photo by: Douglas County Commission agenda materials

On the Douglas County Commission's agenda for its Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 meeting are plans from Kyle and Codi Wentzel for an agritourism event venue.

The Douglas County Commission on Wednesday approved plans for an agritourism event venue to locate in the Willow Springs Township, to the chagrin of some of its future neighbors who came to the meeting.

Kyle and Codi Wentzel filed plans with the county for a barn-style venue that will host weddings, family reunions and other such events, and will also serve as their residence at 1173 North 150 Road.

With a long list of conditions — including restricting guests to weekend hours with no overnight stays, ensuring guests stay on the property, and working with the township to cover additional road maintenance — commissioners approved the request.

One nearby resident who spoke at the meeting, Ross Jones, was concerned about game patterns in the area. He said he can pattern the deer in the area almost to the point he can set his watch by them. That changes on opening weekend of deer season each year, though, and he said this plan would make every weekend like that, with the increase in traffic.

Another neighbor was concerned about the safety of the roads.

“We moved to the country to get away from traffic and people so that it’s not so overwhelming like living in town,” said Jeff Whaley, who lives near the site with his wife and five kids. “Bringing a site like this is going to bring a lot of traffic. My kids ride their bikes and walk down the road to their grandparents’ quite often, and that brings a big concern for their safety when events are going to be going on.”

After being assured that their approval could be revisited down the line if the venue becomes a nuisance to neighbors, commissioners agreed they were comfortable with the plan.

Commissioner Nancy Thellman said this was a land use that the county values and wants to encourage, for both cultural and economic reasons.

“I appreciate all the work you’ve done to kind of come closer to our needs and your neighbors’ needs,” she told the Wentzels.

Related story:

• Couple seeks Douglas County’s approval for agritourism event venue; neighbors oppose what they call ‘party barn’, Jan. 22, 2019

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