Fireworks boom for Odessa entrepreneur and partners
Odessa businessman Jim Harris began Truckload Fireworks in 1984 after a job layoff, with early help from Randy Bowerman and Terry Pugh. Now running seven-digit yearly sales at 25 Permian Basin stands outside city limits, Harris notes stands stretch 40 to 125 feet and help area organizations as word spreads.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Odessa
Jim Harris
Randy Bowerman
Terry Pugh
Bowerman
Louisiana
Harris
Ted
Permian Basin
Crane
Andrews
Kermit
Pecos
Midland
Big Spring
Lamesa
Monahans
Fireworks sales adapt to safety during holiday season
County officials report local fireworks vendors will stock safer items and avoid high risk M80s and large display devices. Residents weigh fire danger amid extreme dryness as industry executives cite steady demand and regional sales growth, with officials urging professional displays as safer celebrations.
Dry weather prompts ranchers to oppose fire bans
India Tavarez, Karen Lampley, Schuyler Wight, Bob Steakley, and Dan Boggs voice concerns about fire dangers from dry conditions. They argue lifting bans risks wildfires, noting extreme dryness, scarce grass for burns, and lots of combustible material across Odessa area ranches.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gardendale
Dan Boggs
Steakley
Odessa
Lewis Kearney
Texas Lone Star
City fireworks rules and sale window outlined
Fireworks will be sold June 24 to July 4 while commissioners decide if professional displays become illegal and whether to extend the burn ban. Within city limits only certain items are prohibited. outside, Class C devices are allowed but rockets with fins are discouraged. Larger Class B fireworks require license and permit. Stay safe with extinguishers and a hose nearby and check county laws before using in another county.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bob Steakley
West Odessa
Fireworks Rules Mix City and County Restrictions
Fireworks are banned inside Carrollton city limits with only Class C devices allowed in Ector County outside the city. Novelty noisemakers are permitted citywide and countywide. Federal law bans bottle rockets and homemade devices. professionals should handle aerial shows. Local fire officials warn drought conditions raise fire risk and advise safety and permission for private displays.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ector County
Carrollton
Mark Redlitz
Mississippi Picnic in Central Park Celebrates State Spirit
In Central Park, hundreds of Mississippians marked the 27th annual picnic with catfish hushpuppies and a water melon seed spitting contest. Gov. Haley Barbour praised volunteers aiding Katrina recovery as New Yorkers joined to support coastal rebuilding and tourism promotion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York
Central Park
Mississippi
Haley Barbour
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mark Sterkeljodessa
Bob Bryant
White
Kearney
Texas
West
Julie L. Heckman
American Pyrotechnic Association
Heckman
India
Tavarez
Karen Lampley
Schuyler Wight
Gardendale Pecan
Karessa Freeman
Detra White
Sparklers
Livingston
Kurt Kiser
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