Indian Booth Sells Fireworks Again

Wed., June 19, 1996

Spokane

Shoshone-Bannock businessmen, who last year discovered a $40,000 market for fireworks that are illegal in the surrounding counties, have reopened their booth along Interstate 15.

The venture is operated by the Sho-Ban Gaming Enterprise, which runs the tribe’s bingo operation. It raised $40,000 in 1995 by selling legal fireworks, such as sparklers, along with fireworks such as bottle rockets that are illegal off the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.

Some tribal members started the operation as a way to help finance the gaming enterprises’ employee fund, which pays for dinners and other activities. It was so successful that other local groups also benefited.

But the fireworks could mean trouble for eastern Idaho residents.

“A general rule of thumb is that if they fly, explode or show flaming potential they are illegal,” said Leen VanHulten of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department.

Those caught with the illegal fireworks face fines and other penalties.

Sho-Ban officials demonstrated how the fireworks can be used safely during the booth’s grand opening Monday night. About $1,000 worth of fireworks were set off.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.