6/21/2024

RHINELANDER - Chaos erupted yesterday at an Oneida Co. Planning and Development Committee meeting, which resulted in Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad being escorted out.  Committee members then voted to suspend the Minocqua Brewing Company's conditional use permit for its beer garden for 90 days or until certain requirements are met.  These requirements include adjusting the height of the brewery's fence, installing pavers according to plan and paving the parking lot.  At a rally ahead of the meeting, Bangstad argued that the county's efforts to shut down his business are a result of his politics, rather than the legitimate enforcement of zoning ordinances.  If Bangstad does not fulfill the requirements of the conditional use permit within 90 days, another suspension/revocation meeting will be automatically scheduled.  Though the beer garden was ordered closed the store can remain open.