
Legal Notice: Nickelson and Miller This is a paid posting. Posted Feb. 25, 2025

Submitted by the Community Foundation for Mason County LUDINGTON — Julie and Todd Schrader, long-time residents and active community members in Mason County, have recently made a contribution to the Campaign for Mason County through their donor advised family fund at the Community Foundation for Mason County. The Schraders’ gift supports the campaign’s goal of raising $5 million to triple…

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP — Four fire departments battled a fire at 5717 E. Sugar Grove Road Sunday evening. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to an area around the wood stove and chimney, where the fire likely began. “There was fire damage in the attic, up in the ceiling and the living room,” Fountain Area Fire…

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON — The following is reported recent activity of Ludington Police Department. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 – 10:12 a.m.: A 36-year-old Ludington man was arrested on three failure in appear in court warrants out of 79th District Court. The arrest occurred following a traffic…

Thomas Jefferson Ray, known affectionately as Tommy, passed away on February 21, 2025, at the age of 60 in Grand Rapids. Born on November 23, 1964, in Lansing, Tommy was a lifelong resident of Michigan and proudly embraced his Native American heritage. Tommy enjoyed his time as a restaurant cook, having spent many years delighting patrons at Riley’s Rendezvous and…
FILER TOWNSHIP (Manistee County) – Filer Credit Union is offering $25,000 in scholarship funds to local high school seniors. The program will provide 10 $2,000 and five $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to their future goals. Eligible applicants must be members of Filer Credit Union. If a student is interested in…
Elaine Frances Paul, 78, of Scottville, died on Sunday, February 23, 2025. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, at noon at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com. Listing of 2025 deaths. Listing of 2024 deaths. Listing…
Thomas “Tommy” Ray, 60, of Custer, died on Friday, February 21, 2025. His life will be celebrated on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, with visitation starting at noon. 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…

Oriole News is a presentation of Ludington Area School District in partnership with Mason County Press. By Jeff Kiessel, MCP Contributor LUDINGTON — “Show Up.” Two simple words Rich Kirby, Ludington High School’s head strength coach/health physical education teacher, tries to get across to his students everyday. Kirby tells his students the key to greatness is being consistent, showing up…

By Joan Young, MCP Contributor LUDINGTON — I was supposed to be interviewing Tim and Tammy Martin of Ludington, regarding their recent Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hike. But you know what happens when three long-distance hikers get together. Or maybe you don’t… so I’ll tell you. It doesn’t matter a whole lot what long trail a hiker has done. Any person…

Samantha “Sammi” Jo Bateson, 16, of Custer, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Custer. Born on September 15, 2008, in Ludington, she was a beloved daughter to Joshua Bateson and Anna (Miller) Bateson, and a cherished sister to Madison and Josilyn Bateson. Sammi was an active and engaged member of her community, known for her kindness and loyalty…
A memorial service for Samantha Jo Bateson, 16, of Custer, who passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Mason County Eastern Schools, with visitation starting at noon. Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.
Randy LaVerne Smith, 67, of Custer, died on Friday, February 21, 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 news…

CUSTER — A memorial fund honoring Samantha Jo Bateson has been established at Shelby State Bank. Samantha, 16, died following a car crash Wednesday in the village of Custer. The following was submitted to MCP: Samantha Jo Bateson will always be an amazing light for the Custer and Mason County communities. She was the definition of kindness by being a…

CUSTER — The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the girl who died in a two vehicle crash on Wednesday, Feb. 19. It has also corrected her age, which had previously been reported as 17. Samantha Jo Bateson, 16, of Custer, died as a result of the crash that occurred about 11:59 a.m. at the intersection of…

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central High School esports team recently received a $10,000 sponsorship from Ande Seat Gaming Chairs. The company has furnished chairs, lights and tables to the team, in its inaugural year. “This donation has been a great gift to…

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently arraigned in Mason County’s 79th District Court: Felonies -Paul Anthony Broner, 32; third offense domestic violence and carrying a concealed weapon; arrested Feb. 12 by Ludington Police Department; arraigned Feb. 13; preliminary hearing: March 5; bail: $1,000/10 percent. Misdemeanors -Matthew Scott Hamilton, 32; performing occupation contractor without a license;…

By Alan Neushwander, Contributing Writer LUDINGTON — The following were recently sentenced in Mason County’s 79th District Court: -Mark Andrew Carey, Jr., pleaded guilty to failure to stop at the scene of an accident and was sentenced to two days in jail and $300 in fines/costs. -Jesus Reyes-Castaneda, 55, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of operating a vehicle while…

SCOTTVILLE — Scott Smith, president of Smith & Eddy Insurance, is encouraging homeowners to be proactive with upcoming warmer weather by clearing snow off their roofs. “As snow starts to melt from a roof, it can get jammed up behind ice dams that have built up on the eaves,” Smith said. “This can cause serious damage and leaks. We are…

The police news is a presentation of Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, smith-eddy.com. LUDINGTON — Two people were arrested recently in two separate incidences by Ludington Police Department. On Thursday, Feb. 20, a 39-year-old Ludington woman was arrested at 10:35 p.m. on a failure to appear in court warrant. The arrest took place at the intersection of…