(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) For those in St. Joseph hoping to start the new year with a bang, you're going to run into trouble.
The St. Joseph Police Department is sending out a reminder that all fireworks are illegal at this time.
Local fireworks businesses are still expecting large crowds.
Shoppers at Kovac's Fireworks are getting what they need to make the new year explosive.
For some, it's the best way to celebrate.
"It's been a tradition for a long time. I mean, for a lot of people, and kind of people all over the world too," says Sydni Kovac, owner of Kovac's Fireworks.
It's not quite like the 4th of July, but Kovac's is going to be busy.
Those coming in want to make a big boom.
"For New Year's it's definitely worth opening, and we have a lot of people that really enjoy to shoot off for New Year's," Kovac says.
For those living in the city limits of St. Joseph, you'll want to find a different way to celebrate.
"Fireworks at this time of year are illegal in the city, no matter what type of fireworks they are," says Sgt. Chris McBane, of the St. Joseph Police Department.
Unlike the 4th of July, all fireworks are illegal for New Year's and the rest of the year.
Police and firefighters have several concerns.
Although we've had a recent snowfall, northwest Missouri is still in a severe drought.
Some of the ground is wet, but trees and brush are dry.
"Getting on neighbor's roofs, and catching their roofs on fire, things like that, as well as the danger to yourself. Fireworks are explosives," McBane says.
On New Year's Eve, the St. Joseph Police Department will be out in full force looking for drunk drivers, but if it sees or hears about fireworks, it's not afraid to take care of it.
"Anybody caught discharging any kind of fireworks will summonsed to court," says McBane.
Even if you do plan to use fireworks where it is legal, vendors still ask you to be careful.
"Being safe, making sure anything you shoot is on a flat surface, and not shooting with your head over the firework, and things like that," Kovac says.
It's a lot of fun that can turn to a lot of trouble very quickly.
The St. Joseph Police Department is asking those who are drinking on the holiday to plan ahead.
Find a designated driver or another way home without putting yourself and others in danger.
The St. Joseph Police Department is sending out a reminder that all fireworks are illegal at this time.
Local fireworks businesses are still expecting large crowds.
Shoppers at Kovac's Fireworks are getting what they need to make the new year explosive.
For some, it's the best way to celebrate.
"It's been a tradition for a long time. I mean, for a lot of people, and kind of people all over the world too," says Sydni Kovac, owner of Kovac's Fireworks.
It's not quite like the 4th of July, but Kovac's is going to be busy.
Those coming in want to make a big boom.
"For New Year's it's definitely worth opening, and we have a lot of people that really enjoy to shoot off for New Year's," Kovac says.
For those living in the city limits of St. Joseph, you'll want to find a different way to celebrate.
"Fireworks at this time of year are illegal in the city, no matter what type of fireworks they are," says Sgt. Chris McBane, of the St. Joseph Police Department.
Unlike the 4th of July, all fireworks are illegal for New Year's and the rest of the year.
Police and firefighters have several concerns.
Although we've had a recent snowfall, northwest Missouri is still in a severe drought.
Some of the ground is wet, but trees and brush are dry.
"Getting on neighbor's roofs, and catching their roofs on fire, things like that, as well as the danger to yourself. Fireworks are explosives," McBane says.
On New Year's Eve, the St. Joseph Police Department will be out in full force looking for drunk drivers, but if it sees or hears about fireworks, it's not afraid to take care of it.
"Anybody caught discharging any kind of fireworks will summonsed to court," says McBane.
Even if you do plan to use fireworks where it is legal, vendors still ask you to be careful.
"Being safe, making sure anything you shoot is on a flat surface, and not shooting with your head over the firework, and things like that," Kovac says.
It's a lot of fun that can turn to a lot of trouble very quickly.
The St. Joseph Police Department is asking those who are drinking on the holiday to plan ahead.
Find a designated driver or another way home without putting yourself and others in danger.
