Shelby gym owner cited for violating governor’s order

SHELBY, N.C. — A Shelby gym opened last weekend for the first time since Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order forced gyms to close their doors months ago.

Cooper has been reopening the state using a phased approach and owner Kevin Nunns’ decision to reopen prematurely was in opposition of that plan.

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North Carolina is currently in Phase 2 and gyms cannot reopen until Phase 3, which isn’t expected to go into effect until late June.

Nunns told the Gaston Gazette that his decision to defy the governor’s order was because he wanted to be the martyr who tested the waters.

Shelby police gave Nunns a verbal warning Friday and when he did not comply, he was issued a citation a few days later, according to the Gaston Gazette.

Despite being summoned to court, Nunns said The Lifting Lab is open, and it will continue to remain open.

According to the Gaston Gazette, Shelby police said they had a conversation with Nunns about his decision and they respect his choice.

It is now out of their hands and another agency is responsible for following up with Nunns, who could face a fine.

So far, it is the only citation police have had to issue in Cleveland County for violating the governor’s order.

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Gyms, strip clubs, trampoline park file lawsuits against NC Gov. Roy Cooper Gyms, strip clubs, trampoline park file lawsuits against NC Gov. Roy Cooper

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