Court rules against owner of condemned home

A town of Neenah man fighting the condemnation of his home has lost another appeal.

The state court of appeals ruled Wednesday that the proper process was following in notifying Stephen Bates about the proceedings.

In 2010, the town asked for a court order to have Stephen Bates' home razed because of its poor condition. Bates objected and the two sides went to court. A Winnebago County judge ruled in the town's favor.

Bates appealed, saying the court's decision was improper.

In the ruling, the appeals court wrote, “we conclude the Town was reasonably diligent in attempting to serve Bates personally and thus properly turned to service by publication."

• Click here to read the full ruling