Former Neighbor Tells a Different Tale About Beloved Owosso Barber

Owosso Barber Karl Manke has generated a lot of support from customers and community members after made the decision to reopen his barbershop against state orders.

But a former neighbor has spoken out against Manke, calling him a narcissist and claiming his actions are intended to draw publicity to his recently-published book.

We recognize that Candy Higbee's words about Manke are strictly her opinion and it's duly noted that Facebook can oftentimes present a forum for inflammatory conversation. We also recognize that there are two sides to every story. 

Manke resumed cutting hair at his Owosso barbershop on May 4th. This week, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs suspended his license, according to his attorney David Kallman. Manke tells ABC-12 he hasn't ceased operations because he has not yet been personally served with a license suspension by the state.

But Higbee, who lived next door to Manke and his wife for 18 years, says in a Facebook post that Manke is no stranger to government regulatory agencies.

"This narcissist, who seems to think he is above following rules, has turned us in to every governing body imaginable in that 18 years. He went so far as to call the puppy police because our dog barked at 11am."

She goes on to claim that she and her family were frequently the topic of conversation while Manke cut customers' hair. Higbee claims the 77-year old is not working because he needs the money to survive, but rather is looking for publicity for his books.

"This is a publicity stunt for his newly released book and for the recognition because he has a God complex," she says. "He has a nice house, he and his wife both drive Cadillacs, he is an author of multiple books."

Manke has indeed authored 10 books that he sells through an online retailer.

We'll let you take it all in and form your own opinion. In the meantime, I'll sit back and wait for barbershops and salons to get the official word from Michigan that they can open for business.

via GIPHY