By Kris Leonhardt

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A downtown wine bar has closed its doors. Owner Karen Haferman said that Karen’s Wines & Steins, 160 First St., Wisconsin Rapids, closed to the public Oct. 30.

The business has been a downtown staple for over three years, but Haferman says that a lease contract is the main decision for its closing.

“The (Convention & Visitors Bureau) is not renewing the lease,” Haferman said. “They said they wanted to go in a new direction.”

Karen said that she will retire and spend more time with her grandkids and family.