Authorities on Mackinac Island say no laws have been broken as human remains have been removed from a construction site over the last two weeks. But that's being questioned by a local historic preservation group.
A lawyer representing the group Save our Island says it doesn't look like the law is being followed. Eric Starck contends state law requires a permit from a medical examiner in order to remove and relocate human remains.
The Mackinac Island police chief says no permit was issued, but the county medical examiner is aware of the removal process and has not objected.
Neither has the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians objected. The tribe plans to rebury the remains.
The county Prosecuting Attorney says permits are only needed when excavating a known cemetery.
But the attorney for the historic preservation group says the law applies to any grave site. He says that's clear in an attorney general opinion written about 20 years ago.
The group was formed because it wants rules on the island to protect historic structures. The developers are clearing the site of the former McNally Cottage to make room for a new hotel.