Hi Kirk- a friendly lurker here, your story blew me away. Words fail me, and that never happens. I’ve been following your fight for as long as I’ve been aware of it, but this got me off my ass to chip in for you. This is too fucking real, and paints an all-too-clear “coming attractions” reel. I will continue to follow and help whenever I can. Holy shit, man, what a monstrous struggle. XXOO from CA.
I’m so sorry you went through all that, on top of everything else you have to deal with. Earlier this year I got my husband a Minocqua gift subscription and he LOVES it. We believe in your mission! Sending love and light from San Francisco 💫
Dear Kirk, Your story made me feel panicky too. I am a therapist who does trauma counseling. If you need help processing this trauma, let me know. I will do it for free. I can do telehealth. The same court system you experienced hurts others in abusive situations and doesn't care about treating people as human beings. I support you. Kathy
I don’t know all the legal details of your case, and I can’t pretend to understand the depth of your suffering. But I believe you. And more than that—I believe in what your story reveals: that when power feels threatened, it punishes those who speak too clearly and too loudly.
You were not just thrown into a cell—you were thrown into the belly of something ancient and broken: a system that prefers quiet obedience over honest dissent.
And still, you sang.
That image stayed with me. In the darkest hour, stripped of dignity and voice, you sang *Nessun Dorma* and declared *Vincerò*—*I will overcome*. That’s not just opera. That’s Gospel. That’s Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25). That’s resistance as worship.
It’s hard not to despair when every institution—from courts to civil rights groups—seems to look the other way. But your writing does what their silence can’t: it testifies. And testimony is sacred. It’s how injustice is revealed. It’s how hearts begin to change.
I know you’re exhausted. I know hope feels like a luxury. So let me offer a small Christian word to carry with you:
**“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”** (Matthew 5:6)
Not “might be.” Not “if the courts are fair.” *Shall be filled.*
It’s not your job to win every battle. It’s your job to remain faithful. Keep speaking. Keep showing the cracks in the system. Keep making beer, singing arias, and writing truth. Even Christ wept in the garden when the weight of injustice crushed him. You’re not alone in that feeling.
And when you doubt whether it’s worth it, remember: *Every unjust arrest makes the need for justice more obvious. Every person you reach pulls another thread from the shroud of silence.*
You may be tired, but you're not defeated. And you're not forgotten.
What has happened to my beloved state? We spent so much time in Minocqua when I was growing up as our cabin was between there and Lac Du Flambeau on Fence Lake. Now I’m glad I no longer live in Wisconsin. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through.
We always know that evil lurks among us, but when it’s ugly bead rears up, it’s hard to stay grounded. There are some truly evil people in Minocqua. Are there any people in town who support you? Do any of the locals speak out against this fascist treatment you are receiving? I am sorry, once again, to hear you were so sorely mistreated and I hope your customers sue the pants off the sheriff!!
I've been keeping up with the saga when I can, but don't say much in any public forum. This is very frightening. For all of us. I'm grateful for people like you who CAN be loud when I can't. I'm sorry you had to go through that, and I know that the hardest things I've been through have made me a better person every time. Did you know that Wisconsin incarcerates at over 2.5 times the rate as Minnesota (and rising), with the same crime rate? There's a lot wrong with that.
This is unbelievable and certainly unacceptable. I’m so sorry you had to endure such suffering, both physically and emotionally.
You are totally in the right. All intelligent people can see that.
How did Wisconsin get so fucked up? Is it all the German heritage and naziism remnants still in their fucking blood? 🩸
I wish you had an attorney general that would help you. In Illinois we have a wonderful attorney general. Just maybe you should write to him, and ask for some guidance and help.
I’m definitely planning on visiting you soon, and contributing mightily to your business and your cause.
I normally stay out of Wisconsin because we’ve been labeled FIB’s forever and I didn’t want them to have a fucking dime of my tourist dollars. But you will be my exception.
i still have nerve damage from handcuffs during a literal mental health crisis. it’s how they get away with exerting pain and control. and the ones with vaginas are worse.
Hi Kirk- a friendly lurker here, your story blew me away. Words fail me, and that never happens. I’ve been following your fight for as long as I’ve been aware of it, but this got me off my ass to chip in for you. This is too fucking real, and paints an all-too-clear “coming attractions” reel. I will continue to follow and help whenever I can. Holy shit, man, what a monstrous struggle. XXOO from CA.
Thanks man
I’m so sorry you went through all that, on top of everything else you have to deal with. Earlier this year I got my husband a Minocqua gift subscription and he LOVES it. We believe in your mission! Sending love and light from San Francisco 💫
Dear Kirk, Your story made me feel panicky too. I am a therapist who does trauma counseling. If you need help processing this trauma, let me know. I will do it for free. I can do telehealth. The same court system you experienced hurts others in abusive situations and doesn't care about treating people as human beings. I support you. Kathy
Thanks, please email info@minocquabrewingcompany.com. I could use a little therapy and happy to pay you —Kirk
Thanks that was a beautiful note
This is absolute bullshit. Keep going until you find a lawyer that’s capable of suing these fucking people they should not get away with this.
Kirk,
I don’t know all the legal details of your case, and I can’t pretend to understand the depth of your suffering. But I believe you. And more than that—I believe in what your story reveals: that when power feels threatened, it punishes those who speak too clearly and too loudly.
You were not just thrown into a cell—you were thrown into the belly of something ancient and broken: a system that prefers quiet obedience over honest dissent.
And still, you sang.
That image stayed with me. In the darkest hour, stripped of dignity and voice, you sang *Nessun Dorma* and declared *Vincerò*—*I will overcome*. That’s not just opera. That’s Gospel. That’s Paul and Silas singing in prison (Acts 16:25). That’s resistance as worship.
It’s hard not to despair when every institution—from courts to civil rights groups—seems to look the other way. But your writing does what their silence can’t: it testifies. And testimony is sacred. It’s how injustice is revealed. It’s how hearts begin to change.
I know you’re exhausted. I know hope feels like a luxury. So let me offer a small Christian word to carry with you:
**“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”** (Matthew 5:6)
Not “might be.” Not “if the courts are fair.” *Shall be filled.*
It’s not your job to win every battle. It’s your job to remain faithful. Keep speaking. Keep showing the cracks in the system. Keep making beer, singing arias, and writing truth. Even Christ wept in the garden when the weight of injustice crushed him. You’re not alone in that feeling.
And when you doubt whether it’s worth it, remember: *Every unjust arrest makes the need for justice more obvious. Every person you reach pulls another thread from the shroud of silence.*
You may be tired, but you're not defeated. And you're not forgotten.
In faith and solidarity,
Alaen
Thanks for your note
Interesting how police state abuse at the federal level trickles down to counties and towns.
Much love and positivity from Manitowoc (as I sip on a delicious Minocqua Brewing Co beer)
What has happened to my beloved state? We spent so much time in Minocqua when I was growing up as our cabin was between there and Lac Du Flambeau on Fence Lake. Now I’m glad I no longer live in Wisconsin. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through.
We always know that evil lurks among us, but when it’s ugly bead rears up, it’s hard to stay grounded. There are some truly evil people in Minocqua. Are there any people in town who support you? Do any of the locals speak out against this fascist treatment you are receiving? I am sorry, once again, to hear you were so sorely mistreated and I hope your customers sue the pants off the sheriff!!
I've been keeping up with the saga when I can, but don't say much in any public forum. This is very frightening. For all of us. I'm grateful for people like you who CAN be loud when I can't. I'm sorry you had to go through that, and I know that the hardest things I've been through have made me a better person every time. Did you know that Wisconsin incarcerates at over 2.5 times the rate as Minnesota (and rising), with the same crime rate? There's a lot wrong with that.
This is unbelievable and certainly unacceptable. I’m so sorry you had to endure such suffering, both physically and emotionally.
You are totally in the right. All intelligent people can see that.
How did Wisconsin get so fucked up? Is it all the German heritage and naziism remnants still in their fucking blood? 🩸
I wish you had an attorney general that would help you. In Illinois we have a wonderful attorney general. Just maybe you should write to him, and ask for some guidance and help.
I’m definitely planning on visiting you soon, and contributing mightily to your business and your cause.
I normally stay out of Wisconsin because we’ve been labeled FIB’s forever and I didn’t want them to have a fucking dime of my tourist dollars. But you will be my exception.
You are so strong. 💪 keep up the fight.
Horrifying story. Keep exposing the rot. You're doing Wisconsin and America an enormous service.
Brilliant idea to sing for comfort. Next time: Johnny O'Connor.
i still have nerve damage from handcuffs during a literal mental health crisis. it’s how they get away with exerting pain and control. and the ones with vaginas are worse.
Thank you for sharing and fighting for us all. This is unacceptable.
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