UP county refuses to uphold COVID-19 epidemic order
BARAGA COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- Enough is enough. That's the message Baraga County officials are sending the state government when it comes to COVID-19 restrictions across the state.
On Monday the Baraga County sheriff, prosecuting attorney, clerk, treasurer, and all five county commissioners signed this “manifesto.”
It's a notice to the state of Michigan, stating the county will no longer support the COVID-19 restrictions.
The sheriff said community members had a petition asking county leaders to take a position on the restrictions.
He and the prosecuting attorney said the document is simply to stand up for people's rights and look out for their local economy.
"We're not saying that the pandemic isn't important and that it's not a health threat, we believe it is,” Baraga County Sheriff Joe Brogan said. “We just believe everyone should make their own choices."
"We aren't setting up tires, we aren't throwing burning tires, we're simply letting the state know, you're on your own in this,” Baraga County Prosecuting Attorney Joseph O'Leary said. “We have a lot of businesses that are just going under, unlikely to ever return."
Those who violate the state's COVID-19 restrictions still run the risk of being penalized by the state.
