L’Observateur / July 8, 1998

St. John deputies contended with “the usual number” of complaints dealingwith fireworks, except this holiday season, the sale and use of fireworks were newly-legalized under certain restrictions.

Between 12:01 a.m. on July 2 to midnight on July 5, deputies responded to44 fireworks complaints. On the evening of July 3, between 9:36 p.m. and12:27 a.m., deputies responded to 12 calls. On the evening of July 4, between 8:53 p.m. and 11:59 p.m., deputiesresponded to 16 complaints.

Fireworks were also blamed for a tree fire on Northwest Second Street, Reserve, and a broken van windshield from a rocket on East Ninth Street.

The ordinance, approved by the St. John Parish Council at its June 9meeting, allows their use between the hours of sunset and 10 p.m. onChristmas Eve, July 4 and New Year’s Day, and between sunset and 1 a.m.on New Year’s Eve.

Other restrictions include not firing them within 500 feet of schools, homes, nursing homes or churches. The ordinance was approved 6-2, withobjections from Dale Wolfe and Clinton Perrilloux. Voting in favor wereDuaine Duffy, Perry Bailey, Kevin Duhon, Ranney Wilson, Joel McTopy and Steve Thornton.

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