New assistant prosecuting attorney

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough was given approval this week to hire a new assistant prosecuting attorney.

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed to modify the 2012 budget to accommodate the hiring of Natasha Pattanshetti. She will work part time for two months, then step in on a full-time basis after current assistant T.J. Reed vacates his position in early December.

Reed has accepted an offer to become a partner in a Sturgis-based legal firm.

In all, a budget modification of almost $10,000 was made by commissioners.