Ask Mr. Answer Person: "What were those loud explosions?"

Eric e-mails: "Dear Mr. Answer Person, Our beautiful home in Decorah has been shaken several times recently by what seemed to be large explosions. This occurred early on a Tuesday morning and again around 8:15 Wednesday morning.

Can you tell us who and what type of activity is causing this, and why it is allowed when it is disruptive to our peace of mind, quality of life, and is damaging to our homes?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "Unfortunately, I don't have any clue as to what caused the explosions or when or where they happened.  City ordinances say "It is a misdemeanor to make or excite any disturbance of the public peace or quiet of any street, alley, avenue, public park, public or private building or any neighborhood, private person or family, within the city, by loud or unusual noise, by ringing bells, blowing horns or by use of sirens, radios or any type of speaking devices or noise makers or other instruments, squealing tires or by any other device or means whatever."

But an ordinance is only as effective as its enforcement.   So if your sleep is disturbed by loud noises in the future, contacting the Decorah Police Department or the Decorah City Clerk's Office is going to be more effective than e-mailing Mr. Answer Person.

Sorry!"