September 17, 2026.
SAULT STE. MARIE â Lake Superior Academy is asking families, staff members and community supporters to attend a September 21 court hearing as the school continues its legal dispute with companies operating a Bitcoin mining facility near the school in Dafter Township.
A flyer distributed by Lake Superior Academy lists the hearing for Monday, September 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Chippewa County Courthouse, 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie.
The hearing is part of its continuing legal effort to address noise from the cryptocurrency mining operation, which is located near the school.
Dispute centers on Bitcoin mining operation.
Lake Superior Academy is a tuition-free public Kâ5 Montessori charter school. The school emphasizes outdoor learning as part of its educational program.
The dispute developed after a Bitcoin mining operation was established near the school in 2025.
According to court records, the operation consists of six containerized data-center structures containing computer equipment used for cryptocurrency mining. The equipment operates continuously and requires substantial cooling, with the cooling systems generating noise.
Lake Superior Academy has alleged that the noise interferes with the school's ability to use its outdoor learning areas.
The companies operating the facility have disputed portions of the school's allegations, including claims concerning the extent of the noise and its effect on school activities.
Lake Superior Academy is authorized by Bay Mills Community College, managed by CS Partners.
Lake Superior Academy opened in September 2016.
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe has publicly and formally supported Lake Superior Academy in the dispute.
In May 2026, the Sault Tribe reaffirmed its support for the school and said the Bitcoin mining operation had affected the school's outdoor educational environment.
Federal court returned the case to state court.
The school initially pursued its case in Chippewa County Circuit Court. The case was subsequently removed to federal court before being returned to state court.
The federal case was Lake Superior Academy v. Odessa Partners LLC, Case No. 2:25-cv-00160, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
On July 21, 2025, the federal court ordered the case remanded to Chippewa County Circuit Court after determining that the defendants had not established the amount in controversy necessary for federal jurisdiction.
The federal court did not determine whether the school's underlying noise allegations were true or whether the Bitcoin operation was violating applicable law. Its decision concerned federal jurisdiction rather than the merits of the dispute.
School postponed expansion.
The dispute affected the school's expansion plans. The academy has postponed construction of two classrooms that would have allowed the school to accommodate approximately 40 additional students. The school cited concerns related to the nearby Bitcoin mining operation and its effect on the school's environment.
The academy has presented noise measurements that it says demonstrate the impact of the facility on school property. Court records list a measurement of 72.7 decibels at the school driveway.
Operators have filed counterclaims.
The litigation now involves claims by both sides.
Companies associated with the Bitcoin operation had filed counterclaims against the school seeking financial damages related to the temporary shutdown of the operation following the state court's restraining order.
According to court filings the operators calculated their losses associated with the shutdown at $183,889.39.
The operators have also disputed the school's characterization of the noise problem and have pointed to measures they say were taken to reduce noise from the facility.
Those wanting to attend the hearing should plan to arrive early .
Date: Monday, September 21, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Chippewa County Courthouse
Address: 319 Court Street, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Case:
Lake Superior Academy v. Odessa Partners LLC, et al.
Case No.: 25-18269-CZ
It is expected that it will be a long fight for the school to prevail and supporters of Bitcoin and data centers will be watching the outcome of this case. It may take a few weeks after the hearing before the Judge's ruling will be announced. Supporters will however most likely be asking for an immediate shutdown.
You may be able to watch the proceedings on line. Search for Chippewa County Circuit Court Judge James Lambros.https://micourt.courts.michigan.gov/virtualcourtroomdirectory/