Concert promoter asks: "Why weren't we contacted?"

Decorah resident Kyle Sorenson, who promoted a concert last August at Chimney Rock Campground, questioned Winneshiek County supervisors Monday about the county's handling of his concert.

Eight charges were filed against Sorenson after his concert: four counts of failing to get a conditional use permit and four counts of failing to get a construction permit.  Three weeks ago--six months after the concert--Sorenson plead guilty to one of the counts and paid a $250 fine

On Monday Sorenson asked why he was prosecuted for not having a conditional use permit when Seed Savers holds outdoor events frequently; when outdoor weddings would fall under the zoning ordinance's category of "religious events" that need permits; and why Randy's Bluffton Store held "Light Up the Bluff" for 20 years without getting a conditional use permit.  County Board Cahir John Logsdon--Randy Logsdon's borther--replied that "Light Up the Bluff" was considered covered by the "normal function" of the Bluffton Campground and Store.

Sorenson told supervisors he felt he was "thrown under the bus."  He said he was notified of his lack of a conditional use permit seven days before the concert was to be held, when he already had bands and fans coming from out of state.  "This could have been avoided by being proactive," Sorenson said, adding, "I wish somebody would have reach out to us."

Logsdon says county officials are working to fine tune the county's zoning ordinance and expect to have that process finished by the end of the year.  That led Sorenson to ask how the situation would be handled for the rest of this year, although he pointed out he would be sure to get a conditional use permit well in advance of the deadline this time.