Photo manipulation for Chicago News Bench

Wisconsin state Supreme Court struck down Governor Tony Evers' order "shutting down daily life to limit the spread of coronavirus — marking the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort," reported The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel today.

However, as noted below, at least one county has already picked up the ball and will restrict the opening of businesses. Expect other counties and municipalities to do the same.

"The state's highest court sided with Republican lawmakers Wednesday in a decision that curbed Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' power to act unilaterally during public health emergencies.

The 4-3 decision was written by four of the court’s conservatives — Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley, Daniel Kelly and Annette Ziegler." Full Story at Journal Sentinel.

Read the entire 161-page court decision here (includes dissensions):
https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=260868

There is some confusion as to when the court's decision actually has any effect.

There are SO many insane details about the Wisconsin Supreme Court's 4–3 decision invalidating the state's stay-at-home order. But start here: NO ONE KNOWS if the decision takes effect immediately because the chief justice won't say. https://t.co/C7JfziEPys pic.twitter.com/UfTgOsdbmJ — Mark Joseph Stern (@mjs_DC) May 13, 2020

While Mark Stern, above, says "no one knows if the decision takes effect immediately," talk show host Dan O'Donnell says it takes effect (at least in part) "now."

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has struck down Governor Evers' "Safer at Home" order and has rejected an effort to stay the order for a few days, meaning that businesses can legally reopen NOW.

— Dan O'Donnell (@DanODonnellShow) May 13, 2020

The Tavern League of Wisconsin seems to agree with O'Donnell. They tweeted that "business can open immediately."

In a 4-3 ruling the State Supreme Court found the Emergency Orders issued by Secretary Palm as unlawful, invalid and unenforceable. The result of this decision is business can open immediately. Please follow the WEDC guidelines you can find on the TLW website.

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— Tavern League of Wisconsin (@tavernleaguewi) May 13, 2020

But NBC15 in Madison reported that the Tavern League might be wrong about establishments opening "immediately," at least not in all parts of Wisconsin. Madison is in Dane County, and they're not about to take the Supreme Court's decision go without their own attempt to make life miserable.

NBC15: "The powerful trade association also encouraged bar owners to follow Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation guidelines as well information on the league's website. However, soon after the decision was handed down, Public Health Madison & Dane County issued a statement declaring health officials would use its own authority to issue an order that implements portions of the now-defunct Safer at Home order. That order does in fact restrict the opening of bars in Dane County. The Tavern League has yet to respond to NBC15's request for clarification on bars reopening in Dane County." (Emphasis added) Full Story at NBC15.

Some people, like Donald Trump, Jr., are thrilled with the court's decision:

The Wisconsin Supreme Court just NUKED the lockdowns #Wisconsin https://t.co/26cdz2v75J

— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 13, 2020

Others, like Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, not so much:

🚨 Wisconsin's GOP-controlled Supreme Court just struck down Governor Evers's stay-home order & gave Republicans in our state legislature veto power on responses to COVID. This is dangerous madness. THREAD on what's happening & how to fight 1/https://t.co/K5AmQQXpVU

— Ben Wikler (@benwikler) May 13, 2020

Also See:
Wisconsin Supreme Court overrides governor's stay-at-home order: The Hill