COVID-19 restrictions for indoor gatherings and venues have been lifted and the owner of a Winnebago event center is back in business and isn’t wasting any time.
Garth Carlson has scheduled a fundraising concert featuring country singer Connie Lee on Saturday, June 12, in the Carlson Event Center, located at the old school building.
Last January, the state Attorney General’s Office sued Carlson for allegedly planning to hold a New Year’s Eve party in violation of an executive order aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Two temporary restraining orders have been issued to prohibit events at the center, with the latest being in March by Judge Troy Timmerman.
John Stiles, deputy chief of staff for the attorney general, says Timmerman’s order simply requires Carlson to comply with the law.
“The governor’s executive orders around COVID-19 were different then than they are now,” says Stiles. “Under new COVID-19 regulations that go into effect May 28, indoor concerts can be legally held.”
According to a poster advertising the event, tours of the Veteran Resource Center and Academy begin at 3 p.m. and Lee will start performing at 6 p.m.
Tickets cost $15 at the door or donations can be made by going to the website: www.veteransresourcecenterandacademy.org.
Those attending are being asked to bring their own mask, maintain social distancing and food and pop will be available.
The state’s case against Carlson is moving forward with a hearing scheduled on June 14 in Faribault County District Court.
It’s unclear whether Carlson is being represented by legal counsel. In a letter dated April 22, Jason Kohlmeyer informed court officials he was no longer representing Carlson.