outfitter shut down by IRS

[Lee Borgersen]

        Ely canoe outfitter shut down by IRS

By John Myers News Tribune on Jun 28, 2017 at 10:00 p.m.
 

  ......
Ely's oldest operating canoe-outfitting business has been shut down by the Internal Revenue Service for nonpayment of taxes, with equipment and canoes apparently seized by the government.

An IRS notice on the door of Wilderness Outfitters notifies potential customers of the closure and warning people to stay away. 

Reached by phone Wednesday morning, owner Gary Gotchnik told the News Tribune that he hoped to resolve the issue and reopen the business quickly. But it's not clear how that might happen.

A search by the News Tribune found at least five active federal tax liens against the business and its owners, Gary and Marcy Gotchnik of Ely, filed with the county recorder's office. The state of Minnesota has two liens against the business and its owners.

The liens are for tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes.

  ...
Meanwhile American Bank of the North in Aurora has filed a civil lawsuit claiming the Gotchniks were in default on $199,940 still outstanding on a mortgage for the business. The suit, filed May 18, said the original loan was for $714,000. The complaint notes that the bank is moving to take the business before state and federal authorities do the same to satisfy tax liens.

A hearing has been set for Aug. 17 for the civil suit.

  ....
According to the company website, Wilderness Outfitters began operation in 1921 with several shareholders. Gary Gotchnik's history with Wilderness Outfitters started as a fishing guide. In 1985 he became part owner with Jim Pascoe, and the Gotchnik family has owned the business since 1995.

The outfitters offered canoes, tents, food and other gear to canoe campers entering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The company offered motorboat "tows" for canoe trips. The company's website said it had more than 15 employees and more than 125 canoes for rent.

  .....
The tax woes are the latest trouble for Gary Gotchnik who in 2015 lost his job as finance director of Fortune Bay Casino amid allegations of credit card misuse. In February 2015, Gotchnik — who had been was listed as chief executive officer of Bois Forte Development Corp., which manages the casino — resigned the position.

There's no evidence any legal action was ever taken against Gotchnik on the credit card allegations.

[LPS]

Wow, not that is a bad day. 

[Lee Borgersen]

  IRS to Auction Boats, Canoes and Outdoor Gear in Ely, MN August 23


Submitted by admin on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 15:01




Auctions will be at R&R Transfer,




IRS to Auction Boats, Canoes and Outdoor Gear in Ely, MN

  .............
The Internal Revenue Service will conduct a public auction of boats, canoes, camping equipment and the contents of outfitters retail store on August 23, 2017 in Ely, Minnesota.

Items for auction include: camping supplies including tents, grills, chairs, cookware and cots as well as canoes, kayaks, boats, trolling and outboard motors, fishing gear and vehicles. The minimum bid for all items in the first sale is $19,680.

There will be a second auction of nine Marathon Aluminum canoes, two 16 foot Alumacraft boats and an 18 foot Alumacraft John Boat with trailer and 25 hp motor at the same location. The minimum bid for all items in the second sale is $2,400.

Both auctions will be at R&R Transfer, 420 N. 15th Ave East, Building #10, Ely Minnesota.

Items for sale may be inspected at the auction location from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm on August 22.

The auctions will begin at 10:00 a.m. Bidders can register and inspect items for sale starting one hour before the auction on August 23, 2017.

All payments must be by cash, certified check, cashier’s or treasurer’s check or by a United States postal, bank, express, or telegraph money order. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

Photos, terms and conditions of sale and more information are available on the Property Appraisal & Liquidation Specialist website at www.irsauctions.gov.