Neligh Fireworks Ordinance Fails; City To Follow State Statute

People will see no change in when fireworks can be discharged within the City of Neligh during the Fourth of July holiday.

During Tuesday's council meeting, members discussed adopting an ordinance restricting both the hours and age of those who can discharge fireworks; however, ordinance 580 failed for lack of motion. 

The ordinance would have restricted discharge on weeknights between 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. and until 11 p.m. on weekends. Fireworks would have been allowed until midnight on the Fourth of July. Also, no one under age 16 would have been able to sell or discharge fireworks without supervision of an adult. 

The City of Neligh will instead continue to follow state statute and allow discharge on weekdays from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. and until 11:59 p.m. on July 4. 

Council member Steph Wanek called the ordinance "too much" and reminded council members that discussion of the ordinance began with one complaint. She said the council would not consider erecting a sign on a bridge despite hearing three complaints. 

"I think this is complicating the matter," she said. "I don’t think (a half hour) makes enough of a difference. Policing this is a nightmare with the time changes and getting the word out to public."

Mike Wright, Neligh Police Chief, said the nightmare for his force would be enforcing discharge to those under the age of 16.