IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WLUC) – The Dickinson County Board of Commissioners met Monday night for the first time since the August primary election.

Four incumbent commissioners were challenged for the Republican nomination, three of them lost.

Chairman Henry Wender was one of the defeated incumbents. He thanks the community for its support in the past.

“I’m grateful, I’ve had good support,” Wender said. “I’ve served on many good boards, and I think the current board is one of the best I’ve ever served on. Now the three of us will be gone.”

Wender served on the Board of Commissioners for 34 years, half of which as Chairman.

He says the board’s legacy is visible throughout the county.

“We’ve done so much at the park, at the airport and stuff,” Wender said. “The sheriff’s department has really improved things. Yeah, I’m really proud of that.”

Wender plans to continue normal board business through the new year. He says if the new board members ask for support, he will help.

“Just keep doing what we’re doing and if there’s anything we can do to help the new board, I’m certainly willing to do it,” Wender said. “I’m just going to keep working with the rest of the board and see what we can do. It’s not going to stop when we’re gone.”

Incumbents Ann Martin and Barbara Kramer also lost the Republican nomination.

Kramer was a member of the board for almost twelve years.

All rights reserved.