Ludington firefighters quickly extinguish house fire

January 21, 2026

LUDINGTON — Ludington Fire Department responded to a fire at 206 S. Delia St., at 10:24 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Upon the arrival of the first unit, smoke could be seen coming from the eaves and a second floor bedroom window. The occupants of the home safely evacuated and firefighters extinguished the fire quickly. Ludington Fire Chief John Henderson said…

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Winter weather advisory issued

January 21, 2026

MASON COUNTY — Several west Michigan counties — including Mason and Oceana counties — are under a winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, through 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Total snow accumulation between 2 and 5 inches with locally higher amounts are possible and winds gusting as high as 35…

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Man sentenced to prison for assaulting girlfriend, police

January 21, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old Scottville man was sentenced to concurrent prison terms in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 20, of six to 20 years and two to four years for convictions of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. Brandon Keith Eaton pleaded guilty to the…

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Man sent to prison for third-offense domestic violence

January 21, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 32-year-old man was sentenced to 20 months to 10 years in prison in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 20, for a conviction of third-offense domestic violence. Austin Grant Mareches pleaded guilty to the charge, Nov. 18. He received credit for 146 days served in jail. Mareches committed the crime Aug.…

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Brrrrewfest will benefit new state park amphitheater

January 21, 2026

LUDINGTON — The Pure Ludington Brrrrewfest will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31. Proceeds raised at the 11th annual event will support the Friends of the Ludington State Park organization which plans to earmark funds to improve the parks’ amphitheater. Brrrrewfest features craft beverage tastings, entertainment, and food. Funds from past events have helped the group purchase a handicapped-accessible playground,…

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Obituary: Amy Jalocha, 43, of Free Soil,

January 21, 2026

Amy Jalocha, 43, of Free Soil, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. She was the beloved wife of Jason Jalocha, devoted mother to Jacob and Wyatt, and cherished daughter of Rob and Shirley Williams. Amy graduated from Ludington High School in 2001, a milestone she was always proud of. She later built a successful career as an insurance agent,…

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Thief/thieves break into store’s shed and steal returnable cans 

January 21, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. GRANT TOWNSHIP — A thief or thieves broke into a storage shed located behind Ertie’s Forest Trail EZ Mart on North US 31 and stole several returnable cans, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. The break-in was reported Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 4:40…

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Two people injured in Branch Township crash

January 21, 2026

BRANCH TOWNSHIP — Two people were transported to the hospital following a two vehicle crash on US 10 Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Emergency personnel were called to the scene, in front of Pioneer Party Store, 6117 E. US 10, about 10:30 a.m. According to Michigan State Police Trooper Matt Demny, the crash involved two vehicles, a 2011 Toyota and a…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: Spartans fall to Fremont

January 21, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. FREMONT — Mason County Central put up a good fight against the Fremont Packers Tuesday evening, Jan. 20, but ultimately fell 50-44. “It was a tight game from start to finish, and…

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MCE to host ‘Bear-y Special Winter Night Party’ for preschool families

January 21, 2026

CUSTER — Mason County Eastern will host a “Bear-y Special Winter Night Party” for preschool children (ages 3 and 4) and their parents/guardians on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The event will take place in the MCE Elementary multi-purpose room. Snacks and activities will be included in the free event. Attendees are asked to arrive no later…

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Recent death: Amy Elizabeth (Williams) Jalocha, 43, of Free Soil

January 21, 2026

  Amy Elizabeth (Williams) Jalocha, 43, of Free Soil, died on Monday, January 19, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Path of Life church in Ludington, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to the WillStrong Foundation or Path…

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Recent births, published Jan. 21, 2026

January 21, 2026

Oliver Lee Gregg, the son of Christen and Justin Gregg of Manistee, was born on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2026 births List of 2025 births   __________________________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: North Muskegon ends Orioles’ winning streak

January 20, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. NORTH MUSKEGON — North Muskegon handed the Orioles their first loss of the season, breaking an 11-game winning streak. The Norsemen defeated LHS 60-54. North Muskegon’s Adam Duegner was a little too…

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Girls Varsity Basketball: Pirates defeat Spartans in conference play

January 20, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. SCOTTVILLE — The Hart Pirates defeated Mason County Central Tuesday, Jan. 20, 45-32 in West Michigan Conference Rivers Division play. Hart led the game in the first three quarters but the Spartans…

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Boys Varsity Basketball: MCE defeats TC Home School

January 20, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. CUSTER — Mason County Eastern defeated Traverse City Home School Tuesday, Jan. 20, at home, 58-39. “We started off slow,” said MCE Coach Austin Boundy. “Not rebounding well, not defending the paint…

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Winter weather advisory issued

January 20, 2026

MASON COUNTY — Several west Michigan counties, including Mason County, are under a winter weather advisory issued by the National Weather Service from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Total snow accumulation of 2-6 inches is predicted. “Plan on slippery road conditions,” states NWS. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Wednesday morning commute.” ____________________ Please Support Local News…

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Police news, published Jan. 20, 2026

January 20, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is activity of the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Monday, Jan. 19, 2026: 6:15 a.m., one-vehicle crash, no injury, Hansen Road near LaSalle Road, Amber Township. 9:18 a.m., one-vehicle rollover crash, no injury, Reek Road north of Millerton Road, Sherman Township. 10:32…

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Introducing the Masters of the PM Steamers history project

January 19, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief In December, Mason County Press launched a Great Lakes History Log series entitled Masters of the PM Steamers. This series features the stories of the captains of the Ludington-based railroad maritime fleet, which included the carferries and their predecessors, the break-bulk “black boats.” This series is being presented on MCP in a chronological sequence, beginning in…

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Closings and cancellations, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

January 19, 2026

  The following closings and cancellations have been reported for Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026: Schools: Covenant Christian School, Ludington Fountain Child Development Center Hart Public Schools Ludington Area Catholic School Ludington Area School District Mason County Central Schools, including Victory Early Childhood Center Mason County Eastern Schools Manistee Area Public Schools Pentwater Public Schools Shelby Public Schools Trinity Lutheran School,…

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Upcoming library events

January 19, 2026

Winter Wonderland Party The Mason County District Library is holding a Winter Wonderland party for children at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Both branches will have scavenger hunts, games, snacks, and a fun time. Bring your family and enjoy some time playing games together. Lunch and “Lord of the Rings” for teens Teens are invited to enjoy lunch and…

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Middle School Competitive Cheer: Orioles take third place at Brethren invite

January 19, 2026

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Squires Chiropractic, Smith & Eddy Insurance, and VanderHaag Car Sales & Rentals. BRETHREN — The OJ DeJonge Middle School (Ludington) competitive cheer team earned third place Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Brethren invitational. It was the team’s first trophy. We welcome submitted photographs. Deadline…

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