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Lapeer Circuit Court Judge Nick Holowka ruled in favor of Imlay Township in a case against Stephanie and Vince Delisi of Brockway Township.

The Delisis have been having mud bog parties on the 45 acres they own on Wheeling Road in Imlay Township. The parties have long been a source of controversy.

The Delisis could not be reached for comment Tuesday at their St. Clair County home.

The Delisi's attorney, Steve Manko of Lapeer, is weighing his client's options and isn't ruling out an appeal of Holowka's decision. "We have not ruled out any options," Manko said, and added he has 21 days to make an appeal from the time of the ruling. "I'm obviously disappointed."

Manko said the Delisis have been having their mud bog parties for many years and Holowka's decision is a restraining order.

Imlay Township Supervisor Steve Hoeksema was happy with Holowka's decision.

"Judge Holowka ruled in favor of the township for illegal use in a zoning district," said Hoeksema Tuesday. "I'm glad our zoning ordinance was upheld. The planning commission and planner have done a good job."

Hoeksema was pleased with the decision and said it means the Delisis can't have anymore mud bog parties on their land anymore.

The township has received complaints the parties are noisy in the last two years.

"We're having fun and not hurting anyone. It's sloppy mud and we see it as creating future mud boggers. It's no different from someone tearing through a bean field," Stephanie said in an earlier County Press story.

The couple generally got 200-300 people at their mud bog parties.

"We want it recognized as a private party. The most parties we've had in one year is six and the least is four," Stephanie said. "It's all been negative. I think we've been painted in a false light."

The township's attorney Michael Gildner of the law firm Simen, Figura and Parker of Flint was also obviously pleased with the ruling. "It's a favorable ruling to the township and it's protecting the sensibilities of the neighbors," he said. "The township was diligent in taking enforcement action."

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com