County commission approves Allen as chairman

Dennis Allen will continue to serve as chairman of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners for a second consecutive year.

During Wednesday’s commission meeting, Allen was nominated and unanimously approved to fill the seat as head of the five-member board. Commissioners also agreed on Allen Balog to serve as vice-chair.

Allen, a Centreville resident who represents Lockport, Nottawa, Florence and Sherman townships, is starting his third year as a county commissioner. Balog, meanwhile, is the dean of the board with eight years served. He lives in Three Rivers and represents Flowerfield and Fabius townships, and the city of Three Rivers.

Also Wednesday, the five commissioners, including newcomer Sturgis resident Ken Malone, were sworn in by deputy clerk Jill Ross at the onset of the meeting.