ALLEGAN COUNTY (WKZO AM/FM) — It took two visits to the U.S. Supreme Court and an Act of Congress, but the last legal challenge to the Gun Lake Casino has finally been dismissed, and the Tribe that runs the place can finally say they are there to stay.
The Casino proposal was delayed by years by Grand Rapids interests, and other Indian tribes who didn’t want the competition, and one nearby farmer, David Patchak, who thought it would ruin the rural nature of the area, and challenged the Federal Government’s right to put the land in trust.
The other challenges fell by the wayside and the Casino opened, but Patchak didn’t give up, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court.
Then Congress passed the Gun Lake Act, clearing up the law that Patchak challenged, and Patchak challenged the constitutionality of that act.
The Justices voted 6 to 3 upholding the congressional bill yesterday.
Tribal Chair Scott Sprague released this statement. “This decision ends a decades-long struggle, and ensures the Tribe can carry on our Elders’ vision for growth and self-sufficiency. We are thankful the Supreme Court upheld the many lower court decisions in favor of the Tribe. This is a significant development for not only the Tribe, but also all of Indian Country.”
