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Dr. Zena Stussy urges Pelican Rapids to curb private fireworks after prolonged July 4 disturbance
Summary
In public comment, Dr. Zena Stussy asked the Pelican Rapids City Council to weigh stricter enforcement and proactive education on private fireworks after an hour-long neighborhood display on July 4 that she said harmed residents, pets and veterans with PTSD.
Dr. Zena Stussy, a Pelican Rapids resident and local business owner, told the City Council the city should "continue evaluating how [fireworks] use affects the safety, the health, and the quality of life in our community," citing an hour of continuous neighborhood fireworks near Trinity Church on July 4.
Stussy said she has discussed the issue with Police Chief Quantence Quaintence and urged the council to adopt a proactive mix of education and enforcement next year to reduce preventable emergencies and protect vulnerable residents, including children, seniors and veterans with post-traumatic stress. "While fireworks are often associated with celebration and patriotism, the impact of private fireworks extends well beyond the individual, and it is actually against the law," she said, referencing statutes cited during her remarks.
Stussy also noted pet and wildlife impacts and asked the council to balance personal freedoms with community responsibilities. Mayor Brent Frasier thanked Stussy and said staff would follow up; the council did not take formal action during the meeting but heard she supported enforcement and education ahead of next year’s holidays.
