Sheldon, Iowa — Summer is here, the time when a young man’s fancy turns to………….fireworks! A few years ago, the Iowa Legislature lifted a ban that had been in place since the late 1930’s which forbade the possession and use of consumer grade fireworks in the state.
The lifting of that ban empowered local entities to set their own rules on the use of consumer fireworks, according to Sheldon City Manager Sam Kooiker.
(As above) “Cities in Iowa do do you have the ability to restrict even more of the uses within communities. So our council, several years ago made the policy decision to allow use in town, and it’s very open on when people can use it we do ask people to respect the process and respect their neighbors and not blow off fireworks after 10 PM except on the 4th of July they can blow them off until 11.
Kooiker tells us exactly when they may be shot off.
(As above) “June 20 through July 5, and usage is allowed only between the hours of noon and 10 PM, except on the 4th of July. They’re allowed between noon and 11 PM on July 4.”
He says he expects a busy fireworks season this summer.
(As above) “We have three fireworks stands in Sheldon. Two are local, and we’re expecting a very busy consumer fireworks season in town. All three stands have agreed to help get the word out on what our rules are and we think we’ll be even busier because of the postponement that was necessary of the community display, which had been scheduled for July 3, and that has now been moved to September 6.”
Every year the Sheldon Police Department receives a few fireworks complaint calls. Kooiker says if you want to file a fireworks complaint, you should NOT call 911.
(As above) “We ask people please don’t call 911, call the non-emergency number, and and report issues. But know that we do have other higher priorities and so we will try to get to it, but that’s one of the reasons why we’re doing advertising and trying to get the word out.”
That non-emergency number to reach the Sheldon Police Department is 712-324-2525.
