County Commissioners approves new leader

A new leader of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners was selected Tuesday.
Allen Balog, who represents Flowerfield and Fabius townships, and the city of Three Rivers, will lead the five-man panel in 2016 following his nomination and unanimous approval as chairman.
Balog, 59, previously spent three of his four years on the Three Rivers City Commission as mayor. He expressed his appreciation to fellow county commissioners Tuesday.
Afterward, Balog said he was surprised to feel the ping of butterflies in his stomach as he got the meeting rolling.
Balog, a Niles native and 29-year resident of Three Rivers, is self-employed as an insurance salesman.
Rick Shaffer, dean of the board with 19 years served, was named vice-chairman. His district is comprised of Lockport, Nottawa, Sherman and Florence townships.