Paul Hytinen, left, and Dennis Klebba, both of Ishpeming, ski along the groomed Iron Ore Heritage Train in Negaunee in January. (Journal file photo by Julia Woehrer)

NEGAUNEE — In sports, a close loss can be tough to take but still encouraging, if it shows that there are signs of progress. Officials affiliated with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail have taken that attitude with the November election that narrowly missed in approving a 0.2-mill levy to fund the 48-mile trail in northern Marquette County that runs from Republic eastward to Kawbawgam Road in Chocolay Township. The overall vote gave the millage a 4,500-vote margin of approval, but because it had to pass in every one of the 10 cities and townships the trail passes through, that vote total by itself couldn’t insure victory. As it was, the millage was turned down in two less populous townships — Ely and Humboldt — by a total of just 40 votes out of more than 1,000 votes cast in those western Marquette County rural areas. Approving the millage were the cities of Marquette, Ishpeming and Negaunee; and the townships of Republic, Tilden, Negaunee, Marquette and Chocola.