Inaugural event raises $11,000

July 10, 2015
Inaugural event raises $11,000

STONY LAKE — The first-ever Stony Lake Sparkler 5K, July 5, was a huge success, raising $11,000 for the Crystal Valley Care Fund. Over 500 runners and more than 70 volunteers participated. The event included a fun run and a timed 5K run/walk with many families from Stony Lake and the surrounding community participating. “It was really a fun event…

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Coulier accused of smashing girlfriend’s phone

July 10, 2015
Coulier accused of smashing girlfriend’s phone

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — Mark Anthony Coulier, who twice stood trial for the 2000 murder of his estranged 30-year-old wife, Joyce Douglas-Coulier — but the case was dismissed both times — was arraigned last month in 78th District Court on a two-year felony of interfering with electronic communications. The 54-year-old, whose address is currently listed as 165 S.…

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78th District Court arraignments

July 10, 2015
78th District Court arraignments

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — The following were recently arraigned in front of the 78th District Court magistrate: Felony – Joseph Wayne Lambrix, 35, of 303 E. Tyler Rd., Hart, was arrested June 26 by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) or a felony of failure to register as a sex offender. Preliminary conference: July 20 at 3…

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78th District Court sentencings

July 9, 2015
78th District Court sentencings

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — The following were sentenced recently in 78th District Court: – Clay Martin Lukenbach, 52, of 1015 E. Jefferson Rd. Hart, was found guilty June 15 of operating while intoxicated. He was sentenced July 6 to nine days in jail or complete Impact Weekend; $1,730 in fines and costs; six months probation; 93 days…

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Fugitive arrest among police activity

July 9, 2015
Fugitive arrest among police activity

The police news is sponsored by Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart), www.springsteadlaw.com. The following is recent Oceana County activity of the Hart post of the Michigan State Police: Tuesday, July 7, 2015: – 2:09 a.m., a 26-year-old Hart woman was cited for no insurance, Oceana Dr. and Hazel Rd., Hart Twp. – 7:45 p.m,…

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Trumpet Invasion at Little Point Sable Association Church

July 9, 2015
Trumpet Invasion at Little Point Sable Association Church

BENONA TWP. — The Little Point Sable Association (LPSA) is again teaming up with the Community Foundation for Oceana County to host “Trumpet Invasion!” — an evening of fine entertainment that is also an investment in Oceana County arts. The concert is set for Saturday, July 25, at 8 p.m. in the beautiful and acoustically fine LPSA “Stone” Church that’s…

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Stakenas Farms hosting Breakfast on the Farm Saturday, July 11.

July 8, 2015
Stakenas Farms hosting Breakfast on the Farm Saturday, July 11.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. SHERMAN TOWNSHIP (Mason County) — There’s just something about having a meal on a farm. I was lucky to be able to catch lunch when I visited Stakenas Farms on Tuesday. As I rolled up to the barn I was greeted by Bill Stakenas and his son-in-law Seth Earl. Ed “Duke” Stakenas, the family patriarch, was…

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MSP: Missing Electric Forest attendee has contacted family

July 8, 2015
MSP: Missing Electric Forest attendee has contacted family

GRANT TWP. —  Evan Lyle Jensen of South Dakota, the 21-year-old Electric Forest Festival goer reported missing Monday June 29, has contacted his family, the Hart post of the Michigan State Police reported Wednesday, July 8. MSP issued a statement, July 1, that Jensen was considered missing by his own volition. Jensen was last seen packing up to leave the…

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Recent deaths, reported July 7, 2015.

July 7, 2015

Betty Horton, 93, of Hart and formerly of Montague, died July 6, 2015. Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home in Shelby. Edward L. Buchner, 81, of Hesperia died July 5, 2015.  Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home in Shelby. Richard G. Near, 83, of New Era died July 7, 2015.  Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home in Shelby. List of 2015 deaths on…

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Public invited to Trooper Butterfield highway dedication.

July 7, 2015
Public invited to Trooper Butterfield highway dedication.

HAMLIN TOWNSHIP (Mason County) — The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony of the Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Butterfield Highway on Monday, July 13, 2015 at Lincoln Hills Golf Club, 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr./M-116. M-116 from the Lincoln River to the Ludington State Park is being dedicated in honor of Trooper Butterfield who was killed in the…

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City manager provides update regarding Johnson/Water Street Project

July 7, 2015
City manager provides update regarding Johnson/Water Street Project

HART — The following is an updated report from Hart City Manager Stan Rickard regarding the Johnson/Water Street Project: “Sanitary sewer replacement is complete and water main replacement is underway. Water main work between Water and Peach will finish up about (Thursday) July 9; and then will shift to the two-block section between Water and State; and conclude with final…

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Minor injury crash, drunk driving arrest among MSP activity

July 7, 2015
Minor injury crash, drunk driving arrest among MSP activity

The police news is sponsored by Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart), www.springsteadlaw.com. The following is Oceana County activity of the Hart post of the Michigan State Police Monday, July 6, 2015: – 12:12 p.m, crash with minor injuries, US-31 near Buchanan Rd., Shelby Twp. – 12:51 p.m., civil/property dispute, 3000 block of W. Tahoe,…

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HYTA provides a ‘different approach’ for youthful offenders

July 7, 2015
HYTA provides a ‘different approach’ for youthful offenders

Guest column by Joseph Bizon. Oceana County Prosecutor. Governor Snyder recently announced a comprehensive initiative on criminal justice reform. A Supreme Court Justice once said there are four pillars of justice: 1) to punish the offender; 2) rehabilitate the offender; 3) deterring others from committing the same crime; 4) restoring the victim, to the extent possible, to whole. These factors…

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Residents evacuate condo due to fire

July 7, 2015
Residents evacuate condo due to fire

PENTWATER — The residents of the Spinnaker Condominium complex that overlooks Pentwater Lake in the village evacuated the building Tuesday morning, July 7, due to a fire in an upstairs unit that was quickly extinguished. Pentwater and Hart fire departments, along with Oceana County EMS, were dispatched to the scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. No one was injured in the…

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First-ever STEAM camp focuses on science, fun

July 6, 2015
First-ever STEAM camp focuses on science, fun

HESPERIA — The first-ever Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) Camp is set for July 27-30 at Hesperia Community Schools. Hesperia High School Chemistry/Physics Teacher Jennifer Sherburn is running the educational and fun-filled camp that is free to area middle school students. The deadline to register is Wednesday, July 8. Parents can email: hesperiasteam@gmail.com. Hesperia High School graduate Cayla…

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Unarmed robber sent to prison

July 6, 2015
Unarmed robber sent to prison

By Allison Scarbrough. OCP Editor. HART — The 30-year-old Hart man who committed the unarmed robbery at the Hart Express EZ Mart/Mobile gas station last April who fled from police the following day was sentenced to prison Monday, July 6, in 27th Circuit Court. Robert Charles Brown was sentenced to a minimum of 29 months to a maximum of 15 years…

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Weekend police report

July 6, 2015
Weekend police report

The police news is sponsored by Springstead Law Offices, with locations in Hart and Fremont, 231-873-4022 (Hart), www.springsteadlaw.com. The following is weekend activity in Oceana County of the Hart post of the Michigan State Police and the Hart Police Department: Friday, July 3, 2015: – 3:08 a.m., (MSP), car-deer crash, US-31 and Taylor Rd., Hart Twp. – 11:20 a.m., (MSP),…

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Garza hits first ace

July 6, 2015
Garza hits first ace

SHELBY — Isaac Garza of Hesperia scored his first career hole in one Sunday, July 5, at Oceana Golf Club. Garza used an eight iron to ace the 163-yard par-three hole #17. “I saw it hit the green and roll up to the cup,” said his brother Joseph Garza.  “I turned to Isaac and said ‘I think it went in.’”…

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