Prodded by a superior court judge, the Dukes County commission this week approved funds to restore wheelchair access to the courthouse.

At the Edgartown courthouse, access for people with handicaps is severely lacking. The only wheelchair ramp is in disrepair. The wheelchair lift on the stairs leading to the courtroom has been broken for months.

Fire protection problems at the Edgartown courthouse have been known since at least 2001, when a state report recommended upgrades to increase safety in the 1856 brick building.

An inspection at the Edgartown courthouse has turned up serious deficiencies in fire safety, including an emergency exit door that was locked and impassable.

After 21 years, Dianne Powers will retire this fall from the Edgartown registry of deeds. Lately she has been sharing her office with Honey Bee, the youngest of her four Great Danes.

After nearly 30 years on the bench, the Hon. Barbara J. Rouse, chief justice of the Massachusetts superior court, retires in December. Her farewell tour included a stop last week on the Vineyard, where she spoke with high school history students.