STATE REVENUE OFFICIALS SEIZE PL RESTAURANT CASH

Pequot Lakes Police Officer John Ryan assisted agents from the Minnesota Department of Revenue last week when they tried to collect money or valuables from the Sibley Station Restaurant. Ryan escorted Agent Pete Baumann who had authorization to collect 'all till and safe assets' to satisfy a tax debt and took $700. The Brainerd Dispatch reported this morning that Sibley Station failed to pay a portion of sales tax revenues from 2002 to 2006. MnDOR officials said owners of the restaurant, Deb and Joe Halbeck owe the state $146,805. Deb Hallbeck told the Dispatch reporter she decided to "keep sales tax dollars and put the money back into her business instead of paying the state." Hallbeck said the restaurant's sales tax permit was revoked last year but the business was re-incorporated and is operating under a new permit. The business is listed for sale. Revenue officials say selling the business is allowed under state law but a tax lien is attached.