News

American Patriot arrives early for first Ludington cruise ship visit

August 7, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The American Patriot arrived in the Port of Ludington about three hours ahead of schedule Friday morning, entering the foggy harbor just after the SS Badger arrived from its overnight crossing from Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The 243-foot cruise ship docked at the west seawall of Waterfront Park at about 6:45 a.m. It had been scheduled…

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Driver who crashed into barn, sparking fire arrested on meth charges

August 7, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 67-year-old Free Soil man who crashed into a Riverton Township barn, sparking a fire, faces two methamphetamine/ecstasy possession charges. Fred Arthur Christmas was arrested on one count of methamphetamine/ecstasy possession following the July 21 crash. The 11:48 a.m. crash involved a Chevrolet Cruz that was northbound on Stiles Road. Christmas appeared to…

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Man passed out in grass arrested for disorderly conduct

August 7, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON — A 23-year-old Iowa man passed out in the grass in the area of Loomis and Gaylord streets was arrested by Ludington police officers for disorderly conduct Friday, Aug. 7, around 5 a.m., according to Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones. Police responded…

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Mason-Oceana 911 log, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026

August 7, 2026

The following is activity reported by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Ludington Police Department and Oceana County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. Among the more significant calls in Mason County, Mason County sheriff’s deputies investigated two breaking and entering complaints in Pere Marquette Township and Ludington, responded to a malicious destruction of property complaint in Hamlin Township, handled…

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Cruise ship visit validates a vision — now Ludington must build on it

August 6, 2026

Cruise ship arrives in Ludington Friday morning By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief When Mason County Press published the editorial “Great Lakes cruise ships: Is Ludington missing the boat?” on June 7, 2025, the purpose was simple: start a conversation about an opportunity that appeared to be passing Ludington by. That conversation turned into action. On Friday, Aug. 7, the American Patriot…

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