Judge Challenges Alpena’s Water Rates as Unfair, Decade-Long Legal Battle Continues Between Township and City

Alpena, Mich. — A long-standing dispute over water and sewer rates between Alpena and Alpena Township remains ongoing after more than a decade of legal battles. The latest court decision, issued by 26th Circuit Court Judge Ed Black, deemed the proposed water rates unreasonable for Alpena Township, while the sewer rates were upheld. The conflict, laden with escalating attorney fees and community tension, persists as officials seek a resolution. The litigation, stretching back to a disagreement initiated in 2013 over the abandonment of a 1977 contract formula for setting rates, saw the township protesting increased … Read more

Former Kalamazoo Township Manager Sentenced and Files $1 Million Discrimination Lawsuit

Kalamazoo, MI — In a complex legal twist, a former township manager of Kalamazoo has launched a $1 million discrimination lawsuit following his recent sentencing on an unrelated charge. The case has gripped local communities, raising questions about fairness and racial dynamics in workplace governance. The former official, who had been at the helm of township operations before his legal troubles, filed the lawsuit claiming discriminatory practices based on race led to his unfair dismissal and subsequent criminal charges. The lawsuit targets the township and several unnamed officials, accusing them of a pattern of discriminatory … Read more

Floral Property Lawsuit Blooms: Investment Firm Challenges Plymouth Township Over Rezoning Denial

Plymouth Township, MI – A local investment company, MZY Investments, has initiated legal action against Plymouth Township following the denial of a rezoning application that would have facilitated the redevelopment of a newly acquired property. The suit, seeking damages surpassing $25,000, was filed on June 4 in Wayne County Circuit Court. The litigation spotlights a contentious struggle over property rights and development clashes within the community. MZY Investments, which acquired the Sparr’s Flowers & Greenhouse site in December 2022, pitched a reimagined use of the five-acre land at the junction of Joy and Lilley roads. … Read more

Newport VFD Under Fire: Township Trustees Initiate Civil Lawsuit Sparking Controversy

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – Trustees in Green Township have filed a civil lawsuit against the Newport Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) over alleged financial misconduct. The lawsuit claims that the township has suffered significant financial losses due to misappropriation of funds by the fire department. According to the lawsuit, the trustees accuse the VFD of using township funds for personal expenses, including travel, meals, and clothing. They contend that these purchases were not authorized and were made without proper documentation. The lawsuit also alleges that the fire department failed to provide the township with accurate financial records … Read more