West Central Michigan News

Mecosta County businesses are reopening after the ongoing pandemic's first wave, and that means that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's executive orders can expect to be met with some leniency from Sheriff Todd Purcell, according to Pioneer.

Purcell said that he will not strictly enforce Whitmer's executive orders, which have been issued to slow the spread of COVID-19, according to a report in Pioneer.

"We will take any complaints that are received on a case-by-case basis with the prosecutor's office," Purcell was quoted in the news story. "... We will not be actively searching out open businesses."

Purcell's comments were in references to Whitmer's most recent order, signed on May 22, which extended the state's stay-at-home order to June 12. Public venues such as gyms, casinos and theaters are to remain closed.

Among the Mecosta County businesses that have reopened is The Old Pioneer Store and Emporium/Kilwins in Big Rapids, owned by Carlleen Rose, who opened the retail shop "for appointments" in late May.

"Come to the door for your automatic appointment," the store's Facebook page said in a May 27 post. "We also will continue curbside and offer before- and after-hour shopping. Just give us a call for this special appointment. We can’t wait to see you!"

Rose's store on North Michigan Avenue may not require Purcell's leniency, but it may be there for those who do. In the Pioneer news report, Purcell referred to the large number of people left out of work and the uncertainty that has caused.

"I believe there's a lot of people in the small business community who are out of money," Purcell told Pioneer. "If people run out of money, they need to be working, and I can't fault them for that."

"I believe people have the right to open their business," he told Pioneer. Purcell also cautioned that everyone needs to take steps to keep themselves safe. "People need to be safe and smart and do what they need to do," he added.