Do fireworks stand out in the city of Fox? Tell us your thoughts in this brief survey
Wendy Szczepanski made a simple police request and the request of elected officials to arrive at Nina City Hall: enforcing the fireworks laws that have been on books.
Szczepanski said her dog, a strikeable dog named Luke, died in a massive heart attack on July 4, 2024, when an illegal M-80 firecracker exploded near her Neenah. She is conducting a campaign to prevent any such recurrence.
“I don't want to let this go,” Szczepanski said. “I know this may not work for July 4, but I hope it will be in 2026.”
Wisconsin's Fireworks Act states that it is illegal to own or use fireworks without a license. Police define fireworks as anything that explodes or leaves the ground itself.
The stance of selling fireworks is located throughout Fox City.
However, the views on fireworks are diverse and divided.
A 2018 online survey by Menasha police found that 58% of nearly 1,300 respondents favor other laws or fines to prevent people from lighting up illegal fireworks. Conversely, due to the safety of fireworks or the level of concern for property is 55%, because fireworks are “a little” or “a little”.
The vast majority of survey respondents were from Menasha, Neenah, Oshkosh, Fox Crossing and Appleton.
Szczepanski said many people are reluctant to complain to police about fireworks because they are afraid of revenge from their neighbors or because they know the police will not enforce the law. In the past two years, Ninena police have written only two citations citing firework violations. Both are for repetitive crimes.
So, how big is the problem with the fireworks in Fox City? Have opinions changed since the 2018 survey?
Residents and visitors were invited to share their thoughts by filling out the following fireworks survey. The response will last until July 10, and the results will be used in future reports.
Please call Duke Behnke at 920-993-7176 or dbehnke@gannett.com. Follow him on X @dukebehnke.
This article originally appeared in the late Appleton issue: Is the fireworks out of control? Share your thoughts in this survey
