From The Adrian Daily Telegram

The dust has still not settled from an attempted takeover of the Southern Michigan Railroad Society at its Nov. 14 board election.

Ballot counting that was expected to be completed shortly after Thanksgiving is being delayed by objections raised to the qualifications of almost every voter. The group reviewing the ballots is taking a Christmas holiday break without a single vote yet counted for the seven candidates for four director seats.

A group of local business and community leaders launched an effort to take control of the board of directors. The group’s spokesman, Tecumseh attorney Charles Gross, said local businesses and property owners have had problems with right of way and property access he said are caused by an uncooperative attitude of railroad society leaders.

The president of the Adrian and Blissfield Rail Road, Mark Dobronski, said he believes new leadership is needed to revive the vintage railroad operation he said is plagued by deteriorating tracks and equipment.