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Michigan State Police visit Owosso barbershop that reopened against governor's orders

Michigan State Police visit Owosso barbershop that opened against governor's orders
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Michigan State Police paid a visit to an Owosso barbershop that opened up against the governor's orders.

Troopers served paperwork from the Attorney General's Office ordering Owosso barber Karl Manke to shut down his shop again.

Manke had reopened for business on Monday, May 4 in violation of Michigan's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order. Under the executive order, now extended until May 28, barbershops and hair salons are deemed non-essential, meaning they cannot open.

The Owosso Police Department warned Manke once and then wrote him two tickets charging him with violating an executive order. Police then turned the case over to the Shiawassee County Prosecutor's Office.

After receiving the order from Attorney General Nessel Friday evening, Manke remained defiant and refused to close the barbershop.

Crowds of supporters have come out to Manke's shop for haircuts. The shop owner said he's been working 15-hour days this week.

But those not rushing to get a trim at the barbershop are a bit concerned.

"The fact that he's open, people gotta live, they gotta earn their money, but I'm trying to follow the rules as best as possible," said Richard Lowe of Owosso.

Amy Ackles wishes social distancing rules and personal protection were enforced more outside Manke's shop.

"Lining up outside, that's why we're going to be home all summer, because if you notice people are congregating. Half of them don't have masks on," she said.

Manke said at 77 years old this is his livelihood. He plans to continue his craft despite the pressure to follow state orders at the risk of arrest, fines or a loss of his professional license.</p><p>

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