(9-20-18) The Register of Deeds Appointment Committee announces it has appointed Lora Freehling, of Stevensville, Michigan, to the position of Berrien County Register of Deeds in a unanimous decision. The Committee comprised of the Presiding Probate Judge, Mabel J. Mayfield, County Clerk, Sharon Tyler, and Prosecuting Attorney, Michael Sepic, is authorized by statute to fill the vacancy left by the untimely death of Lori Jarvis.  The appointment is for the remainder of the current term ending December 31, 2020. She will begin her duties October 15, 2018.

Freehling will fill the term left by former Berrien County Register of Deeds Lori Jarvis, who was tragically killed in a single-car accident on June 14.

The Committee received 23 applications and interviewed four candidates on Monday September 17, 2018.  In addition to Freehling, Stephanie Bean of St. Joseph, Lee Lull of Sawyer, and Rhonda Rockhill of Benton Harbor were interviewed.

Freehling, a Graduate of River Valley High School and Oakland University, will have to run for election during the 2020 election cycle.