The Hoisington city council passed a resolution Friday afternoon to prevent the discharge of fireworks on the Fourth of July this year.
While Fourth of July fireworks are being banned or postponed in many area communities, fireworks will be allowed as usual on Wednesday, July 4, in Ellinwood, City Administrator Robert Peter said. “The general feeling is, this year isn’t any different than other years – especially last year," he said. There will be a public display at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Park, on the northwest side of town.
A burn ban in Pawnee County won’t prevent a July 4 fireworks show at Jordaan Park sponsored by the Larned Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. The Fort Larned National Historic Site band will perform musical selections at 9 p.m. on July 4, with fireworks after dark. Kevin Holt, Chamber ambassador, is the chairman for the fireworks show. The city of Larned allows fireworks to be fired through July 4.
The Old Fashioned July 4 celebration at Sterling features an evening fireworks show at Sterling Lake. The show will go on as scheduled. Sterling’s two-day event is highlighted by a concert by Morgan Wilk at 7:30 p.m. on July 4. Other events include tournaments for tennis, volleyball and horseshoes, 5K and 15K Freedom Runs and a 20-mile bike ride.
Use of fireworks by individuals has been banned in Ellsworth; however there was a community display scheduled for the night of June 30 at the Ellsworth County Fair Grounds.
Fireworks are banned on the Fourth at Holyrood.
As of Friday, the cities of St. John and Stafford had no new restrictions on fireworks in place. However, the issue may be addressed by the Stafford County Commission Monday morning.
Bans or postponements are also on the agendas for city councils in Albert and Olmitz Monday.
CITY OF HOISINGTON RESOLUTION NO. 12-2012
A RESOLUTION PROHIBITING THE DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS WITHIN THE CITY OF HOISINGTON, KANSAS, ON JULY 4, 2012.
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of Hoisington, Kansas, is aware that the City has experienced hot, dry and windy weather during late June, 2012, which has resulted in dangerously dry conditions in the City, and
WHEREAS, the areas in the vicinity of the City of Hoisington, Kansas, have experienced several wild fires that area fire departments have spent numerous hours and manpower in extinguishing, and
WHEREAS, the City of Hoisington, Kansas, Code of City Ordinances allows the governing body to expand or restrict the allowable dates and times of discharge of fireworks, and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body finds that the discharge of fireworks on July 4, 2012, will create drastically increased risks to the City, its first responders and its residents, and
WHEREAS, the increased risks incurred by the City and its residents in potential property damage, increased costs of extinguishing avoidable fires, potential injury and loss of life can be avoided by the prohibition of the discharge of fireworks within the City in its current dry and hazardous environment, and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body finds that it is in best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Hoisington, Kansas, that the discharge of fireworks be prohibited on July 4, 2012, because of the dangerously dry conditions, and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body will consider allowing a discharge on another date, which may be set by the Governing Body, in the event weather conditions change and the discharge of fireworks can be accomplished without risking the health, safety and welfare of the residents and first responders of the City of Hoisington, and their property.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF HOISINGTON, KANSAS:
SECTION 1. It is unlawful for any person to discharge any fireworks within the City of Hoisington on July 4, 2012.
SECTION 2. That this resolution shall take effect upon its adoption by the Governing Body.
ADOPTED AND PASSED this 29thday of June, 2012.
_______________________________Clayton Williamson, Mayor _______________________________
Donita Crutcher, City Clerk
