07/03/15   Independence Day Means Fun, Parades, Picnics...And Maybe Fireworks

Independence Day, July 4^th is tomorrow.  In addition to being the nations birthday, the 4^th of July means fun, parades, picnics and fireworks.  According to folks we talked to in Fordyce, Camden and Bearden, it's not legal to sell or shoot fireworks in their cities. According to a Fordyce city ordinance enacted August 14, 1913, it shall be deemed an offense against the city for any person, with the fire limits of this city, to discharge, shoot, explode or set off any squib, firecracker, roman candle, sky-rocket, or any other fireworks of any kind or description  whatsoever. Anyone found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be fined in any sum not less than one dollar nor more than ten dollars. The fire limits in this modern day is being interpreted to mean the city limits. In Bearden, there used to be a fireworks stand downtown on 79-B, but that was outlawed by the city council last year.  Here's Bearden City Marshall John Ainsworth.

Ainsworth said he'll probably be paying more attention to other law enforcement concerns such as the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign targeting drivers who are driving impaired by alcohol or drugs. Not only will law enforcement officers by out on the highway this 4^th of July weekend, but on the water too.  Ouachita County Sheriff David  Norwood said the river patrol will be on the Ouachita River looking for violaters.

Game and Fish officers will be out on the river too checking fishermen for licenses and making sure they're using their life preservers.  Game and Fish officers can make arrests for drinking and driving too.