Chapman residents still have a mess to clean but they're taking a break for the Fourth of July. The 4th is usually a big deal with tons of fireworks lighting up Chapman's sky. But after a tornado destroyed 60% of the town officials considered banning the tradition.
After a lot of talk they changed their minds and decided to allow fireworks. The city figured residents needed to let loose. But it banned fireworks in a four block radius where most of the debris is located.
Residents were thrilled with the decision. They packed fireworks stands to stock up on goodies.
Tony Freize has sold fireworks outside of his Chapman house for 35 years. He's says people want to move on and shooting off fireworks is a good way to do it.
Freize is also the school superintendent. He used the fireworks stand as an opportunity to fill people in on the district's progress. "I get to see all of the kids and community members that come here. I can give them an update of what's happening in our schools. Reassure them that our schools are going to be here in Chapman," Freize said. He says classes will start August 18th.
