News Summary
A false social media claim stated that residents of Bowling Green would face fines for mowing after 4 p.m., causing concern among locals. City officials quickly dispelled the rumor, confirming that no such law exists. They emphasized that residents can mow their lawns freely, while also addressing safety practices related to lawn equipment following a house fire incident. The city encouraged responsible lawn care and dismissed the misleading information that caused unnecessary panic.
Bowling Green, Ky. – A social media post that circulated erroneously claimed that residents could face incarceration and fines amounting to $10,000 for mowing their lawns after 4 p.m. This false information sparked widespread confusion among local residents, prompting city officials to clarify that no such law exists.
The now-deleted Facebook post alarmed community members with its warnings, but city officials, including Ryan Johnson, operations division manager for Bowling Green’s public works department, expressed disbelief at the claims. Johnson stated unequivocally that the city does not enforce regulations on lawn mowing hours, reinforcing the notion that residents are free to maintain their yards without concern for arbitrary time restrictions.
City officials swiftly took to social media to set the record straight. They assured the public that there is no ordinance governing “After-Hours Grass Maintenance” nor any corresponding section in the Bowling Green Municipal Code. The city’s humorous approach in addressing the misinformation included a light-hearted note about the absence of a “Department of Lawn Enforcement,” pressing the point that residents can continue to mow their lawns without fear of legal repercussions.
Local landscaper Jagger Rone also weighed in, critiquing the dissemination of the misinformation, which potentially impacts local businesses that typically operate until 6 p.m. Rone, along with city officials, emphasized that the only real issue in this situation is the belief in misleading internet claims.
The uproar over lawn mowing regulations juxtaposed an unfortunate incident elsewhere in Kentucky, wherein a family lost their home to a fire that ignited due to lawn care equipment. The incident involved Michael Rice, a resident whose son had finished mowing the lawn and stored the mower in the garage, which led to a fire outbreak. The Georgetown Police Department reported responding to a series of similar incidents that month, reinforcing the need for proper safety practices regarding lawn equipment.
Following these events, local authorities urged homeowners to ensure that lawn equipment is allowed ample time to cool down before being stored, recommending that such equipment be kept in well-ventilated areas and away from flammable materials. The Rice family is now staying in a motel as they deal with the total loss of their home and coordinate with their insurance provider. In light of this experience, Rice advised fellow homeowners to avoid storing riding mowers in garages to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
In summary, Bowling Green’s city officials have made it clear that residents have no legal constraints on mowing their lawns after 4 p.m. While misinformation concerning lawn mowing rules led to unnecessary panic, safety mechanisms regarding the storage of mowing equipment have become a pressing reminder for residents to prevent fire hazards. Community members are encouraged to keep practicing courteous lawn care without succumbing to false narratives.
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Additional Resources
- WNKY: No It Is Not a Felony to Mow Your Lawn After 4 P.M. in Bowling Green
- Homes & Gardens: When to Apply Lawn Sand
- History: Lawn Mower and the American Dream
- Morning Ag Clips: Free DIY Lawn Care Class
- Google Search: Lawn Care Safety Practices