Rathburn to run for state rep

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Roger Rathburn has announced he plans to run for state representative next year.

The 51-year-old Rathburn, who is retiring in June following a 13-year tenure as superintendent in Three Rivers, will seek the 59th District State House seat currently held by Matt Lori. Lori, who will begin his sixth and final year as state rep in January, is term-limited and unable to run again.

Rathburn said he planned to retire to seek other opportunities, preferably in the arena of education. But after being approached by a number of county residents, Rathburn said his interest in the state representative’s position grew in its appeal.

To date, John Bippus is the only other candidate to declare his plans to run for the seat.

The 59th District covers St. Joseph County and all but a small pocket of Cass County.