Small business owners say the fine will hurt them the most, after experiencing the first COVID-19 shutdown during earlier this year when Governor Eric Holcomb announced his stay-at-home order.
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A protest today at the huntington county courthouse following mayor richard strick's executive order.fox 55' mallory beard shows us how residents feel about the new mask fine and how it will affect small business owners.
Brandy marks says it's already difficult being a small business owner.
Brandy marks//wabash county resident "i feel like i worked to get this business started i like it was my blood sweat and tears that got it started.
I'm already paying taxes on a lot of stuff."
Woody's towing company owner, corey schnitz feels the same.
Corey schnitz//huntington county resident "that was a big hurt on our business.
I mean, we took a big hit."
...why he came to protest at the huntington county courthouse saturday afternoon.
Like other residents, he's opposed to mayor richard strick recently enforcing a fine for not wearing a mask.
Corey schnitz//huntington county resident "so they're making these laws and forcing people to wear a mask and fining them if they don't.
Technically that's illegal.
There's no law stating that we have to wear a mask anywhere."
Strick's executive order allows law enforcement to give residents a warning, then a twenty-five dollar fine, then an increase dollars for each offense after.
Brandy marks//wabash county resident "so it should be my choice, if i want people to wear funny hats to come in the store, should by my choice, should be individual choices."
As a businesses owner, schnitz says freedom of choice is what he's aiming for, too.
Corey schnitz//huntington resident "if they don't want people to wear a mask, then they shouldn't have to wear masks.
And if they want people to wear masks, then we should respect or go somewhere else."
And what he's concerned about most if enforcements like these continue.
Corey schnitz//huntington resident "they're choosing what businesses to open and shut down in these other states and that's what we're worried is going to come here.
And this is a small town...so there are a lot of small businesses."
In huntington, i'm mallory beard fox 55 news.
We reached out to huntington county law enforcement and city representatives for comment on the enforcement of the fine but haven't received a
Small business owners say the fine will hurt them the most, after experiencing the first COVID-19 shutdown during earlier this year..