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Articles by Lois Tomaszewski
Hamlin trustee recall canceled following Gurzynski’s death
The Nov. 3 recall election involving Hamlin Township Trustee Johnaine Gurzynski has been canceled following her sudden death, according to Mason County Clerk Cheryl Kelly. Gurzynski’s death created a vacancy on the township board, ending the recall process involving her seat. The trustee contest will not appear on the November ballot, Kelly said. Hamlin Township is reprinting absentee and Election Day ballots following the cancellation, according to a Sept.
COLUMNIST: A timeline of how lumber built Mason County
This weekend, Ludington is celebrating an industry that helped build the community. Ludington Lumber Days, which began last year, continues through Sunday with events celebrating the area’s lumbering heritage. Lumber Days also offers a reason to look back at just how quickly the lumber industry changed Mason County. When Burr Caswell first came to what is now Mason County, there was no Ludington.
Sheriff Kim Cole plans to retire after 41 years
Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole plans to retire after more than 41 years with the sheriff’s office, leaving his fourth term early and creating a vacancy weeks before the Nov. 3 election. Cole said in a letter to the Mason County Board of Commissioners and shared with local media on Wednesday that he has filed retirement paperwork with the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan. If approved, his last day as sheriff will be Oct. 30, with his retirement beginning Nov. 1.
Lotus Wellness grows from home practice to Shelby wellness destination
SHELBY — Six years ago, Lotus Wellness Studio was a one-room massage practice Marnee Furman operated while balancing work and homeschooling her sons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, clients entering the 1,300-square-foot Shelby studio may come for a massage, an infrared sauna session, yoga or simply a few quiet minutes with a cup of tea before an appointment.
State GOP mailer directs Cole calls to Sheriff’s Office
LUDINGTON — A Michigan Republican Party mailer promoting Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole’s campaign for state Senate directs recipients to call the Sheriff’s Office. On the portion opposing Democratic candidate Rebecca Amidon, it lists a number Amidon said connects to her personal cellphone. The mailer lists 231-843-3475, the main number for the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, for calls to Cole. It was paid for by the Michigan Republican Party.
Chamber honors UACJ Whitehall Industries, Cluck Bucket
Chamber honors UACJ Whitehall Industries, Cluck Bucket Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center earns community service honor; five young professionals recognized By Lois Tomaszewski LUDINGTON — UACJ Whitehall Industries was named Business of the Year, Cluck Bucket received Small Business of the Year honors and the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center earned the Community Service Award during the Chamber Alliance of Mason County’s 2026 Annual Awards Dinner.
Great Lakes Castings seeks permit for years-old ventilation change
LUDINGTON — Great Lakes Castings is seeking state approval for a years-old change to its pollution-control system that added a second filter to capture emissions from its Hunter Line sand handling operation. The proposed permit also would cut by more than 90% the amount of particulate matter the system is legally allowed to emit. The change to the ventilation system is already in place, but the permit authorizing it has not been approved. The public comment period closed Sept.
Sandcastles begins $72,765 roof replacement project
LUDINGTON — After years of patching leaks and setting out buckets during heavy rain, Sandcastles Children’s Museum is beginning a $72,765 roof replacement project at its historic downtown Ludington building. The museum has contracted with G. Freeland and Associates of Ludington to replace two of the three roof sections at 129 E. Ludington Ave. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, with completion expected by Oct. 1, weather and other unforeseen circumstances permitting.
Traffic stops dominate busy Labor Day weekend for Oceana deputies
OCEANA COUNTY — Traffic enforcement, much of it in the Silver Lake area, accounted for more than half of the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office activity over the four-day Labor Day weekend. Sheriff’s office nightly reports show 309 records of department activity from Friday through Monday. The records include deputy-initiated traffic stops as well as dispatched calls, crashes, complaints, investigations, transports and other law enforcement activity. Of the 309 records, 174 were traffic stops.
Skyline Trail work starts after Labor Day
LUDINGTON — Work on the $3.5 million Skyline Trail project at Ludington State Park will begin after Labor Day, with demolition of the trail expected to start in early October. Ludington State Park Manager James Gallie said contractor Mihm Enterprises will be on site after the holiday weekend, beginning with work on shelters along the Logging Trail. Meanwhile, upright posts for the Skyline Trail will be fabricated at the company’s facility.
Disc golf state championships mark final year in Ludington
LUDINGTON — A record 737 players are registered for the Michigan Amateur Disc Golf State Championships this weekend, marking the end of the championships’ 30-year run in Ludington. The championships will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 4-6, with competition spread across six courses in Mason and Oceana counties. This year’s tournament will be the last in Ludington, according to lead tournament director Mark Stephens.
Fever! For Salmon
LUDINGTON — Salmon fever showed no signs of cooling down Friday morning as anglers lined up before dawn to get on the water. As early as 5 a.m. Friday, trucks pulling boat trailers were lined up at the city’s boat ramps, waiting their turn to launch as anglers headed onto Lake Michigan in search of salmon.
Data center lawsuit challenges Michigan development moratorium
{p class=”isSelectedEnd”}As communities across Michigan — including Huron County — and locally, including Pere Marquette Charter, Manistee, Filer and Stronach townships, impose temporary restrictions on data centers, a federal lawsuit against a southeast Michigan community is challenging how one such moratorium was enacted and applied.
Ludington seeks year-round harbor safety rule
LUDINGTON — A proposed state navigation rule would give local law enforcement authority to enforce minimum safety distances between recreational boaters and large vessels in Ludington Harbor year-round. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reviewing Ludington’s request for a permanent Local Watercraft Control covering Pere Marquette Lake and the Ludington shipping channel.
Former Scottville clerk charged with embezzlement of $100,000 or more
SCOTTVILLE — Former Scottville City Clerk Kelse Lester has been charged with embezzlement of $100,000 or more following a Michigan State Police investigation that began after city officials reported a potential embezzlement in April. Lester was arraigned Monday, Aug. 24, in 79th District Court on three felony charges: embezzlement of $100,000 or more, using a computer to commit a crime and misconduct in office. Court records list Feb. 1, 2022, as the offense date for all three charges.
Michigan wants data centers. What did the state offer?
Editor's note: This is Part 2 of a two-part report examining why data center development is expanding and Michigan's efforts to attract the industry. It is part of a continuing series examining the issues surrounding data centers, including energy demands, environmental concerns, water use, land use, local regulation and potential costs to ratepayers. Michigan lawmakers have offered data center developers a tax incentive to build in the state. Gov.
Algae blooms return to Bass, Hamlin lakes
Harmful algal blooms are back on two Mason County lakes, but health officials say their presence does not necessarily mean swimmers, boaters and anglers have to stay off the entire lake. Blooms have been reported near the public boat launch at Bass Lake and in portions of Hamlin Lake's north bayou. District Health Department No. 10 is advising people to stay away from water that appears green or scummy and avoid areas where blooms are visible. Bass and Hamlin aren't alone.
Why data centers, and why Michigan?
This is Part 1 of a two-part report examining why data center development is expanding and Michigan’s efforts to attract the industry. It is part of a continuing series examining the issues surrounding data centers, including energy demands, environmental concerns, water use, land use, local regulation and potential costs to ratepayers. Check your bank account or pay a bill online? Stream your favorite show during your lunch break? Spend some time playing games online?
Recall elections set for Hamlin Township officials
LUDINGTON — Recall elections involving Hamlin Township Treasurer Susan Ptaszenski and Trustee Johnaine Gurzynski will be held Nov. 3 after Mason County Clerk Cheryl Kelly determined petitions seeking their recall contained enough valid signatures to proceed. Kelly issued the official call for the election involving Ptaszenski on Aug. 12 and the election involving Gurzynski on Aug. 13. Both elections will determine the recall and who will fill the remainder of the respective official’s term.
State traffic deaths fall, but Mason, Oceana fatalities rise
Traffic deaths declined across Michigan in 2025 even as crashes increased slightly, but that improvement wasn’t shared across West Michigan: Mason and Oceana counties recorded more traffic deaths than the previous year, while Manistee County recorded fewer crashes and fatalities. Michigan recorded 1,065 traffic deaths in 2025, down from 1,099 in 2024, a decline of about 3%, according to Michigan State Police crash data. Fatal crashes decreased from 1,012 to 1,002.
West Michigan communities move to regulate data centers
PERE MARQUETTE TWP. — Pere Marquette Charter Township is considering a one-year moratorium on data center development even though township officials say no data center has been proposed and no developer has approached the township, as communities across West Michigan establish regulations for the facilities. The Township Board is scheduled to consider the moratorium Tuesday, Aug. 11, following a first reading July 14.
Does western Michigan - and Mason County - have the power?
LUDINGTON — As Pere Marquette Township officials discuss how to prepare for possible data center development, one question has surfaced repeatedly: Could western Michigan’s electric infrastructure support one of the largest industrial consumers of electricity in the modern economy? Mason County is home to the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant, one of the world’s largest pumped-storage hydroelectric facilities.
Cruise Ship Arrives Early
LUDINGTON — Ludington’s first direct cruise ship docking at Waterfront Park received an unexpected test Friday morning when the American Cruise Lines vessel American Patriot arrived several hours ahead of its scheduled 9:30 a.m. arrival, requiring another vessel to clear the seawall before passengers could disembark. The vessel arrived carrying 130 passengers for a daylong visit to Ludington. The 104-foot U.S. Geological Survey research vessel Sturgeon was already moored at the seawall.
How Ludington pursued modern Great Lakes Cruise tourism
When the American Cruise Lines vessel American Patriot ties up at Ludington’s Waterfront Park seawall at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, it will represent far more than a daylong stop on a Great Lakes itinerary. Its arrival marks the latest milestone in a community effort that began nearly three decades ago to position Ludington as a destination for the modern Great Lakes cruise industry. Ludington’s maritime heritage stretches back much farther.
Mason County voters renew public safety millages; Stibitz, Hoekstra advance in Ludington mayor's race
LUDINGTON — Mason County voters approved two countywide public safety millage renewals Tuesday and advanced Cheri Stibitz and Carol Hoekstra to the Nov. 3 general election in Ludington’s mayoral race, according to unofficial election results posted shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. County voters also approved every local tax proposal on the ballot and selected nominees in several state and federal races.
State law won't change Mason County's approach to helping homeowners avoid tax foreclosure
LUDINGTON — Mason County will continue using its own payment extension process to help homeowners avoid tax foreclosure despite a new Michigan law making similar relief programs permanent, Treasurer Andrew Kmetz said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 423 on July 31, permanently authorizing delinquent property tax installment payment plans and tax foreclosure avoidance agreements under Michigan law.
When Mason County pursued Michigan's state data center
This historical feature was researched and written using Ludington Daily News reporting published in 2013 by Steve Begnoche, Kevin Braciszeski and Patti Klevorn, among others, along with public records and archival documents related to the proposed Great Lakes Technology Park.
Ludington harbor dredging reaches 45,000 cubic yards, remains on track for late August completion
LUDINGTON — About 45,000 cubic yards of sediment have been removed from Ludington Harbor as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues its maintenance dredging project, with work now expected to be completed in late August. The project, which began July 9, remains on schedule despite minor weather-related delays, according to the Corps’ Detroit District.
Mental health concerns drive more than one-third of OK2SAY reports in 2025 (copy)
LANSING — Mental health concerns now account for more than one-third of all reports made through Michigan’s OK2SAY student safety tip line, marking a dramatic shift for a program that began in 2014 focused primarily on school threats and bullying. OK2SAY received 10,777 tips during 2025, including 3,991 related to mental health concerns — 37% of the total — according to the Michigan State Police.
Early voting underway; 66 ballots cast in first two days
Early voting is off to a smooth start in Mason County, with 66 voters casting ballots during the first two days of in-person voting. As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, 34 voters had cast ballots at the early voting site at Ludington City Hall, while 32 voters had voted at the early voting site in Custer, according to Cheryl Kelly. Kelly said election officials have experienced no issues since early voting began. Early voting continues daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 2, ahead of the Tuesday, Aug.
Mason County voters to decide eight funding proposals in Aug. 4 primary
LUDINGTON — Mason County voters will decide eight local funding proposals during the Aug. 4 primary election, including countywide renewals supporting emergency dispatch and sheriff’s road patrol services, along with township road, transportation and community service proposals and a school operating millage. Every Mason County voter will see the two countywide public safety proposals on the ballot.
Offshore Classic overcomes weather challenges, awards about $130,000 in prizes
LUDINGTON — Despite extreme heat, wildfire smoke and the cancellation of one day of competition because of a Small Craft Advisory, the 2026 Ludington Offshore Classic concluded Sunday after awarding about $130,000 in prize money and generating approximately 3,000 pounds of donated fish for the Lakeshore Food Club.
Offshore Classic overcomes weather challenges, awards about $120,000 in prizes
LUDINGTON — Despite extreme heat, wildfire smoke and the cancellation of one day of competition because of a Small Craft Advisory, the 2026 Ludington Offshore Classic concluded Sunday after awarding about $130,000 in prize money and generating approximately 3,000 pounds of donated fish for the Lakeshore Food Club.
Avoid common mistakes before casting your primary ballot
LUDINGTON — Mason County voters can begin casting ballots Saturday as Michigan’s nine-day early voting period opens for the Aug. 4 primary election, with two early voting sites serving county residents through Aug. 2. Early voting is available for nine consecutive days before Election Day under Michigan election law. Voting will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily beginning Saturday, July 25, through Sunday, Aug. 2.
Senate bill could continue funding for local Great Lakes restoration projects
WASHINGTON — Federal legislation advancing in the U.S. Senate could continue funding for Great Lakes restoration projects that have already improved rivers, wetlands and wildlife habitat in Mason and Lake counties. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 on July 15. The legislation includes a provision sponsored by U.S. Sens.
Mental health concerns drive more than one-third of OK2SAY reports in 2025
LANSING — Mental health concerns now account for more than one-third of all reports made through Michigan’s OK2SAY student safety tip line, marking a dramatic shift for a program that began in 2014 focused primarily on school threats and bullying. OK2SAY received 10,777 tips during 2025, including 3,991 related to mental health concerns — 37% of the total — according to the Michigan State Police.
State budget advances West Shore's top capital project, boosts operating funding
SCOTTVILLE — West Shore Community College’s top capital project moved a step closer to reality after the renovation of the Administrative and Conference Building received planning authorization in Michigan’s newly approved fiscal year 2026-27 budget. The spending plan also provides West Shore the largest percentage increase in operating funding among the state’s 28 community colleges. President Scott Ward announced the funding during Monday’s meeting of the college’s Board of Trustees.
Following the Facts Wherever They Lead
These days, social media is one of the places journalists look for leads on stories. It can alert us to breaking news, community concerns or events unfolding in real time. But a social media post is only a lead, not a source. Before it becomes news, it must be verified through interviews, documents, public records or other reliable sources. That sounds simple enough, but it rarely is.
Future transmission planning topic for August meeting
SCOTTVILLE — With western Michigan expected to see future expansion of the electric transmission grid, the Michigan Public Service Commission will hold a public information meeting in Scottville next month to explain how new high-voltage transmission lines are planned and reviewed. The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Center Stage Theater in the Arts & Sciences Center at West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Road.
Understanding Data Centers
Need directions? Open Google Maps. Looking for a new restaurant? Read the online reviews. Pay your electric bill. Deposit a paycheck from your phone. Stream a movie. Schedule a doctor's appointment. Order groceries online. Ask ChatGPT a question. Each of those everyday activities depends on a data center. Most people use data centers dozens — perhaps hundreds — of times a day without ever thinking about them.
DNR land sales include local auction parcels
One Oceana County parcel and three Lake County parcels will be offered during the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ annual surplus land auctions next month. The DNR will conduct 12 online land auctions Aug. 4-28, offering 97 surplus properties across Michigan. The local auctions include one Oceana County parcel on Aug. 26 and three Lake County parcels on Aug. 27.
Proposed shooting sports center seeks state funding, DNR land
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Shelby Township is seeking a $6 million state appropriation and the transfer of about 300 acres of Department of Natural Resources land for a proposed shooting sports, education and law enforcement training center, according to state records. The proposal is outlined in a Feb. 18, 2026, Michigan Department of Natural Resources land transaction notice and a funding request submitted during the 2026-27 state budget process.
Heat, humidity create dangerous conditions across western Michigan
Heat, humidity, smoke create health concerns across western Michigan Heat Advisory remains in effect today as humidity pushes heat index values well above air temperatures By Lois Tomaszewski Daily News Staff Writer Although temperatures along the Lake Michigan shoreline are expected to remain below 90 degrees today, high humidity will continue to create dangerous conditions across western Michigan as heat index values climb well above the actual air temperature in many locations.
Pere Marquette Township weighs data center moratorium
PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — As public discussion about the possibility of a data center in Mason County has grown, Pere Marquette Township officials are considering a temporary moratorium to allow time to determine whether the township’s zoning ordinance adequately addresses the emerging industry. Township Supervisor Kelly Smith said the proposed moratorium is solely a planning measure and is not in response to any proposed development.
Teen builds patriotic Lego tribute to America's 250th
Miles Duvendeck marked America’s 250th anniversary by spending 10 days building an elaborate Lego diorama celebrating the nation’s history. The 14-year-old combined iconic landmarks, military history and patriotic symbols into a display of nearly 2,000 Lego bricks.
Holiday crowds fuel strong sales at 58th West Shore Art Fair
LUDINGTON — Holiday crowds helped fuel record sales for many artists at the 58th annual West Shore Art Fair, according to organizers, who said the Independence Day weekend event was among the most successful in recent years. “This year’s WSAF was fabulous,” said Andrew Skinner, executive director of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. The annual juried art fair featured 90 artists from across the country occupying 100 booths, including 80 single booths and 10 double booths.
AndyS Plans Aug. 16 Opening, Hiring Nearly 100 Employees
LUDINGTON — After more than a year of delays, AndyS plans to open its downtown Ludington restaurant Aug. 16 and is hiring nearly 100 employees ahead of the debut. The two-story restaurant will feature authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, a full-service bar and rooftop seating overlooking downtown Ludington. The restaurant plans to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and private thank-you event Aug. 14, followed by an after-party during Suds on the Shore on Aug.
State housing proposal could reshape local zoning
LUDINGTON — Mason County leaders have spent the past several years building a local strategy to address housing shortages. Now, a package of bills moving through the Michigan Legislature could change one of the primary tools communities use to carry out those plans: local zoning. The proposed Housing Readiness Package would establish statewide standards for several aspects of residential zoning that are currently determined by cities, villages and townships.
Company threatens legal action over Sandy recovery dispute
LUDINGTON — A company that participated in unsuccessful efforts to recover the sunken commercial fishing vessel Sandy is demanding payment for its work and threatening federal litigation over the recovery effort. Woody’s Boom Trucks Inc., which provided crane services during recovery efforts in May, sent a final administrative notice to City Attorney Tim Figura, City Manager Kaitlyn Aldrich and other city officials.
90 Years of opening doors: AAUW celebrates legacy of scholarships, service
LUDINGTON — For nine decades, the Ludington Area Branch of the American Association of University Women has helped open doors for local students, awarding scholarships, supporting educational programs and investing in opportunities for women throughout the community. As the organization celebrates its 90th anniversary, members are reflecting on a legacy that includes more than $147,000 in scholarships, decades of community service and a continuing commitment to education.
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