A judge has ruled a conservative-leaning group can join a case involving a Mattoon area group seeking to obtain a property.
The long-running dispute involves the Mattoon Elementary School. In 2016 , the Unified School District of Antigo closed the school as part of consolidation. A nearby Christian group, Shepherd's Watch, wants the empty building to convert it to a community center and possibly a private school. The school district has fought the purchase.
Wednesday, Judge William Kussell determined the Wisconsin Institute For Law and Liberty(WILL) can join the case on the side of the Christian group. WILL is joined by the Village of Mattoon, Town of Hutchins, and Shepard's Watch who contend the property is owned by the village and not the school district.
WILL says it will provide free legal services to these clients.
