Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Area 2016 Primary Election Results
Calhoun County Races
Calhoun County Clerk-Register Anne Norlander won the Republicans nomination easily, defeating challengers Deborah Evans and Corey Williams. Norlander had near twice as many votes as the challengers combined total. She’ll be opposed in November by democrat Joan Melekian.
Anne Norlander: 5506
Deborah Evans: 1666
Corey L. Williams 1135
In the race for Water Recourses Commissioner, it will be Fred Heaton opposing incumbent Democrat Christine Kosmowski in November. Heaton edged Johnny cash by less than 100 votes in a 4-person republican primary.
Fred A. Heaton: 2695
Johnny Cash: 2599
Bing Robinson: 1063
Johnathan C. Kittinger: 1001
The November’s Circuit Judge election will be between Tina Yost and John Sims.
Tina Yost: 4128
John M. Sims: 3459
Kate Ambrose: 1962
James L. Dyer: 1226
School and Municipal Issues
In the Athens Schools, an operating millage renewal and an additional 3.5 mils over five years for building both passed.
Prop 1: Yes: 373 No: 152
Prop 2: Yes: 271 No: 234
Pennfield School voter have again struck down a millage increase. Voters said no 854-838….a 16 vote margin. The district was seeking a .75 mil increase for an 8.25 million dollar bond issue.
Yes: 838 No:854
Emmett Township voters said no to a proposed 11.2 million dollar bond issue for roads.
Yes:679 No:818
Albion voters approved a 2.5 mil library funding proposal.
Yes:831 No:292
County Commission Races
4th district County Commissioner Steve Frisbie will oppose Kim Andrews-Bingham in November. Frisbie garnered nearly twice the votes of challenger Bill Schroer.
(R)Steve Frisbie: 1071
(R)Bill Schroer: 594
(D)Kim Andrews-Bingham: 473
(D)Chuck Adams: 276
In the 3rd District, Jake Smith defeated Nathan Grajek by a 2-1 margin and will face Republican Jolene Lussier in November.
(R)Jolene M. Lussier: 621
(D)Jake W. Smith: 368
(D)Nathan Grajek: 160
County board District 7 will have Republican, Gary Tompkins against Democrat Joyce Spicer in the General Election. Tomkins beat incumbent Republican Michael Bearman.
(R)Gary Tompkins: 605
(R)Michael Bearman: 478
(D)Joyce J. Spicer: 605
(D)Shane Williamson: 221
Clarendon Township voters approved a 1.25 mill renewal for five years for fire protection.
Yes: 94 No:27
Marshall Township voters said yes to the renewal of a 10-year, 1.5 mill property tax for fire equipment and improvements
Yes:327 No:143
Voters in the Tekonsha Community School district approved an 18 mill property tax renewal for five years.
Yes:196 No:73
Township Races
In Emmett Township, Republican Incumbent Supervisor Tim Hill defeated Michael Bye almost 2-1. Hill will face Robert Rumsey in the fall.
(R)Tim Hill:637
(R)Michael Bye:339
(D)Robert Rumsey:308
Diane Talbot defeated Jacob Hill for the Emmett Township Treasurer republican nomination.
(R)Diane M. Talbot:601
(R)Jacob Hill:317
In the Emmett Township Trustee primary, Republicans Pat Dougherty, Tom Gunning,, Steve Buller, and Richard Brown were the top four to make the November election.
Pat Dougherty:612
Thomas Gunning:609
Steve Buller:506
Richard W. Brown:439
Jesse Jacox:407
Robert D. Johnson:376
Fredonia Township republicans Jerry Diver and Ben Lark were the winners.
Ben F. Lark:114
Jerry Diver:114
Michelle Smith:58
Ken Huestis:38
In Homer Township, Republican Nancy Frye will be on the ballot this fall in the treasurer race.
Nancy Frye:117
Anne L. Leach:55
In the race for Marengo Township treasurer, Angela Freitel beat fellow Republican Carole Tabiadon by one vote.
Angela Frietel:70
Carole Tabiadon:69
Sheridan Township supervisor…Republican Richard Porter defeated Ken Lauer by two votes.
Richard Porter:109
Kenneth Lauer:107
Kalamazoo Elections
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting beat fellow democrat E. Dorphine Payne by a 2-1 margin.
(D)Jeffrey S. Getting:8557
(D)E. Dorphine Payne:4481
(R)Donald H. Smith:9511
Kalamazoo Sherriff Richard Fuller beat fellow democrat Thomas Swafford by a 3-1 margin. The Sherriff will face Jeff Heppler this fall.
(R)Jeff Heppler:6381
(R)Robert Munn:2950
(D)Richard C. Fuller:9878
(D)Thomas Swafford:3044
In the 66th State House race, Republican Beth Griffin will face Democrat Annie Brown in November.
(R)Beth Griffin:1071
(R)Matthew T. Nilson:337
(R)Greg Kolich:190
(D)Annie Brown:524
(D)Dylan Kerley:63
Barry County Sherriff Dar Leaf held off challenger Robert Jordan, and will be unopposed in November.
Gamrat Seat
Republican incumbent Mary Whiteford will run for her first full term in the 80th district House seat previously held by Cindy Gamrat, who was expelled following a sex scandal.
Branch County Jail
Branch county voters said no to a new jail. This current jail building was converted essentially from a nursing home into the Sheriff's office and jail back in the early 90's. Branch voters also rejected a jail proposal back in 2006. Branch County Sheriff John Pollack easily won re-election.
Van Buren County Sherriff
As current Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler prepares to step down after more than two decades on the job. Dan Abbott will oppose Bob Overhuel this November.
For full results:
“Election Magic” http://www.electionmagic.com/results/mi/election.html