Ask Mr. Answer Person about Decorah's noise ordinance

Amanda e-mails: "Now that fireworks can be sold in Decorah, is there going to be a noise ordinance enforced?  if there is one, why has it not been enforced with regards to motorcycles gunning it through town and trucks with loud mufflers?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "Yes, there's a city noise ordinance.  However, tickets are rarely written for noise ordinance violations.  That's because of two reasons: 1) It's hard for police officers to be in exactly the right place when loud motorcycles or trucks, for instance, are driving down the street.  2) Police tend to issue warnings about noise ordinance violations, hoping to solve the problem without issuing tickets.

Every few years there's a call by some members of the public to crack down on loud noises--such as racing at the Fairgrounds, or firecrackers being set off around the Fourth of July, loud outdoor concerts somewhere in town, or loud parties with a lot of people.  Should tickets be written instead of warnings being issued?  That's a political question, so share you opinion with your elected representatives."