A verdict has been reached after nearly two years of legal action regarding who owns the Bunker Mill Bridge.

A trial between the plaintiff North Skunk River Greenbelt Association, Inc., defendants the Friends of Bunker Mill Bridge (FBMB), and third party defendant Julie Bowers, executive director of the NSRGA was held in February and March. District Court Judge Randy DeGeest ruled that the title of the bridge, the Old Mill Market Building, and the donors’ recognition items be given to the FBMB. DeGeest found the NSRGA’s records to be “abysmal,” and they failed to establish evidence that they are entitled to funds from FBMB. He denied the NSRGA’s claim of breach of contract, equitable contribution, and unjust enrichment for lack of evidence. DeGeest also found the defendants unable to establish their claims of breach of contract and fraud, as the NSRGA substantially completed reconstruction of the bridge, fulfilling its obligations in the collaboration agreement. DeGeest said there was plenty of misunderstanding, disappointment and bad bookkeeping between the parties involved, but no fraud. The ruling orders the easements for the north and south accesses to the bridge be given to FBMB, and that court costs shall be divided equally between the parties.