In Ward III, newcomer Laura Givens defeated Ryan Tanner by a 446-145 vote. 

Givens works at Michigan Technological University, where she handles reservations for the Student Development Complex and serves as assistant to the associate athletic director. 

Her late husband, Barry Givens, had been a council member before serving as Hancock’s city manager.

Another newcomer comes in Ward II, where Dean Woodbeck won as a write-in candidate. 

Woodbeck

A Hancock resident for 39 years, Woodbeck served 12 years on the Hancock School Board, and is currently chair of the City’s Recreation Commission. He is also a member of the Hancock Housing Foundation and past member of the Hancock Planning Commission.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I think the city’s been heading in the right direction.”

In his role as chair of the Recreation Commission, he’s worked with City Manager Mary Babcock, by whom he’s been impressed.

“I think working with her and trying to move the city forward will be a good experience,” he said. “It’ll be challenging.”

For the city and likely the council, Woodbeck said, the top issue will be continuing to try to sell the three former Finlandia University buildings the city owns. Last year, Hancock purchased Mannerheim, Nikander and Wargelin halls for a combined $30,000 in order to preserve them in good condition for potential buyers.

Woodbeck also wants to continue the trend of new businesses moving into the downtown. He’s also hopeful about the Downtown Development Authority’s recent awarding of a bid to tear down the former Risto’s Hardware building, which he said will help attract a developer to the site.

“I think it’s an exciting time to be a Hancock resident, and I’m just looking forward to contributing,” he said.

Councilor Amanda Lounibos and Mayor Kurt Rickard were each re-elected to at-large seats, receiving 1,209 votes and 1,118 votes respectively. They will both serve partial terms ending Nov. 3, 2026. In Ward 1, Councilor Ron Blau was re-elected with 410 votes.

The council’s organizational meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13.