Owners of The Thirsty Perch, a longtime gathering spot at 195 Water Street in downtown Iola, submitted a new application for a Class B liquor license as their legal battle over the prior denial continues in court.
The business, operated by Sherri Miller and Steve Steeber, lost its liquor license last year after the Village of Iola Board of Trustees voted unanimously against renewal on June 10, 2025. A subsequent public hearing on June 26, 2025, upheld the decision, citing Steeber’s alcohol-related offenses under Wisconsin statutes governing license eligibility.
The Perch has operated as a restaurant only since then, serving customers on most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Miller and Steeber say the loss stripped away more than just alcohol sales. It affected their livelihood, stability, and role as a community hub known for live music, events, and popular fare such as Friday fish fries. The venue previously drew crowds from across the region, supported local employment, and boosted area businesses.
In their May 25, 2026, Facebook post, the owners describe the situation as “still stuck in the courts, waiting for three judges to decide what should have never happened in the first place.” They note Steeber prevailed in related court matters, with charges dropped or reduced.
With a new application year underway, the owners call for a reset. They urge Iola residents to contact village trustees ahead of key meetings: a working board meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 4:30 p.m., and the full Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m. Both occur at Iola Village Hall.
“The trustees are elected to represent you and your voice, not the preferences of any one official,” the post states. “The community has spoken loud and clear for months: You want The Perch back. You want the music back. You want your gathering place back.”
The appeal reflects broader tensions in the small Waupaca County village over how to balance regulatory enforcement, business vitality, and community desires. Supporters view The Perch as vital to Iola’s social and economic fabric, while the board’s 2025 decision followed statutory guidelines tied to operator qualifications.
Miller and Steeber frame the fight as personal and communal. “This is our life. This is our future. This is our chance to rebuild what was taken,” they write. “We can’t do it alone. We need the people of Iola to stand up and speak.”
As the June 9 meeting approaches, village trustees prepare to weigh the new application amid ongoing public interest in restoring full operations at the lakeside venue.
