The Leeward Initiative

12/23/2025

It’s that time of year again! We are helping promote safe rides and free tows as much as possible around the New Years Eve celebration. Select bars in Downtown Ludington will be receiving drink coasters for their guests to make sure everyone can get a safe and sober ride home.
Thank you Downtown Ludington, and all of the participating tow companies, taxi companies, and LMTA for partnering to keep people safe.

12/13/2025

A great activity for any local teens, grades 6-12. Help spread the word.

The Mason County District Library will be working alongside Staircase Youth Services to bring the joy of the holidays to our teens. We will be having a hot cocoa bar and decorating stockings in the Rotary Room on Tuesday. December 16th from 3:30 - 5 PM. This is a teen event for those in 6th - 12th grades. This event is free. Come decorate a stocking for yourself, a friend, or someone you care about and enjoy a cozy cocoa. We will have wrapping supplies available for teens who choose to make a stocking as a gift.

12/12/2025

The coalition held our December meeting with some extra spirit. With ugly sweater contests, pin the nose on Rudolph, and more activities, we had a great meeting! Our focus area of the day was prepping for our upcoming coaster distribution to local bars around getting people safe rides home on New Years. Stay tuned for more updates around safe rides.

12/04/2025

Thank you Mason County Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for letting us present an activity around how you, and others, cope with stress. A big focus of the coalition has been supporting youth mental health. Hearing your voice always matters and we appreciate the time you took to give us feedback.

11/24/2025

We had to hunt for this feature that we missed when it came out in October!

By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributing Writer AMBER TOWNSHIP — Over the past few months I have written articles on ships, tugs/barges, and ship yard items. Even riding with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit as well, but that still entailed things with boats. Recently my editor asked if...

11/24/2025

We are enjoying these features on our local SROs, who are also members of our coalition!

By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributing Writer PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Mason County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Dave Barnett is assigned to Ludington Area School District’s Ludington Elementary School (LES) as its school resource officer. LES encompasses elementary grades that had been scattered ab...

10/30/2025

What a great feature on Officer Postma. We are lucky that he (and our other wonderful SROs) are members of our coalition!

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central School District in partnership with Mason County Press. By Mark Varenhorst, MCP Contributing Writer SCOTTVILLE — Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 found me at Mason County Central Schools meeting up with Mason County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Luke Postm...

10/30/2025

This morning we have a word search for you! Take a screenshot and then DM us your completed word search! We will post the answer page in the comments tomorrow.

10/28/2025

Please join us in wearing red on Thursday 10/30 in honor of Red Ribbon week! You can share a photo, tag us in a photo or post, or just comment that you’re wearing red!

10/28/2025

We are loving the theme for Red Ribbon Week, so here is a puzzle for you! Stay tuned for more puzzles this week!!

Share your answers in the comments!

10/27/2025

Volunteers needed!! To participate in this community reeentry simulation. See below for further details and find the link to register in the comments section.
Please share!

Community Re-Entry Simulation (Jail Release Simulation)
Rebuilding Lives and Communities After Incarceration (interactive simulation)
October 30, 2025 | 10am - 2pm
Stronach Township Hall | 2471 Main St., Manistee
2.5 MCBAP CEUs provided | Lunch provided
Click the link below or scan the QR code on the flyer to register.
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/.../54c1c8da-a325...
Gain a deeper understanding of the significant obstacles individuals face when navigating life after incarceration and returning to their communities.

10/24/2025

Red Ribbon Week kicked off yesterday!

We want to encourage everyone to find healthy coping skills to help solve all of the puzzles that life throws your way!

What’s your favorite substance-free way to get through the puzzling times?