Edward Fitch, age 90 of Philip, SD, died September 5, 2008, at the Philip Nursing Home.

Services were Tuesday, September 9, at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Philip, with Pastor Gary Wahl officiating.

Eulogy was given by Pastor Al Brucklacher. Music was provided by Marianne Frein, pianist, Tylissa Fitch, vocalist, Chris Fitch, cello, Cory Fitch, violin, and the Fitch granddaughters, vocalists.

Ushers were Michael Peterson, Nick Weiers and Justin Thorpe.

Geil Smith, age 97 of Kadoka, SD, died September 5, 2008, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Services were held Tuesday, September 9, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Music was provided by Jean Weller, organist, Lyndy Ireland and Joyce Wheeler, vocalists, and congregational hymns.

Ushers were Karen Erickson and Karen Schindler.

Each year the Haakon County Board of Commissioners tackles the annual budget, generally facing the issue of more expenses then revenue, with the 2009 budget being no exception.

The board met Monday, September 8, for their third special budget meeting. Projected revenue for the general fund sits at $1,059,613 with projected expenses at $953,224, just over $100,000 to the good. The highway department, which has always has had the largest share of the county's budget, is where the deficient appears.

Being a 4-H member for 13 years will help Jessica Eikmeier be a positive, energetic Extension Agent for Haakon/Jackson counties' six 4-H clubs.

Eikmeier's first responsibility was transporting and setting up 4-H items at the South Dakota State Fair. "I was amazed at what the 4-Hers had; they are talented kids," Eikmeier stated.

Now she is getting settled into her office at the Jackson County Courthouse where she will be spending most of her time. She will also go to Philip when needed.

The Philip City Council's regular monthly meeting on September 2nd began with a review of the Capital For A Day celebration held on Thursday, August 28.

The entire cost by the city was $4,958 - $2,292 under the allocated budget. A donation of $300 was used for afternoon snacks and beverages for the 63 state staff members. The 269 banquet tickets sold brought in $1,345.

A possible solution to the Haakon County Courthouse's plumbing woes was presented by a Watertown company that uses trenchless technology to reline old pipes.

Drainman, owned by Travis Stadheim, refurbishes old pipes by cleaning out the buildup then relining them with a new system that uses epoxy to coat a felt liner. The liner then hardens and coats the inside of the pipe.

Stadheim and Matt Brewster met with the Haakon County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, September 2 to discuss the procedure.