The Chadron City Council has given final approval to an ordinance more clearly defining when fireworks can and can't be used inside the city limits.

The measure generally mirrors state statutes, but sets the hours for fireworks being used as 8 a-m to 10 p-m June 25th through July 3rd and 8-till-1 a-m on the 4th.

The ordinance also prohibits fireworks in several locations...including city parks...and allows the council to ban fireworks or extend their use because of weather conditions

The Chadron council last night also voted to become part of the Nebraska WARN Water and Wastewater and Stormwater Mutual Aid Agreement. Members are not obligated to help each other in emergencies, but participating in the mutual aid agreement sets a process for reinbursement for those that do.

And the council approved purchasing a new Handi-Bus. The state is picking up 80% of the cost for the nearly $48,000 small bus...which will split time with Northwest Community Action's existing Head Start bus.

The city driver will use that bus during the hours of taking Head Start students to and from the program, and use the new bus for primarily adult passenger the rest of the day.