County seeks judgment against off-road park

SANDPOINT - Bonner County intends to obtain a default judgment against the operator of a bootleg off-road vehicle park amid concerns that its operators are violating a preliminary injunction barring events at the site.

Bonner County Deputy Prosecutor William Wilson did not disclose the nature of the alleged violations and is seeking a hearing to address them. A hearing date is pending in 1st District Court.

The county is also seeking a default judgment against Twisted Mud 'N Crawl because its operators have not filed an answer to the county's civil complaint or filed any affirmative pleadings, court documents indicate.

The county obtained a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against the Clagstone off-road park. The county contends the facility lacks a required conditional use permit.

Neighboring landowners have filed complaints with the county over the park. They contend the park is disrupting their rural neighborhood with loud vehicles and music, in addition to gunfire, foul language, litter and trespassing.

Judge Richard Christensen granted the injunction on Aug. 13. It bars mud bogging, racing, excavation, concessions and open burning at the park until Stage II fire restrictions are lifted.

If the county is not granted a default judgment to cease off-road activities at the park, the matter would be put before a jury in a four-day trial set to start on Nov. 10.

The park's operator, Katheleen Bryngelson, has said the facility is only open to friends and family, a characterization which the county disputes.