Enrollment declines in all three Mason County public school districts

October 16, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief All three of Mason County’s public school districts are reporting declining student enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year, reflecting a statewide trend attributed largely to declining birth rates and changing population demographics. Mason County Central School District, Ludington Area School District and Mason County Eastern School District have each reported decreases in enrollment compared to fall…

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Aboard the Wilfred Sykes: Part 8. AB Matt Uhlbeck at the wheel and behind the lens

October 16, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief ABOARD THE SS WILFRED SYKES — For Matt Uhlbeck of Buckley, steering a 678-foot Great Lakes freighter is more than a job. It is the realization of a childhood dream and a step toward a career as…

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White Pine Village to host trick-or-treat event Saturday

October 16, 2026

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Historic White Pine Village will conclude its 2026 season Saturday, Oct. 17, with its annual Village Trick-or-Treat event from 2 to 5 p.m. Families are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes and enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating throughout the village’s historic buildings. Admission will be discounted 50% for all guests during the event, from 2 to…

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WSCC board to consider campus improvements, including student housing, fieldhouse

October 16, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College’s Board of Trustees will consider a facilities master plan Monday, Oct. 19, that identifies five priorities for future campus improvements, including student housing, a new fieldhouse and expanded public safety training facilities. The board will meet at 4 p.m. in the John M. Eaton Board Room in the Administrative…

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WSCC fall enrollment declines 4.9% following three years of growth

October 16, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Fall enrollment at West Shore Community College has declined 4.9% compared to last year, ending three consecutive years of enrollment growth, according to a report scheduled to be presented to the college’s Board of Trustees Monday, Oct. 19. The board will meet at 4 p.m. in the John M. Eaton Board Room, located…

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Police news, published Oct. 16, 2026

October 16, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent activity of the Ludington Police Department: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026: 11:28 p.m., a 38-year-old Ludington man was arrested on a warrant and charged with resisting arrest following a traffic stop near Ludington Avenue and Jackson Road, City of Ludington.…

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Cages of Carnage continues this weekend at Camp Sauble

October 16, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief FREE SOIL TOWNSHIP — The annual Camp Sauble Cages of Carnage haunted attraction continues this weekend, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16 and 17, and the following weekend, Oct. 23 and 24. The event, held at the former Camp Sauble prison facility, 4058 E. Free Soil Road, is a fundraiser for the Free Soil/Meade Fire Department, which…

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MCC elementary reports identify academic challenges, student growth

October 16, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — Reports from Mason County Central Schools’ elementary principals have identified concerns about student academic performance, attention spans and attendance, while also showing encouraging academic growth among students in grades three through five. The reports, prepared for the Mason County Central Board of Education’s Monday, Oct. 19 meeting, outline the results of fall academic assessments…

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WSCC to present “The Wizard of Oz” beginning Oct. 23

October 16, 2026

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press. VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College’s theater department will present “The Wizard of Oz” at the college’s Center Stage Theater over three weekends, beginning Oct. 23. The production will feature one of the largest casts and crews in recent years, bringing the story…

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Recent birth, published Oct. 16, 2026

October 16, 2026

The following birth has been reported: Miley Kathryn Howard, the daughter of Jayme and Matthew McCrary-Howard of Pentwater, was born on Friday, October 16, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. List of 2026 births List of 2025 births   __________________________________ Please Support Local News Coverage For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while Mason County…

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Public notice: Mason County seeking applicants for boards, commissions

October 16, 2026

The Mason County Board of Commissioners is seeking applicants interested in serving on several county boards and commissions. A total of 11 positions are available. The following appointments are being considered: Construction Code Board of Appeals: Two openings. Three-year terms. Vacant positions with terms ending Dec. 31, 2028, and Dec. 31, 2029. Department of Public Works Board: Three openings. Three-year…

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Aboard the Wilfred Sykes: Part 7. Cadet Filson sets his sights on becoming a master

October 15, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: For the past several years, I have made it a personal mission to tell the stories of the Great Lakes maritime industry and, especially, the people who work aboard its vessels. As someone who has…

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MCC marching band receives top rating at Big Rapids competition

October 15, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief BIG RAPIDS — The Mason County Central High School Marching Band received a division 1 rating Wednesday following its performance at the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association district marching band competition hosted by Big Rapids High School. Division…

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Memorial service planned for H. Richard Smith

October 15, 2026

A memorial service for H. Richard Smith, who passed away on September 20, 2026, will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Please join the family and share your stories about “Plumber Smith” as they celebrate his 90 years of hard work, service…

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MCC High School rewards students for strong attendance with ice cream social

October 15, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partership with Mason County Press. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — About 91% of Mason County Central High School students qualified for an ice cream social Thursday, Oct. 15, as part of the school’s effort to encourage regular attendance and recognize students for positive behavior and academic achievement.…

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West Shore Business and Economic Summit set for Nov. 12

October 15, 2026

WSCC News is a presentation of West Shore Community College in partnership with Mason County Press. VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College, in partnership with West Shore Bank, the Chamber Alliance of Mason County and the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, will host the West Shore Business and Economic Summit on Thursday, Nov. 12. The annual event brings area…

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Obituary: Jon Charles Ferguson, 83, of Ludington, formerly of Grand Rapids

October 15, 2026

Jon Charles Ferguson, 83, passed away peacefully in Ludington on Monday, September 21, 2026, surrounded by the family who adored him,. Jon was born in Ludington on April 8, 1943, the second child of Charles Joseph and Helen Irene (née Shusta) Ferguson. As a teen, he helped construct the building for his family’s business, Ferguson Electric. Jon graduated from Ludington…

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Recent birth, published Oct. 15, 2026

October 15, 2026

The following birth has been reported: Oliver Ray Parks, the son of Rayanne Golembiewski and Nolan Newberry of Ludington, was born on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital. List of 2026 births List of 2025 births   __________________________________ Please Support Local News Coverage For generations, local newspapers were supported by subscriptions. Today, while…

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Employment: Construction trades teacher

October 15, 2026

West Shore Educational Service District has a vacancy for a Construction Trades Teacher. To view a complete job posting, please visit our website at www.wsesd.org.  Send cover letter, resume and credentials to:  Human Resources, West Shore ESD, 2130 W. US 10, Ludington, MI 49431 or via email to: humanresources@wsesd.org until filled.  The West Shore ESD offers a competitive wage and…

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Mason County Jail inmate death under investigation

October 14, 2026

LUDINGTON — A 30-year-old Bear Lake man died at the Mason County Jail Saturday evening, Oct. 10, and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is being conducted. “The Mason County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the death of a 30-year-old male inmate who was in custody at the Mason County Jail,” states a press release from the Mason…

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Aboard the Wilfred Sykes: Part 6. At 22, AB Crawford finds his future in the Great Lakes’ past

October 14, 2026

The MCP Boat Blog is presented by the Mason County Historical Society and its Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s note: For the past several years, I have made it a personal mission to tell the stories of the Great Lakes maritime industry and, especially, the people who work aboard its vessels. As someone who has…

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