7/24/2025

N. WISCONSIN - A northern Wisconsin judge has denied Lakeland Times publisher Gregg Walker’s harassment restraining order request against Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad, the latest in a multi-year dispute between the 2 men. The judge deemed Bangstad’s conduct “outrageous” and “bullying” but an isolated incident not meeting injunction criteria. Vilas County Judge Martha Milanowski, after Oneida County Judge Michael Schiek recused himself, had previously issued a temporary restraining order against Bangstad following a June 27 incident where Bangstad and others at his business verbally abused Walker. Bangstad faces two misdemeanors—disorderly conduct and bail-jumping—for the disturbance, which also drew a complaint from neighbors. Bangstad’s bond prohibited threats against Walker. Neighbors had reported inappropriate conduct by Bangstad and others in the MBC beer garden before Walker reported the harassment, for which Bangstad also received a forfeiture. Bangstad also faces legal troubles with Oneida County regarding his Minocqua business that Bandstad claims is politically based.