IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - Voting was extremely light in yesterday's school election. By noon, just over 100 ballots were cast at the Ironwood Memorial Building. The Ironwood ballot had two items on it. One seat on the Ironwood School Board was filled and so were two seats on the Gogebic Community College Board.

Gogebic Community College - With two seats available at the College and only two candidates vying for the seats, it's a "no-brainer" that voting really wasn't necessary. It's a forgone conclusion that both candidates will be elected! Thomas Brown recieved 851 votes and John Lupino received 888 votes.

Ironwood Area Schools -  Steve Thomas, current chairman of the Board, was challenged by Tracey Jensen. Steve Thomas retained his seat by a vote of 392 to 125.

Bessemer Area Schools - Dave Osier and Timothy France were both elected to four year terms. Robert Berg was elected to a partial term that expires in June of 2010.

Wakefield-Marenisco Schools - In the election for the four year terms, two were elected. Michelle Sorenson was the top vote-getter with 342, followed by Margaret Linot with 177. The election was close, however, Maybelle Wanik received 173 votes and Louis Betto recieved 142 votes.

Watersmeet Township Schools - Two four year terms were decided. The voting went like this: Bruce Cotto, 122; Gwen Martini, 104; Gerald Robertson, Jr., 82; and Nick Christ, 72.

BALLOT PROPOSALS ELSEWHERE

Wakefield Township Millage Renewal Proposal [PASSED - Yes-45    No-9]
Should Wakefield Township be allowed to levy 3 mills for general operating purposes for 4 years? The proposal would raise $76,358 in its first year.

E-T-Creek Schools Operating Millage Proposal [PASSED - Yes-354    No-230]
Should the Ewen Trout Creek Schools be allowed to levy the full 18 mills on non-homestead property? This would be an increase of 2.1374 mills for 10 years. The proposal would raise $118,206 in its first year.

E-T-Creek Schools Bond Proposal [PASSED - Yes-346     No-245]
Should the Ewen Trout Creek School District borrow $425,000 for the purchase of school buses over three years and repairing sidewalks?

Ontonagon Schools Bond Proposal [FAILED - Yes-175    No-1,027]
Should the Ontonagon School District borrow $4.3 million for remodeling of the high school and middle school, along with the addition of an elementary wing for technology and improvements to athletic facilities?

Jim Albert