Jason Thomas Gerdsmeier had a passion for writing and meeting the homeless and learning their stories, his mother said.

“His dream was to make a place where people could heal by helping others,” said Pauline Gerdsmeier.

Mr. Gerdsmeier died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 1, 2018, in Crossville, Tennessee. He was 28.

Richard J. Ronconi, member, Switzkill Farm Board, Berne

Two residents who had been living at the town-owned Switzkill Farm were told to leave after code violations were found in their residence.

BERNE — Jacqueline “Jackie’ O’Keefe, a Berne resident, became the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the New York Army National Guard during a ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Her commander handed her a sword used by her son, Bradley, to symbolize her assumption of power.

WESTERLO — Roger A. Hannay, a leader in business as well as his community, died on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018. He was 75.

Amy Funderburk, the daughter of Edward Ackroyd of Knox, has been named the 16th clerk for the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the state’s top court.

“She’s bright, bubbly, and seemed to be always studying,” said Ackroyd of his daughter, who had lived in Berne as a child.

While the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society describes fee increases for towns it has contracts with as moderate, the Hilltowns are seeking other options for sheltering stray dogs.