Local editor urges Middlebury to stop illegal fireworks after safety incidents

During the public-comment period recorded in the July 20 packet, Marjorie (Marj) Needham, editor and publisher of the Middlebury Bee-Intelligencer, read a statement urging town officials to act against illegal fireworks. Needham cited national news accounts of serious injuries and property fires and told the Board it was time to end the practice locally: "It is time to put a stop to shooting off illegal fireworks in this town." She said local officials risk residents' safety if the practice continues unchecked.

Needham noted the Fire Marshal, in a regular column, described consumer fireworks that "shoot off into the air or explode" as illegal for backyard use; she argued that the town should take steps to enforce existing laws and protect residents. Several members of the public who spoke at the July 20 meeting also supported stronger enforcement and commended the registrars for handling recent election work.