It appears the Minnesota Legislature may have eased the restrictions on fireworks for its residents. In the past, those who wanted to celebrate our nation’s independence had to go to the Dakotas or Wisconsin to obtain things that go bang. In a move to keep the money at home, our lawmakers are close to allowing a broader selection of legal fireworks in the state. There are, however, some restrictions about their use.

I remember in my younger days my relatives who lived near Fargo, North Dakota would bring fireworks to us for the 4th of July. Our family would sit out in the backyard and watch the big show over Clear Lake and would augment it with a small show of our own. My parents always supervised in my lighting of the pyrotechnical display. Local law enforcement was quite tolerant of the fireworks inside the city limits as well. 

I lived right next to a rest home and they never complained. I must admit I did make a small error in judgment one time. I was lighting off an aerial bomb. I thought the thing was a dud (my first mistake.) I bent over to inspect the dud (my second mistake) when it went off a few feet from my pretty(?) face. Luckily, as I have most of my life, I was wearing glasses so my eyes were shielded from the small blast. Despite a little more weight in the shorts, I was unharmed. 

Lessons learned, just like you should treat every firearm as if they are loaded; fireworks need to have the same consideration.

If the proposed legislation passes, we all need to take the time to enjoy fireworks, but enjoy them in a safe and sane manner. 

I also see the proposed changing of the opening day of fishing idea fell by the wayside. Many folks have had reservations and plans in place for quite a while. I am not quite sure why the idea was even brought up in the first place. Do the fish know what day the opening of fishing season is? Do they really care?

Every time I drive into my garage, there sit my fishing poles gathering more dust. To tell the truth, I really enjoy fishing. At my age, I don’t even care if I don’t get a nibble; I enjoy being outside in the summer and the comfortable confines of a fish house in the winter. To me, it’s more of a social event, swapping stories with other anglers about the fish (and girls) that got away over the years.

Fishing is just one of our great pastimes here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes (winter and road construction are the other two.) It’s a great way to have a family outing because it’s something all ages can enjoy. If you have time, take the time and get out and enjoy the wonderful outdoors.

Area high school prom nights are fast approaching. I think it is a wonderful thing we have here with the annual After Prom Party. We never had the option when I attended school. The many volunteers should be commended for their efforts towards offering a safe and sober alternative to our fine students. Everyone have fun and stay casual…