West Shore Wolves 12U B team wins Camo Shootout championship

November 9, 2026

ST. IGNACE — The West Shore Wolves 12U B hockey team captured the Camo Shootout Tournament championship over the weekend, allowing just two goals throughout the tournament. The Wolves relied on strong goaltending, disciplined defense and a team effort to secure the championship against tough competition. Head Coach Nick Tykoski said the victory reflected the team’s theme for the 2026-2027…

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Bartender assaulted with brass knuckles

November 9, 2026

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor WEARE TOWNSHIP, Oceana County — A female bartender was reportedly assaulted over the weekend by a woman with brass knuckles at Murphy’s Tavern, receiving several puncture wounds. “There has been no arrest made, and the investigation is ongoing,” said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast Monday morning, Nov. 9. “We do have a suspect, and we’re…

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Last call to register for Thursday’s West Shore Business and Economic Summit

November 9, 2026

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Area business leaders and professionals are encouraged to register for the West Shore Business and Economic Summit, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, at West Shore Community College. The event will feature presentations on leadership, cybersecurity, workplace communication and a post-election legislative update from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. The annual summit begins at 1 p.m. at the…

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Police news, published Nov. 9, 2026

November 9, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is police activity in Mason County over the weekend: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026: 7:09 a.m., (Mason County Sheriff’s Office), car/deer crash, Schoenherr and Decker roads, Sheridan Township. 7:19 a.m., (MCSO), car/deer crash, Benson and Decker roads, Branch Township. 10:27 a.m., (MCSO),…

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WSCC workshop to explore family memories through art, AI

November 9, 2026

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — West Shore Community College will host a free community art workshop Thursday, Nov. 12, as part of its HumanKind Series, featuring Turkish-American artist Hale Ekinci. The workshop, “ACT II: The Transferred Image,” will begin at 12:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the Arts and Sciences Building on WSCC’s main campus. The event is the second in a…

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Obituary: Ronnie Melchert, II, of Grant Township

November 9, 2026

Ronnie Melchert II, a cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on February 1, 1960, in the quaint town of , Manistee Michigan, to Ron and Norma Melchert Sr. With a heart as warm as his smile, Ronnie has touched countless lives through his unwavering dedication and love. Ronnie passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026. Ronnie’s life…

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Employment: County Drain Maintenance Technician

November 9, 2026

The County of Mason is seeking a qualified individual for a County Drain Maintenance Technician position with the Mason County Drain Commissioner’s Office.  Individuals applying for this position must be able to work effectively with the public, administer various permit programs, perform periodic drain inspections and oversee drain maintenance projects.  Additional duties include conducting post-closure maintenance at two landfill sites…

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A lifetime of answering the call: Grant fire chief Ron Melchert dies at 66

November 8, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief GRANT TOWNSHIP — Long before Ron Melchert II wore a fire chief’s helmet, he was helping build the fire station where he would spend nearly five decades serving his neighbors. For Melchert, being a firefighter was more than a responsibility or a title. It was a way of life, rooted in family tradition, a deep commitment…

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Maritime historian Valerie van Heest to speak at historical society’s annual meeting

November 8, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Maritime historian, author and shipwreck explorer Valerie van Heest, whose work has helped shape the visitor experience at all three Mason County Historical Society museums, will be the featured speaker at the society’s annual dinner meeting Thursday, Dec. 3. Van Heest, one of Michigan’s leading maritime historians and shipwreck researchers, will present…

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Capt. Alfred Londry refused to challenge the Armistice Day Storm

November 7, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, and the Mason County Historical Society. Masters of the Ludington Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief On Nov. 11, 1940, as the Armistice Day Storm swept across the Great Lakes, Capt. Alfred “Fred” Londry made the decision to keep his…

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From a trucker’s son to a Great Lakes sailor: Third mate finds his calling aboard Northern Venture

November 6, 2026

This MCP Maritime Journal is presented by Great Lakes Boat Blog by Rob Alway. Please consider subscribing to www.greatlakesboatblog.com for an exclusive page about the story of the maritime industry past and present.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Growing up, Sam Bouchier thought he might follow in his father’s footsteps and become a truck driver. Instead, he found a…

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Suspect arrested in Ludington store break-in

November 6, 2026

LUDINGTON — A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an Oct. 20 breaking and entering at Backstage Hobbies and Games, according to the Ludington Police Department. Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones announced Friday, Nov. 6, that the suspect had been identified and arrested following an investigation into the break-in at the business, located at 119 S. James St.…

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Friday morning rainbow shines over MCC Middle School

November 6, 2026

Photo by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — A rainbow appeared over Mason County Central Middle School in Scottville just before 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, as morning sunlight broke through the clouds following rain. The rainbow provided a colorful backdrop to the school as students arrived for the day.   Become a subscriber and help keep local news coverage alive…

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Ludington asks residents to help identify water service lines

November 6, 2026

LUDINGTON — The City of Ludington is asking residents to voluntarily help identify the material of the water service lines that serve their homes as the city continues its Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Like all communities across Michigan, Ludington is required under the state’s Lead and Copper Rule to inventory every water service line and replace lead lines, as…

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Police news, published Nov. 6, 2026

November 6, 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 Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026: 11:06 a.m., abandoned vehicle, 4000 block of North US 31, Victory Township. 11:44 a.m., two-vehicle crash, no injuries, State and Main streets, City of Scottville. 11:57 a.m., threats, 2000…

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Updated Ludington election results include early voting totals

November 6, 2026

LUDINGTON — Early Wednesday morning, Mason County Press reported results of the Nov. 3 City of Ludington election as final. However, MCP did not anticipate that early voting results would be reported separately under a new reporting system. As a result, some of the vote totals published in our initial report were incorrect. The updated results include all six city…

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Community Foundation publishes 113 wishes totaling over $193,000

November 6, 2026

LUDINGTON — The Community Foundation for Mason County has published its fall 2026 Community Wish Lists, featuring 113 wishes totaling more than $193,000 in needs for local nonprofit organizations. The foundation will celebrate its second annual Wish List Wednesday on Nov. 11, encouraging individuals, businesses and organizations to help fulfill the wishes of Mason County nonprofits. Established in 2025, Wish…

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Obituary: Betty J. Orton 87, of Ludington

November 6, 2026

Celebrating the Life of Betty Jane Orton-Cochran Early in the morning of Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Betty Orton, in her 87th year, passed away peacefully at home. While we will grieve, we also celebrate her new journey.  As she told her family, “I’m ready to meet Jesus.” Betty leaves behind her husband Roger Cochran and her four daughters Wendy Orton,…

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Obituary: Sandra Carol Stakenas, 83, of Free Soil

November 6, 2026

Sandra Carol Stakenas (Sanders), 83, of Free Soil, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 13, 1942, in Muskegon to Jonas Henry Sanders and Ruth Bonnett Nelson Sanders. Sandra married Gene Raymond Stakenas on March 4, 1961. Together, they operated Sanders Burial Vaults and Meadow Dairy Farm. Working side by…

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Recent death: Thomas George Shafer, 96, of Ludington

November 6, 2026

Thomas George Shafer, 96, of Ludington, died on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com. 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 __________ Become a subscriber and…

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Northern Venture captain reflects on life on the lakes during Ludington visit

November 5, 2026

This MCP Maritime Journal is presented by Great Lakes Boat Blog by Rob Alway. Please consider subscribing to www.greatlakesboatblog.com for an exclusive page about the story of the maritime industry past and present.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — When the Canadian freighter Northern Venture arrived off the coast of Ludington late Wednesday morning, Nov. 4, strong winds and waves…

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