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 …

Members from two area fire departments made Christmas brighter for some Three Rivers and area families last week. Personnel from Three Rivers and Fabius-Park departments Friday delivered gifts to families in the annual “Firefighters for Santa.” Beginning at 3 p.m., firefighters, with the help of Santa, delivered the presents in one- hour blocks. In addition, each of the 90 families …

St. Joseph County Animal Control recently received a new piece of agility equipment. The piece is a ring jump and was provided thanks to the Centreville Courageous K-9s 4- H Club. The ring jump is adjustable, and can be used for small and large dogs. St. Joseph County Animal Control supervisor Greg Musser thanked the club for its generosity and …

A Marcellus man died in a house fire over the holiday weekend. Marcellus firefighters were dispatched to a home on Woodland Street early Sunday afternoon where they found 63-year-old Gordon Booz deceased inside the house. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.