The reports came in from all over the country. A CBS affiliate in the Denver area reported a substantial increase in firework reports over the Fourth of July, as did local papers in Dayton, Ohio and Lincoln, Nebraska. Even before Independence Day, firework blasts were a noted nuisance throughout June. The Des Moines Register reported twice as many June complaints this year than last; WIBV-TV in Buffalo detailed more than 2,000 such reports over the month.
But in Huntley, and much of the surrounding area, people are saying that the last few weeks have been comparatively firework-free. Many individuals who live or work in Huntley reported that, compared to past years, Independence Day and the preceding weeks seemed considerably quieter.
Rhonda Morkes Dehn, a Barrington resident and CEO of Morkes Chocolates, described this past weekend as “the quietest Fourth [of July] ever.”
According to information provided by deputy chief Michael Klunk of the Huntley Police Department, only sixteen firework complaint calls were received for the first six months of 2020. This was an increase from the same time span in 2019, in which only twelve fireworks reports were logged, but it was nowhere near as many as other areas reported.
“Yes, there seemed like more,” Claudia Kendzior, the owner of the Huntley Morkes, said, “but I cannot say it was significant.”
Deputy Klunk did not provide updated 2020 records in time for publication; however, he did mention an average number of fireworks complaints for a Fourth of July weekend would number in the mid-forties.
“I thought [the number of fireworks] were about the same this year,” Maria Maddox, the office manager of St. Mary Church, said.
Illinois is among four states, joining Massachusetts, Ohio, and Vermont, where the usage of consumer fireworks is illegal. It appears not even the coronavirus could stop Illinoisans from celebrating America’s birthday this year — although, in somewhat subdued amounts in certain areas.
For those still wanting to see some more fireworks later in the year, there’s still a prime opportunity. Huntley’s annual Independence Day fireworks show has been postponed until Saturday, September 5. It is currently scheduled take place in Deicke Park.
