Karl Manke said he had no choice but to go back to work. The Owosso barber resumed cutting hair on Monday despite Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Executive Order that all non-essential businesses remain closed until May 28th.

"(The shutdown) collapsed me, mentally, physically, and spiritually," Manke told the Lansing State Journal. "I was in despair, I had to go back to work...I don't have anybody paying me unless I'm doing work."

Manke worked 15 hour days Monday (5/4) and Tuesday. The barber then received two citations today (5/6) for violating the Executive Order, according to WLNS. Each citation is considered a misdemeanor and carries a $1,000 fine. Manke could also face sanctions against his business license.

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The barber says people have driven as much as 100 miles in order to get a haircut. Manke says the demand for his services has turned his fear of repercussion into courage.

"It bolsters me to do what I need to do to get food on the table and get bills paid," Manke said. "I'm not trying to prove some point. I needed to get back to work."

According to the Lansing State Journal, Manke says he has been denied unemployment three times since he was forced to shut down on March 21st.

Despite the citations, Manke's Barber Shop remains open and Karl Manke is continuing to cut customers' hair.

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