Voters make their opinions known

Unofficial results from Ashland and Bayfield counties show voters approved a plan to borrow money for renovations at Ashland’s public library, as well as a referendum for the Drummond School District. But they didn’t back a similar bid from Mellen schools.

Here’s what happened for each county, pending final canvassing.

Ashland County

In Ashland, residents narrowly voted 1,067 to 929 in favor of the borrowing $4.3 million to spend renovating the Vaughn Public Library. The public’s contribution will begin in 2025 and cost of the owner of a $100,000 home $17 per year in additional property taxes for the first two years. In the third year the cost increases to $31 per year.

Backers said the money will allow renovations to the 19th century building. Library Director Sarah Adams said the improvements include code compliance, energy efficiencies, waterproofing the foundation, adding fire protection, electrical service upgrades, façade repairs and window replacement.

Incumbents on the ballot had mixed results. City council member Ana Tochterman beat challenger Maleia Fuhrman 159 votes to 111. The election for Ashland County Board District 12 saw Tom Riemer successfully challenge incumbent Michael Berlin, winning 58-36.

Bayfield County

Challenger Rich Nemtiz garnered 56 votes for the county’s district nine county board seat, easily beating incumbent John Rautio (four votes) and challenger Jenna Penney (five votes).

District 13 saw a closer contest, wit Sue Rosa defeating Bruce Hanson 362 votes to 231. The seat was previously held by Brett Rondeau. In District 5, previously held by Jeremy Oswald, Jan Lee beat challenger John Nyara 222 to 209 votes.

For mayor in Bayfield, Ted Dougherty beat Brian Fehr 120 votes to 96. Dougherty will succeed Gordon T. Ringberg.

In the race for the at large seat on the Bayfield School District, Jeffrey Wenz beat Sarah Tourdot 316 to 271.

Over in Washburn, Darren Miller beat Michael Malcheski 151 to 95 for the district one alderperson seat previously held by Tracy Snyder.

Also in Washburn, residents voted 476 to 205 in favor of a lakefront property referendum that ensures city-owned property bounded by Sixth Avenue to the west, Washington Avenue extended to the east, Holman Lakeview Drive to the north and Lake Superior to the south is not converted to alternative uses without a formal referendum approved by the city electorate.

School referendum results

Mellen voters rejected the Mellen School District’s referendum on exceeding its revenue spending limit by $500,000 over the next three school years. Funding would have gone towards ongoing operational expenses. The 355 to 277 vote killed the proposal

Residents in the Drummond School District voted 987 to 637 to authorize a $1.2 million, four-year referendum to maintain current programs and services for students. In addition, residents voted 892 to 726 to allow the school district to borrow $29.9 million for a district-wide school building and facility improvement project.