Exclusive: Jailed for Violating Walz’s ‘Indoor Service’ Ban, Lisa Hanson Shares What Her Ordeal Taught Her

The owner of Albert Lea’s now-closed Interchange Coffee and Wine Bistro told The Minnesota Sun she has learned the value of family and true friendship as she serves her 90-day sentence for violating Democrat Gov. Timothy J. “Tim” Walz’s ban on indoor service.

“Probably the biggest thing I miss about running the bistro is the guests,” said Melissa “Lisa” Hanson, who, December 9, began her sentence at the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center.

“To be able to provide a great product coupled with a unique atmosphere and thoughtful joy was to sit and observe,” she said.

“Whether it was a busy summer lunch with guests enjoying the patio under the pergolas or a ‘Live Music Friday Night’ watching the guests relax and enjoy themselves while all their worries melted away to the tunes the musicians were strumming or plunking out,” she said. “Seeing family and friends laugh and relax together was so special – these are some of the things I miss.”

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EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Hanson Files Writ of Habeas Corpus with United States District Court of Minnesota

A Writ of Habeas Corpus has been filed against two sheriffs in charged of handling the incarceration of Melissa “Lisa” Hanson as of Tuesday morning. Hanson, who represented herself sui juris, was charged and convicted last Thursday with six counts of violating executive orders and sentenced to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. for opening her restaurant during Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) COVID emergency shutdown. 

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Two Gubernatorial Candidates Respond to the Conviction and Jailing of Minnesota Business Woman Lisa Hanson

Two gubernatorial candidates, Dr. Scott Jensen and Dr. Neil Shah, responded to the announcement that business owner Melissa “Lisa” Hanson was convicted and jailed for violating Governor Tim Walz’s (D) COVID emergency orders. Jensen posted a video to Twitter, where he called the conviction and sentencing saying, “SO WRONG!”

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Judge Berates Albert Lea Bistro Owner: ‘You Just Wanted to Make Money During a Global Pandemic,’ Gives Her 90 Days, $1,000 Fine for Violating Gov. Walz’s COVID-19 Indoor Service Ban

The owner of the Interchange Wine and Coffee Bistro began her 90-day jail sentence Thursday after a jury found her guilty of violating COVID-19 emergency orders from Democrat Gov. Timothy J.  “Tim” Walz at her Freeborn County District Court trial.

Melissa “Lisa” Hanson represented herself sui juris, while she was prosecuted by Albert Lea’s City Attorney Kelly Martinez on six of the nine misdemeanors charges against her.

All six of the counts were for willfully violating the governor’s November 2020 executive orders, which prohibited serving alcohol indoors.

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Opening Arguments Delivered in Criminal Trial of Minnesota Businesswoman Who Defied COVID Lockdown

exterior of a restaurant known as The Interchange

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The opening arguments were delivered in Melissa “Lisa” Hanson’s trial on Wednesday. Albert Lea City Attorney Kelly Martinez and Hanson, who is representing herself sui juris, made opening statements and Martinez introduced five of her witnesses.

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Jury Selection Finishes in Albert Lea Criminal Trial of Minnesota Small Business Owner Lisa Hanson

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The jury selection finished in the criminal trial of Melissa “Lisa” Hanson on Tuesday evening, after a full day of interviews. Hanson and the City Attorney Kelly Martinez chose six jurors to serve and two back up jurors.

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Prosecutor in Hanson Case Appears to Compare Violating Minnesota COVID Orders with BLM Riots, January 6 During Jury Selection

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The prosecutor, an Albert Lea city attorney, in the Melissa “Lisa” Hanson case appeared to compare Hanson’s alleged violation of COVID emergency orders with Black Lives Matter Riots and January 6 during the jury selection process.

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Albert Lea Woman Stands Trial on Criminal Charges for Opening Restaurant During COVID

Lisa Hanson

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – Monday was the scheduled start to the trial against Minnesota restaurant owner, Melissa “Lisa” Hanson, who is charged with nine misdemeanors after she opened her restaurant in violation of Governor Tim Walz’s (D) COVID orders in 2020.

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