The Starke County Commissioners will discuss the burn ban during their regular meeting this morning at 9 a.m. The current ban expires today.
Despite the ban, the county’s fireworks celebration will proceed as scheduled. Starke County Commissioner Kathy Norem confirmed that the event will be held at the Starke County Airport on Wednesday, July 4, regardless of the status of the ban.
Public fireworks displays in Marshall County are in jeopardy, as the disaster declaration for the county has prohibited the launching of consumer fireworks. Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery says the decision as to whether or not to allow public fireworks displays to take place this year will ultimately fall on the shoulders of the county commissioners.
Avery says one jurisdiction has decided to move forward with their fireworks display this year, so Avery will meet with the commission president to reevaluate conditions and decide whether or not to allow the fireworks show. Legally, fireworks are not supposed to be launched until today, according to state statute – but Avery says they’ve always had a problem with people discharging fireworks before they’re legal.
A fireworks ordinance prohibits residents from discharging any type of device until this Friday, June 29 in the Town of North Judson and the City of Knox. This includes all consumer fireworks with the exception of sparklers, cone fountains, ground spinners, snakes or glow worms, and smoke devices. Anyone in violation of the ordinance shall be subject to a $100 fine for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for a third offense and every subsequent offense.
According to the ordinance, fireworks may only be discharged between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset from June 29 to July 3, and July 5 through July 9. On the Fourth of July, fireworks may be ignited between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight.
For more information, the ordinance is available in Knox City Hall and the North Judson Clerk’s office.
North Judson Town Marshal Doug Vessely reminds residents that you must be 18 or older to legally use fireworks.
A fireworks ordinance is in effect in the City of Knox.
According to the ordinance, fireworks may only be discharged between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset from June 29 to July 3, and July 5 through July 9. On the Fourth of July, you may ignite fireworks between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight. This includes all consumer fireworks with the exception of sparklers, cone fountains, ground spinners, snakes or glow worms, and smoke devices. Anyone in violation of the ordinance shall be subject to a $100 fine for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for a third offense and every subsequent offense.
Good news for Fourth of July fans: there will be fireworks this year at the Starke County Airport. Fireworks Committee Chairperson Linda Berndt said yesterday that the fireworks are still on. To date, almost $5000 has been collected of the nearly $10,000 cost for the display and other expenses. The fireworks display will take place July 4.
Starke County may be luckier than other locations around the nation, as many cities and towns have cut fireworks for a variety of reasons. The celebrations have been primarily snuffed out due to budget cuts for towns and corporate sponsors.
Local groups are planning fundraisers to help pay for annual Fourth of July fireworks celebrations.
The Winamac VFW and the Winamac Kiwanis Club are teaming up to raise money for the Fourth of July display at the Winamac Town Park. A fish fry fundraiser will be held on Friday, April 6th from 4:00-7:30 p.m. ET at the Winamac VFW. Marita Grisel, President of the Winamac Kiwanis Club, says that the VFW has returned to their prior supplier for the larger fish filets. The dinner is $8.00 which includes fish, baked beans and coleslaw. All the money raised will help defray the rising cost of the fireworks.
Bad news for the Starke County Fireworks: the town of North Judson will be unable to provide monetary support for the event. According to Henry, the board contacted the State Board of Accounts and were told there are a significant number of conditions that must be met, including the adoption of a town ordinance indicating what any fundraisers would support. Ultimately, the board decided that they will be unable to provide the support.
A new banner will fly above the Highland Cemetery in North Judson, informing passersby that the cleanup of decorations should be completed by April 15 in order for the mowing crew to mow the cemetery without the risk of damaging any decorations. Previously, the town would only put advertisements in local media such as newspapers and radio, but the banner will help inform the public of the deadline to remove decorations.
The individual to handle the mowing of the cemetery is still unknown, as the man who previously handled the mowing has told the board that he will be unable to keep the same cost as last year to handle the mowing due to rising fuel costs. As a result, the town board must receive sealed bids for the mowing and decide to whom to award the bid.
Is the City of Knox considering getting out of organizing the 4th of July fireworks celebration? The officials haven’t said they will stop producing the show, but it’s apparent that something has to be done to help with funding.
At the most recent meeting of the City Council, Mayor Rick Chambers announced that $4200.00 was lost on the 2011 presentation.
“We maybe need to form a committee and try to get Judson and Hamlet and the County on board with us so we can continue this. The city can’t afford to continue paying that kind of money, and time’s only going to get worse from the looks of it,” said Chambers.
The $4200.00 shortfall was taken from the city’s Edit Tax distribution, and the mayor said that absolutely couldn’t happen again.
The Knox City Council, Fireworks Committee and Knox Mayor Rick Chambers invites all to this year’s fireworks display at the Starke County Airport this Saturday, July 2nd.
The gates open at 4:00 p.m. and the gate fee is $5.00. There will be numerous food booths and various clubs selling items for fundraisers. A DJ will be playing music up until the fireworks display at dusk. A Cruise-in will be held on the runway. A BMX Bike demonstration is scheduled, along with a HAM Radio and Airplane Club demonstrations.
