Arraignments, as of June 26, 2013

June 28, 2013

Compiled by Allison Scarbrough. MCP Correspondent. LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned this past week in front of the magistrate of the 79th District Court:  Felonies –         Dalton James Willard, 19, of 918 High St., Manistee, was arrested June 21 by MCSO for a felony of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. A preliminary exam is set for July 3 at 11:15 a.m.Bail: $5,000,000/…

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Baby Kate evidence search

June 28, 2013

LUDINGTON — Mason County Press will be covering the “Baby Kate” evidence search today and Saturday (more info on search here). We will update this site with stories as time allows and will update our Facebook and Twitter sites throughout the duration of the sites, including photographs. MCP is one of two news outlets that have been personally requested by Sheriff…

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Arts council hires new director

June 27, 2013

LUDINGTON — The board of the Ludington Area Arts Council has announced Corinn VanWyck is the new executive director of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Corrin will be in Ludington and at the center starting next week to begin the transition period. “We are very excited to bring Corinn onto the team” said Tim McKay, board president. “She…

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WSCC and MSU Cooperate in Pest Monitoring Program

June 27, 2013

VICTORY TWP. — During the past 20 years, Michigan forests have seen the devastating results of invasive insect pests which have resulted in the near elimination of beech trees and a growing threat to the state’s ash trees. Michigan forests are in an exceptional risk due to invasive forests pests. The risk is enhanced due to the very fact that…

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Harbor Festival kicks off with a toast

June 26, 2013

LUDINGTON — The Ludington area will be shining this coming weekend as the 10-day Pure Ludington Harbor Festival begins. The festival kicks off Friday, June 28 with a sunset toast at the west end of Ludington Avenue near Stearns Park beach. Music will be provided by Pangea Steel Drum Band while the High 5 Guy, Joel Tacey, will be on…

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Baby Kate case plant evidence search begins Friday

June 26, 2013
Baby Kate case plant evidence search begins Friday

  LUDINGTON – A two day search for new evidence in the case of Katherine Shelbie-Elizabeth “Baby Kate” Phillips begins Friday morning. Phillips has been missing since June 29, 2011 when she was 4-months-old. Her father, Sean Phillips, was sentenced last year for unlawful imprisonment following a jury trial. Following his sentencing, law enforcement announced it was opening a murder…

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Hospital north entrance closed through Thursday

June 26, 2013
Hospital north entrance closed through Thursday

Alternate drop-off procedures in effect next two weeks LUDINGTON — Memorial Medical Center’s main north entrance, facing Lawndale Street, was closed beginning 7 a.m. today until 4:30 p.m. and Thursday, as new concrete is installed in front of the entrance. An alternate entrance will be provided and a staff member posted to help patients and visitors find the temporary entrance.…

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Water temps rise today

June 26, 2013
Water temps rise today

Superior Electric Beach/Outdoors Report. Here are the current conditions for the Lake Michigan shoreline and Mason County (including Pentwater) as of 11:30 a.m. Lake Michigan water temperatures: Ludington Stearns Park: 65 F Ludington State Park (Big Sable Point): 64 F Summit Park: 63 F Pentwater: 62 F Afternoon air temperatures: Ludington and Pentwater: Mostly sunny at 79 degrees F; humidity: 69%;…

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Driver strikes power pole on PM Highway

June 25, 2013
Driver strikes power pole on PM Highway

PERE MARQUETTE TWP. — A vehicle knocked down a power pole on South Pere Marquette Highway at the intersection of Iris Road about 3:30 p.m. According to Michigan State Police troopers on scene, the crash occurred when a vehicle attempted to turn left from Iris onto PM. A man driving a Chevrolet S-10 pick-up was heading north when he attempted…

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City manager criticizes Rotta

June 25, 2013

LUDINGTON – Ludington’s City Manager John Shay let an outspoken citizen know just what he thought about him Monday during the city council meeting. Shay normally keeps his demeanor when dealing with outspoken critic Tom Rotta during the public meetings, however, Monday was the exception. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Rotta made reference to how he had…

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Free Soil board holds final meeting

June 25, 2013
Free Soil board holds final meeting

By Rob Alway, MCP Editor-in-Chief. FREE SOIL — Free Soil Community School’s Board of Education met Monday night for the very last time. After 100 years of existence, the last order of business was to pass a resolution to close up the school’s affairs. But first, the board also took care of some important business to help keep the district’s…

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Cloudy and thunderstorms today

June 25, 2013

Superior Electric Beach/Outdoors Report. Here are the current conditions for the Lake Michigan shoreline and Mason County (including Pentwater) as of 9:30 a.m. Tonight is the weekly concert in the Tuesdays at the Shell concert series at Scottville Clown Band Shell, featuring Chad Rushing, performing what he calls “hillbilly rock with a touch of Cajun spice.” In the event of…

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Councilor votes against DDA millages

June 25, 2013

LUDINGTON — During Monday’s Ludington City Council meeting, the council passed its 2014 budget. Several various millage levies were passed. But, one councilor, Wanda Marrison, voted against the two agenda items dealing with the Downtown Development Authority’s budget. “I just think they money they have could be managed better,” Marrison told MCP following the meeting. “I’ve been on this council…

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Both sides speak about historic district

June 25, 2013

LUDINGTON – Ludington City Council heard the first reading of the historic district ordinance Monday evening during its regular meeting (see background story here). http://www.masoncountypress.com/2013/06/24/historic-district-ordinance-has-first-reading-tonight/ . Both proponents and opponents voiced their concerns about the ordinance. Bob Snyder, 510 E. Ludington Ave., said he was opposed to the historic district. “I am against the idea of a historic district because…

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Historic district ordinance has first reading tonight

June 24, 2013

LUDINGTON — City Council will hold the first reading of the controversial Historic District ordinance tonight. The proposed district would be along East Ludington Avenue between Harrison and Staffon streets. If approved, following a second reading, a historical district authority will be established. All changes to properties within that district would have to meet the guidelines set by the authority.…

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Fifth Street in Ludington to undergo construction

June 24, 2013

LUDINGTON — Fifth Street between Lincoln and Sherman streets will receive a major overhaul this summer. City Council is expected to approve the low bid of $287,506.25 from Hallack Contracting of Hart for the replacement of water and sanitary sewer lines and repaving the street. Funds for the project will be split between the city’s water fund and sewer fund.…

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Auction raises $20,000 for hospital

June 24, 2013
Auction raises $20,000 for hospital

By Bill Kerans, Memorial Medical Center. HAMLIN TWP. — Memorial Medical Center volunteers took a major step Sunday toward their promise to fund a new helicopter pad as part of the hospital’s current expansion project. The volunteers held their third annual Art at Rest fundraising auction at Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Ludington, raising a preliminary estimate of nearly $20,000. The hospital…

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Runs to be added to FNL

June 24, 2013

LUDINGTON — The Ludington City Council is expected to approve a request tonight by Local Charity Runs to hold two races during the Aug. 2 Friday Night Live. This will be the third year the group has held the 5 kilometer race and kids 1 mile fun run; the FNL committee has already approved the request. Both events will begin…

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