Winslow - For the first time in more than 40 years, Mainers can buy and set off their own fireworks this July 4th in communities where they're legal.

Steve Marson has opened five Pyro City fireworks stores statewide, including one in Winslow, which has been open for about a month. But that's helped to make it a busier than normal month for Winslow Police, who have answered 60 calls from residents complaining about fireworks according to Police Chief Jeffrey Fenlason. "Primarily just noise," Fenlason said of the complaints. "It's not a violation of the law per se. They're generally done by 10:00 pm, but it appears to be just constant. Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night. In residential areas, it's quite disturbing."

Winslow has a 10:00 p.m. curfew for people setting off fireworks. Although people aren't breaking the law, Winslow Police must respond to every call, which is taxing their already thin resources. "A lot of times we have one officer on, so it takes him away from more pressing calls."

Chief Fenlason is part of a four person advisory committee the town manager has formed, tasked with finding a solution to the fireworks debate that everyone can live with.

Steve Marson hopes the committee realizes they're dealing with 60 complaints out of roughly 8000 residents. "What about the other 99 1/2 percent? That may want to use it and are gonna continue to use it? Do you change everything?" Marson said, while working to open his new store in Presque Isle.

Some of the solutions likely to be discussed - making the fireworks curfew earlier than 10:00, or only allowing fireworks to be used on certain days of the week or certain holidays.

Marson, who only hires unemployed people to work full time in his store, is concerned rule changes could drive down business. He's currently opening his 5th store in Presque Isle and he employs 38 full time workers who all are eligible for a benefits package which includes health insurance. "I made an investment in Winslow," Marson said. "They need to be mindful of the fact that I've hired unemployed people in their community and, as a result of this, if you're not doing business, people become unemployed again. I can choose to come off the tax base."

State law allows towns and cities to decide if the sale and use of fireworks will be banned in their communities. In neighboring Waterville their ban on the sale and use of fireworks will stand for now. That ban was challenged by a resident who attempted to overturn the recently-approved ban, but fell short of gathering the necessary signatures needed to force the city council to reconsider the measure.

Kendrick Whitney said he believed the ban in Waterville should be amended to allow residents to use fireworks on a limited basis for celebrations such as graduations and anniversaries. His petition fell 300 signatures short of the 1500 needed to force the city council to revisit the ban, or have the issue sent to voters to decide. Councilors cited noise and safety concerns as well as trash left behind by exploded fireworks.

In Winslow, Chief Fenlason is hoping they can reach a compromise instead of banning fireworks altogether. "I'm hoping not to go that far," Fenlason said. "I don't personally necessarily agree with an outright ban, but people need to be comfortable in their own homes. So I'm looking at some type of compromise."

The advisory committee will present their recommendations to the town council July 9th.

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