SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The court-appointed manager operating Annie’s Campground has asked a judge to prohibit Ann Retzlaff from going to the Gresham facility or interfering in its operations.
Retzlaff, who was recently released on bail, has not formally replied to the motion for a temporary restraining order. No hearing has been scheduled, but is expected to be.
Retzlaff was jailed after being arrested on charges related to a May 2021 traffic stop, and then additional charges after her April arrest on warrants related to missed court appearances on the first set of charges. She has routinely objected to the court’s jurisdiction, citing her claims of being a “sovereign citizen.” She returns to court Thursday on the criminal cases.
Separate from the criminal charges, Bank First initiated a civil action against the campground, regarding the $1.5 million in mortgages it holds on the Annie’s Campground property. The bank says there have missed payments for the loan, insurance, and taxes, so the court appointed a receiver to manage the Gresham property. Bids for the campground are due Aug. 19. A court hearing to confirm the sale of the campground is scheduled for Aug. 23.
In a motion for a restraining order, the receiver, Seth Dizard, wants the court to approve “a temporary injunction to prevent the owner of Annie’s Campground, Ann Marie Retzlaff, from entering onto Annie’s Campground’s property without permission and from taking any action that would disrupt the operations, marketing, and sale of the campground.”
While Retzlaff has not responded to this specific filing, Dizard notes she has objected to the receivership proceedings previously.
“Ms. Retzlaff, a so-called sovereign citizen who has recklessly endangered the safety of others and believes she is immune from the orders of this Court, is potentially dangerous and motivated to stop the Court-approved sale of the campground. The Receiver requests this Court issue a temporary injunction to maintain the status quo pending a sale and protect the safety of everyone at the campground,” the motion states. “If Ms. Retzlaff causes a disturbance at the campground or takes any action to interfere with operations or the sale process, it would have an irreparable harm on the receivership estate and creditors, including the Bank. The Receiver is concerned that Ms. Retzlaff, who has repeatedly challenged this receivership and the Court’s jurisdiction, will attempt to sabotage the sale or take other actions that will have a chilling effect on bids.”
The motion also notes that any surplus funds from the sale would be returned to Retzlaff.