A federal judge threw a wrinkle in the planned purchase of a golf course by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin.

The tribe is willing to pay up to $12 million for the Thornberry Creek Golf Course. But the judge ruled that any purchaser must abide by covenants on the property.

The covenants require the buyer to maintain a golf course on the property and to keep paying property taxes. If the buyer wants to take the property off the tax rolls, the village of Hobart must give its written consent.

The requirement would appear to hinder the tribe if it ever wants the land place in trust. Chairman Rick Hill said the tribe is still interested in the property but will consider the impact of the judge's ruling.

The administrator in the village of Hobart is the former leader of an anti-sovereignty group.

Get the Story:
Judge rules against Oneidas in land case (The Green Bay Press-Gazette 10/2)

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