Washburn County sheriff says office will refuse to enforce Wisconsin statewide mask mandate

SHELL LAKE, Wis. — About an hour after Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers issued an emergency order to mandate masks statewide, one county sheriff is already refusing.

Washburn County Sheriff Dennis Stuart posted on Facebook said his office “will not participate in any enforcement in regards to wearing of masks.”

Stuart noted that a “mask law” hadn’t been passed by the legislature. He also mentioned some have religious beliefs “about wearing masks, taking vaccinations, etc.,” though didn’t really get into details.

The northern Wisconsin sheriff also says people have the right to make their own “medical decisions” … and “what you believe is best for you and your family,” though the entire concept of wearing a mask is to provide a barrier from the mask wearer for the safety of all those around.

He also mentioned violations to First Amendment and Eighth Amendment rights.

Stuart didn’t mention any violation of rights the government has mandated police to enforce, like seat belts, speed limits or driving while intoxicated.

Back in August of 2018, Stuart was elected sheriff in a Republican primary 1,765-1,549.

Again, the state is mandating masks be worn in public buildings to help keep others safe from COVID-19, which can be asymptomatic. It goes into effect at midnight Saturday and runs through September at this point.