Every year, when school starts back up, I like to eavesdrop on my students a little. I usually hear them talking about “what they got” for Christmas. There is some conversation about toys and games, new clothing or shoes, and general recaps of the happenings during vacation.  Even in our affluent community, I hear kids...

(Information in this report is gathered from police agencies, county courts and emergency radio dispatch. The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and charges may sometimes be dropped or changed as part of the legal process.) Columbia Police Dec. 30 Police are investigating the theft of more than $300 worth of alcohol...