WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
St. Joseph County Probate Judge Tom Shumaker announced last week he will not seek re-election in November.
The 69-year-old Shumaker said he has contemplated retirement for several months and has decided his current term – which expires at the end of the year – will be his last. Shumaker has served in the position for 22 years.
To date, three people have taken out petitions with intentions of succeeding Shumaker. They are: Three Rivers attorney John Barnes, Mendon attorney Christine Yancey and assistant prosecutor T.J. Reed.
With Shumaker’s impending retirement, two new judges will join the court system in St. Joseph County next year. District Court Judge William Welty is not seeking re-election.
