Michigan fire season builds during wildfire prevention week

April 22, 2014

Most of Michigan’s wildfires occur in the spring – April, May and June. According to the Department of Natural Resources, which is responsible for wildland fire protection on 30 million acres of state and private land, April is when wildfires start becoming a problem. During the state’s annual observance of Wildfire Prevention Week, April 20-26, the DNR reminds the public about the dangers of…

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Governor tours FloraCraft: ‘This really gets me fired up.’

April 21, 2014
Governor tours FloraCraft: ‘This really gets me fired up.’

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.  LUDINGTON — “It’s great to see a company as successful as this,” Gov. Rick Snyder said after he took a tour of the FloraCraft plant in Ludington Monday afternoon. “It was an honor to have him here,” said Jim Scatena, CEO/president of FloraCraft, the world’s largest supplier of Styrofoam products for the craft and floral display…

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Scottville budget calls for small pay increases

April 21, 2014

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.   SCOTTVILLE — City employees may be getting a small raise if the 2014/2015 budget is approved. A public hearing on the next fiscal year’s budget will be held this afternoon during the regular meeting of the city commission, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. City Manager Amy Williams reports that both revenues and expenditures are…

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Coming Home: Josh Kozicki had a Grand plan

April 21, 2014
Coming Home: Josh Kozicki had a Grand plan

Coming Home. An MCP Special Series. Many people have traveled the world and have had life experiences that their hometowns could never offer them, but many of those people are choosing to leave those grand ventures behind to move back to their roots in search of a slower paced lifestyle. Mason County Press’ Kate Krieger meets up with some of…

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Deputies arrest 3 over weekend

April 21, 2014
Deputies arrest 3 over weekend

Deputies from Mason County Sheriff’s Office made several arrests over the weekend. Two of the arrests involved drivers who were driving while their licenses suspended. Another arrest involved a Mason County Friend of the Court violation. The activity of the MCSO from April 18 to April 20, 2014 is as follows:   April 18:  – 7 a.m. Car/deer crash, no…

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Find good help for your business the easy way

April 21, 2014
Find good help for your business the easy way

“The Business Plan” is a partnership between the Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce and Mason County Press. By Matt Larson. Business Development Consultant. Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce. Over the past 15 years, nearly two-thirds of new jobs have been generated by small businesses. Yours may be one of them. That’s good news for your local economy; for…

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The week begins with some rain and thunderstorms

April 21, 2014
The week begins with some rain and thunderstorms

The outdoor report for Mason County is sponsored by Superior Electric of Ludington: 231-845-0126; www.supelectric.com. Monday, April 21, 2014. Rain showers this morning then thundershowers in the afternoon. High 59 F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Sunset: 8:37 p.m.  Tonight, rain showers early with clearing later at night. Low 38 F. Winds NNW at 10…

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You can teach an old house new tricks!

April 19, 2014
You can teach an old house new tricks!

The Kitchen Sink. A blog by Stephanie Wagner.  Finally – after months of never being alone in my house, agonizing over decisions that I never knew existed, and ruining two vacuum cleaners with construction debris – the kitchen is finished! Here is the recap:  We bought a house that was built in 1891.  It was in great condition compared to…

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Obit: Jeannette ‘Mickey’ Belke, 82, Scottville

April 19, 2014
Obit: Jeannette ‘Mickey’ Belke, 82, Scottville

Jeannette “Mickey” (Budreau) Belke, aged 82 of Scottville, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2014.  Mickey was called to her heavenly home and was gathered up in the loving arms of Jesus, whom she so much loved. Mickey was born on January 4, 1932 in Ludington, the beloved daughter of Joseph and Regina (Maternowski) Betka, and graduated from St. Simon School…

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Build Better Michigan Roads was the House’s focus this week

April 19, 2014
Build Better Michigan Roads was the House’s focus this week

The Capitol Report. By Rep. Ray Franz, R-Onekama. This is the Capitol Report for the week of April 14-18. The introduction of several bills to provide additional road funding, based on the House’s “Build Better Michigan Roads” proposal, were a main focus this week. The plan provides more efficiency, better quality and improved fairness as a way to start increasing…

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Welcome to the World! Mackenzie, Liam, Harper.

April 19, 2014
Welcome to the World! Mackenzie, Liam, Harper.

Birth announcements are sponsored by ABC Kidz/Purple Monkey, 123 E. Ludington Ave. Check them out here on Facebook.  Welcome to the world! Mackenzie Elizabeth Grace Merrill, the daughter of Steven and Susan Merrill of Lowell, was born on April 9, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids.  Maternal grandparents are Dick and Kathy Lyon of Ludington; paternal grandparents are Rod and…

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State-licensed commercial fishing up more than 35 percent in value over 2012

April 19, 2014

The Department of Natural Resources’ Fisheries Division recently released data from its 2013 state-licensed commercial fishing season. Combined, the state-licensed commercial fishery caught more than 3.6 million pounds of fish with an estimated wholesale dockside value of roughly $5.53 million prior to processing, marketing and retail sales. The state’s total harvest was about 150,000 pounds less than in 2012 due to lower reported catches…

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51st Circuit Court sentencings as of April 16

April 18, 2014
51st Circuit Court sentencings as of April 16

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON – The following were sentenced this past week in 51st Circuit Court: –       Eric John Knysz, 20, of 1844 10 Mile Rd., Luther, was found guilty by a jury, Feb. 25, of homicide/murder of a peace officer; felony firearms; carrying concealed weapons; and unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle. He was sentenced April 8 to life in prison…

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79th District Court arraignments, as of April 16

April 18, 2014
79th District Court arraignments, as of April 16

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON – The following were arraigned this past week in front of the Mason County Magistrate in 79th District Court: Felonies –          Kyle Alan Burchart, 22, of 416 E. Johnson St., Hart, was arrested April 13 by the Ludington Police Department (LPD) for a felony of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police. A preliminary exam is set for April 23 at 11:15 a.m. Bail: $3,500/10…

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79th District Court sentencings, as of April 16

April 18, 2014
79th District Court sentencings, as of April 16

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor. LUDINGTON – The following were sentenced this past week in 79th District Court: –          Dean Alan Drake, 52, of 105 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington, was found guilty April 11 of larceny less than $200 and sentenced to 93 days discretionary jail for one year and $580 in fines and costs or 58 hours of community service. –          Georgia Rae…

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Library crafts activities

April 18, 2014

The Mason County District Library announces the following craft activities: LUDINGTON — On Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m., crafters are invited to the West Shore Bank Room at the Ludington library to create paper crafts.  This activity is open to adults only.  There is a limit of 20 participants.  Supplies are provided at no charge, but donations are appreciated.…

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Pondering on Eric Knysz’ death and the Mason County corrections officers

April 18, 2014

A letter to the editor: By now all reading this know that Eric Knysz hung himself in prison. Eric Knysz admitted to murdering Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield II out of fear of going to prison. In so many words, he said he made his decision to kill the Trooper when he observed him turn around to stop him.…

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Cooper hopes to take his father’s place as judge

April 18, 2014
Cooper hopes to take his father’s place as judge

LUDINGTON — Lake County Prosecuting Attorney Craig Cooper hopes to takes his father’s place as the 51st Circuit Court judge. Cooper is the third area attorney to announce his candidacy for the position, which is being vacated by Richard Cooper, who retires the end of this year. Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Spaniola and former Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Susan…

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Top signs your brakes are going bad

April 18, 2014
Top signs your brakes are going bad

Good Neighbor Tips. A blog by Erin Doan State Farm Insurance Agency. Brakes are a vital safety feature of any vehicle, and getting acquainted with your brake system should be a priority. “The braking system on your vehicle is critical in keeping you and your passengers alive and well and your vehicle out of the body shop,” says James Solomon,…

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Spaniola announces judge candidacy

April 18, 2014
Spaniola announces judge candidacy

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief . LUDINGTON — Paul Spaniola, Mason County’s prosecuting attorney, has announced his candidacy for 51st Circuit Court judge, to succeed Circuit Judge Richard I. Cooper who is subject to mandatory retirement at the end of 2014. “I am very excited about the prospect of running for circuit judge and serving in that role,”  Spaniola said.  “Judge…

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Health Department advises no contact with flood waters

April 18, 2014

District Health Department #10 advises residents to take precautions for personal safety to prevent waterborne infections that may result from contact with contaminated flood waters. Flooding and power outages can threaten water quality due to well water pump failures and overflowing septic systems.   The Health Department recommends the following safety precautions: Avoid any body contact with floodwaters. Wear protective…

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Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks