In a close race, local businesses owner and Cassopolis graduate Lori Whitmyer was voted onto the Cassopolis School Board during Tuesday’s general election.

Whitmyer edged challenger Deborah K. Deubner by only 35 votes — 980 to 945. Justin James Anderson finished third with 665 votes.

Whitmyer carried Howard, Pokagon and Porter townships, while Deubner won Calvin, LaGrange and Penn townships. Anderson took Howard and Wayne townships and split Newberg with Deubner.

Whitmyer, a 1999 Cassopolis graduate who operates West Michigan Drug Testing and Lakeside ice cream parlor, was appointed to the school board in July to fill a vacancy created when President Christine Locke stepped down. At that time, Whitmyer was chosen from a field of six candidates, including Deubner and Anderson.