Voters made some critical decisions for Cass County and state representation in Tuesday’s primary elections, among them being to toss out the Dowagiac Union School District bonding proposal to build a new high school and upgrade the district’s technology.

Incumbent Fred Upton, of St. Joseph, defeated Jack Hoogendyk, of Kalamazoo, in the 6th Congressional District race. Republican Pete Hoekstra took the lead for U.S. senator, as well as Dave Pagel for state representative of the 78th district.

Among the changes decided upon in the county, the board of commissioners was reduced from 15 seats to seven, retiring some incumbents who were vying for one of the seven district spots.

In District 1, Republican Commissioner Bob Wagel beat Commissioner Ed Goodman by two votes. Commissioner Dixie Ann File took the Republican nomination for District 2 over Commissioner Ron Francis while Commissioner Dwight “Skip” Dyes took District 3 over Commissioner Gordon Bickel Sr. District 4 candidate Commissioner Roseann Marchetti took the final lead over Commissioner Carl Higley Sr. In District 5, Commissioner Robert Ziliak beat Shaune Leet Timm.

Proposals on the ballot included Dowagiac Union Schools’ $19.9 million bond proposal, which failed by more than 1,175 votes. The proposal intended to erect a new high school building by Dowagiac Middle School, as well as upgrade the district’s technology.

The Cassopolis Public Schools millage renewal for the building and site sinking fund passed by 87 votes after failing to pass on the May ballot.

Other proposals included Ontwa Township’s police millage proposal and police millage renewal. In an unlikely turn, the millage renewal failed while the new millage proposal passed 613-466. The township’s fire and ambulance millage renewal also passed.

Other proposals that passed also included Milton Township’s fire millage, Council on Aging’s .9036 mill renewal and the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team’s millage renewal.

Silver Creek Township supervisor candidate Bill Saunders beat Corey Lozada 425-213. Mike Glynn surpassed Silver Creek Township trustee incumbent Joel Moore in the Republican race.