News

Community Cats TNR surpasses 1,900 cats spayed and neutered in Mason County

April 16, 2026

LUDINGTON — A local nonprofit focused on controlling the feral cat population has reached a significant milestone, reporting more than 1,900 cats spayed or neutered through its program. Community Cats TNR announced that cat No. 1,900, a male tabby from the south Walhalla area, was neutered April 8 at Country Veterinary Clinic by Dr. Katie Vivirito, DVM. The organization, a…

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Couple pleads for justice for their son murdered 7 years ago

April 15, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — April 16, 2026, marks seven years since William and Denita Buchanan’s 32-year-old son, Billy, was murdered, and the man who was accused of killing him remains free. “We’re going into the seventh year, and we’re no further than the day it happened,” said Denita. The murder, assault and weapon charges against Corey Ryan Beekman,…

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Man sentenced to prison for burning down camper

April 15, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 41-year-old Mason County man was sentenced in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court by Judge Susan K. Sniegowski Tuesday, April 14, to 28 months to seven and a half years in prison after burning down a camper trailer. Brandon Joseph LeClair, 41, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree arson, aggravated stalking and second-offense habitual offender,…

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Community Foundation awards more than $200K in spring grants

April 15, 2026

LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County and its Youth Advisory Council have awarded more than $200,000 in spring grants to support education, economic development and community initiatives across the county. In total, $200,046 was distributed, including $191,946 through the foundation’s strategic grant cycle and $8,100 through the Youth Advisory Council. The grants align with the foundation’s strategic priorities…

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Weather Alert: Tornado watch in effect until 4 a.m.

April 14, 2026

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a tornado watch, which includes Mason and Oceana counties and surrounding Lake Michigan waters, in effect until 4 a.m. Wednesday. The watch covers the lakeshore from Pentwater to Manistee — placing Mason County directly within the affected area — along with a broad stretch of adjacent nearshore and offshore waters on…

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