MCPHERSON, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas barber who opened his shop in defiance of an order from Gov. Laura Kelly’s will not face charges after he agreed to remain closed for another week.
Kelly’s order prohibits barbershops from opening because of the coronavirus pandemic until May 18.
Luke Aichele, who owns Luke’s Barber Shop in McPherson, opened his business last week and posted on social media that he had been served with an arrest warrant.
Two Republican candidates for U.S. Senate in Kansas, U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall and Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle, both posted tweets over the weekend supporting Aichele’s efforts to reopen.
McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel said Monday he dropped charges “related to not complying with the governor’s orders” after Aichele agreed to remain closed until May 18, The Wichita Eagle reported.
“He volunteered that,” Benefiel said. “This all came from Luke. He has stepped up above and beyond, and I couldn’t ask for a better community member.”
The Eagle said Aichele has declined to speak to reporters and could not be reached Monday.
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