north metro

The funny thing is Nowthen was incorporated just a few years ago. This was the same group that couldn't figure out that they had to pay for law enforcement when they incorporated. If you want to see the ABCs of how to start a bureacracy, get a map and come see us. I moved to Nowthen 15 years ago because it wasn't any sort of destination, there is no city sewer or water, connection to main thoroughfares or much going on. After the failure of their first "industrial park" a few years ago (how many of those buildings are for sale?)it looks like they are trying to put their stamp on something. By the way, it was amusing to see the massive road grader plowing the city hall parking lot(about a half acre) at 7:15pm on Sunday evening. How much did that cost? They sure did a nice job though.

Wow. Nowthen comes off looking like a train wreck - including ""I do regret that they left. I think it's a situation where we've lost a taxpayer," said Schulz." Really?? You lost a taxpayer. Oh. My. Wish the writer of the article would have explored the relationships other wineries have with their local governments. I'm sure one wouldn't have to look very far to find some. Many MN small acreage farms rely on farm entertainment - notice how many mazes you see in the fall? I'm really puzzled about why Nowthen cares. Is it a health issue? Are they trying to feed their revenue stream? What's the deal? And who was the "someone" who blew the whistle? A neighbor? A competitor? Would like to see more meat to the article.

This is just another example of government getting in the way of new industry. NowThen city officials are looking to get a bigger share of the pie. it is, and always has been about how much money can the government can take from the working man.

berrymom, Farm entertainment is great! I love the farm entertainment that this winery has. But I don't believe that is the problem here. The problem is lying in the fact that there was a CUP applied for in 2004 to run this business and nowhere in the CUP does it say that all of these extra events would take place. There are many events that take place at this winery, especially every Saturday in the summer. The events are great, but when the original CUP was applied for, all of these events were not in the picture. I have to say that I am very glad that I don't live down that road. The awesome Threshing Show had to apply to have their events, which I think there are 6, what makes this business think they don't have to? I love the winery, I love their events and I think the Ohman's are great people, but I do wish they would get the correct permits to do all the wonderful things they are doing.

This government office may well have handled this poorly, but clearly the Ohmans are overreacting. The original permit was inadequate for their present day use of the property. No matter how much you like this business there are rules that must be followed to ensure that they are complying with all the ordinances for the current use of the property. Apply and get it done.

As a Nowthen resident I looked at the city website and read the posted documents and didn’t see the additional hosted events mentioned in the conditional use permit granted by the old town board in 2004. What I did see was in mid 2012 the business owner asking the city to change their ordinances and waive all fees so they could have an enhanced liquor license. So much for the government looking to “feed their revenue stream.” Looks like if they’d left well enough alone they wouldn’t be in the situation that are now. Berrymom – you ask why the city cares – well there are rules to be followed. If you told your child to be home at 10:00pm and they sauntered in at midnight would you be ok with it? Nowwhere – Please explain who you are referring to when you say it looks like “this same group” are trying to put their stamp on something but reference the incorporation which required payment for law enforcement and the development of an industrial park, issues decided by the old town board and not the current city council. And not sure where you were trying to go with your comment about the road grader plowing the lot – well that’s what you do with road graters when it snows. As matter of fact they were plowing most of the day and into the evening and did a bang up job. This resident thanks the snowplow drivers.

It looks to me, from an outsider perspective, that a small business is being penalized for growing. This small business is bringing in money into the community whether it be itself or other local businesses, such as gas stations or farm implements, as well as families relocating to the community after a positive visit. In doing so, they are promoting Nowthen....as a good place to relocate your business or family...increasing the tax base...and better yet, building the community. I can not believe that this kind of treatment of growing small businesses will increase future businesses to come to Nowthen. They should be embraced and promoted as they are bringing money, albeit not permit money, into the community. Also, to have them apply for new permits, that may or may not have been available when they established their roots in Nowthen seems something to be wary of...as they could be denied. Then where would that leave their family farm? Granted it would be bad form and silly for Nowthen to deny the permits, especially without a public nuisance complaint, but it is still a possibility when they come up for review.

The problem is the ordinance has too much fine print, just like all government stipulations. This is a small community where people are just trying to make a living and provide a real nice cultural difference that is not associated with this region, or state for that matter, we are not NAPA Valley! Leave them alone and let them have a nice impact on the community. Laws and ordinances grow by the thousands each year and none are ever removed, so what really is domocracy but communisism by law. If other people are held to those ridiculous standards maybe those are the ones that should be removed rather than holding this winery to them. Bottom line is somebody is complaining about the reg's. and now they will have to pay for it. Figure it out our government screws up everything it touches and the constitution states we can overthrow them if they get out of line! Keep going and that time is coming!!

If they are confident in their business that it wont adversely affect their neighbors, then what do they have to worry? City government is just that - govern for the city as a whole. They need to look out for all citizens within their city. This is a great business and I'm sure no one wants them to succeed more than the city government, but they need to follow the process. I'm sure that the winery has nothing to hide or to be really concerned about. So just apply for the permit and move on, then your business can grow as the City grows with it.

Sounds like a neighbor I would like to have. Apply for the permits and continue to grow your business. Sounds like a nice place to visit.