Construction of Jebavy Drive/Johnson Road traffic signal to begin Aug. 4

July 30, 2026

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Construction will begin next week on a new traffic signal at the intersection of Jebavy Drive and Johnson Road, with motorists advised to expect periodic delays during the month-long project. The Mason County Road Commission announced that work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 4. J. Ranck Electric Inc. will serve as the project’s prime contractor.…

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Early voting underway

July 30, 2026

Early in-person voting is underway in Mason County for the Tuesday, Aug. 4, primary election, giving registered voters the opportunity to cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting began Saturday, July 25, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 2. Michigan voters approved early in-person voting as part of a constitutional amendment, allowing registered voters to cast a ballot at designated…

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Several Ludington streets to close for paving next week

July 30, 2026

LUDINGTON — Several residential streets will be temporarily closed Monday, Aug. 3, as the City of Ludington completes paving and resurfacing work. The project is scheduled to begin at approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday and is expected to be completed the same day, weather permitting. The affected streets include: Woodlawn Street, from Monona Drive to Sherman Street. Elder Lane, from Woodlawn…

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Employment: Graphic Arts Paraprofessional-CTE

July 30, 2026

West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a Graphic Arts Paraprofessional-CTE. High School diploma and 2 years experience working in Graphic Arts or marketing required.  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…

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New judge to be assigned in contractor fraud cases

July 29, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — The contractor fraud cases in 79th District Court against a 36-year-old man who worked as a builder based out of Mason County’s Grant Township and his 35-year-old wife are on hold until a new judge is assigned. Daniel James Siefka and Lydia Ruth Siefka are each charged with: one count of conducting a…

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79th District Court felony arraignments, published July 29, 2026

July 29, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were arraigned recently on felony or high-court misdemeanor charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Jose Reyes Anaya, 46, felony of possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy. Offense date: July 19, 2026. Agency: Mason County Sheriff’s Office. (Bond and court date not listed.) William Paul Andrews, 51, felony of possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy. Offense date: April 14, 2026. Agency: Ludington…

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Hart to host Start Garden 5×5 Pitch Night for entrepreneurs

July 29, 2026

HART — Entrepreneurs from across the region will have the opportunity to compete for a $5,000 startup grant during the Start Garden 5×5 Pitch Night on Monday, Aug. 25, at Birch & Blossom, 112 E. Main St., Suite 3. The event, which begins at 5 p.m., is presented in partnership with Start Garden and hosted by the Chamber Alliance of…

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Memorial Service scheduled for Mary M. Ramsey

July 29, 2026

A celebration of life will be held for Mary M. Ramsey at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 at Radiant Church, 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington, with a luncheon to follow. Mary M Ramsey, 71, of Walhalla, died on Friday, May 1, 2026. Those who wish to make a memorial donation in memory of Mary are asked to please…

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Employment: Middle School Office Assistants

July 29, 2026

Mason County Central School District is hiring two Middle School Office Assistants for the 2026-2027 school year. For details and to apply, go to www.mccschools.org. Job ID#673. Application deadline: Aug. 8, 2026. This is a paid posting. Published until Aug. 8, 2026. 

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Police ID 18-year-old killed in crash

July 28, 2026

GRANT TOWNSHIP — Marlee Jo Alexander, 18, of Manistee has been identified as the woman who died in a single-vehicle crash Monday night, July 27, around 10:30 p.m. on Countyline Road west of Red Apple Road, according to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Marlee’s family and loved ones during this time of tragic loss,”…

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Timothy Klunder, former Scottville city manager, passes away

July 28, 2026

ZEELAND — Timothy R. Klunder, a former Scottville city manager who went on to serve more than two decades as Zeeland’s city manager, died Monday, July 27, at his home. He was 57. Klunder began his municipal management career in Scottville during the mid-1990s, serving as the city’s top administrator in what was his first city manager position. He later…

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18-year-old Manistee woman dies in single-vehicle crash

July 28, 2026

GRANT TOWNSHIP — An 18-year-old Manistee woman died in a single-vehicle crash on Countyline Road west of Red Apple Road Monday, July 27, around 10:30 p.m., said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “Evidence suggests a 2001 Saturn passenger car was traveling westbound on the dirt portion of Countyline Road when the driver lost control, slid sideways, and into the ditch…

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West Shore Civic Band to present Howard Hornung/Tom Thomas Memorial Band Concert Aug. 10

July 28, 2026

LUDINGTON — The West Shore Civic Band will honor the legacies of two longtime Mason County music educators during the annual Howard Hornung/Tom Thomas Memorial Band Concert on Monday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at Waterfront Park. The concert is free and open to the public, with donations accepted to support the band’s programs. The annual performance pays tribute to…

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Northern Michigan research trip begins in Rogers City

July 28, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief On Sunday and Monday, I headed to northern Michigan for two days of maritime history and genealogy research. My ultimate destination was Sault Ste. Marie, where I wanted to visit and photograph the grave of Capt. John W. Duddleson (1846-1927), one of more than 70 captains I have been researching who commanded vessels that were part…

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Mason County Land Bank offering two affordable homes in Branch Township

July 28, 2026

BRANCH TOWNSHIP — The Mason County Land Bank Authority is accepting applications from income-qualified buyers for two newly constructed homes in Branch Township that are being offered through an affordable homeownership program. The program includes a three-bedroom, two-bath home at 41 S. Stephen Ave. and a two-bedroom, two-bath home at 43 S. Stephen Ave. The homes are intended for purchasers…

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Employment: Teaching Positions

July 28, 2026

Immediate openings in Lake, Manistee and Mason and Newaygo counties. FiveCAP, Inc has positions open for Head Start program Center Directors and Lead Teachers. Candidates must have Early Childhood Education AA or BA and experience teaching. Starting Pay: Center Director, $56,300 and Lead Teacher, $46,900; Other positions are also available! Benefits package including health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, matched…

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Hundreds attend Rhythm & Dunes opener; final concert set for Saturday

July 27, 2026

LUDINGTON — Hundreds of people filled Waterfront Park Saturday evening as West Shore Bank’s 2026 Rhythm & Dunes concert series opened with a performance by Mark Blomsteel & The Motor City Drive, kicking off another summer of free live music while raising money for Mason County high school band programs. Families spread blankets and lawn chairs across the park while…

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Severe thunderstorm watch in effect until 8 p.m.

July 27, 2026

UPDATE: The watch has been cancelled for Mason County MASON COUNTY — The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m. Monday, July 27, for several counties in the western portion of the Lower Peninsula, including Mason and Oceana counties. The storms could produce hail and damaging winds. ___________________________________________ Please Support Local News and Sports Coverage…

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Man lying in middle of road arrested for probation violation

July 27, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON — A 35-year-old Ludington man was arrested by a Ludington police officer for probation violation in the area of Rath Avenue and Timber Lane Friday, July 24, at 11:37 p.m., following a “report that he was lying in the middle of the…

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Obituary: Max Wells Schipper, 82, of Ludington

July 27, 2026

Max Wells Schipper, 82, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026 leaving behind a lifetime of memories and stories that will be shared for years to come. Born on Jan. 4, 1944, Max entered the world during World War II. His parents chose his first name, Max, and his middle name, Wells, to commemorate two friends who had lost…

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Employment: Paraprofessional – CTE: Design, Fabrication and Welding

July 27, 2026

West Shore Educational Service District has a position vacancy for a Design, Fabrication and Welding (DFW) Paraprofessional-CTE. High School diploma and two years experience working with machine tools and/or CNC mills/lathes required.  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,…

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Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks