Shiawassee Times

Karl Manke has been cutting hair professionally for nearly 60 years, and the 77-year-old has no intention of letting a little COVID-19 pandemic interrupt his life or his business.

Despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive order that keeps businesses like his closed for an undefined time during the pandemic, Manke, who lives in Owosso, says he will keep his shop open "until Jesus comes," according to WHMI. 

Manke said he has never accepted nor asked for handouts. Government assistance was offered during the lockdown, but he said it was barely enough to pay his electric bill, let alone keep his business afloat during the closure.

Manke's attorney, David A. Kallman, said that Shiawassee County Circuit Judge Matthew Stewart blocked a restraining order from the state attorney general that would have immediately shut down the shop. As a result, his barber and shop licenses have been suspended by state regulators.

The case has drawn national attention and sparked a discussion between people on both sides of the issue. On one side are those who believe the shutdown orders are necessary to stop the spread of the virus. On the other side are those against the governor's order who think it prohibits small business owners from earning a living. 

Whitmer replied at a press conference by stating that her executive orders were legally enforceable. The Shiawassee County Sheriff's Office said it will wait for the courts to determine whether Whitmer's order is enforceable before they take any action against Manke. 

There has been chatter across the state about Whitmer's latest executive order. Some feel it is unconstitutional and an abuse of power.

According to The Center Square, Sheriff Brian BeGole wrote, "We have received many calls, text messages and emails from local businesses and local residents regarding Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders and the Sheriff’s Office position on those orders, especially since the Michigan Legislature did not extend the state of emergency beyond April 30, as required by law. The legality of that is a judicial branch determination.”

Perry Mayor James Huguelet said he would not enforce the governor's order. “It is past time that government leadership treat the people of Michigan and of Perry like the responsible, thoughtful adults they are,” Huguelet wrote, according to The Center Square. “I write today to state clearly my opposition to some of  Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders. While I understand and share her desire to protect the public, I question some of the restrictions she has imposed as overstepping her executive authority. She has created a  vague, overreaching framework of emergency laws that only confuse Michigan’s thoughtful, responsible citizens.”

Manke has been issued a civil infraction penalty with a fine of $1,000. His court date is set for June.