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City of Hartford businesses allowed to reopen, despite 'Safer at Home' order

Posted at 5:54 PM, Apr 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-30 18:54:36-04

HARTFORD — It's easy to see with one look down Main Street in Hartford.

Some businesses deemed nonessential are open, while others remain closed.

Ronda Hattori owns the Main Street Yarn Shop. After being closed for about a month, she opened up her storefront Tuesday, welcoming customers to come inside and shop.

"For small businesses, in general, it's been very tough. We're not a high-volume store. Especially my store," Hattori said. I sell yarn in Hartford, Wisconsin."

Police officers in Hartford are allowed to use their discretion when enforcing the state's Safer at Home order. The Common Council voted unanimously, 9-0, to approve a plan to reopen the city's economy slowly.

"What we're saying is we're giving you the ability to measure how your clients and employees are going to react," said Mayor Tim Michalak.

That was enough for some businesses to open. However, Wayne's Barbershop up the road is staying closed in fear of losing its state license.

"We are telling individuals. You're in violation of state order. We are not condoning it. We are not suggesting you do it," Michalak said.

Michalak said he believes this approach fits Hartford best.

"It isn't a [NFL Safety Troy] Polamalu rush into saying everybody can open. No, that is not the case," Michalak said.

TMJ4 News reached out to the Washington-Ozaukee Department of Health and Wisconsin Department of Justice regarding the decision. We are still working to hear back.

Click here to see a full, in-depth look at Hartford's approved plan.

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