Dobberteen receives service award

St. Joseph County Commissioner Rick Shaffer this week presented a gift to his peer, commissioner John Dobberteen, in recognition of Dobberteen’s years of service.
Shaffer said he is finding himself in a reflective mood as his tenure as a commissioner comes to a close at the end of the year. On that note, he said Dobberteen has been an 18-year member, and served more than half that time as commission chairman or vice-chair.
Shaffer said he did a little research and with some help, had specially created a replica gavel and base used by commissioner J.P. Klott of Three Rivers in the early 1900s and his successor, Julius Zielke, of Centreville beginning in the 1930s.
Dobberteen, who represents Fawn River Township and the city of Sturgis, is running unopposed for another two-year term later this year; Shaffer is retiring from the board and is pursuing the post of Lockport Township supervisor in August’s primary election.