CENTREVILLE – A person will be appointed to finish out the term of St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk.

With Balk retiring January 31 of 2020, County Clerk Lindsay Oswald says as of February 1 there will be a vacancy in the Sheriff's Department. An appointment will be made, and that person will complete the remainder of Balk's term, which ends December 31, 2020.

Oswald says anyone interested in being considered to fill the upcoming vacancy should submit a letter of interest and resume by 4 PM on November 25. The letter and resume should be sent to the St. Joseph County Clerk's Office, 125 West Main Street, P.O. Box 189, Centreville, Michigan 49032.

Candidates must be registered to vote in St. Joseph County. The appointment will be made by a committee made up of Oswald, St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough and Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson.

Balk says that he has recommended Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite to be considered for the vacancy.