MIDDLETON, Idaho — The owner of a gym in Middleton has reopened his business in defiance of Governor Little's stay-home order. Johnathan Eldridge owns Middleton Fitness Center and he announced his intentions at the Statehouse during the protest on April 17 of the stay-home order.

Eldridge says it is his right to open his gym and if others are worried they might contract the coronavirus from gym members, they have the right to stay home.

"It's an attack on liberties and it's a slippery slope," said Eldridge. "I am hoping that what I do can inspire other people and maybe we can set a precedence that our liberties aren't to be taken lightly and it's a serious thing."

Eldridge says he does not need the money his gym produces, but he is opening it anyway and is not charging anyone to workout. Defying the stay-home order can be punishable by up to six months in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.

The Middleton Police tells Idaho News 6 they have not done anything because no one has complained.