Three 14-year-old Hesperia boys face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, rape

May 12, 2015

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — Three 14-year-old Hesperia boys currently lodged in the Ottawa County Juvenile Detention Facility face charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, kidnapping and rape, all of which carry maximum life sentences. Despite their age, two of the boys are currently facing charges in 27th Circuit Court due to the seriousness of the alleged crimes…

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White Cloud man pleads to attempted pot larceny

May 11, 2015
White Cloud man pleads to attempted pot larceny

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — A 39-year-old White Cloud man pleaded no contest in 27th Circuit Court Monday, May 11, to attempted larceny $1,000-$20,000 in connection to an incident at a medical marijuana growing operation last fall in Newfield Township that involved an exhaustive manhunt by police for the other four co-defendants involved. Richard Wilson’s plea agreement includes a 30-day maximum…

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Break-in, assault top police activity

May 11, 2015
Break-in, assault top police activity

The police news is sponsored by VanderHaag Car Sales of Scottville, 231-757-2727, www.vanderhaagcarsales.com and Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart),www.springsteadlaw.com. The following is local law enforcement activity from over the weekend: Thursday, April 7, 2015: – 12:30 p.m., (Hart Police Department), assault and battery, Wood St., report submitted to prosecutor’s office for review. Friday, May…

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West Shore Bank advises about debit card texting scam.

May 10, 2015

West Shore Bank, through its website, is reporting that it has received complaints from customers about a recent text message scam. Text messages apparently are claiming to be from West Shore Bank and state that the customers’ MasterCard debit card is suspended. “West Shore Bank does not currently send text messages to its customers unless subscribed and requested through mobile banking,” the fraud…

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The best way forward for Michigan’s roads.

May 10, 2015
The best way forward for Michigan’s roads.

The Mitten Memo. A blog by Nick Krieger. In the wake of the voters’ overwhelming repudiation of Proposal 1 last Tuesday, nearly everyone in Lansing is talking about a “Plan B” to fix the roads.  Some observers favor raising the gasoline tax only.  Others have discussed borrowing against or raiding restricted funds such as the Catastrophic Claims Fund or the…

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Allied Health students rank high in state competition

May 10, 2015
Allied Health students rank high in state competition

Recently, 18 students, enrolled in the West Shore Educational Service District Career and Technical Education Allied Health program and one post-secondary student attending West Shore Community College, competed at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State Leadership Conference.  The competition took place on April 16 and 17 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Eight students were state finalists,…

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Bittersweet farewell

May 10, 2015
Bittersweet farewell

HOLLAND — Asparagus Queen Danielle Kokx, right, and Runner Up Erin Fisher, represented Oceana County in their final parade as National Asparagus Festival royalty during the Tulip Time Festival over the weekend. Holland is Erin’s hometown, so she saw many familiar faces along the parade route. The 2015 queen will be crowned, June 6, during the Asparagus Festival Banquet at…

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78th District Court arraignments

May 10, 2015
78th District Court arraignments

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART – The following were arraigned recently in front of the 78th District Court magistrate: Felony – Maria R. Escamilla, 30, of 103 S. Courtland, Apt. 1, Hart, was arrested April 23 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a felony of food stamps fraud over $1,000. Preliminary conference: May 11 at 3 p.m. Bail:…

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Recent deaths, May 10, 2015.

May 10, 2015

Evelyn Zylstra, 85,  of Lansing and formerly of Montague, died Thurs. May 7, 2015.  Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home, Shelby. Brenda Kroll, 66, of Montague, died Sat. May 9, 2015.  Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home, Shelby. List of 2015 deaths on record. 

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78th District Court sentencings

May 10, 2015
78th District Court sentencings

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 78th District Court: – Larry Wayne Leister, 47, of 751 W. Shelby Rd., was found guilty May of operating while intoxicated. He was sentenced to 90 days discretionary jail to ensure compliance with court orders; credit for time served if imposed; outpatient treatment; and $1,140 in fines…

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Electric work begins next week on Johnson/Water Street Project

May 9, 2015

HART — City staff, engineers, Michigan Department of Transportation officials, utility companies and Hallack Contracting representatives met Thursday, May 7, for a pre-construction conference to discuss city water, sewer and electric installation; and to coordinate the work with gas, telephone and cable utilities for the $798,000 Johnson/Water Street Project, according to a press release issued by the City of Hart. Electric…

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27th Circuit Court sentencings

May 9, 2015
27th Circuit Court sentencings

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — The following were sentenced this week in 27th Circuit Court: – Samantha Jean Fitzgerald, 25, of 8935 1 Mile Rd., Hesperia, pleaded no contest Feb. 23 to controlled substance – maintaining a drug house. She was sentenced to nine months in jail with credit for 110 days served; serve 110 days forthwith/sentence to…

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Book Review: “Endangered” by C.J. Box

May 9, 2015
Book Review: “Endangered” by C.J. Box

By Kay Brennan, Hesperia Community Library Director. Joe Pickett knows that sage grouse are being considered for the endangered species list.  If that happens, Joe will be responsible for monitoring the wellbeing of the birds in Twelve Sleep County, Wyo. Unfortunately, he comes upon a sage grouse massacre along with scattered shotgun shells and beer cans. He knows exactly what…

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Fugitive arrest

May 8, 2015
Fugitive arrest

The police news is sponsored by VanderHaag Car Sales of Scottville, 231-757-2727, www.vanderhaagcarsales.com and Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart),www.springsteadlaw.com. WEARE TWP. — A 26-year-old Grand Rapids man was arrested by troopers from the Hart post of the Michigan State Police on a fugitive warrant at US-31 and Monroe Road Thursday, May 7, at 10:24…

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How criminal sentences are determined

May 8, 2015
How criminal sentences are determined

Guest column by Joe Bizon. Oceana County Prosecutor. HART — Have you ever wondered how sentences are determined? I would like to take this opportunity to explain the process. Sentences in criminal cases are determined from the Michigan Sentencing Guideline Manual. This manual is issued by Michigan Judicial Institute and adopted by the Michigan Legislature. In order to be charged with…

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College summer and fall registrations are open.

May 7, 2015

VICTORY TWP.  – Registration for West Shore Community College’s summer and fall semesters is underway for first-time, returning, and guest students and will continue to the first week of each term’s classes. The summer semester runs from June 1 through July 24. The fall semester begins August 31 and ends December 18. Students who register early for classes have the best…

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Police seek info regarding stolen mower

May 7, 2015
Police seek info regarding stolen mower

NEW ERA — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding the theft of a green 12-horsepower Craftsman riding lawn mower, with a 32-inch deck, that was reported stolen from the outside of a residence, May 1, at 3:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of Lake Tahoe’s Segola Trail. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at…

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Several items stolen from hunting camper

May 7, 2015
Several items stolen from hunting camper

FERRY TWP. — The Oceana County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a larceny from a hunting camper that occurred some time between April 4 and May 5 on Warren Road west of 144th Avenue. “The victim has a camper there that he leaves on the property for hunting,” said Lt. Craig Mast. He returned to the property after he had last…

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