GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A lawsuit has been filed in federal court by the Oneida Nation, who’s trying to stop the Village of Hobart from enforcing an ordinance requiring the tribe to get a special event permit.
According to the suit, Hobart requires a permit for events with 50 or more people. The village sent notice to the tribe, stating a permit would be needed for their Big Apple Fest this coming Saturday.
The tribe, however, claims that since the event is being held on land held in a federal trust, the village’s ordinance doesn’t apply.
The tribe says it did not apply for a similar permit last fall. Earlier this year, Hobart revised the ordinance.
Violations can result in a $10,000 fine, and up to 90 days in jail if the fine isn’t paid, the tribe’s suit states.
Hobart officials declined to comment.
The Oneida Nation has asked a federal judge for a preliminary injunction ahead of Saturday’s event, but no court hearings have been scheduled.
