LUDINGTON

Hans and Greta are the newest additions to the K9 program for the S.S. Badger car ferry. The pups had their first workday last week when the ferry made its first trip of the year across Lake Michigan. Instead, he was sold as a “green dog” to Lake Michigan Carferry, Inc, which owns the Badger. LMC began using explosive detection K9s in 2002 in response to the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. It’s an added way to keep travelers safe as they cross Lake Michigan.

Around 30 electric vehicle charging stations are going to be installed at some state parks in Michigan.

LUDINGTON, MI – A group of Michigan artists are set to bare it all for the benefit of their arts community. A group of 12 artists from the Ludington Area Center for the Arts’ visual arts critique group and the Wednesday night jam group have teamed up to create a 2023 nude calendar. The 12-month calendar features artists and musicians posed “au natural” with strategically placed artwork or musical instruments covering the sensitive parts of the body. The project is the idea of LACA artist and head of the visual arts critique group Linda Sandow, who, along with artist Kathy Barrett, organized the effort and designed the calendar. Andrew Skinner, LACA executive director, said the team is excited to finally offer the calendars to the public.

LUDINGTON, MI – Historic car ferry the S.S. Badger needs a captain for the 2022 season. Qualifications include a master’s license of unlimited tonnage upon the Great Lakes and inland waters. To apply go to the S.S. Badger website, click on Join the Crew, then Apply Now and then select “Captain.”RELATED: S.S. Badger car and passenger ferry under new ownership, but mission remains the sameThe S.S. Badger, a 410-foot vessel, dates to 1952. It carried rail cars from its creation to 1990, then became a car ferry shortly after that. It is last coal-fired steamship operating on the Great Lakes and became a National Historic Landmark in 2016.

EAST LANSING -- Four minutes into Friday’s Division 2 girls basketball semifinal against Detroit Edison, Ludington has still not so much as attempted a shot from the field. That defense continued throughout the night for Edison in a 63-30 Pioneers win. “[We were] pressuring the ball,” Edison sophomore guard Devin Hagemann said. Rohrer had 15 points and seven rebounds for Ludington while Laird added seven points. “We’ll play it game by game, so tomorrow if we win I’ll be really happy to leave with a state championship, my second one.”

MASON COUNTY, MI – Police have in custody a 35-year-old Ludington man, who they believe fatally stabbed another man, as they continue their investigation. The deceased man was later identified as 71-year-old Kenneth Lee Schweitzer.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterThe Ludington girls basketball team poses with members of the student section after defeating Frankenmuth in the D2 state quarterfinals on March 15, 2022. (MLive photo/Josh VanDyke). CADILLAC – The Ludington girls basketball team didn’t score a point in the third quarter of its Division 2 state quarterfinal clash with Frankenmuth at Cadillac High School on Tuesday.

LUDINGTON, MI - The Ludington Police Department is warning the public to be aware of scams when searching for houses or apartments to rent due to recent fraud reports. The police department announced it received several fraud reports from residents who said they put money down on a rental, only to learn that it was occupied. “The biggest tip is to meet potential landlords face-to-face before giving them any money,” according to Ludington Police Department’s March 14 post. “If they want payments made via Apple Pay or another similar method, insist on a face-to-face meeting to view the prospective rental. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of the fraud reported, call (231) 843-3425 or visit the Ludington Police Department’s website here for more information.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterKent City senior Taryn Preston (22) tries to steal the ball from Western Michigan Christian sophomore Ashley Folkema (20) during the third quarter of the Division 3 girls basketball regional semifinal game between the Kent City Eagles and the Western Michigan Christian Warriors at NorthPointe Christian High School in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Kent City won the matchup 51-31 and will face the Covenant Christian Chargers on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at NorthPointe Christian High School. (Daniel Shular | MLive.com)Daniel Shular | MLive.comMUSKEGON – The road to the Breslin Center is just one win away for three Muskegon-area girls basketball teams this week. Ludington, Kent City and Muskegon Heights Academy will all take on worthy opponents Tuesday in the quarterfinal round of the Michigan girls basketball state tournament. Below is a look at each Muskegon-area boys basketball team’s potential road to the state semifinals.

Historic lighthouses in Grand Haven and Ludington will benefit from grants made possible because Michigan residents purchased “Save our Lights” license plates. A $76,409 grant match, raised through the efforts of the Grand Haven Lighthouse Conservancy, will help pay for work to the Grand Haven lighthouse that includes repair of concrete wall, decking and stairs; installation of new metal flashing and repainting. Related: What it’s like to spend a night with the ‘lighthouse keepers’ at Big SableThe distinctive black and white lighthouse was constructed in 1867. Visitors can tour the original keeper’s quarters, which have been converted into a gift shop, and climb the 112-foot tower. Those who wish to contribute to the Grand Haven Lighthouse Rehabilitation Fund can visit the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation website at ghacf.org or call the foundation at 616-842-6378.

BAY CITY, MI – A look at the high school sports scene in the Bay City area for March 8, 2022. Division 3 at ReeseGIRLS BKB: SANDUSKY 30, CASS CITY 29In a defensive battle, one offensive outburst can make all the difference. Fast-rising Cass City (16-5) made a serious run at a serious upset, pushing undefeated Sandusky (23-0) to the final seconds. Fresh off its first district title since 2006, Cass City came out battling and built a 16-13 lead at halftime in a defensive slugfest. Cass City clawed its way back, dicing the deficit to a single point before running out of time.

LUDINGTON, MI – A Northern Michigan town hit record tourism levels in 2021 – and expects a banner 2022 – after a “slump” in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said. Ludington State Park, a main attraction for the area, also set an attendance record in 2021. “Ludington’s tourism industry is resilient,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, who expected 2021 to beat 2020 numbers but not necessarily 2019. All signs point to a healthy and thriving tourism industry that plays an important role in bolstering Mason County’s economy.”Lodging, or room rental, income is a primary metric by which tourism is measured. “Most of our tourism industry partners have exceeded 2019 figures, and those who haven’t yet are headed in the right direction,” Miller said.

As we enter the final week of the regular season, let’s take a look at how all the Muskegon-area boys basketball teams stack up. Holton (13-5)Last week: Defeated Western Michigan Christian (44-40), defeated Hesperia (56-28)This week: vs. Muskegon Catholic Central (5-12), at Grant (10-8). Montague (13-5)Last week: vs. Manistee (65-37), vs. Hart (63-30)This week: at Ravenna (11-6), at Fruitport (7-12). Ravenna (11-6)Last week: Defeated Shelby (51-47)This week: vs. Montague (13-5), vs. Chippewa Hills (1-18). Whitehall (13-5)Last week: Defeated Ludington (57-54 OT) and Mason County Central (61-53)This week: vs. Shelby (11-7), vs. Western Michigan Christian (6-11).

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter24 Ravenna boys basketball hosts Shelby 2022MUSKEGON -- The final week of the regular season is here and there are plenty of intriguing matchups still on the schedule. Below is a look at all the Muskegon-area boys basketball games scheduled for this week. MONDAY (Feb. 28)Manistee (1-17) vs Western Michigan Christian (6-11), 7:00 PM---TUESDAY (March 1)CSAA GOLDGrant (10-8) vs Grand Rapids West Catholic (14-5), 7:00 PMHoward City Tri-County (9-10) vs White Cloud (8-10), 7:30 PMMorley Stanwood (10-7) vs Newaygo (7-12), 7:30 PMCSAA SILVERBaldwin (14-4) vs Hesperia (1-16), 7:30 PMHolton (13-5) vs Muskegon Catholic Central (5-12), 7:00 PMHopkins (5-12) vs Kent City (13-5), 7:00 PMHoward City Tri-County (9-10) vs White Cloud (8-10), 7:30 PMMorley Stanwood (10-7) vs Newaygo (7-12), 7:30 PMLAKES EIGHTFennville (13-6) vs Muskegon Western Michigan Christian (6-11), 7:00 PMHolton (13-5) vs Muskegon Catholic Central (5-12), 7:00 PMManistee (1-17) vs Traverse City West (9-9), 7:00 PMWyoming Tri-unity Christian (13-5) vs Muskegon Orchard View (4-13), 7:00 PMZeeland East (2-15) vs Ludington (11-7), 7:00 PMOK BLUECoopersville (11-7) vs Sparta (8-11), 7:00 PMGrant (10-8) vs Grand Rapids West Catholic (14-5), 7:00 PMHamilton (6-13) vs Holland (4-15), 7:00 PMHolland Christian (12-7) vs West Ottawa (8-11), 7:00 PMWayland (4-14) vs Allendale (6-13), 7:00 PMOK GREENHamilton (6-13) vs Holland (4-15), 7:00 PMKalamazoo Central (11-7) vs Muskegon (18-1), 7:00 PMZeeland East (2-15) vs Ludington (11-7), 7:00 PMOK REDEast Kentwood (6-13) vs Grand Rapids South Christian (14-5), 7:00 PMHolland Christian (12-7) vs Holland West Ottawa (8-11), 7:00 PMMiddleville Thornapple Kellogg (1-17) vs Grandville (9-10), 7:00 PMSaginaw Arthur Hill (9-7) vs Grand Haven (16-3), 7:00 PMWEST MICHIGAN CONFERENCEHart (5-13) vs Muskegon Oakridge (11-8), 7:30 PMMason County Central (5-12) vs North Muskegon (10-8), 7:30 PMRavenna (11-6) vs Montague (13-5), 7:00 PMWhitehall (13-5) vs Shelby (11-7), 7:00 PM---THURSDAY (March 3)ALLIANCE LEAGUEFruitport Calvary Christian (14-5) vs Saugatuck (7-11), 7:00 PMCSAA GOLDBig Rapids (16-2) vs Morley Stanwood (10-7), 7:00 PMGrant (10-8) vs Holton (13-5), 7:00 PMRavenna (11-6) vs Remus Chippewa Hills (1-18), 7:00 PM\CSAA SILVERBig Rapids (16-2) vs Morley Stanwood (10-7), 7:00 PMGrant (10-8) vs Holton (13-5), 7:00 PMHart (5-13) vs White Cloud (8-10), 7:30 PMKent City (13-5) vs Muskegon Orchard View (4-13), 7:00 PMShelby (11-7) vs Hesperia (1-16), 7:30 PMLAKES EIGHTKent City (13-5) vs Muskegon Orchard View (4-13), 7:00 PMMason County Central (5-12) vs Ludington (11-7), 7:00 PMWhitehall (13-5) vs Muskegon Western Michigan Christian (6-11), 7:00 PMOK BLUEMuskegon Reeths-Puffer (12-7) vs Spring Lake (8-11), 7:00 PMZeeland East (2-15) vs Coopersville (11-7), 7:00 PMZeeland West (10-9) vs Hudsonville Unity Christian (19-0), 7:00 PMOK GREENMuskegon Reeths-Puffer (12-7) vs Spring Lake (8-11), 7:00 PMWyoming (13-6) vs Benton Harbor (16-2), 7:00 PMZeeland East (2-15) vs Coopersville (11-7), 7:00 PMZeeland West (10-9) vs Hudsonville Unity Christian (19-0), 7:00 PMWEST MICHIGAN CONFERENCEHart (5-13) vs White Cloud (8-10), 7:30 PMMason County Central (5-12) vs Ludington (11-7), 7:00 PMNorth Muskegon (10-8) vs Wyoming Potter’s House Christian (13-5), 7:00 PMRavenna (11-6) vs Remus Chippewa Hills (1-18), 7:00 PMShelby (11-7) vs Hesperia (1-16), 7:30 PMWhitehall (13-5) vs Muskegon Western Michigan Christian (6-11), 7:00 PM---FRIDAY (March 4)Holland Black River (1-17) vs Muskegon Catholic Central (5-12), 5:30 PMFruitport (7-12) vs Montague (13-5), 7:00 PM---MORE MUSKEGON-AREA SPORTS COVERAGEVote for the Muskegon-area athlete of the week for Feb. 21-26Muskegon-area girls basketball predictions for district tournamentsMuskegon-area basketball highlights: Mona Shores, Reeths-Puffer girls share OK Green titleMontague wrestling standout voted Muskegon-area Athlete of the WeekMuskegon-area basketball roundup: Hart, Montague girls survive late-season scaresWhitehall goes Code Red in overtime to slide past LudingtonMuskegon-area basketball highlights: Zoulek surpasses milestone in win over WhitehallMuskegon-area basketball highlights: Walker’s late bucket lifts Reeths-Puffer over Muskegon

We were gambling up top and Ludington is disciplined, so if they go by you, they’re not looking to take a bad shot. Isaac DaHart stepped up big, Red Watson had nine points, but that’s not the story for him. He’s quick, he’s shifty, and I really had to focus on him all night. If you look at their record, they’ve played teams like Cass Tech, they’ve played Benzie Central, they’ve played Reeths-Puffer and all these teams that are just phenomenal basketball teams. “That game really motivated me heading into tonight.

Lawyers who argued that a Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires have successfully turned the case into a class-action lawsuit.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for parts of West Michigan for Wednesday with several inches of snow possible.

The conference schedule is beginning to get more crowded by the day, as league title contenders and pretenders square off in an attempt to gain ground in the standings. This week, we’ll see plenty of marquee matchups in the Muskegon area that will be worth the price of admission, so let’s take a look at the daily schedule. The dates, times and locations were found on the official MHSAA and school athletic websites but may be subject to change baring inclement weather, or health and safety protocols. Below is the Muskegon-area high school basketball schedule for the week of Jan. 3-8, 2022. TUESDAY (Jan. 4)BOYSCSAA GOLDGrant (2-2) vs Sparta (2-1), 7 p.m.Ludington (2-4) vs Fremont (2-3), 7 p.m.White Cloud (2-2) vs Newaygo (2-2), 7 p.m.CSAA SILVERAllendale (0-2) vs Kent City (3-1), 5:45 p.m.Central Montcalm (0-4) vs Morley Stanwood (2-2), 7 p.m.Wyoming Lee (1-2) vs Holton (2-0), 7 p.m.

Christmastime is here, meaning there will be many great high school basketball tournaments in the Metro Detroit area starting next week and running up to the new year. The following is intended to be a list of tournaments that include teams from the Metro Detroit coverage area. However, it may be incomplete. Please email japurcell@mlive.com with your full tournament schedule or any corrections that need to be made. GIRLS TOURNAMENTS AND INVITATIONALSGIRLS MOTOR CITY ROUNDBALL CLASSICAll games hosted at Westfield Prep High School in RedfordMonday, Dec. 2711 a.m.: Ann Arbor Huron vs. Utica Ford12:40 p.m.: Detroit Cody vs. Mt.

Spring Lake defeated Grand Haven High School 45-41 to win the Drawbridge Classic on Dec. 19, 2014 in Spring Lake. Below is the Muskegon-area high school basketball schedule for the week of Dec. 13-18, 2021. MONDAY, DEC. 13BOYSNewaygo (1-1) vs. Grand Rapids Wellspring Prep (0-1), 7 p.m.West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (0-0) vs. Fruitport Calvary Christian (2-1), 7 p.m. LAKES EIGHT CONFERENCEWestern Michigan Christian (0-2) vs. Muskegon Heights Academy (1-0), 7 p.m.---GIRLSOK GREENGrand Rapids West Catholic (2-0) vs. Muskegon (1-3), 7 p.m. LAKES EIGHT CONFERENCEMuskegon Heights Academy (1-0) vs. Western Michigan Christian (1-1), 7 p.m.---FRIDAY, DEC. 17BOYSOK GREENMona Shores (1-1) vs. Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (1-0), 7 p.m.Reeths-Puffer (1-1) vs. Forest Hills Northern (0-1), 7 p.m.OK BLUESpring Lake (1-0) vs Grand Haven (1-0), 6 p.m.

Follow Josh VanDyke on TwitterGrand Haven junior Nic Stump (4) catches the ball after an attempted dunk the during the Grand Haven at Mona Shores boys varsity basketball game at Reeths-Puffer High School on Thursday, March 25, 2021 in Muskegon. (Hope Davison | MLive.com)Hope DavisonMUSKEGON – The Michigan high school basketball season hits the full-court press this week as both boys and girls teams will grace local gymnasiums for marquee early season matchups. Below is the full schedule for the week ahead in Muskegon high school basketball. ---MONDAY, DEC. 6BOYSWest Michigan Aviation Academy vs. Ravenna, 7 p.m.Fruitport Calvary Christian (0-0) vs Pentwater (0-0), 7 p.m. GIRLSWest Michigan Aviation Academy (0-2) vs. Ravenna (0-2), 5:30 p.m.White Cloud (0-1) vs. Mason County Eastern (1-0), 7 p.m.---TUESDAY, DEC. 7BOYSOK GREENMona Shores vs. Grandville, 7 p.m.OK BLUESpring Lake vs. Whitehall, 7 p.m.

LUDINGTON, MI – A popular Lake Michigan beach town will soon have yet another delicious destination. Ludington Meat Market, opening this fall at 3815 US-10 off of US-31 in Ludington, will feature a premier meat market, butcher block, deli, smokehouse, barbecue and bar. “It has always been our lifelong dream to open a meat market destination in our beautiful hometown of Ludington,” said co-owner Corey Sanders. “We also plan to stock as many Michigan-made products as possible.”Features at Ludington Meat Company will include on-site smokehouses for cooking bacon, ham, sausages, bratwursts, snack sticks, jerky, salami, hot dogs, bologna and more smoked meat products. Ludington Meat Company will employ approximately 20 staff in a combination of full-time and part-time positions.

The wind generated by the severe storms caused water levels to bounce up and down many times. The high winds crossing Lake Michigan piled up the water on the Michigan shoreline. Water levels at Ludington, MI from September 6 to September 10, 2021Some of the ups and downs of the Ludington water level were one foot in fluctuation. Here’s the water level plunging at Menominee, Wisconsin as the severe storms started on the west side of Lake Michigan. From looking at the Ludington water level, the wave sloshed back and forth, more or less, in about one hour.

LUDINGTON, MI – A COVID case among the crew of the S.S. Badger will result in the temporary docking of the Lake Michigan car ferry. One crew member tested positive for COVID-19 and three others are under quarantine, according to a press release from Interlake Maritime Services, which operates the ferry between Ludington and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The sailing schedule will be halted once the ferry completes its trips on Tuesday, Aug. 10, according to the press release. Ferry officials learned that a crew member was exposed to COVID-19, who was quarantined and subsequently tested positive for the virus, according to the press release. “The safety of our employees and passengers is our top priority,” Interlake Maritime Services President Mark W. Barker said in a prepared statement.

Luis Martinez, of Ortonville, was troll fishing on Lake Michigan near Ludington Saturday when he caught a Chinook salmon weighing nearly 48 pounds.

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.

LUDINGTON, MI — A massive Chinook salmon has been caught in Lake Michigan, setting a record for the largest such fish caught in the state. “It is an exciting day for Lake Michigan and the Port of Ludington,” Wesley said. “We have all worked hard to maintain a healthy fishery in Lake Michigan. Martinez was using a Moonshine Spoon-Raspberry Carbon lure when the salmon struck, according to the state record entry form filled out by Wesley. Read more:‘Absolute giant’ chinook salmon caught in northern Michigan earns DNR award39-pound ‘fish of a lifetime’ salmon hooked in Lake MichiganCarnival ride goes haywire during National Cherry Festival in Traverse City

MASON COUNTY, MI -- A Ludington man was killed Thursday evening after police said he ran a stop sign and was ejected in a crash. Sayles was eastbound on Kinney Road in a Jeep Wrangler when he failed to stop at the stop sign and was struck by another vehicle traveling southbound. The vehicle struck the Jeep on the driver side, and the Jeep overturned twice, ejecting the driver, police said. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The case remains under investigation by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

LUDINGTON, MI -- A 75-year-old man was rescued Tuesday nearly 11 hours after falling from a tree while trying to retrieve his hunting stand. The man’s son told police that his dad had gone to the Whiskey Creek Area, southeast of Ludington, to prepare tree stands for the upcoming hunting season. When about 50 yards from the injured man, the DNR officer heard the man’s voice responding “weakly” to his calls. The man told Killingbeck he was about 30 feet above the ground attempting to remove the tree stand, when he grabbed a dead branch and fell. “Sharing this information could be the difference between life and death if you are injured and cannot call for help,” Molnar said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Dangerous swim conditions are expected in Lake Michigan on Friday, Aug. 6. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says large waves of 3 to 5 feet and strong currents are expected in the Great Lake throughout the day. Winds gusts between 15 and 20 mph are also expected. Beaches from Holland northward, including Grand Haven, Muskegon, Pentwater, Ludington and Manistee are areas where conditions are the most dangerous, according to the NWS. The worst conditions will be on the south side of piers and there is also a small risk for lightning in the afternoon and evening, according to the NWS.

The lowdown on what new, fun things await you in a classic Michigan beach town this summer? “We offer kind of that quintessential Up North getaway,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of Pure Ludington. Photo provided by Pure Ludington. There is also an ADA-accessible paved path connecting to the splash pad area. The alley along Ludington Avenue from Rath to the back entrance to Old Hamlin Restaurant also is included.

Ludington led the way for All-Lakes 8 Activities Conference softball honors in the 2021 season. See who earned accolades from the league on the first and second teams, plus coach of the year:FIRST TEAMBrynn Cole, Ludington, CBrynn Fortner, Ludington, SS/3BLilli Goodrich, Ludington, PRebecca Szoboszlay, Ludington, 1BAnnika Arendt, Manistee, PHaley DeWeerdt, Orchard View, C/SSKaelyn McNarland, Orchard View, PMaddie Fellows, Western Michigan Christian, C/DPKelcea Waller, Western Michigan Christian, 3BSECOND TEAMJody Meisenheimer, Ludington, CF/SSAyiana Rangel, Ludington, LFFaith Dahlke, Manistee, 1BEmalee Stanfield, Orchard View, 1BJadin Strickland, Orchard View, C/OFEmma Croff, Western Michigan Christian, CFCOACH OF THE YEARSierra Holmes, LudingtonRelated reading:Meet the 2021 All-Lakes 8 Activities Conference baseball team

A Michigan man fired a gun during a road rage incident after a driver who wouldn’t let him merge into a lane later merged in front of him on the Mackinac Bridge, police said.

LUDINGTON, MI – After a year off, summer concerts and adventure programs are back at a popular Lake Michigan state park. The Friends of the Ludington State Park announced over the weekend that its entertainment programs are back after a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shows known to draw large crowds will be at the park’s Lake Michigan Beach House while others will be at the traditional forested amphitheater, which is south of the footbridge over the Sable River. While the programs are free, the Friends of Ludington State Park accept donations during each performance to help offset costs. Ludington State Park is at 8800 M-116 in Ludington, Mason County.

The latest example of this is wrapped in a luxurious touch – the newly opened Carriage House Suites, tucked next to the historic Cartier Mansion B&B. The property’s former stable and carriage house is being renovated into four suites. For more details on each of the new suites, pricing and online reservation information, check the B&B’s website here. The Stable Suite features bedrooms where horse stalls once stood. A vintage stable wall divider now separates a bedroom from a sitting area inside the Stable Suite.

MUSKEGON – Fruitport defeated Ludington, 3-1, on Thursday in the Division 2 girls district soccer semifinals at Reeths-Puffer. The Trojans advance to Saturday’s 3 p.m. district final to face neighboring rival Spring Lake, which beat the host Rockets 4-1 in the other semifinal. Below are details MLive was able to round up from Thursday’s action, as well as scores and updated schedules for Muskegon-area teams. Fruitport 3, Ludington 1: Fruitport knocked off Lakes 8 Activities Conference champion Ludington in the first of two Division 2 district semifinals Thursday at Reeths-Puffer. Mallory Smith and Sarah Zielinski scored the other two goals for the Trojans, who got a strong performance from goalkeeper Haylee Westcomb.

MUSKEGON – Fremont’s baseball team added another memory to its special baseball season Friday night. The Packers rallied from a late deficit to pull out a 2-1 victory over Ludington in a “Friday Night Lights” contest at Marsh Field. Mesyar scattered seven hits, struck out six and allowed one earned run in six innings for the Orioles (14-7). Ludington's Brad Mesyar delivers a pitch during the "Friday Night Lights" event against Fremont at Marsh Field on Friday, May 14, 2021, in Muskegon, Mich. Fremont rallied for a 2-1 win over Ludington. They answered the bell.”Related reading:Under lights at classic ballpark, North Muskegon senior pitcher nears perfectionBaseball-style ‘Friday Night Lights’ coming to Marsh Field

LUDINGTON, MI – Ludington is set to host a new running event that celebrates its long maritime legacy. The event, the fifth race in its #RunLudington race series, will coincide with the start of the SS Badger’s sailing season. Proceeds from the race series are used by the Downtown Ludington Board to help fund community events, projects, streetscape and marketing. The course is a 1.55-mile loop, so 5k runners will run two laps and 10k runners will run four laps. Age group winners will be announced, and first/second/third place pins will be awarded at Waterfront Park following the completion of both races.

Available dates only: May 6-13, 16-20, and 23-28.” For more information, check the website here. Available dates only: May 7-13, 16-21, and 25-28.” For more information, check the website here. Enjoy great deals including buy one, get one room free on the lakeshore.” For more information, check the website here. RELATED: Northern Michigan winery offers unique Barrel Room tastingsThe Cupola Bar at the top of Grand Hotel is a luxurious stop during your vacation. We hope to see you as we celebrate our 135th season.” For more information, check the website here.

One sure sign that warmer weather is right around the corner is that the famous House of Flavors in Ludington is opening for the season. Free ice cream with any dine-in meal has been extended until Thursday May 27. “This year our friends, family and customers didn’t get to take advantage of that,” said Barry Neal, who’s family owns House of Flavors. Due to the pandemic, House of Flavors has not had dine-in service for over a year. This summer, fans can also look forward to helping House of Flavors pick their ice cream flavors for 2022.

LUDINGTON, MI – A bridge on business route U.S. 31, or Pere Marquette Highway, near Ludington will close Monday and remain shut through the summer. Pere Marquette Bridge between U.S. 10 and First Street will be closed for construction beginning Monday, April 26, according to a notice from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The project on the bridge over the Marquette Railroad just south of U.S. 10 was delayed from an earlier anticipated start date of March 1. The $1.3 million project includes replacing the bridge deck, painting, approach work, new concrete curb and gutter, new guardrail and pavement markings. A bridge on business route U.S. 31, or Pere Marquette Highway, near Ludington will close Monday and remain shut through the summer.

LUDINGTON, MI - Want to get a jump-start on spring travel by exploring one of Michigan’s best waterfront towns before the summer crowds arrive? A handful of Ludington hotels and B&Bs are offering a sweet deal to early-season travelers. They are offering 50% off a second-night stay through April 29. Headed to the nearby Ludington State Park for a day of hiking or a long walk to Big Sable Point Lighthouse? Here are the hotels participating in the 50% Off Second-Night Stay Offer:Best Western Lakewinds: 5005 West U.S.10, Ludington (231) 843-2140Comfort Inn: 5323 West U.S. 10, Ludington (231) 845-7004Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast: 602 East Ludington Ave., Ludington (231) 843-9792 (Related: Why this Michigan couple left corporate life to be innkeepers of a beach town B&B)Ludington House Bed & Breakfast: 501 East Ludington Ave., Ludington (231) 845-7769Ludington Pier House: 805 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington (231) 845-7346Naders Motel & Suites: 612 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington (231) 843-8757Stearns Hotel: 212 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington (231) 843-3407READ MOREHistoric Lake Michigan car ferry now booking 2021 crossings

North Muskegon fell to Grand Rapids Covenant Christian in Division 3 action at Fennville, while Ludington lost a tight one to Escanaba in a Division 2 battle at Traverse City Central. At Reeths-Puffer’s Rocket Arena, two of West Michigan’s top teams squared off in a Division 1 regional final. Division 3 at FennvilleGrand Rapids Covenant Christian 70, North Muskegon 38When North Muskegon lost four of its final six regular-season games, including a 52-30 defeat to Shelby on March 16, any kind of postseason run seemed highly unlikely. Covenant Christian’s size and length proved too much for North Muskegon in the regional final at Fennville. We played hard and executed the game plan, but just too much length and size,” North Muskegon coach Chuck Rypstra said.

MUSKEGON – Ludington and North Muskegon are the last two boys basketball teams standing in the state tournament. The Orioles and Norsemen both captured regional semifinal victories on Tuesday and will be competing for championships Thursday night. More details on Ludington and North Muskegon below. Ludington (13-5) advances to the regional final, where the Orioles will face Escanaba (16-2) at 6 p.m. Thursday. They played much harder than us and we just didn’t match their intensity,” North Muskegon coach Chuck Rypstra said.

BAY CITY, MI -- A look at high school girls basketball action in the Bay City area for March 29, 2021, as reported to MLive. UPDATED Bay City area girls and boys regional pairings and resultsDIVISION 2 at HOUGHTON LAKELUDINGTON 43, STANDISH-STERLING 36The three-time district champions really wanted their first regional crown. 1-ranked Saginaw Nouvel, and the program’s third straight district title. They rolled to the Jack Pine Conference championship then captured the program’s fifth district title in nine years. Sacred Heart (15-3) takes on Saginaw Nouvel for the regional title on Wednesday.

David Shillinger is like any other player who has dreamed about making the game-winning shot at the buzzer to lift his team to the championship. Shillinger’s 12-foot pull-up jumper with 2 seconds left lifted Ludington a 37-35 victory over host Cadillac in a Division 2 district championship game Saturday night. I used to go out in my driveway when I was younger and pretend I was in the district finals,” Shillinger said. This time, Ludington erased an eight-point deficit with about 3 ½ minutes left by scoring the game’s final 10 points. First two district games, they made double-figure 3s.

MASON COUNTY, MI – A missing 4-year-old boy from the Ludington area died after searchers found him in a water-filled drainage ditch Tuesday afternoon. The 4-year-old child with autism was reported missing around 4:11 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, from a home on West Kinney Road, in Summit Township, about 10 miles south of Ludington, the Michigan State Police said. Family, state troopers and Mason County Sheriff’s deputies searched for the child, ultimately finding him near the home in a drainage ditch filled with water, police said. The child was unresponsive and life-saving measures were performed while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. He was taken to a hospital and then flown by helicopter to a Grand Rapids hospital, police said.

Western Michigan Christian and Ludington split the league title with 7-1 records. (Scott DeCamp | MLive.com)(Scott DeCamp | MLive.com)Western Michigan Christian made a statement in the rematch with Ludington. Ludington coach Warren Stowe watches from the sideline during a game against Western Michigan Christian Tuesday, March 16, 2021, in Norton Shores, Mich. Western Michigan Christian defeated Ludington, 49-34. Folkema is Western Michigan Christian’s all-time leading scorer, currently sitting at 1,239 career points after passing previous record-holder Laura Karsten Feb. 20 at Grandville Calvin Christian. Everyone just puts in effort.”As for potential matchups with Saugatuck (14-2) and Kent City (15-0), Western Michigan Christian would see the former in the Division 3 district finals at Fennville and the latter in the regional semifinals at Calvin Christian.

MUSKEGON – Friday was a good night to set some records on the Muskegon-area high school basketball scene. A Western Michigan Christian girls player and Fruitport Calvary Christian’s boys team achieved new milestones. Calvary Christian (7-6, 4-3) previously broke the record with 87 points against Hesperia on Feb. 22. Our coaches love these guys and we have a chance going into districts.”Bradley Richards paced Calvary Christian with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Braden Cohea finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Braden Swanson and Ethan Cammenga added 14 and 11 points, respectively.

LUDINGTON, MI – Michigan’s historic S.S. Badger car ferry is prepping for a full season of cross-lake service at full capacity after the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shortened season with decreased capacity in 2020. The ferry is offering one round trip across Lake Michigan daily from May 20 to Oct. 10. The Badger will depart Ludington at 9 a.m. and arrive in Manitowoc, Wis., at noon after the four-hour trip. RELATED: S.S. Badger car and passenger ferry under new ownership, but mission remains the sameHere are a few ways to score a discount:Round Trip Mini-Cruises: Travel round trip within 48 hour without a vehicle for $89 per adult. The 2020 season was delayed until June and ended in September due to factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s a prime example of why the transitive property does not work in sports:Tuesday, Feb. 23: Ludington 45, Western Michigan Christian 32Wednesday, Feb. 24: Whitehall 45, Ludington 32Saturday, Feb. 27: Western Michigan Christian 60, Whitehall 32Can you make sense of this? Hopefully you can make sense of the latest MLive Muskegon Chronicle girls basketball power rankings. 6The Lions are tied atop the Central State Activities Association Gold Division standings with Big Rapids, both at 7-0 in the league. The teams have two matchups coming yet: March 8 at Big Rapids and March 19 at Newaygo. More coverage:State-ranked Orchard View climbing Muskegon boys basketball power rankingsMichigan Associated Press girls basketball rankings for March 1Michigan Associated Press boys basketball rankings for March 1Muskegon-area basketball: Newaygo girls stay perfect in conference playRed-hot Fremont overcomes gritty Grant in latest rivalry thriller

A 24 year-old Mason County man was pronounced dead at the scene, while another occupant of the same vehicle, a 22-year-old Mason County woman was in critical condition when deputies arrived. The woman, who was 8 months pregnant with a baby boy, was pronounced dead later Monday afternoon at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital. There were no other occupants of that vehicle, deputies said. Upon arrival to the crash scene, deputies quickly learned the suspected driver of the other vehicle had fled the scene on foot. Speed and alcohol are likely factors in the crash, which remains under investigation by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

UPDATE: Man, pregnant woman die in crash near LudingtonMASON COUNTY, MI — Multiple people are in critical condition following a Monday afternoon collision east of Ludington. Deputies responded to the scene, at Wever Road and U.S. 10 in Branch Township, at 1:42 p.m., Monday, March 1, Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole told MLive. Cole said two vehicles were involved in the crash. At 3 p.m., Cole said he expected U.S. 10 to remain closed between S. Walhalla and S. Campbell roads for several hours. Also on MLive:Spring bird feeders could attract black bears, DNR warnsHow to legally gather free firewood in Michigan’s state forestsHard Rock-brand hotel coming to Kalamazoo’s historical Gibson guitar manufacturing site

MUSKEGON – On a jam-packed night of high school basketball in the Muskegon area Tuesday, a few games jumped out. At Redmond-Potter Gymnasium, Kalil Stimage scored a game-high 20 points to lead Muskegon past his former school, 65-44 over Reeths-Puffer. Nash continued to add to her spectacular senior season with 25 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bashir Neely added 13 points for the Bucs. Tommy Gregwer scored a game-high 24 points for Grandville, while Corey Grant and Brayden Gable had 12 points apiece and Regnerus 11 points.

Orchard View senior Ke'Ontae Barnes (1) pushes the ball up the court as he is defended by Ludington freshman David Shillinger (3) at Orchard View High School on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 in Muskegon. Orchard View defeated Ludington 58-51. Orchard View defeated Ludington 58-51. Later in the afternoon, Orchard View will be hosting neighboring rival Oakridge (2-2). We’re going to get this dub.’”More coverage:Top basketball recruits: High-scoring KeOntae Barnes of Orchard View full of fight and hungerMuskegon-area basketball: Kent City, Western Michigan Christian players hit milestones

Twelve Michigan properties have earned special recognition in the 2020 National Register of Historic Places, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced. The National Register of Historic Places is the United States federal government’s official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance. More than 95,000 properties across the country, including nearly 2,000 in Michigan, have been listed in the National Register since the program began in the 1960s. The National Register is a program of the National Park Service and administered by the states. In the state, it’s administered by the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office.

LUDINGTON, Mich. – A coal-fired ferry that carries people and cars across Lake Michigan between Michigan and Wisconsin has been sold. Interlake Holding Co. announced Wednesday that it bought the SS Badger, The Ludington Daily News reported. The Middleburg Heights, Ohio-based company also purchased the tug-barge Undaunted/Pere Marquette 41, the mothballed ferry SS Spartan, and the Lake Michigan Carferry and Pere Marquette Shipping companies. “I think we’ve always been interested in the Pere Marquette and the Badger,” said Mark Barker, Interlake president. The 410-foot (125-meter) SS Badger launched in 1952 and hauled railcars across Lake Michigan from 1953 to 1990.

LUDINGTON, MI --The historic S.S. Badger car ferry is under new ownership, but the ship’s mission as a transport from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wisconsin will remain the same. Interlake Holding Company announced Wednesday, Dec. 30 that it had purchased the assets of the Lake Michigan Carferry Company and the Pere Marquette Shipping Company. The purchase included the S.S. Badger and the articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette 41. The Interlake Holding Company already owns the Interlake Steamship Company, which has a fleet of nine freighters in the Great Lakes area. Mark W. Barker, president of Interlake Holding Company, said there is no expected change in S.S. Badger’s operation.

Parts of Northern Lower Michigan will get some decent snow tonight and into Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Western part of Northern Lower Michigan, including Grand Traverse County, down to Ludington, Cadillac and Gaylord. “An arctic front will bring very cold air into the Great Lakes today into Wednesday. This cold air over the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes will kick on the lake effect machine once again. The typical northwest flow snow belts should see the most snow through Wednesday.”Most of the impacted area will see 2-3 inches of snow, with an isolated six or more inches.