County board members attend final meeting

St. Joseph County officials said goodbye this week to a pair of veteran board members.

Dan Czajkowksi and Kathy Pangle, both completing their sixth year as part of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, attended their final commission meeting Tuesday.

Both reflected on the board’s achievements over their three terms, giving credit to teamwork involving department heads, administration and county employees.

A Mendon resident, the 69-year-old Pangle represented Park, Mendon, Leonidas, Colon and Burr Oak townships. She is thought to be only the second female chair of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners.

She lost her bid for re-election to Rusty Baker, also a Mendon resident.

Czajkowski, 66, lives in White Pigeon and is being replaced by Louis Rosado, who ran unopposed in August’s primary election and November’s general election.

Following redistricting, the county is returning to a seven-member board of commissioners in January.