Stage Left Theatre Co. to present ‘Firebringer’ in July

May 31, 2025

LUDINGTON — Stage Left Theatre Company has announced the cast and opening of ticket sales of its upcoming production of “Firebringer.” “Firebringer” is a comedic musical by StarKid Productions. It takes place in the stone age where a tribe of cave people discovers fire. The musical delves into themes of tradition versus progress, the transformative power of fire, and the…

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VIDEO: Manistee sunset

May 30, 2025

Video by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Sunset Friday, May 30, 2025 at Manistee North Pier Lighthouse. This video presented to you by Filer Credit Union For more photos, consider subscribing to our Daily Briefing. More information below. _________________ Please Support Local News Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will…

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Welcome Home!

May 30, 2025

Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — A crowd gathered on the Ludington piers Friday to watch the Fish On for Freedom Welcome Home Parade. The 10th annual veterans fishing tournament began at 6 a.m. this morning and concluded at noon. Volunteer boat crews spent their morning taking veterans out for an excursion on Lake Michigan. The boat parade was…

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Air quality alert in effect through Saturday morning

May 30, 2025

Thunderstorms expected this evening The entire State of Michigan is under an air quality alert through 6 a.m. Saturday, May 31. “Air quality is expected to be poor as smoke from Canadian fires mixes down to the surface,” states NWS. “It is recommended that, when possible, you avoid strenuous outdoor activities, especially those with heart disease and respiratory diseases like…

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79th District Court arraignments, published May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies – Travis William Malone, 30; delivery/manufacturing a controlled substance — methamphetamine; arrested May 22 by Ludington Police Department; arraigned May 23; preliminary hearing: June 11; bail: $100,000 cash. – Nicole Lynn Kaiser, 36; possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine/ecstasy; arrested…

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Recent births, published May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

The birth announcements are a presentation of West Shore Bank, providing service to Mason, Oceana, Manistee, Muskegon, Benzie, and Grand Traverse counties; www.westshorebank.com.  Avery Hope Richert, the daughter of Bailey and Alexander Richert of Ludington, was born on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Unless indicated, births occurred at Corewell Health Ludington Hospital.  List of 2024 births List of 2023 births   __________________________________…

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Obituary: Caroline Marie Johnson, 91, of Ludington

May 30, 2025

Caroline Marie Johnson, 91, of Ludington, died on Thursday, May 29, 2025. “Sweet Caroline” was born in Ludington to Michael and Anna (Gwiazdowski) Zywicki on August 14, 1933. She attended Saint Stanislaus and Saint Simon schools, graduating in 1951. The friendships Mom formed during those years were lifelong and rich in depth and loyalty. Caroline loved her family “To The…

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Obituary: Robert Richard Conley Jr., 55, of Custer

May 30, 2025

Robert “Rob” Richard Conley Jr., 55, lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on May 27, 2025, in Custer. He was born on August 25, 1969, in Muskegon to Diana Zimmerman and Robert Conley Sr. Rob was a loving spouse, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed working at Northwood Golf Course…

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Fin & Feather offering CPL class

May 30, 2025

SHERMAN TOWNSHIP — The Fin & Feather Club of Mason County will be offering a concealed pistol license (CPL) class on Friday, June 6 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 7, all day, with live range shooting in the afternoon. The entire class will take place at the Fin & Feather Club’s grounds, 3276 N. Darr Rd. Class…

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Employment: High School Drama Director

May 30, 2025

Employment: High School Drama Director Mason County Central School District is currently accepting applications for a High School Drama Director for the 2025/2026 school year. Drama background required Acting/directing experience preferred. For details and to apply, go to www.mccschools.org. This is a paid posting. Published until June 14, 2025. 

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Mears couple plead for justice for their murdered son

May 29, 2025

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor LUDINGTON — It has been over six years since William and Denita Buchanan’s 32-year-old son, Billy, was murdered, and the man who was accused of killing him remains free. The murder, assault and weapon charges against Corey Ryan Beekman, now aged 39, were dismissed in Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court, Sept. 22, 2020. Beekman was…

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Fish On for Freedom Welcome Home Parade is noon Friday

May 29, 2025

LUDINGTON — The public is invited to cheer on veterans participating in the 10th Fish On for Freedom fishing tournament Friday, May 30 at noon. The Welcome Home Parade will be a processional of fishing boats and their passengers that will travel from the Ludington pier heads into the channel. Boats will assemble at 11:45 a.m. following a morning of…

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2025 state park summer series begins with Ludington State Park reopening

May 29, 2025

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The Friends of the Ludington State Park 2025 Summer Series begins on the night of the park’s scheduled reopening and continues through August. The free Tuesday and Saturday programs are funded by the Friends of the Ludington State Park (FLSP) and Safe Harbor Credit Union, along with donation. It is held in partnership with the park’s interpretive…

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Hamlin Lake fireworks scheduled for July 5

May 29, 2025

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The 2025 Hamlin Lakes fireworks display will be held on Saturday, July 5. The event is organized by the Hamlin Lake Preservation Society (HLPS) and is being funded through presenting sponsors West Shore Eye Center, West Shore Bank, and Cottage Works. The presenting sponsors, along with donations from hundreds of individuals, have made it possible to continue…

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MCC forensic team to hold fundraiser; Moore named Coach of the Year

May 29, 2025

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central High School Forensic Head Coach Katarina Moore has been named the Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc. (MSCI) Individual Events Coach of the Year. The announcement was made during the MSCI Mackinac Conference and Tournament held recently on Mackinac Island.…

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Police news, published May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com.  The following is activity of the Ludington Police Department Wednesday, May 28, 2025: 11:06 a.m., a 33-year-old Ludington man was arrested for public intoxication, 300 block of South Rath Avenue, City of Ludington. He was lodged in the Mason County Jail. 7:19 p.m.,…

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Featured pets: Jack and Jill need homes

May 29, 2025

Jack and Jill are a bonded pair. They are about 10 months old, fixed and up to date on vaccines. Jack is an outgoing, funny boy and Jill is a relaxed and reserved little lady. They are currently being fostered by Mason County Mutts. Adoption fee is $125 for the pair. Interested parties can contact Mason County Mutts at 231-794-2757 or…

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Ludington State Park June programs announced

May 29, 2025

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — The Ludington State Park has announced its June 2025 programs and events (see related story for the Friends of the Ludington State Park). Events include: Dune Ecology – Michigan’s Center of Biodiversity Sunday, June 1 and 8: 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 14: 1 to 2:30 p.m. Starting at the Ludington State Park Amphitheater Participants…

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Recent death: Dawn Marie (Gulembo) Flores, 64, of Scottville

May 29, 2025

Dawn Marie (Gulembo) Flores, 64, of Scottville, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com. Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing of 2023 deaths. Listing…

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Recent death: Ronald Earl Roothame Jr, 68, of Ludington

May 29, 2025

Ronald Earl Roothame Jr, 68, of Ludington, died on Monday, May 26, 2025. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com. 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 Receive daily MCP and OCP…

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Recent death: Robert Richard Conley Jr., 55, of Custer

May 29, 2025

Robert Richard Conley Jr., 55, of Custer, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com. 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 Receive daily MCP and OCP…

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