City, One Employee Dismissed from Marina Suit

13th Circuit Court Judge Thomas Power has dismissed claims against the City of Traverse City in the Clinch Marina electrocution-drowning death of Michael Knudsen in Aug. 2011. The Ticker reported on the lawsuit's impending trial just last week, but Judge Power's action on Monday sided with the City's argument disputing the plaintiffs’ claim that the marina is a for-profit venture by the city.

Also dismissed from the lawsuit is the city's Director of Public Services Bob Cole. However, marina dockmaster Barry Smith still faces claims, with Judge Power saying it's possible a jury could find that Smith was aware of the electrical problems at the marina and failed to address them. It is not known at this time if any of the parties involved in the lawsuit will appeal the decisions.