The Latest on the Wayland Casino

A U.S. Supreme Court decision expected later this year could determine the next chapter in a West Michigan Indian tribe's quest to build a casino.

Or, it might not.

After Wednesday's decision by the high court not to consider Michigan Gambling Opposition's long-running case against the tribe and federal government, the clock started ticking in another case filed by casino opponents arguing different points of law.

The judge in that U.S. District Court case, filed by Wayland Township resident David Patchak in August, was given three days to decide whether to impose a stay that would prevent land for the casino from being taken into trust for the Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi.

A similar stay was in place for the duration of the MichGO case, but that stay was effectively lifted when the Supreme Court decided not to hear the case Wednesday.

If granted, a stay would again place the casino in legal limbo -- preventing the tribe from having officially recognized land where it can open its $200 million gaming facility until the court rules.

For the complete story, please see Chris Knape, Second case filed by Gun Lake Casino opponents still could block land trust, The Grand Rapids Press, January 21, 2009.