Births Exceeded Deaths

The number of births in St. Joseph County in 2011 exceeded the number of deaths, according to data provided by County Clerk Pattie Bender.

Bender, the county’s most tenured employee with more than 41 years of employment, presented her annual report Tuesday to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners.

Bender said 717 people were born in the county in 2011, an increase of 44 people from the year before.

Fewer people died in the county in 2011 compared to 2010. Last year’s number was 425, while 517 people passed away in the county in 2010.

Other statistics noted by Bender include 469 marriage applications in 2011, a decrease of six from 2010; 469 divorces last year, a small increase from 462 in 2010; and 368 passport applications filed, down from 459 in 2010.

Bender is the lone candidate so far for a four-year term, which starts in January. Starting on Jan. 1, the clerk’s job will be merged with the register of deeds.