St. Scottville, Mi 49454 until 10:30 AM, Wednesday, Feb 20, 2024, for the following item.…

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79th District Court sentencings, posted Jan. 31, 2024

January 31, 2024

79th District Court sentencings, posted Jan. 31, 2024 HART — The following were sentenced recently in Oceana County’s 79th District Court: Morgan Renee Worth, 42, of 916 34th Ave., Mears, pleaded guilty, Dec. 12, to second-offense operating while intoxicated and was sentenced to 20 days in jail with credit for two days served; one year probation; outpatient treatment; and $1,655…

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Obituary: Dr. Basilio Montiague Ledesma, 83, of Pentwater

January 30, 2024

Obituary: Dr. Basilio Montiague Ledesma, 83, of Pentwater Basilio Montiague Ledesma, M.D., 83, of Pentwater, formerly of Flint, Michigan, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024. Basilio was born December 19, 1940, in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines, the son of Jose and Asuncion (Montiague) Ledesma, one year before the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.  He was the fourth of nine children and…

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Recent death: Doris Farmer, 90, of Walkerville

January 30, 2024

Doris Elizabeth Farmer, 90, of Walkerville, died on Saturday, January 27, 2024. In accordance with Doris’ wishes, no services will be held at this time. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Hesperia Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths.   Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press…

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Employment Opportunity: Filer Credit Union Ludington Member Center Manager

January 30, 2024

Employment Opportunity: Filer Credit Union Ludington Member Center Manager Filer Credit Union is growing with our Ludington Branch! We are looking for a person with great energy and leadership abilities to guide our newest branch as we enter Mason County. The Member Center Manager will direct and supervise the staff and day-to-day operations, ensuring delivery of quality member service, member…

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Police news, posted Jan. 29, 2024

January 29, 2024

Police news, posted Jan. 29, 2024 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: Monday, Jan. 22, 2024: 1:13 p.m., (Oceana County Sheriff’s Office), threats complaint, 7500 South Michigan Avenue, Village of Rothbury. A woman received a Snapchat message asking her to…

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HPD report, posted Jan. 29, 2024

January 29, 2024

HPD report, posted Jan. 29, 2024 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, Jan. 18, 2024: 1:55 p.m., general assistance, 200 block of State Street, City of Hart. 3:01 p.m., lost property, 200 block of State Street, City of…

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Congressman meets with sheriff, undersheriff

January 29, 2024

Congressman meets with sheriff, undersheriff HART — Michigan Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland) met with Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast and Undersheriff Ryan Schiller Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office.  “They discussed the department’s work to recruit more deputies and how border security affects Michigan,” states a press release from Moolenaar’s office.  

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Wildcat royalty

January 28, 2024

Wildcat royalty Wildcat News is a presentation of Walkerville Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. WALKERVILLE — Andrea Rivera and Zeontae De La Paz were crowned the 2024 Walkerville Homecoming queen and king Friday evening, Jan. 26, during the boys varsity basketball game against Marion.  

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MSP searching for missing teen

January 28, 2024

MSP searching for missing teen UPDATE: Kaitlyn Jordan has been found The Hart post of the Michigan State Police is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing Hesperia teenager, Kaitlyn Rose Jordan. Kaitlyn is 16 years old and also goes by the name, “Talia.” She has brown hair and brown eyes; is 5 feet tall; and weighs 118 pounds. …

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Employment Opportunity: City of Ludington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III

January 28, 2024

Employment Opportunity: City of Ludington Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III The City of Ludington is accepting applications for an Operator III position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Residency requirement; must live within 20 miles of City boundaries within 6 months of hire date, unless residency is waived.  Starting wage $22.84 depending on qualifications, plus benefits.  Math, chemistry & biology knowledge…

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Driver in deadly crash said she swerved to avoid hitting a cat

January 26, 2024

Driver in deadly crash said she swerved to avoid hitting a cat By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP — The driver of a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee who struck and killed a 16-year-old Amish girl riding a bicycle on Skeels Road west of 192nd Avenue, Jan. 5, told police “she had swerved to miss a cat” and when she…

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County board approves $1/hour raise for deputies

January 26, 2024

County board approves $1/hour raise for deputies By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor HART —  The Oceana County Board of Commissioners approved a $1 per hour raise for its sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers during a regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 25. With a shortage of officers nationwide, the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office has been feeling the sting. It is hopeful that…

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Employment Opportunity: GSRP Associate Teacher, full time

January 26, 2024

Employment Opportunity: GSRP Associate Teacher, full time West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Associate Teacher. 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. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431 or via email to:…

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Hesperia man wins $111,368 lottery

January 25, 2024

Hesperia man wins $111,368 lottery An 84-year-old Hesperia man won a $111,368 Jackpot Slots Fast Cash jackpot while at a Newaygo County bar, according to a press release on www.milotteryconnect.com. James Conley bought the winning ticket, Jan. 16, at Freeman’s Leaky Tap, located at 10193 Dickinson Ave. near Walkerville. “I play Fast Cash a lot, and I bought a ticket…

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