Judge tosses lawsuit over removal of Grand Haven cross

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit over the city of Grand Haven's decision to remove a 48-foot cross from city-owned land on Dewey Hill sand dune.
 
     The judge determined Tuesday that the city has the right to do what it wants with its own property. He disagreed with the argument that the cross should continue to be displayed as a matter of free speech.
 
     The lawsuit was filed earlier this year by a group of seven residents who claimed removing the 50-year-old cross was unconstitutional. An attorney representing the residents tells the Grand Haven Tribune that they'll appeal.
 
     A similar lawsuit was thrown out in June after the judge ruled that another group of residents, whose names were kept anonymous, didn't meet the criteria for an "unincorporated voluntary association."