Wellington – Week of June 19 2025
Fireworks ordinance fizzles; Ybarra honored; Downtown alcohol approved; Parks partnership; Crews praised post-storm
Fireworks Ordinance Changes Fizzle Out After Contentious Debate
City Declares ‘Paul Ybarra Day’ for D-Day Veteran’s 100th Birthday
Downtown Events Get Green Light for Alcohol Consumption
Future Partnership with Lions Club to Improve Parks Teased
Council Praises City Crews for Tireless Work During Severe Storms
Fireworks Ordinance Changes Fizzle Out After Contentious Debate
WELLINGTON - In the most debated item of the evening, the Wellington City Council considered an ordinance to update the city’s fireworks regulations. The proposal, meant to align with state statutes, included extending discharge hours to 11 p.m. on most nights and allowing sales to continue on July 5th. However, council members voiced significant concerns about noise, safety, and the disturbance to residents and pets. After a lengthy and complex discussion involving three separate amendments and multiple split votes, the council effectively amended the proposed ordinance back to match the city’s current rules. Realizing no substantial changes would be made, the council let the ordinance die for lack of a final motion, leaving existing fireworks laws unchanged for the upcoming holiday.
City Declares ‘Paul Ybarra Day’ for D-Day Veteran’s 100th Birthday
WELLINGTON - The City of Wellington honored resident Paul Ybarra with a formal proclamation ahead of his 100th birthday on June 25, 2025. Mayor Joe Soria recognized Mr. Ybarra for a “remarkable life and his long life dedication to both community and country”. A U.S. Army veteran who bravely landed on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasion, Mr. Ybarra was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service. After the war, he returned to Wellington, worked for the Santa Fe Railroad for 40 years, and was a founding member of the St. Rose Catholic Church. With his family present to accept the honor, the council declared June 25, 2025, as “Paul Ybarra Day” in the city and sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
Downtown Events Get Green Light for Alcohol Consumption
WELLINGTON - In a boost for downtown events, the council approved two separate “common consumption areas,” allowing alcoholic beverages to be served and consumed in designated outdoor public areas. The first approval was for a portion of Lincoln Street, requested by The Regent Theatre for an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie “Back to the Future”. The second was for an alleyway near The Dore Bar & Grill, a recurring request to accommodate patrons during the annual Wheat Fest. Both resolutions passed with unanimous support.
Future Partnership with Lions Club to Improve Parks Teased
WELLINGTON - A future collaboration between the City of Wellington and the Lions Club is on the horizon. Councilwoman Jan Grace reported that she had shared the city’s improvement plans for the Aquatic Center, Candy Cane City, and Veterans Park with the local service club. According to Grace, the Lions Club is “very excited” about the plans and would like to partner with the city on the projects. The announcement points toward a community partnership to enhance several of the city’s public recreational spaces.
Council Praises City Crews for Tireless Work During Severe Storms
WELLINGTON - Multiple city council members publicly thanked city employees for their extensive work responding to a series of severe storms that brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages to Wellington. Councilman Kevin Dodds remarked that he saw streets flooded that he had never seen flood before, while Councilwoman Mary Lucas noted she was without power for numerous hours overnight but was grateful that the city’s utilities manager personally answered her call after midnight. Council members acknowledged the tireless hours put in by the street, water, and police departments to restore power, direct traffic, and assist residents with cleanup, and asked the public for patience as crews continue to clear debris.
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