Police news, published March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent Ludington Police Department activity: Monday, March 30, 2026: 11:08 a.m., a 31-year-old Ludington woman was arrested on a failure to appear warrant issued in Mason County following a traffic stop, Washington Avenue and Bryant Street, City of Ludington. She…

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Public Notice: Mason County Housing Repair Program Applications Open

March 31, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Mason County Housing Repair Program Applications Open Mason County is accepting applications for housing repair assistance programs available to low- to moderate-income homeowners. Applications are available online at:https://library.municode.com/MI/mason_county_/munidocs/munidocs under “Applications,” or in person at the Mason County Administration Office, 304 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Completed applications must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on April 30, 2026.…

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Grand Rapids astronaut to make history on Artemis II mission

March 30, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — When NASA’s Artemis II mission launches Wednesday, April 1, a west Michigan native will be aboard, marking a historic milestone not only for the nation’s return to deep space exploration, but also for Michigan’s legacy in human spaceflight. Christina Hammock Koch, a Grand Rapids native, will serve as a mission specialist on…

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Former law enforcement officer builds successful insulation business in Irons

March 30, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief IRONS — After 18 years in law enforcement, John Bennett took a leap of faith and stepped into a completely different career field. Along with a silent business partner, Bennett founded Fresh Coast Foam, LLC, a company specializing in spray foam insulation and concrete lifting services throughout west Michigan. “I had zero experience in this type…

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Clear Springs Nature Preserve

March 30, 2026

Story and photos by Joan Young, MCP Contributing Writer Whenever you are in need of a short or moderate hike on the way from the Mason County area to Muskegon, Clear Springs Nature Preserve, just off the US 31 freeway near Montague, is a great option. There are several loops of trails ranging from easy to moderately hilly, and visitors…

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Man found ‘slumped’ over the wheel arrested for OWI

March 30, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. RIVERTON TOWNSHIP — A 57-year-old Pentwater man was arrested for operating while intoxicated after a Mason County sheriff’s deputy found him slumped over the steering wheel, passed out with the vehicle running Saturday, March 28, at 12:50 a.m., on Anthony Road east of…

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US 31 bridge work near Pentwater to begin April 6

March 30, 2026

PENTWATER TOWNSHIP, Oceana County — The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin a $1 million project Monday, April 6, to improve the US 31 bridges over the south branch of the Pentwater River. “Work includes substructure repairs, new expansion joints, pin and hanger replacement, and painting,” states a press release from MDOT. The work is expected to be completed in…

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Seasonal road restrictions lifted

March 30, 2026

SCOTTVILLE — Seasonal weight and speed restrictions that have been in effect since Feb. 16, have been lifted, according to the Mason County Road Commission. Seasonal weight restrictions are typically implemented each year during the spring thaw, when melting frost weakens the ground beneath road surfaces. During that time, heavy vehicles are required to reduce loads — often by as…

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Mental Health Matters: Getting help when you need it

March 30, 2026

By Lori Schummer, Director of Public Relations and Customer Service, West Michigan Community Mental Health Seeking help for mental health or substance use concerns can feel overwhelming, often leaving individuals unsure where to begin. West Michigan Community Mental Health has expanded services in recent years to improve access to care for residents in Lake, Mason and Oceana counties, including the…

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Obituary: Earl William Standish Jr., 70, of Ludington

March 30, 2026

Earl William Standish Jr., 70, of Ludington, passed away peacefully Friday, March 27, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 5, 1955, in Ludington, the son of the late Florence Maxine (Bailey) Standish and Earl William Standish Sr. He graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1973. On July 17, 1976, he married Kathleen Ann McClure. They…

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Recent death: Carolyn S. McVicker, 69, of Fountain

March 30, 2026

Carolyn S. McVicker, 69, of Fountain, died on Friday, March 27, 2026. Funeral arrangements by Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services in Scottville. Listing of 2026 deaths Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing of 2022 deaths. Listing of 2021 deaths. Listing of 2020 deaths. Listing of 2019 deaths __________ Receive daily MCP and OCP…

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Radiant Church expands into Oceana County with Hart campus

March 27, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief HART — There is a strong sense of redemption at Hart’s newest place of Christian worship. Located at 314 S. State St., Radiant Church held its first services last Sunday, drawing two packed gatherings. A total of 399 people attended the church, an extension of Radiant Church in Ludington. While hearts and souls will be renewed…

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Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights family support, safety initiatives

March 27, 2026

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center is joining communities across the country this April to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month. Observed nationally through Prevent Child Abuse America and in Michigan through Children Trust Michigan, the month is dedicated to educating adults about child safety while also highlighting the importance of strong families and supportive communities. The blue pinwheel,…

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51st Circuit Court sentences, published March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

LUDINGTON — The following were sentenced this week in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court: Dillon James Swinney, 26, pleaded guilty Jan. 21 to third-offense operating while intoxicated, driving while license suspended and transporting an open intoxicant in a vehicle and was sentenced March 24 to concurrent terms of 30 months to 20 years in prison with credit for 298 days…

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Domestic violence, meth arrests top police activity

March 27, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is Mason County Sheriff’s Office activity Thursday, March 26, 2026: 3:12 a.m., a 21-year-old Ludington man was arrested for domestic violence following a 911 call reporting a disturbance, Wildwood Crossing, Amber Township. He was lodged in the Mason County Jail. 3:14…

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Memorial service sheduled for Edward Alan VandenBerg, 90, of Ludington

March 27, 2026

Edward Alan VandenBerg, 90, of Ludington, formerly Kalamazoo, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the American Legion Post #76, in Ludington, from 2pm-4pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. See Mr. VandenBerg’s obituary here.   Arrangements by Grace…

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Obituary: Lynette Marie Lehman, 61 of Oklahoma City, formerly of Ludington

March 27, 2026

Lynette Marie Lehman, 61 of Oklahoma City, formerly of Ludington, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Lynette, affectionately known as Nettie, was born on June 25, 1964, the daughter of the late Marvin and Antoinette (Iervolina) Brault. She attended Mason County Eastern Schools. She was the significant other to Jesse “Clint” Brown. On her free time, she loved tending…

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Summit Tech students build bookshelves for Scottville, Walkerville elementary classrooms

March 26, 2026

West Shore School News is a presentation of West Shore Educational Service District in partnership with Mason County Press and Oceana County Press. AMBER TOWNSHIP — Students in the construction trades program at Summit Tech Center recently completed a hands-on project benefiting local elementary students, building custom bookshelves for classrooms at Mason County Central’s Scottville Elementary and Walkerville Public Schools’…

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Man charged with a dozen felonies in child abuse cases

March 26, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — A 43-year-old Scottville man faces 12 felony counts in two separate criminal cases involving child abuse and assault. Michael Reece Herndon was recently arraigned on eight of those charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court: two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; two counts of second-degree…

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Fleeing suspect arraigned on 7 charges

March 26, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — The 31-year-old Wellston man who was tackled by a Mason County sheriff’s deputy to stop him from allegedly fleeing from police Wednesday, March 25, was arraigned on seven charges in Mason County’s 79th District Court. Joseph Wade Conrad is charged with felonies of third-degree fleeing and eluding police, assaulting/resisting/obstructing police and possession of…

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MCC forensics team earns strong finishes, prepares for state competition

March 26, 2026

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press.  SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central High School Forensics Team continues to see success during its invitational season as it prepares for upcoming state competitions. The team recently traveled to Novi High School on March 14 to compete in both the Novice State…

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