Is Sugar Loaf suitor Liko Smith back?

From staff reports

A press release posted various places on the Internet yesterday suggests that Eneliko Sean “Liko” Smith is about to acquire Sugar Loaf Resort, the long shuttered ski resort in Leelanau County, Michigan. Smith is an enigmatic former Samoan boxer from Las Vegas whose failed business deals, relationship troubles and run-ins with the law have made quite a splash in the media. He admits that he doesn’t “Google well”.

In 2010, Liko Smith arrived in Northern Michigan and made a big to acquire Sugar Loaf. The attempt ultimately failed after he was unable to secure co-investors, he squabbled with current resort owner Kate Wickstrom, and it became apparent that Smith had no money or means to acquire the ski hill.

Is he back, with his eyes on Sugar Loaf again? This report suggests so, but some online pundits are questioning the press release’s validity as anything more than a publicity stunt.

Either way, here is a rundown of the Glen Arbor Sun‘s coverage of this colorful character, and his failed attempt to acquire Sugar Loaf resort three years ago:

• Mr. Smith comes to Michigan, April 15, 2010

• As acquisition date nears, hurdles loom for Sugar Loaf resort, April 27, 2010

• Time running out on Sugar Loaf, May 27, 2010

• Sugar Loaf deal dead? June 11, 2010

• Sugar Loaf plot thickens, July 12, 2010

• Does Sugar Loaf have a new suitor? December 10, 2010

• Liko Smith resurfaces: attorney threatens local media, March 7, 2011

• Onetime Sugar Loaf suitor Liko Smith continues to “Google poorly”, May 29, 2011