Politics

Glen Oaks Community College will have to consider its options after a half-mill increase request was defeated Tuesday by a margin of 51 to 49 percent. College officials said security improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades, renovations of classrooms and laboratories, and other capital-improvement projects were planned for the seven-year life of the proposed millage. The half mill would have generated about $970,000 …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging’s request for renewal of three-quarters of a mill was approved by voters, 71 to 29 percent. The request is for a six-year period, and will generate nearly $1.5 million during its first year.

Two incumbents will join Sturgis resident Ken Malone to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners following Tuesday’s vote. A strong voter turnout saw Centreville resident Dennis Allen defeat Judy Nelson of Nottawa Township. Allen, the current board chairman, will be back to represent District 3, which covers Lockport, Nottawa, Florence and Sherman townships. The other incumbent, White Pigeon’s Dan …

Voters in the Nottawa Community School District agreed to support a sinking-fund mill in the amount of one-and-a-half mills. The request, approved by a margin of 255 in favor to 174 opposed, is for a 10-year period and in its first year will generate more than $90,000. Superintendent Jerome Wolff said the funds will be used for improvements in school …

The two-mill request in Centreville for the fire department was approved by voters, 320 to 155. The measure will raise nearly $45,000 in its first year. Meanwhile, a request in White Pigeon Township for three-quarters of a mill for matching funds with the St. Joseph County Road Commission was approved, 764 to 560. Voters also approved an emergency services millage …

Aaron Miller will return in January to serve his final two years as state representative for the 59th House District. Miller, a Sturgis resident, defeated Dennis Smith of Constantine by a margin of 66 to 34 percent. Miller, 31, said he appreciates the opportunity to serve the maximum three, two-year terms. A former high school teacher, Miller said he is …

Republican Kim LaSata, a 55-year-old Benton Harbor-area resident, will be the new state senator for the 21st District. She defeated Democrat Ian Haight (HATE). Haight, age 33, by a margin of 58 to 42 percent. LaSata, a former elementary school teacher, gave up her seat as a state representative to pursue the move up to state senator.

In Michigan’s 6th congressional district, Fred Upton was reelected, defeating Matt Longjohn by a 50 to 46% margin.

The Three Rivers Community Schools had three seats to fill. Elected to the board were Linda Baker, Erin Nowak, and Kevin Hamilton. Sturgis voters elected Kerri Millett and Gwen Donmyer to the school board. In Constantine, Wendy Rodewald and Marinda Stamp were elected to the school board. Centreville school district voters elected TJ Reed, Margaret Miller, Jeffery Troyer, and Jackie …

PROPOSAL 1 The proposal with perhaps the highest level of public interest will legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Under Proposal 1, recreational marijuana would be regulated in essentially the same way as alcohol. You won’t be allowed to use it if you’re under 21 and it will still be illegal to drive under the influence. People will be allowed …