Scott Russell took local education to another level

February 16, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief CUSTER — He was bigger than life; jovial. A true leader and a devoted educator. He loved to talk education, hunting and fishing. He loved Custer and would do anything for all kids. His leadership style was simple: Hire the best and get out of their way. This was Scott Russell, former superintendent of Mason County…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: TC West ends Orioles’ winning streak

February 16, 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. TRAVERSE CITY — The Ludington Orioles’ winning streak ended Monday when the Traverse City West Titans defeated them 88-64. The Titans knocked down 12 3-pointers and cruised to victory. The Orioles trailed…

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Boys Varsity Basketball: Holton tops Eastern

February 16, 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. HOLTON — The Holton Red Devils defeated Mason County Eastern Monday in non-conference play, 53-39. “The guys played really hard and didn’t give up, despite being shorthanded, missing two of our starters,”…

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Snowmobiler injured in crash

February 16, 2026

AMBER TOWNSHIP — A 39-year-old Scottville man was injured in a snowmobile crash Tuesday, Feb. 9, at 1:15 p.m. in the 400 block of First Street, according to Sgt. Michael Cuevas of the Michigan State Police, Hart post. “He sustained back injuries as a result of a snowmobile crash where he was ejected from it,” said Sgt. Cuevas. The snowmobiler…

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Minivan lands on ice island in Hamlin Lake

February 16, 2026

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — A 33-year-old Ludington woman escaped injury after the white minivan she was driving Sunday, Feb. 15, shortly before 8:30 a.m. ended up partially on Hamlin Lake, according to Michigan State Police Sgt. Michael Cuevas of the Hart post. The accident occurred in the 6000 block of Jebavy Drive. “There was a single-vehicle crash where the driver drove…

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MSP urges citizens to keep car doors locked

February 16, 2026

MASON COUNTY — The Michigan State Police, Hart post, is encouraging citizens to keep their car doors locked due to a recent string of thefts from vehicles. “There has been a recent uptick of break-ins and larcenies from automobiles within our post area,” said MSP Sgt. Michael Cuevas. “MSP is encouraging everyone to lock your doors and take anything of…

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Police news, published Feb. 16, 2026

February 16, 2026

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. The following is recent police activity in Mason County: Friday, Feb. 13, 2026: 6:15 p.m., (Ludington Police Department), a 25-year-old Ludington man was cited for driving without a license following a traffic stop near Stearns Drive, City of Ludington. 11:40 p.m., (Mason County…

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Varsity Wrestling: 3 Oriole wrestlers heading to regionals; including 2 girls

February 16, 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. Three Ludington High School wrestlers will advance to regionals following successful district matches over the weekend. Two of the three are female wrestlers, a first for LHS. The Ludington boys wrestling team…

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Obituary: John J. Zukas, 73, formerly of Custer

February 16, 2026

John J. Zukas, 73, formerly of Custer, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026. John was born September 17, 1952, in Ludington to John and Emily Zukas. He graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1971 and worked for many years as a forklift driver, most recently at Indian Summer until retirement. John was preceded in death by his…

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Club Wrestling: Local grappler shines at Thug Trials 2

February 16, 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. KALAMAZOO — High-level competitive jiu-jitsu took center stage on Saturday as Thug Trials 2 brought an evening of intense grappling action to the Delta Hotel Conference Center. The event featured a lineup…

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Recent death: Melvin Claypool, 96, of Scottville

February 16, 2026

Melvin Claypool, 96, of Scottville died on Monday, February 16, 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 news…

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Recent death: Karen Ann Johnson, 53, of Irons

February 16, 2026

Karen Ann Johnson, 53, of Irons died on Friday, February 13, 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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Recent death: Paul Jeffery Schroeder, 74, of Ludington

February 16, 2026

Paul Jeffery Schroeder, 74, of Ludington and Muskegon, died on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Arrangements by 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 __________ Please Support Local News…

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We need your help

February 15, 2026

Folks, we really need your help. Before I continue, I want to thank those who have accepted our request and are now subscribing to the MCP/OCP Daily Briefing. We are asking for you to make a small monthly investment in order for us to continue to provide you with local news and sports coverage. Mason County Press and Oceana County…

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Co-op Hockey: Lakeshore Badgers defeat Livonia

February 15, 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. VICTORY TOWNSHIP — The Lakeshore Badgers played their last home game of the season Saturday with a victory, defeating the Livonia Red Stallions 4-0. The Badgers started strong with several scoring chances…

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Varsity Boys Wrestling: 4 Spartan wrestlers qualify for regionals

February 15, 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. Shepherd — Four Mason County Central wrestlers qualified for regionals following districts hosted by Shepherd High School Saturday. Those wrestlers include Wyatt Herwig, Landon Angst, Parker Overmyer and Dameon Gaitan. Sophomore Wyatt…

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Varsity Girls Wrestling: Spartans fall short for districts

February 15, 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. WHITEHALL — Three Mason County Central wrestlers competed at districts hosted by Whitehall High School Sunday. Though they put up a good fight, none of the female wrestlers were able to move…

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LEA awards Safe Harbor Credit Union with Friend of Education award

February 14, 2026

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — Safe Harbor Credit Union was honored by the Ludington Eduation Association Friday with the 2025-2026 Friend of Education award. The presentation was made during the Ludington High School varsity boys basketball game against Whitehall. LEA president Jon Stowe presented the award to Adam Johnson, president of Safe Harbor Credit Union. “The Friend of Education…

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Boys Varsity Basketball: Central tops Ravenna in close conference match

February 14, 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. RAVENNA — The Mason County Central Spartans defeated West Michigan Conference Rivers Division opponent Ravenna Friday in a close game, 59-57. “It was a well-played game by both teams tonight and an…

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Girls Varsity Basketball: Cardinals defeat Baldwin

February 14, 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. BALDWIN — The Mason County Eastern Cardinals defeated the Baldwin Panthers 48-39 Friday during a West Michigan D League match. “The girls played a strong team game last night,” said MCE Coach…

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Varsity Boys Basketball: Ludington clinches WMC Lakes title

February 13, 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. Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — The Ludington Orioles clinched the West Michigan Conference Lakes Division title Friday by defeating the Whitehall Vikings 78-58. The Orioles used a big second quarter…

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