Clerk and register of deeds plans June retirement

The most-tenured employee for St. Joseph County government announced Tuesday she plans to retire later this year.
Clerk and register of deeds Pattie Bender issued a media release Tuesday, indicating her plan to retire June 30.
The 64-year-old Bender joined the county in 1970 and became clerk in 1991, succeeding Beverly Burnham.
A lifelong Centreville resident, Bender said she looks forward to spending more time doing volunteer work and maintaining her ties with the Three Rivers Rotary, Centreville Lions and the St. Joseph County United Way Board.
Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman will eventually declare an appointment, who will complete the 18 months remaining on the four-year term to which Bender was elected.
Lindsay Oswald, county grant writer and former clerk for the city of Three Rivers, said she plans to run for the county clerk’s position in 2016. She has not yet indicated, however, if she will lobby for the 18-month post to conclude Bender’s current term.