There’s a change of the guard in Lincoln Township as three key elected officials move on.

Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Lincoln Township Board of Trustees was the last for Clerk Stacy Loar-Porter, Supervisor Dick Stauffer, and Trustee Rick Stone, at least in their current positions.

The township board moved this year to change local government from an elected supervisor model to a township manager model, meaning Ralph Bansen is now handling day to day administrative functions as manager rather than Stauffer, who has opted to step down.

After 20 years as supervisor, Stauffer held the gavel for the last time Tuesday. He had this to say to township residents.

“Whenever you came into the township, I really looked forward to talking with you,” Stauffer said. “And it was always a challenge to see what the issue might be, and I hope that I had an answer or could get an answer for you.”

Stauffer isn’t going away completely, though. As of November 20, he’ll just be a regular trustee on the board.

Meanwhile, Clerk Stacy Loar-Porter is leaving after being elected Berrien County Clerk. She told us she’s looking forward to the job.

“I’m excited for my new adventure,” Loar-Porter said. “I’m really sad to leave Lincoln Township. Without Lincoln Township, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity or the courage to run for county clerk. So I owe everything to Lincoln Township and the Lincoln Township residents, and I’m hoping to keep serving them as a Berrien County Clerk.”

Trustees Tuesday approved an agreement with Loar-Porter to remain on as a consultant to Bansen and new Clerk Michael Brown between November 21 and December 20. She says their biggest task will be assembling the next budget.

Stauffer, Loar-Porter, and Stone at the meeting all received plaques for their service, along with applause from residents in attendance.