Ludington

Coal-powered passenger ship to convert to new fuel source

May 26, 2022 GMT

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — A coal-powered passenger steamship on Lake Michigan that's the last of its kind in the U.S. will stop using coal to fuel its historic engines once its operators settle on an alternate power source.

Energy shift creates opening for ‘world’s largest batteries’

By JOHN FLESHERApril 19, 2022 GMT

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — Sprawled like a gigantic swimming pool atop a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan is an asphalt-and-clay pond holding enough water to produce electricity for 1.6 million households.

Chalk it up: Michigan parking dispute could cover thousands

By ED WHITEJanuary 25, 2022 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — Lawyers who argued that a Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires have successfully turned the case into a class action potentially affecting thousands of parking tickets.

No fish story: Teen sets new Michigan salmon record

August 8, 2021 GMT

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — Louis Martinez will never have to embellish the proverbial fish story after confirmation that he set a new state record for the largest Chinook salmon ever caught in Michigan.

Arizona city to get new plant to make electric vehicle parts

March 11, 2021 GMT

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — The northern Arizona city of Flagstaff has been chosen as the site for a new plant for manufacturing parts for electric vehicles, city officials announced Thursday...

Holding company buys Lake Michigan car ferry SS Badger

January 7, 2021 GMT

LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) — A coal-fired ferry that carries people and cars across Lake Michigan between Michigan and Wisconsin has been sold...

Development’s preliminary plans approved

David BossickNovember 10, 2020 GMT

A proposed housing development saw its preliminary plans approved by the Ludington City Council Monday night, but not before some of the discussion became heated during the council’s regular meeting hosted via the video-conference application Zoom.

Ludington’s Octoberfest draws thousands

Riley KelleySeptember 30, 2019 GMT

About 1,000 people descended the on downtown Ludington area during the weekend to participate in the annual Octoberfest celebration, which peaked with a craft beer, wine and music festival in James Street Plaza Saturday afternoon.

How far will they go? Foster seeks deeper road project for Ludington Avenue, Lakeshore Drive

Noah HausmannMay 24, 2019 GMT

Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster said the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to repave Ludington Avenue and Lakeshore Drive in 2020, but he is recommending a complete reconstruction to solve the underlying road issues.

Getting a read on rocks, fossils

vanFrankenhuyzen KellyMay 20, 2019 GMT

The Ludington State Park hosted a program about reading fossils and rocks as part of Heaven and Earth Day Saturday.

Alan Wernette, Ludington State Park interpreter led the program with five participants.

Ludington City Council to formalize committees, approve contracts

Noah HausmannMay 4, 2019 GMT

The Ludington City Council on Monday will vote on adopting a proposed ordinance that would formally establish and define the duties of the city’s four standing committees.

The committees are personnel and finance, public safety and utilities, building and licenses, and cemetery, parks, recreation and waterfront.

Downtown Ludington apartment construction waits for vapor barrier

Noah HausmannMay 1, 2019 GMT

Two apartment complexes are under construction at 225 W. Ludington Ave. and 200 W. Loomis St. in downtown Ludington, but the Loomis Street facility already has four stories built, while the Ludington Avenue building hasn’t yet completed its first floor.

North William Street in Ludington to become one-way

Noah HausmannApril 25, 2019 GMT

The block of North William Street by House of Flavors will become a one-way street, the Ludington City Council decided Monday.

The council approved changing the traffic flow to make one block of North William Street — between Ludington Avenue and West Court Street — a northbound, one-way street for vehicles.

Ludington City Council to vote on seeking grant for splashpad, fishing pier

Noah HausmannMarch 23, 2019 GMT

The Ludington City Council on Monday will vote on approving submitting an application for a $150,000 grant to help finance the proposed splashpad and fishing pier replacement at Copeyon Park.

The grant would be from the Michigan Natural Resources Recreation Passport program, and it must be submitted by April 1 to meet the deadline for the funds to be awarded in 2020.

Family AfFair brings communities, families together

By RILEY KELLEY | Daily News Staff WriterMarch 18, 2019 GMT

SCOTTVILLE — It’s all about bringing families and communities together at Family AfFair, and that’s exactly what area businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies did Saturday at Mason County Central High School.

Examining short-term rental numbers, possible impacts in Ludington

Noah HausmannMarch 13, 2019 GMT

Are there enough short-term and long-term rentals in downtown Ludington? And what’s the right balance?

Those are questions city officials are pondering as they evaluate a proposed change to Ludington’s zoning, which would allow more short-term rentals — renter stays of less than 28 days — to be created downtown.

Ludington city manager candidates’ names revealed

Noah HausmannJanuary 15, 2019 GMT

The names of the three top candidates for city manager that the Ludington City Council selected to be interviewed were announced during the council meeting Monday night.

The candidates are James Van Ess, Patrick Reagan and Mitchell Foster, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock, who provided to the Daily News the resumes and cover letters of the three interviewees.

Ludington city manager candidates agree to interview

Noah HausmannJanuary 12, 2019 GMT

All three of the top candidates for the position of Ludington city manager have agreed to be interviewed by the city council on Jan. 24, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock.

The names of the candidates will remain confidential for the time being and will be published in the Daily News when they become available.

Ludington City Council to pick city manager candidates for interviews

Noah HausmannJanuary 9, 2019 GMT

The Ludington City Council will hold a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall to choose which candidates for city manager to interview at a later time.

The public meeting will begin with an update on the search to hire a new Ludington city manager presented by Jeff Mueller, an executive recruiter for the Michigan Municipal League, who has been finding and screening applicants for the job.

Ludington man sentenced for drug possession

David BossickJanuary 9, 2019 GMT

Brian Keith Petro was sentenced to one year of jail, two years of probation and other punishment by 51st Circuit Court Judge Susan Sniegowski for possession of methamphetamine Tuesday at the Mason County Courthouse.

Comment sought to plan Ludington area road projects

Noah HausmannJanuary 9, 2019 GMT

Have a suggestion for local roads to repair?

Public comment is being sought for the meeting of the Ludington Area Small Urban Task Force Committee, which is planning road work projects for the years 2020 through 2023.

65 use Mason County Promise in fall

David BossickJanuary 8, 2019 GMT

The Mason County Promize Zone Authority Board touted its inaugural class of students taking advantage of the program during the fall 2018 semester at West Shore Community College.

There were 65 students with diplomas or were GED exam qualifiers from Mason County to use the Mason County Promise.

Ludington Senior Center’s open house aimed at showing seniors what center is all about

David BossickDecember 26, 2018 GMT

The Ludington Senior Center hosted a week-long open house ahead of Christmas last week as a way to show the community not only what is available, but what could be, too.

Ludington’s waste water treatment plant project seeks more bonds

Noah HausmannDecember 19, 2018 GMT

The Ludington City Council on Monday authorized the city to publish its intent to borrow up to $5 million in additional federal bonds to pay for improvements to the city’s sewage disposal system, including the waste water treatment plant on Sixth Street and the main pump station at Rath Avenue.

Christmas on Ice event collects food for Ludington Area Schools Resource Center

Noah HausmannDecember 18, 2018 GMT

The West Shore Blades figure skating club hosted its fifth annual Christmas on Ice food drive and skating party at the West Shore Community College Ice Arena Sunday afternoon.

More than 300 people came to the event, each of them donating canned or other non-perishable food, which was given to the Ludington Area Schools Resource Center.

‘Into the Wild’

By Riley Kelley | Daily News Staff WriterDecember 14, 2018 GMT

Majestic lions, horses in mid-gallop, massive elephants with piercing dark eyes.

These are just a few of the creatures that make up the acrylic menagerie decorating the walls of the lobby outside the performance hall at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Mason County Sports Hall of Fame to sell downtown Ludington building

Noah HausmannNovember 16, 2018 GMT

The Mason County Sports Hall of Fame will remain at Historic White Pine Village instead of moving into the former PNC Bank building in downtown Ludington as previously planned.

The decision to place the PNC building for sale was made at the nonprofit organization’s most recent board of directors meeting in late October, said Vic Burwell, president and co-founder of the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame.

Nine lakeshore inns to host B&B Christmas Cookie Tour during two weekends

Staff WriterNovember 14, 2018 GMT

Nine west Michigan bed and breakfasts will host the West Michigan B&B Christmas Cookie Tour Dec. 7-9 and 14-16.

The tours will include baking cookies from scratch and holiday lights, sights and sounds in small towns that span the west coast of Michigan from Whitehall, Hart and Pentwater, to Ludington and Bear Lake.

Steve Miller to become Ludington mayor

Noah HausmannNovember 7, 2018 GMT

Steve Miller was elected Tuesday to become the new mayor of the City of Ludington, receiving 2,411 votes compared to 723 votes for the opposing candidate, William Dustman.

The mayor serves a four-year term, and Miller will take office once the term expires on Dec.

Remembering our heroes

Riley KelleyOctober 27, 2018 GMT

Elms planted to honor WWI soldiers

A memorial to the fallen and remembered soldiers of World War I was revitalized Thursday at Stearns Park beach in Ludington.

At the north end of the park sits a large stone with a plaque inscribed with the words, “These elms were planted by the Auxiliary of Edwin H.

Ludington State Park to lower Hamlin Lake beginning Monday

Staff WriterOctober 21, 2018 GMT

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that beginning Monday Ludington State Park will begin the annual process of lowering Hamlin Lake to its winter water level.

The lake-lowering process is expected to take four to eight weeks, depending upon precipitation during this time.

‘Maiden voyage’

Riley KelleyOctober 11, 2018 GMT

Chad Rushing kicks off intimate concert series at LACA

As lakeshore residents brace for the impending arrival of fall, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is adding a new and intimate performance series to its roster of events to accompany the change of season.

Woman suffers injuries after driving vehicle into power pole

Colton Mokofsky | Daily News Staff Writer colton@ludingtondailynews.comOctober 9, 2018 GMT

A 42-year-old Ludington woman suffered injuries after the vehicle she was driving left the road, hit a power pole head-on and rolled. The impact of the vehicle caused the pole to snap and lean on top of power lines.

Shining at ArtPrize: Ludington represented in art competition

By COLTON MOKOFSKY | Daily News Staff Writer | colton@ludingtondailynews.comSeptember 28, 2018 GMT

ArtPrize 2018 is in full swing in Grand Rapids through Oct. 7 and several Ludington natives are showcasing their own unique pieces of art for the festival.

This year’s competition features entries from Todd and Brad Reed Photography, Ryan Reed, Rachel Gaudette, T.J.

Pentwater man dies in accident in Bear Lake

Staff WriterSeptember 26, 2018 GMT

MANISTEE — A 20-year-old Pentwater man died and a 23-year-old Ludington man was critically injured when they were struck by a car Tuesday afternoon in Bear Lake.

According to a press release from Manistee County Sheriff John O’Hagen, the accident occurred on U.S.

Ludington City Council hires new assessor

Noah HausmannSeptember 25, 2018 GMT

The Ludington City Council Monday evening hired a new city assessor.

Jared Litwiller, of Ludington, was sworn into his new role as a part-time employee of the city immediately following city council’s regular public meeting at City Hall.

Noted garden designer to visit Ludington in October

By Diane Nemitz Daily News corrispondentSeptember 17, 2018 GMT

Janet Macunovich has been gardening, writing about gardening and teaching gardening for more than 30 years.

On Saturday, Oct. 27, Macunovich will come to Ludington to conduct an all-day seminar for local gardeners.

Celebration Sept. 20 marking opening of playground at Ludington State Park

Staff WriterSeptember 13, 2018 GMT

Friends of Ludington State Park is hosting a celebration officially opening the new, highly accessible playground built at the Hamlin Lake beach area of Ludington State Park Thursday, Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Mason County Sheriff’s Office report: Girl accidentally ran over by lawn mower, warrant arrests

Staff WriterSeptember 4, 2018 GMT

News Release

Sheriff Kim C. Cole

MCSO ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE WEEKEND OF 08/31/2018 thru 09/03/2018:

Woman dies from injuries sustained in accident

Staff WriterSeptember 1, 2018 GMT

A 66-year-old Ludington woman died from the injuries she sustained from an accident Wednesday night at the intersection of Ludington Avenue and South Jackson Road, according to Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett in a press release.

Storms wallop Mason County

By David Bossick and Jeff KiesselAugust 29, 2018 GMT

First responders, local fire and police departments and power companies were busy Tuesday night responding to various calls across Mason County following a severe thunderstorm.

Trees and power lines were knocked down from the City of Ludington to Riverton, Custer, Hamlin and Branch townships.

Bids sought for West Ludington Avenue improvements

Noah HausmannAugust 26, 2018 GMT

The City of Ludington is requesting contractor bids for the construction of improvements to the area on Ludington Avenue west of Stearns Drive.

The project will reconstruct the area to be more “multiuse” and better suited for pedestrians and for hosting events, said Heather Tykoski, City of Ludington community development director.

Garden club announces 2018 design awards

By Diane Nemitz Daily News CorrespondentAugust 18, 2018 GMT

Every year the Mason County Garden Club searches out local businesses that do an outstanding landscaping and civic beautification effort.

The committee explores Mason County to choose the annual award winners, and this year it’s selected two businesses and one civic entity.

State park hosts nature sketch workshop

Steve BegnocheAugust 18, 2018 GMT

By STEVE BEGNOCHE

Managing Editor Emeritus

HAMLIN TWP. — Slow down. Study shapes, shadows, lighting. Look closely. Such was the message of Ludington painter Mary Case as she gave instructions to participants Thursday evening in the Sable Dunes Chapter of the Audubon Society’s See and Sketch Michigan Beautiful nature sketching workshop at Ludington State Park.

The biggest yet?: Rhythm & Dunes finale could set records

Riley KelleyAugust 6, 2018 GMT

It was with seven simple words that the second and final Rhythm & Dunes concert of the summer got underway Saturday at Waterfront Park.

“Ludington, Michigan, are you ready to party?” Eric Sage, founder and frontman of country and classic rock tribute band Young Guns, asked as his bandmates stepped onto the Waterfront Park Pavilion stage.

Ludington receives $17 million for wastewater treatment facility

Colton Mokofsky | Daily News Staff Writer colton@ludingtondailynews.comAugust 2, 2018 GMT

Ludington is receiving a $17 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for upgrades and expansions to aeration, filtration and storage systems at the wastewater treatment facility.

Other equipment will be replaced as well, including pumps, blowers, valves, pipes and the motor control center.

Primary candidates address voters at public forum

Riley KelleyJuly 25, 2018 GMT

Fiscal responsibility, civic engagement, economic development and infrastructure were some of the issues discussed by primary candidates Tuesday evening during a public forum for primary candidates at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.

Mason County Sheriff’s Office report: Fatal crash, see related story, warrant arrest, drunken driving

Staff WriterJuly 24, 2018 GMT

MCSO ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE WEEKEND OF 07/20/2018 thru 07/22/2018:

07/20 @ 6:45 AM Car/Deer crash, no injury, US10 west of Tuttle (Custer Township)

07/20 @ 7:10 AM Car/Deer crash, no injury, US31 north of Chauvez (Pere Marquette Township)

Artists’ delight

Riley KelleyJuly 5, 2018 GMT

West Shore Art Fair returns for golden anniversary Saturday at Rotary Park

The West Shore Art Fair marks its 50th anniversary this weekend with two days of fine art in Ludington’s Rotary Park.

Standing together

Riley KelleyJuly 2, 2018 GMT

Locals protest immigration policies

Parents, sons and daughters, observers, politicians, activists and educators were just some of the people that could be seen Saturday afternoon along West Ludington Avenue, holding signs, clapping, cheering and waving to passersby in the 90-plus-degree heat.