Commissioners hand out employee service awards

Sixteen county employees, led by District Court Judge Jeff Middleton, were recognized for their milestone employment anniversaries Tuesday.
The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners staged its annual Employee Service Awards program at the onset of its meeting.
Rather than the board chairman read the names of recipients, a new twist saw department heads handle that duty.
Ten-year employees recognized were Brian Chobot, Jason Auton and Deb Slater.
Employees who reached the 15-year plateau were Linda Towles, Thomas Harrington and Jeremy Tyler.
Half of the employees recognized Tuesday were 20-year county veterans: Anita Buscher, Mark Lillywhite, Andrew Stienbarger, Dave Cover, Sue Dentler, Ramona Metzger, Joan Skinner and Sheila Clancy.
Judicial Secretary Lori Rumsey was honored for 25 years of service and Middleton topped everyone with 35 years.