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Owosso barber who defied governor's stay-at-home order has licenses reinstated

Posted at 2:28 PM, Jun 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-17 17:15:29-04

OWOSSO, Mich. (WXYZ) — Karl Manke, the 77-year-old Owosso barber who received national attention for reopening his barbershop during Governor Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order, has had both of his licenses reinstated after they were suspended.

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Manke reopened his shop in Owosso on May 4, drawing customers from across the state who were inspired by his plea for freedom from a government shutdown.

Additionally, his attorney says Manke is also facing misdemeanor criminal charges in connection to remaining open.

"I am pleased with the orders issued today to reinstate my licenses so I can continue to move forward," Manke said. "I still believe it is high time for all of Michigan to stand up, open up for business, and for all the people in our community to show up in support."

Barbershops and hair salons had been shut down for nearly three months before they reopened on June 15. Michigan was the last state to do so.

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