Good morning, Saint Joseph.

Work continues on a new animal shelter set to replace the cramped Lower Lake Road site.

The state-of-the-art facility on South Belt Highway — next to the Recycling Center — benefits from major donations and is expected to draw more volunteers.

Workers are making quick progress on the future Buchanan County Fairgrounds as the old East Buchanan Middle School is converted into an activities center and the arena’s frame rises; the roof will soon be installed to block moisture.

Community volunteers — including many FFA and 4H members — helped during a recent work day and the arena is set to be completed by early March.

The Adopt-A-Family program nears its goal with seven families still unadopted and 28 on the Gift Room wait list, but it remains $65,000 short to cover Christmas costs — donations can be dropped off at AFL-CIO Community Services at 1203 N.

Sith St.

The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce posted Shop St. Joe Second Chance Prize numbers on its website less than a week after awarding the $10,000 Grand Prize and $2,500 Small Business Bonus prizes — ticket holders have 30 days to claim any lingering prizes from the store.

The board met Monday to adjust salary schedules for a new $15 minimum wage and to review an audit with no major issues.

It also planned staff reorganization and family placement letters as the district enters winter break today and holds the next meeting on Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

The St. Joseph School District launched a new District Reorganization webpage after Thanksgiving to help families understand upcoming changes in school consolidation, new attendance boundaries + feeder patterns.

The interactive boundary map and FAQ section offer clear guidance for those seeking more details.

Three local Midland Empire Conference schools appear in the MBCA Class 4 girls basketball Top 10 poll today; Lafayette is No. 2, Benton is No. 4 and Chillicothe is No. 6 — showing strong local sports performance.