Wyandot County voters renew sales tax

UPPER SANDUSKY — Wyandot County voters approved continuing a half-percent, five-year sales and use tax at the polls Tuesday. The tax funds sheriff's operations and emergency medical service. According to unofficial results from the Wyandot County Board of Elections, the county sales tax was approved with 2,532 votes in favor and 818 votes against the tax. The tax generates an average of nearly $1.5 million for sheriff's office and county emergency medical service operations. The sheriff's office receives 70%, and the ambulance service gets the remainder. Upper Sandusky voters approved resolutions concerning electric and natural gas aggregation, which means rate proposals will be sought for each utility and suppliers will be selected. The aggregation method should provide better rates for customers who band together as a larger group rather than individually. The electric aggregation issue was approved with 646 votes in favor and 385 votes against; while the gas aggregation measure was approved with 642 votes in favor and 373 against. Voters who live in unincorporated areas of the county rejected both issues. The electric aggregate proposal was turned down, 878 votes to 761 votes; while the electric aggregate question was also rejected, 851 votes to 761 votes. Townships, schools Contested races were seen by residents who live in Crane and Pitt townships. In Crane Township, where two trustee seats were open, incumbent Alan Courtright was reelected with 873 votes. Also elected was Stephen Swihart Jr., who received 627 votes. Placing third in the race was James Barney, who received 475 votes. Voters who live in Pitt Township, where two seats were open, reelected Shannon Newman with 173 votes. Also elected was Roger E. Hetzel, who received 112 votes. Third place went to James Strahm, who garnered 103 votes. In Richland Township, voters renewed a 1-mill, five-year levy for current expenses, with 105 voting in favor and 41 voting against the request. Jackson Township voters also approved a 1.5-mill, five-year renewal levy for current expenses: 71 votes to 30. Voters who live in the Upper Sandusky Exempted Village Schools district elected three candidates from a field of eight to serve on school board. Winners included Elizabeth Richman, 1,146 votes; Patti Spiegel, 840 votes; and Lisa Thiel, 683 votes. Other candidates were Sherrie Ruse, 613 votes; Andrew Shepherd, 612 votes; Stacy Taylor, 558 votes; Jared Platt, 490 votes; and Daniel Hoy, 402 votes. Incumbents Jeffrey Conley, Neil Kinley and Eric Landversicht did not seek reelection. Some Wyandot County voters also helped select school board members for Riverdale Local Schools, where three seats were open. The school district includes portions of Wyandot, Hancock and Hardin counties. Overall, Ashley Walters was the top vote-getter with a total of 708 votes, which included Wyandot County, 196 votes; Hancock County, 335 votes; and Hardin County, 177 votes. Rick Clark came in second with a total of 598 votes, including Wyandot, 122; Hancock, 307; and Hardin, 169. Third place went to incumbent Derek Daily, who received a total of 561 votes, which included Wyandot, 145; Hancock, 266; and Hardin, 150. Incumbent Laura Leopold finished fourth and will not be returned to office. She received a total of 413 votes, including Wyandot, 93; Hancock, 208; and Hardin, 112 votes. Incumbent John Livingston did not seek reelection.