Government

The St Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in trying to find the party responsible for a malicious destruction of property incident in Sturgis Township. The incident occurred between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday at the drive-up window at Hot and Now restaurant on South Centerville Road.

The preliminary examination set for Thursday in the matter of People vs. Andy Brown has been adjourned until next week. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office said the matter will be delayed until 8:30 a.m. next Wednesday before Judge Jeff Middleton. The preliminary exam will determine whether enough evidence exists to bind the case to circuit court for trial. Brown …

Members of the Sturgis City Commission last week approved tax-break requests for three businesses. The requests for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates were granted to Mayer Tool and Engineering, Americraft Carton and Burr Oak Tool. Mayer Tool’s request was for a 12-year abatement of almost $55,000 on the purchase of new equipment. Americraft Carton sought $6.2 million was for new equipment …

A one-car crash in Florence Township over the weekend has left one man dead. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the vehicle was being driven north on Lutz Road when it crossed the centerline, went off the road and struck a tree in the 65000 block around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The vehicle, which was reported stolen from Sturgis and …

Two people suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident over the weekend in Fabius Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Becky Sue Elliot, a 42-year-old White Pigeon resident, was attempting to turn east onto Broadway Road from southbound U.S. 131, when she turned in the path of an oncoming vehicle. The northbound vehicle was driven by 51-year-old David …

Constantine residents north of Locust Street are being advised to expect interruptions in their water service throughout the day today. Village officials said the anticipated interruption is the result of work on the water main on Broad Street, near the intersection of North Washington. The work is necessary for modifications to the road as a part of the work related …

A Constantine truck driver was cited for driving too fast for conditions following an accident Friday afternoon in the village of Centreville. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Glenn Miller was ticketed after the 12:18 p.m. incident on West Main Street near West Burr Oak Street. Miller, 63, was driving his rig west on Main Street when he …

Here’s a reminder that the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County is celebrating National Cat Day Tuesday by initiating a “Cans for Cats” fundraiser during the month of November. “Cans for Cats” will benefit the spay-and-neuter procedure of free-roaming feral cats in the area. ARF is collecting returnable bottles and cans through Nov. 30. Ten-cent cans and bottles may …

A former LaGrange County man suspected of setting fire to Welch’s Steak and Ribs in 2009 entered a plea of no contest during his appearance in St. Joseph County Circuit Court Wednesday. Nathan Lumbard, 31, entered the plea in response to the charge of arson in exchange for a plea bargain reached with the county prosecutor’s office. For the charge …

A full-size pickup truck was reported stolen this week from a residence in White Pigeon Township. State police investigators said a 2008 Toyota Tundra was taken between 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 1500 block of Lake Road. The vehicle was parked inside a pole barn and features an extended cab, four doors and …