Managing editor
Marion City Council voted Monday to reduce from eight until five the number of days for shooting fireworks.
Fireworks still may be bought starting June 27 but cannot be discharged until July 1 through 5.
Caroline Kelly with Marion Boy Scouts Troop 102 told the council sale of fireworks was the troop’s major fund-raiser each year. If there are fewer days for customers to purchase or discharge fireworks, Kelly said, it might affect sales.
But others opposed fireworks.
“I still don’t understand the correlation between the sky being blue with fireworks and celebrating our freedom,” resident Margaret Wilson said.
She asked the council to consider fewer days of detonation.
The council also acknowledged a letter from resident Diana Costello who expressed concern about her pet’s reaction to fireworks.
Police Chief Josh Whitwell said fireworks revelers were becoming more brazen and he wasn’t sure shortening the period would be enforceable.
“If we shorten our time period, people are going to other towns to buy them, and come back here and shoot them,” he said.
Councilman Stacey Collett said Hillsboro officials told him sale of fireworks begins June 27, but fireworks could not be detonated except July 4 and 5.
As a compromise, the council approved an ordinance, published in this week’s issue of the Marion County Record, allowing five days of shooting fireworks.
Residents can detonate fireworks 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1, 2, 3, and 5, and 10 a.m. to midnight July 4.