FIREWORKS: They are starting earlier every year

I have noticed a few letters to the editor recently from people upset with the growing problem of illegal fireworks.

Friends and I recently spoke to the Rathdrum City Council about this problem. I have lived in or next to Rathdrum most of my life. When I and my kids were growing up, aerial fireworks were not allowed — it is now illegal and it is being allowed.

Some people say they just want to celebrate the Fourth. For most of Rathdrum’s history, the Fourth was honored in other ways other than fireworks. Our neighbors were not disturbed or kept up late from the noise, our veterans weren’t bothered with loud bangs and animals didn’t need special care, not to mention the buildings burnt or the injuries caused by fireworks.

Each year the fireworks have been starting earlier in the year, getting louder, and going later at night. They started this year June 11.

With people demanding law enforcement, hopefully illegal fireworks will stop.

TERRY KIEFER

Rathdrum, 74 years