MARQUETTE – Marquette County Clerk Peter Dishnow is set to retire early next month, with his chief deputy clerk, Linda Talsma, named to fill out the rest of his term.

Dishnow has been the clerk for Marquette County since November 2011. His term expires at the end of 2016. He is retiring July 4. His last day in the office is June 30.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Marquette County and it’s been an honor and a privilege to work with the people I’ve worked with,” Dishnow said Tuesday. “I’m confident the county is in good hands and I’m looking forward to retirement.”

Prior to his becoming Marquette County’s clerk, Dishnow worked for 23 years with the Michigan Bureau of Elections. Dishnow is an Ishpeming native and current Negaunee Township resident.

He said he has no specific plans for his retirement other than to spend more time with his family including his children and grandchildren.

Marquette County Circuit Court Judges Thomas Solka and Jennifer Mazzuchi are planning a formal announcement to the Marquette County Board of their appointment of Talsma at the panel’s June 17 board meeting.

Talsma is scheduled to be sworn-in in the south circuit courtroom July 14.

“I’m very excited. It’s going to give me the opportunity to serve the county,” Talsma said. “I feel like I’m prepared and ready to take on the job.”

Talsma has been the chief deputy clerk since January 2008. Before that, she worked as a vital records clerk for the county since July 2003.

Talsma has a bachelor’s degree in business administration-management from the College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and an associate’s degree in business from Cerro Coso College in Ridgecrest, California. She graduated from Gwinn High School.

“My qualifications have prepared me for this position and I’ve already got a good rapport with the cities and townships,” Talsma said, referring to her working with various city and township clerks during elections.

Talsma currently is a work leader in the clerk’s office and acts on behalf of Dishnow, in his absence. She supervises vital records and circuit court clerk staff, oversees the processing and maintenance of all records and is responsible for all departmental accounting processes.

Talsma remains aware of updates on campaign finance laws and election procedures. She has election accreditation through the state of Michigan. She proofs ballots, has the ability to assist candidates with their questions and concerns and she oversees the county’s Board of Canvassers, Jury Board and jury questionnaires.

She lives in West Branch Township.