A 17-year-old employee was arrested following a breaking-and-entering incident at Mancino’s Italian restaurant in White Pigeon. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the eatery Monday in response to forced entry through a rear door. Investigators found access was gained by drilling out the locking mechanism and prying the door open. Two flat-screen televisions, a laptop computer and the contents from the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week voted to disband the county’s Comprehensive Traffic Safety Commission. Instead, it will be re-established through the “Traffic Safety Programs, Guidelines and Services” through the county commission’s committee system. The Comprehensive Traffic Safety Commission was established in 1976 and will now dovetail into the county’s Law Enforcement Committee. As a result, the …

An embezzlement case involving a Sturgis woman and Sturgis Youth Soccer Organization advanced a step earlier this month. Tammy Cain recently entered a no-contest plea on charges of attempted larceny in a building in a proceeding that took place in St. Joseph County Circuit Court. As part of the plea agreement, Cain agreed to pay the organization $20,000 in restitution. …

St. Joseph County officials last week approved an agreement to continue extension services from Michigan State University. The matter had been debated during budget discussions but ultimately, commissioners agreed to a contract in excess of $123,000 For the money, St. Joseph County will receive an educator and program coordinator, both on a part-time basis. In addition, the allocation will cover …

Joyce C. Richardson, age 67, of White Pigeon, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at her home following a long illness. She was born in Benton Harbor on April 11, 1949, the daughter of Theodore and Virginia (Barker) Owca. She graduated from St. Joseph High School with the class of 1967. She was married to Adrian Richardson on Sept. 30, 1967, …

Roger K. Hutchins, age 73, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born July 18, 1943, in Hillsdale, Mich., son of the late Wendell and Chlois “Betty” (Center) Hutchins. Roger resided in Sturgis for the past 52 years coming from Angola, Ind. On Nov. 28, 1964, he married …

David Lee Payton, age 86, died on Sunday, December 25, 2016. In accordance with family wishes cremation will be conducted and memorial services are pending at this time. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

This is the final column for 2016. I’m taking the rest of the year off and recharging my brain. I do this at this time every year. The next column will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. One of the weird things about beginning a new year is remembering to change the year when writing a check. Then, with all …

Two people were arrested on drug-related offenses last week and face additional charges of mail theft. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said deputies spotted a vehicle at 3:15 p.m. Saturday parked along Mill Pond Road near Fawn River Road in White Pigeon Township. Investigators said a 23-year-old woman was seen burning mail. Meanwhile, deputies found she and her 24-year-old …

Sturgis city commissioners earlier this month reappointed five members to the city’s Building Authority Board for one-year terms. They are Julie Andrews, Dan Arney, Andy Boyd, Ned Heydlauff and Mike Wilson. In an unrelated matter of business, a report on expanding the city’s fiber optic capabilities resulted in no action. Commissioners, however, expressed an interest in exploring a proposal for …