Man faces jail for failing to finish his lawn

A judge in Newaygo County has issued an ultimatum to a White Cloud man: finish his yard work or spend another weekend in the county jail.

With the heat on Wednesday, the last thing David Burch and his extended family wanted to do was work outside, but they didn't have a choice.

He has until today. If he doesn't make the deadline Burch will be resting his sore muscles spending a weekend in the county jail - again, "I have spent the last two weekends in jail because I did not have it done."



The punishment may sound harsh, but Police Chief and White Cloud inspector Roger Ungrey says city rules require a yard. David was told to start one over a year ago when he moved into his new home. City officials say he was also warned enforcement would eventually kick in. Ungrey says, "We try to deal with all of our citizens. Unfortunately some people refuse to reply, and enforcement action is needed."

David hopes sod removed from a family friends' yard, will grow quicker than one planted from seeds.

With news video.