WINGATE, N.C. (AP) -- A Union County Superior Court judge has cleared the way for a farmer to once again host rodeos on his property, but local officials say the matter isn't over yet.
The Charlotte Observer reports that Judge Chris Bragg ruled this week that Jay Brown, who owns a 30,000-square-foot arena in Wingate, can hold rodeos there because it's an agricultural property.
Brown's rodeos had come to a halt this year after county officials told him he needed a special-use permit for the events. They say Brown has refused to provide them with information they need to determine if his property meets state requirements for a farm exemption.
Brown says he hopes the ruling will serve as a precedent for other counties.
Local officials plan to appeal Bragg's ruling.
