A federal judge says Flint has until next week to decide on a long-term source for drinking water. Wildfires in California may have an impact on Michigan's wine industry. WMU men's soccer ties the school record for wins in a season. Plus, a woman in South Haven receives a settlement over a short-term rental lawsuit, and Saugatuck residents told MDEQ what they think of plans to build over sand dunes.
The state’s environmental agency has heard more comments from the public on a controversial development proposal in Saugatuck. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is deciding whether to allow permits for a road and a boat basin in an area of natural sand dunes. The Holland Sentinel reports that most people who spoke at a hearing earlier this week opposed the development, on environmental or historical grounds. The site might include the remnants of an old lumber town. MDEQ’s decision is expected early next month.
A woman has won a $575,000 settlement in a lawsuit against the City of South Haven. Linda Lamb owns a short-term rental house. After she’d begun construction, neighbors objected and the city changed its rulesfor short-term rentals. Lamb went to court, saying the law should not apply to her property. But as part of the settlement, she’ll follow new restrictions on rentals. The Saint Joseph-Benton Harbor Herald-Palladium reports that the city will pay $75,000 and municipal insurance will pay the rest. The city reached the settlement months ago but only recently announced the result.
The city of Flint has until Monday to settle on a long-term source of drinking water. A federal judge issued a ruling Tuesday setting the deadline for next week. A member of the Flint City Council tells MLive that they will likely consult with an attorney before making a final decision.
Wine makers in California are just starting to return to work after deadly wildfires swept through wine country. Effects to the industry on the west coast, might impact the wineries in Michigan. Mike Moyer is the director of the viticulture program at Lake Michigan College in Southwest Michigan. He tells WVPE that it’s too early to tell whether Michigan’s wine industry will be affected at all. He speculates one of the biggest impacts might be in the market of bulk wines that are sold out of California and mixed, bottled and produced under other labels in Michigan and around the country.
Western Michigan’s men’s soccer team has tied the school record for most wins in a season. The Broncos beat Green Bay Tuesday 3-0 for their 12th win of the year. Western still has three games left in the regular season, beginning on Friday at West Virginia.