Happy Fourth of July! Here are some firework safety tips, regulations
Happy Fourth of July! Le Mars residents will be lighting off fireworks today to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, but the Le Mars Fire-Rescue Department would like to remind residents to practice good firework safety to avoid injuries, fires, and property damage. Le Mars Fire Chief Dave Schipper told KLEM that fireworks can only be launched on a person’s property during the weekend.
Schipper shared some additional firework safety tips for those planning on lighting them.
The Fire-Rescue Department also recommends dousing fireworks with water and leaving them out of the garbage for at least 24 hours to avoid reignition. If a firework does not light, the department recommends waiting between 20 and 30 minutes before approaching.
Fireworks can only be lit in city limits from noon to 11pm today and tomorrow.
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Rock Valley awarded millions in FEMA flood relief aid
The town of Rock Valley, which was devastated by historic flooding two years ago, is receiving $22 million from FEMA to buy out 104 homes. City Manager Tom Van Maanen first requested the funding in December 2024 and says he’s relieved to finally have an answer.
FEMA also awarded Rock Valley $3.5 million to help pay for clean-up and repairs. Van Maanen admits the process was frustrating for homeowners, and at times for city leaders, but says the FEMA home buyout program is not designed to provide immediate disaster relief.
He says the next few weeks will be spent finishing paperwork before demolition of the properties can begin. Rock Valley originally planned to buy out 147 properties, but some owners have already rebuilt their homes or sold them.
(Story via Radio Iowa)
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