Fireworks concerns aired at city council meeting

Cape Girardeau police arrested 17 people, including 11 juveniles, for fireworks violations this season, according to information presented Monday to the city council.

The statistics are for the period beginning June 27 and ending Saturday, and represent a 20 percent decrease in the number of calls for service from the previous year. The Cape Girardeau Police Department set up a special unit to handle only fireworks calls this year.

Fire chief Rick Ennis said 2008 seemed like a much milder year and call volumes were down the entire week. Ennis said four firework vendors had tents set up, and all cooperated with inspections.

Resident Don Howard appeared before the council to express his concerns about fireworks in the city. Mayor Jay Knudtson said that while the city listens to his concerns, it tries to find a compromise that works for everyone. Howard said he does not want the council to "put a Band-Aid" on a problem that could claim homes or lives.

No injuries were reported from Independence Day fireworks, and Knudtson said he hoped that was because police were working hard to get the word out about safety.

"I think it really reflects the fact that the awareness is out there," he said.