MCC voters approve property tax increase

February 26, 2013

SCOTTVILLE – Mason County Central voters approved a request to levy property taxes against non-principal residences today, 242 to 218. The approval allows the district to increase its tax levy by 1.4271 mills ($1.4271 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for the year 2013. The purpose is to provide funds for operating purposes and will create an estimated $137,607 in…

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Free Soil Township voters approve road improvements

February 26, 2013

FREE SOIL TWP. – Free Soil Township voters approved a road improvement millage. The 1 mill request barely passed 66 to 50. It is estimated to raise $30,287 in 2013 and will expire in 2018.

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The guy who said ‘he who heats with wood is warmed twice’ never had a wood stove

February 26, 2013
The guy who said ‘he who heats with wood is warmed twice’ never had a wood stove

Randomness. A blog by Patrick McClellan.  First off, you have to find your chainsaw and then sharpen it; which can lead to some pretty heated frustration. You then walk out into the woods with said chainsaw. If you are out of shape, this is a “breather” for sure. Felling creates a special sweat all its own. Which way will it…

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Accused kidnapper defends himself in trial; ex-wife testifies

February 26, 2013
Accused kidnapper defends himself in trial; ex-wife testifies

By Lisa Enos MCP Correspondent LUDINGTON — What originally appeared to be an open and shut case of parental kidnapping took a different turn Monday while defendant Mark McCallum of Hamlin Township, who is on trial in circuit court for violating a child custody agreement, made it clear that his defense is going to hinge on trying to prove that…

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West Shore high school art competition

February 26, 2013

VICTORY TWP.  – The West Shore Community College Art Department will host the 15th annual Regional High School Art Competition and Exhibit beginning March 11, in the college’s Manierre Dawson Gallery. An artist reception will be held on Sun., March 17, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.  Student artwork will be displayed through March 23. Sponsored by the West Shore Community…

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Winter reflections

February 26, 2013
Winter reflections

Moonlighting, a blog by Judy Cools Birdsong broke the silence of our snow-muffled woods this morning. After months of quiet, the sound of birds in the frozen woods rang crisp and clear – so uplifting. I never realize how much I love the birds until they’ve been quiet for a while. Not to be outdone by these feathery things, the…

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MCP around the world. Send us your vacation picture, with the MCP!

February 25, 2013
MCP around the world. Send us your vacation picture, with the MCP!

MasonCountyPress.com can be taken with you all over the world. You can keep up with the news from home, free, anytime and anywhere. Send us a picture of yourself carrying your laptop, phone or tablet with the most current edition of MCP and we will post it here. Once a month we will randomly draw a name for a special…

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Badger sailing ‘Without a doubt”

February 25, 2013
Badger sailing ‘Without a doubt”

LUDINGTON – Lake Michigan Carferry, owner of the S.S. Badger, announced today that the carferry will be sailing this year. The company also announced the sailing season will start two weeks earlier than previously announced. Instead of May 17, the Badger will begin sailing on May 6. The schedule change is due to a request to transport over-dimensional loads of…

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Doubt: A Parable opens at West Shore opens Thursday

February 25, 2013
Doubt: A Parable opens at West Shore opens Thursday

VICTORY TWP. – “Doubt: a Parable,” the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning drama by John Patrick Shanley, opens this weekend in West Shore Community College’s Center Stage Theater featuring guest artist, New York City professional actress, Ginger Grace. Grace is returning to the college to portray the character of Sister Aloysius, a conservative, strong and flinty nun in this production…

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Women’s heart health discussed

February 25, 2013
Women’s heart health discussed

LUDINGTON — A full house of about 60 people gathered in the meeting room at the Ludington Area Senior Center Monday for a discussion of women’s heart health with Amanda Overmyer, MD. Dr. Overmyer emphasized that heart disease should be a primary health concern for everyone. She noted that it is even more prevalent among women than men, contrary to…

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COVE director attends national conference

February 25, 2013

LUDINGTON — Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE) Executive Director Marie Waite and board member Shelby Wagner-Hughes recently attended a national conference on Supporting Organizational Sustainability to Address Violence Against Women (SOS Institute) in San Francisco. The two-day conference was presented by the United States Department of Justice–Office on Violence Against Women, in partnership with Futures Without Violence, a nonprofit organization. COVE…

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Trial against accused kidnapper begins

February 25, 2013

LUDINGTON — Potential jurors were crowded into the hallway of the second floor of the Mason County Courthouse this morning as the trial against Mark McCallum began. A 51st Circuit Court representative said deliberations may start as early as this afternoon. However, by 11 a.m. there weren’t many jurors seated. McCallum is accused of kidnapping his own children last year.…

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Open house for Bonnie Martz at Library

February 24, 2013

LUDINGTON — An open house celebrating Bonnie Martz’ 18 years of service to the Mason County District Library will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ludington library.

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Franz helps veterans gain employment

February 23, 2013
Franz helps veterans gain employment

LANSING — State Rep. Ray Franz, R-Onekama, standing center, joined Rep. Gail Haines for a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Rick Snyder and members of Michigan’s veterans service organizations commemorating three 2012 laws that will help veterans meet eligibility requirements for Michigan electrical, plumbing and security occupational licenses based on their military service experience and hours. “Michigan’s veterans population is…

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Bowling tournament will benefit Hospice

February 23, 2013

AMBER TWP. — The sixth annual Ted Douglas Memorial Scotch Doubles Bowling Tournament will be held Saturday, March 2 at Country Lanes Bowling Alley on U.S. 10-31. The tournament, which begins at 2 p.m., will help support Hospice of Michigan’s Mask Project 2013. Cost is $30 per team of two, prizes and trophies will be awarded. The public is invited…

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West Shore accepting scholarship apps

February 23, 2013

VICTORY TWP. — West Shore Community College is now accepting scholarship applications from students planning to attend during the 2013-14 academic year. The deadline to apply for scholarships is March 15. The college, the WSCC Foundation, community groups, and private donors offer numerous scholarships to fit nearly all student academic records, backgrounds, and financial situations. An admission application must be…

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Court sentences

February 22, 2013

Circuit Court LUDINGTON — The following was sentenced this week in 51st Circuit Court: – Laquentin Deshawn Simpson, 28, of 1476 Kingsley St., Muskegon, was found guilty Feb. 13 of police officer – fleeing, third degree. Sentence: 365 days in jail with credit for two days served, must serve five months up front with balance to be served at court’s…

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Arraignments

February 22, 2013

LUDINGTON – The following were arraigned this week in 79th District Court: – Frederick James Lewis, 31, of 1048 N. Brandy Lane, Ludington, was arrested Feb. 12 by the Michigan State Police on two felony counts of criminal sexual conduct, first degree. CSC, first degree is the most serious of all sexual offenses and carries a maximum penalty of life…

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