Rush Township's court petition to begin condemnation proceedings of Lake Hauto has been denied by Schuylkill County Judge Jacqueline Russell. The township wants to take the property by eminent domain in an effort to help residents finance mandated repairs to the lake.

The Lake Hauto Club's board of directors filed objections to the action.The township board has stressed it's not interested in assuming ownership or operation of the private community, which is located in Rush Township and Nesquehoning.