MINOCQUA, Wis. (WAOW) – An arrest warrant has been issued for Kirk Bangstad, the owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, in connection with a 2021 defamation case.

According to WSAU Radio, Bangstad was found to be in contempt after failing to appear in court in Rhinelander for a hearing on Wednesday. The hearing was in connection with a defamation case where Bangstad was found guilty of making false statements against Lakeland Times Publisher Gregg Walker’s family.

Bangstad was ordered to pay Walker nearly $760,000. The Minocqua Brewing Company was also named in the suit and ordered to pay an additional $329,000.

According to court records, neither debt has been paid. Further court action is scheduled for May 22 and 23.