7/01/2025

MINOCQUA - Kirk Bangstad, owner of the Minocqua Brewing Company has found himself in trouble with the law again. Bangstad has been charged with harassment after he held what he called a “political protest” outside the offices of a Northwoods newspaper publisher. Bangstad said he was giving a “political speech” at a beer tasting Friday when Gregg Walker, publisher of the Lakeland Times newspaper exited the building across the street from Minocqua Brewing Company. Bangstad and Walker, as well as the city of Minocqua and Oneida County have been embroiled in a long running feud. Bangstad said he spoke about Walker being part of his conservative opposition, and shortly after police officers showed up and arrested himself and others who were present. He was held for twenty-four hours. In addition to the harassment charge, Bangstad was charged with disorderly conduct.