NORFOLK, Neb. -- The topic of when fireworks should be sold and used was discussed Monday evening in Norfolk.

Home to one of the biggest fireworks events of the year in northeast Nebraska, the city of Norfolk held a public hearing on how long those fireworks should be used. Currently, fireworks can be purchased from June 25 to July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and can be used within that time frame. The exception is July 4, which goes until midnight.

Year after year, the city said they have received complaints about fireworks. Those same concerns were brought forward Monday when citizens said the time frame was too much for some veterans, pets, and people who work late hours. 

"I guess my big question is, why do we need this for 10 days?" resident Curt Lammers asked. "I understand people like fireworks, but it seems unnecessary to have it go on for 10 days. I mean this can be torture for animals, people who have autism...veterans sometimes have to have earmuffs on to get sleep at night because of this."

Fireworks are a big business in Norfolk, with vendors filling the city during the 4th of July season. City planner Val Grimes said permits to sell fireworks are filed as early as January and vendors plan on that time frame being set in place. No action was taken on Monday, but the council did agree they needed to revisit the issue.