Fireworks and the Fourth of July are a tradition for many across the country but in Illinois you can't set off much more than sparklers! The state's Pyrotechnic Use Act outlaws the sale or use of fireworks but Effingham County Board member Dave Campbell says there's a loophole in the Act they should be taking advantage of and it's one that could generate a lot of revenue for the county, instead of neighboring states. Campbell says when you crunch the numbers it's obvious Effingham County is losing a substantial amount of money to be made on fireworks. Before any changes can be made in the county ... the board wants the law clarified by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Governor Bruce Rauner. They'd also like the continued support from surrounding communities. Effingham County resident Heather Mumma says she's all for having the fireworks be legal. Campbell says the ordinance would only allow fireworks usually sold in Missouri and Indiana. But the process takes time and that's why he hopes the ordinance will be passed next month. And Mumma says she too hopes it gets passed soon, so she has more to celebrate this 4th of July. Fire departments say they're concerned about personal safety but also the safety compliance of firework vendors. The Effingham County board meets again to discuss the topic on Monday April 20th. Currently Illinois allows the sale of "fireworks" known as snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, and sparklers.
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