GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Brown County is among a few counties that acted quickly Wednesday evening after the Supreme Court issued its ruling on the Safer At Home extension.
Brown County put its own policy in place that mirrors the provisions in the Safer At Home order, which the court ruled was implemented illegally.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that Gov. Tony Evers’ administration overstepped its authority when it extended the governor’s stay-at-home order until May 26.
Brown County bars, like Richard Crainums on Broadway in Green Bay, reopened for about three hours between the Supreme Court ruling and Brown County issuing its own policy.
“The WEDC guidelines are what we’re asking everyone to follow,” said Don Mjelde, owner of Richard Craniums and Brown County Tavern League President, in an interview with FOX 11 before Brown County issued its policy.
“Those are the guidelines set forth to protect our customers, our employees, and ourselves. So we want to make sure we operate safely and responsibly as we open back up to the public.”
Brown County issued its policy at about 8:15 p.m.
“This virus knows no boundaries, including county lines, and the most effective way to prevent, control and suppress COVID-19 is for State Officials and the State Legislature to work together and implement a statewide approach,” said Anna Destree, Brown County’s Public Health Officer, in a statement.
“That has not occurred, and therefore reasonable and necessary local actions must be taken pursuant to the authority vested in me per Wis. Stat. Secs. 252.03 and 252.25. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise given the high number of positive cases found in Brown County.”
Besides its curbside pickup, Richard Craniums closed back up to the public about a half hour after the county’s order was released.
“Just seems like St. Patrick’s Day all over again where all of a sudden we’re open and going and had to shut back down….but we’re following the rules,” said Mjelde in an interview with FOX 11 after the new policy was issued.
Brown County’s policy is currently set to expire next Wednesday, May 20th. Violators could be fined up to $500.
County officials say the order does not apply to De Pere, because it has its own public health department.
