County recognizes milestone employees

Thirteen employees were recognized Tuesday for their milestone years of service to St. Joseph County.

County commissioners staged their annual recognition ceremony, which was capped by an emotional tribute to sheriff Brad Balk by commission chairman Dennis Allen.

The recipients were 10-year honorees Betty Persons, Commission On Aging senior center coordinator; Tim Hochstetler, building and grounds director; and Joseph Bingaman, corrections officer.

Anne Rohrer, who retired earlier this year from the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, was acknowledged for her 15 years of employment.

The five people who reached the 20-year plateau were Sherry Swartz, COA in-home services manager; Rhonda McGlothlen, sheriff’s department account clerk; David Alli, road patrol deputy; Dena Clark, chief deputy clerk; and Mary Ives, deputy treasurer.

The greatest longevity was shared among four employees observing their silver anniversary. The 25-year employees were Kitty Buchner, jail administrator; Det./Sgt. Lonnie Palmer, who retired earlier this year; corrections officer Michael Minger; and Balk, who started at the sheriff’s department but became sheriff in January 2009.