Leonard Schappacher, the son who operated the farm and market business in Warren County, is barred from removing or damaging property by a court order.
Magistrate Paige Crossley issued a temporary restraining order on June 10 in response to the lawsuit filed on June 9 by Minerva Schappacher and Alfred Schappacher Jr. on behalf of a living trust, according to court records.
The lawsuit claims Leonard Schappacher was removing items of the trust from the property, on US 42 between Lebanon and Mason, against his mother’s wishes as head of the trust.
He is permitted to use equipment to farm, according to the temporary order issued on June 10 in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
Schappacher Farms was a popular farm market on US 42 and a stop for riders on the tourist railroad run out of Lebanon.
Last week on Facebook, members of the family indicated they had been asked to leave the property and planned to reopen the farm market at a new location.
“We have spent a great deal of time trying to figure out how to break the news that there will no longer be a farm market for summer produce, pumpkins, turkeys, beef and visitors welcome to the farm on 42,” the Facebook entry said.
Leonard Schappacher declined further comment.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the trust, outlined how he had worked and lived, along with his parents, on the 65-acre farm.
At his suggestion, the farm was shifted from primarily a cattle operation to a “farm to table” business, according to the lawsuit.
His mother, Minerva Schappacher, had OK’d him continuing to operate the farm operation through this year, according to the lawsuit.
The two sides have until July 13 to submit arguments about the permanent injunction sought by the trust.
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