POSTED AUGUST 5, 2020 WVBIAll millage proposals passed in both townships…all by comfortable margins, though the vote in favor of the school millage was not as strong as the others. Both county wide millages—for recycling and senior citizens passed overwhelmingly.
In the only contested island elected position, Ernie and Travis Martin each got 68 votes to take the Republican nominations for the two open Peaine Township trustee seats. Long-time board member Paul Welke was left behind with 65 votes.
In Charlevoix County, long-time board member Nancy Ferguson was soundly defeated in the Republican primary for that seat by Scott Hankins, who more than doubled her vote count at 485 to 216. Hankins won 36 to 22 in St. James, but there was a tie in Peaine with 50 votes for each candidate.
In the contested Republican primary to replace term-limited Triston Cole was won by Ken Borton with 55% of the vote beating out Tony Cutler and Jimmy Schmidt with 36 percent and 9 percent of the vote respectively. Borton won handily in both townships on the island as well, with 64 of 90 votes in Peaine and 40 of 58 votes in St. James.
On the national level, Dana Ferguson beat out Linda O’Dell in the Democrat primary race to take on First District U.S. Representative Jack Bergman this fall, taking 64 percent of the vote. On the island, Ferguson won by just three votes in St. James, but O’Dell won by two in Peaine.
Other islanders stepping up to serve who won uncontested primaries in St. James are Kitty McNamara, Supervisor, Julie Gillespie Clerk, Paul Cole and Joe Moore, Trustees and Diane McDonough, Treasurer. In Peaine, Doug Tilly for supervisor, Carla Martin for Clerk and Vicki Smith for Treasurer.
All of these results are unofficial at this point with some votes still outstanding in off island races, but that’s the way the results look.
There’s a link to the township results as well as the tallies for the county in today’s script online:
St. James: charlevoixcountymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/a2ca81f6-b8d6-ea11-a307-000c29a59557/St.%20James%20Twp%20Aug%202020.PDF&fromFrame=1
Peaine: charlevoixcountymi.documents-on-demand.com/document/eee5100d-bfd6-ea11-a307-000c29a59557/Peaine%20Twp%20Aug%202020.PDF&fromFrame=1
Charlevoix County: www.charlevoixcounty.org/elections/current_election_results.php
Meantime, a battle goes on about whether absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on election day to be counted. The League of Women voters brought a suit seeking that result has lost all the way up the chain to the Michigan Supreme Court in a decision last Friday. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who says she should have official state-wide results my midday today, is still pushing for that and allowing clerks to start counting absentee ballots ahead of election day. She’s calling on the state legislature for those changes among others, but it does not appear likely that will happen.

BEAVER ISLAND 1/2 MARATHON & PARADISE BAY 5 K
This event is NOT canceled! The Beaver Island Half Marathon plus 10K and 5K. Start at 9:00AM for 1/2 Marathon, 9:30AM for 10K and 10:00AM for 5K. Packet pick up and day before registration will take place on Friday, September 4th, 2020, 5-6 p.m. at the Beaver Island Community School. Important- We will not have any sort of event after the race to practice social distancing. WE ask that runners do not congregate when the race ends at the public beach. In addition start times will be slightly staggered to no allow crowding and increase safety.
Fun opportunity to explore the Island! September 5th is the day of three great races. Our half marathon, 10 K and 5 K. All three races begin at the public beach and end at the public beach; but in between, you will see amazing scenery, wildlife, and flora. We have participant medals for every runner/walker, plus prizes for first place in all age categories for the ½ marathon. Come to Beaver Island and run, then relax on our very special island.
The proceeds go to help support The Beaver Island Community School programs. Please join us! You will be glad you did!
More Information and to register go to-https://runsignup.com/beaverisland
Saturday, September 5th
BAY 5 K