8/26/2025

MINOCQUA - An Oneida County judge has dismissed criminal defamation charges against Minocqua Brewing Company owner Kirk Bangstad. Bangstad was arrested in October 2024 for a satirical image of Lakeland Times publisher Gregg Walker amidst an ongoing dispute. This follows a 2023 civil defamation case where Bangstad settled with Walker for $580,000. Bangstad faces other legal issues, including a February civil lawsuit from Walker for privacy violation and defrauding super PAC donors, as well as harassment and bail jumping charges. In late June, Bangstad and customers were arrested after a “political speech” outside his brewery. Bangstad’s PAC has funded unsuccessful lawsuits to influence Wisconsin policy.