Posted by Sara Niklas

Voters went to the polls in several towns around the Iron Range yesterday.

Iron Rangers got out to vote for city council candidates in Virginia and a levy referendum for the Nashwauk–Keewatin School District.

In Virginia, two new faces will join the city council and one incumbent will return.

Larry Cuffe Junior and Don Sipola have been elected as first time councilors, and Louis Russo will sit for another term.

Cuffe won the election by a landslide, sweeping all five precincts.

"It's my first time in city politics, I know a lot of people here I was born and raised here that might have helped me significantly, I really think I do understand the issues and I really listen to what people have to say so we as a council have a lot ahead of us and I hope I live up to their expectations," said Cuffe,

Cuffe says due to LGA cuts, the Virginia city council will have their hands full.

"We're looking at some very tough times ahead, some significant challenges we have to face. All of us will have to try to do what's best for the interest of the city, not only what our thoughts are but what people in the community think so that's why we should have open forums and town hall meetings," said Cuffe.

Cuts from the government have also hurt Nashwauk and Keewatin schools, causing them to cut classes like chemistry and physics.

But after voters passed a levy referendum for an increase of 700 dollars per pupil, Superintendent Mark Adams says students will start to see some classes come back.

"It's important to bring these things back because in the ever changing world it's a necessity to go to college, whether it's a one year, two year or four year, the bottom line is kids are going to have to achieve some level of higher education to be successful," said Adams.

Also on the Iron Range, the community of Taconite voted to establish a gas utility, either by construction, or by lease or purchase of gas services from a public utility commission.