For all of you who don't think fireworks are dangerous:
Police are seeking help in finding the person who shot and killed a 26-year-old Indianapolis man found dead from multiple gunshot wounds.James Hudson, 2600 block of Guilford Avenue, was found in his Near-Northside home Wednesday. He had been shot five times.
Police believe the man died in the early morning hours after Fourth of July festivities, and it is possible the shots were mistaken for fireworks.
A friend of mine was complaining about the absurdity of not being able, under the city's noise ordinance, to mow the lawn after 9 p.m. when it is permitted, under state law, to shoot off fireworks until 11 p.m. I recommened she go ahead and mow the lawn, having someone set off fireworks at the same time to mask the sound.
I've been reading accounts in other Indiana newspapers, and the reaction in other towns has been the same as it has been in Fort Wayne. The added noise in neighborhoods is driving people crazy. This law might even be more unpopular than the switch to daylight-saving time.
The fireworks seemed to die down a few days after the Fourth in my neighborhood, but they're back now. Tom Weiss, state senator from Fort Wayne who voted against the legalization, has warned that this will go on all year, not just near major holidays. I believe him.
