Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Fireworks stand pried open, large displays missing

The manager of Spectacular Fireworks on Highway 67 South told a Clark County Sheriffs Department deputy Thursday morning, July 6, that her stand had been pried open the night before and approximately $450 worth of firecrackers were stolen.

According to a report taken by Clark County Deputy Kenny Taylor, a break in and theft of property occurred either late Wednesday night, July 5, or early Thursday morning, July 6, when someone forced entry to the stand after it was locked up for the evening.

According to the report on file from the sheriffs office, the manager, Elaine Burks, told the deputy she was asleep in a camper trailer next to the firecracker stand when the incident occurred. She reported that a wooden flap was pried open at the front of the stand and the products were removed after access was gained.

According to the report, Burks stated that, "We had been here 18 days without any trouble and I never expected anything to happen on the last day."

Burks reported that two big displays, valued at $125 each, were missing, plus numerous smaller firecrackers.

Burks told the deputy she is responsible for the items at the stand. The incident is still under investigation.

The stand was located just outside of Gurdon city limits on Highway 67 South toward Arkadelphia.