RHINELANDER, Wis (WSAU-Wheeler News) The owner of a bar-and-music hall in Rhinelander is charged with obstructing police, in a dispute stemming from a Bret Michaels concert last month.
55-year-old John Mason, who owns the Elbo Room, has pleaded innocent to an Oneida County misdemeanor. Prosecutors said he signed for a package delivered by Fed-Ex that was intended for the band's tour manager. Mason allegedly argued with the manager over back-stage passes, and a chance to meet Michaels. The bar owner told police he never received the package, and didn't know where it was. The manager was e-mailed a receipt with Mason's signature -- and the delivery driver described Mason as the one who signed for it. Mason claimed he found it later while cleaning the hall after Michaels' concert.
Mason is free on a signature bond. A pre-trial conference in his case is set for February 25th.