Thomas Charles Vaccaro, Jr., 61, of Colon, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at The Laurels of Bedford under the care of Great Lakes Caring Hospice A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 4 PM at Crossroads Bible Church in Sherwood, MI with Pastor Trent Hammond officiating. Thomas was born on February 18, 1956 …

My name is Buddy.  I am an American Bulldog,  Oh, how I do love hot dogs!  I am wiggly and friendly with people.  I probably would do best in a one dog only home.  Because I am so strong, I would do well with obedience training. My docket number is MISC17-000003, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located …

State police investigators are looking into a series of breaking-and-entering incidents at a residence in Lockport Township. According to a department media release, troopers were called at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 15 to the 18000 block of 6th Avenue. The victim told authorities construction supplies, copper wire and tools were stolen on at least three previous occasions. Troopers were able to …

The St. Joseph County United Way was the recipient of a recent donation to benefit the sheriff’s department’s animal control department. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the Centreville-based agency, said a $10,000 cash gift was recently made by an anonymous donor. The donor specified that the funds go toward the eventual development of a new animal-control facility. Animal control is …

Six members of the Centreville Future Farmers of America were among the students recognized during the organization’s annual convention and expo. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year more than 4,000 American Degrees were awarded at the 90th national gathering in late October …

Sturgis city commissioners on Monday approved a bid of $44,400 from Dore and Associates for demolition and site restoration of the building at 113 North St., contingent on results of the phase 2 environmental study. The former Sigrist’s building, used for storage and furniture sales for many years, has some structural issues on its south and west walls. Those will …

Sharon Ann Stigter, age 65, of Burr Oak, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Sharon was born June 29, 1952, in Evergreen Park, Ill., a daughter of Louis and Dolores (Grimaldi) Reiner. On June 23, 1973, she married Robert L. Stigter in Palos Heights, Ill. Sharon received her bachelor’s …

Thanksgiving is this week. This means several things. There will be no mail delivery or garbage pick up. If your garbage is picked up on Thursday or Friday, it will be a day later this week. If you want to start your holiday shopping early, I’d advise you to do so before Thanksgiving Day. If you are one of those …

State police are investigating a hit-and-run incident that occurred over the weekend in White Pigeon Township. According to a department media release, a large mailbox was struck between 8 p.m. Saturday and dawn Sunday on Indian Prairie Road near Marl Lake Road. The vehicle was heading in a southeast direction and may have been a beige-colored Ford passenger car. Investigators …

Burr Oak Community Schools will soon be equipped with Nightlock Lockdown classroom door barricades, thanks in part to the St. Joseph County United Way. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the local United Way agency, said her board of directors made a commitment to fund half the cost to any school countywide wishing to have Nightlocks. Burr Oak Community Foundation came …