SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
WNEM.com has developing news on a local community's efforts to lower the boom on fireworks.
The Bangor Township Board has approved an ordinance Wednesday that bans fireworks, except for the day before, day of and day after a federal holiday.
That means fireworks are legal in the township only 30 days per year.
If somebody in Bangor Township fires fireworks on the prohibited days, it is a misdemeanor offense. It could mean 90 days in jail and up to a $500 fine.
Residents have complained to the board about fireworks going off at all hours of the night.
This ordinance begins at the beginning of August.
The city of Midland is already taking the steps that Bangor Township plans to take.
Midland city officials this week banned commercial-grade fireworks within the city limits, except during those 10 national holiday periods.
Grand Blanc Township is also considering an ordinance to limit when residents could shoot off fireworks. The township hasn't made a decision yet on prohibiting the use of fireworks after 11 p.m.
All this comes after a new state law makes it legal to buy commercial-grade fireworks in Michigan.
State law prohibits local governments from preventing the use of fireworks on 10 national holidays, as well as the day before and the day after, but township boards can regulate the use of fireworks any other day if they wish.
>>That brings us to our fast feedback question - what do you think of the proposed bans on the use of fireworks? Let us know on our Facebook page or email us at wnem@wnem.com<<
On a lighter note, Saginaw's annual fireworks display is expected to be bigger and better this year.
Organizers say they expect 90,000 people to descend on the city this Fourth of July. If you plan on attending the show, here are some times you need to know:
The Court Street Bridge will close next Wednesday evening before the show. Ojibway Island, where the fireworks are launched from, closes to the public at 5 p.m. and the show begins at nightfall, or about 10:15 p.m.
Copyright 2012 WNEM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
