The Emporia Gazette

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

As of this weekend the Emporia Gazette has been in violation of Emporia's new smoking ban ordinance, not to mention an older state law.

Both laws require all buildings open to the public or places of employement in Emporia to be marked with a visable no-smoking sign at all public entrances.

This law pertains to retail stores as well.
Just because you "haven't been able to smoke in Grave's Drug Store for the last twenty years" does not exempt them from the law.

The reason I mention the Gazette is because I have personally dropped off copies of the ordinance, (as well as a complimentary no-smoking sign), to the newspaper office for Christopher Walker.

In doing so I figured the paper would run a story advising all business owners of their requirements under the new law.
I was wrong. The stuff I dropped off must have been lost before Chris got a chance to see it.

So I am posting here, on a semi-public forum asking the Gazette to comply with the law. It will save myself and Christopher time in city court and The $100.00 fine the Gazette could be fined.

And perhaps the posters on this thread could help out by listing all the businesses and churches, (yes Churches are included), That do not have the mandatory signs on their entrances. At $100.00 a pop the fines on these law-breakers could be a great revenue stream for the city.
Steve

May 10, 2009 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

Steve.....I'll stand with you on this one too buddy. After all a law is a law and should be obeyed weather you agree with it or even wanted it or not.

And we have all learned of late that being a privately owned business is no excuse because it is against the law for you to be able to run your business ( or in this case decorate your entrances) as you see fit.

As any police officer, or judge, will also tell you ignorance of the law is no excuse. So by jove people.....we pass these laws (or help them get passed) and we better obey them.

Or to quote my fellow ancient one methusla..."OFF WITH THEIR HEADS"......figuratively speaking of course.

May 10, 2009 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

As I have said before many times in the past decades !
The amount of bias and favoritism in this little Eutopian village called Emporia is and continues to be amazing !
Steve, you are right about there being numerous businesses, etc. in Eutopia that are not abiding by the law. I will try and get around and list and document as many as possible and get them to you !
I don't know whether the Gazette thinks that they are exempt from abiding by the letter of the law under their freedom of press protection or not !
One thing I have noticed, is that a lot of the " No smoking signs" on a lot of businesses, etc. are really small and not very prominantly displayed, in fact you have to look hard to see them at all !
I would think that if the City and the powers that be are and did force everyone to abide by a new law ( ordinance ), there should be or should have been a size requirement put on " No Smoking " signs, such as at least no smaller than 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches and brightly colored, so as to be easily seen !
As for churches, that could be a very sticky situation, as churches, etc., are or believe that they are exempt from many of the " laws of man ! " !

May 10, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

Oh......methusla.....I must have been confused......

Judging by their actions I was under the impression that many churches thought it was their job to write the laws of the land.
.....or perhaps they feel....(as some businesses apparently do).... that if they help to pass the law they then don't have to abide by it if they don't want to.

May 10, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

"or perhaps they feel."
Yes I'm sure all churches and "church people" feel the same about this issue and I'm sure they all worked hard to pass this new law so that they could break it. Yes I'm sure that's it!

May 10, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

Come on seriouslyfolks.....the "they" you highlight was in reference to the "many" churches in the preceeding sentence.
So if you want to quibble over semantics you should make sure you get it right. The word all never appeared one time in either sentence.

May 10, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

......and the first sentence was referencing the "laws of the land" as mentioned in the post that preceeded it. Only the second sentence made more specific....but still not absolute.....reference to the smoking ban.

.....I left that part off the preceeding post....Sorry....

May 10, 2009 at 1:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

rbow......Sorry about veering off topic....the situation we have here reminds me of something Frank Zappa said...

....."America is a nation of laws--randomly written and selectively enforced."

May 10, 2009 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigE (anonymous) says...

The Adventures of The Sign Police

Starring rbow as the brave unwaivering sheriff, and his trusty ,
fearless sidekick methusla...

"I will try and get around and list and document as many as possible and get them to you ! " says methusla to his superior friend rbow!

Well what is he going to do with them that you can't do yourself methusla? If you really have nothing better to do than go around and inspect businesses and measure their signs, you should really look into a part time job, or at the very least some type of hobby!!!

I bet the teachers thought you were the greatest hall monitor ever when you were a kid..."you guys better stop running in the hall or I'm telling"!

May 10, 2009 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

The CONTINUING adventures of the sign police:

The sign police, methusla and rbow are called out by their archvillian, BigE.

BigE, who while growing up, was known as littleE and was raised by loving parents who were well respected and even loved in the village due to their hard work and dedication to their fellow citizens.
LittleE, however, was never one to accomplish much of anything on his own, without the help of his parents and was not well liked in the village.
Because of this he grew up with an attitude.
When he grew up he changed his name to BigE, which stood for, "Because I'm Great Emporia".
In his grown-up life he decided to pursue the sporting life and the performing arts. His mentorship and support of various dance performers was legendary.
His quest for power started with the village-wide smoking law. When the law took effect and the people in the village
realized what the new law said, some villagers began to complain. He decided to resort to his school year tactics of calling people names.

He has yet to learn that "the law is the law and it applies to all.

May 10, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Why is the Gazette in violation of the law when in a different thread Grewn Larson stated:

As for The Gazette... Logically, we would support a law-abiding stance, which would make us against burglary. Then again, what would we print in Daily Report if there weren't burglaries?

A law abiding stance would be to post the required signs, wouldn't it?

Daily Report for May 12, 2009:

Emporia Gazette 517 Merchant St., failure to post required signage.

May 10, 2009 at 7:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigE (anonymous) says...

1st of all, there was absolutely no name calling in that post.
2nd, as much as it hurts me to say this, that was a great post rbow! I was literally laughing while reading it! I can dish it out, but I can take it too! So let me say, well done!

adventures, continued...
upon arriving at the alleged business in violation, methusla takes out his trusty tape measure. As he suspected, the posted sign only measures 7 inches by 9 inches! and not the required 8.5 X 11 inches! (insert dramatic music here)...additionally, the fearless duo also notes that the letters are not "brightly colored, so as to be easily seen !" as they had previously requested! The lowly business owner is immediately taken to the middle of the village and beaten with a leather strap. This sends a well deserved message to all business owners in the village. Anyone and everyone who will not comply with the superhero sheriff and his trusty deputy will be made an example of...or at least they will be told on...

Stay tuned for the next chapter...

May 10, 2009 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Big E, first you complain about smokers, smoking, shs and certain businesses that allowed smoking, just like you most likely complained to BigDaddy and BigMamma when you were a spoiled child if anyone did not agree with what you wanted !
Now you and others got what you wanted and what is it now with you, all the people of Emporia and those who shop here, even though they do not live here, must abide by this new smoking ban law !
Well an unnecessarily harsh City ordinance ( law ) has been passed and enacted, and was enforced in the form of inspections by the fire dept., immediately !
Now that the law is in place and has been for over 30 days now and there are still numerous places of employment, businesses, etc. that are not in compliance and therefore in violation of the " LAW " and therefore it should be the responsibility of every law abiding citizen to see that the law is complyed with to the letter of the law, even if it means some of your friends or relatives may have to suffer the consequences of breaking the law by way of a fine !
Now if you do not like the idea of a law abiding citizen doing their civil duty and helping out the fire dept. and police dept. to enforce a law that will supposedly benefit everyones " HEALTH " , then I suggest that you get with your CAE friends and either mount a campain to get the smoking ban law repealed or modified to be not quite so strict !
Or is it your belief that the new law should only apply to certain individuals or businesses, such as those that were targeted by this rediculously strict law, as I had and have always maintained that it was an overly strict, unfair, impartial and biased law all along.
Now, I am trying to be a good citizen by helping with enforcing the new law and yes I can and may even turn over my findings to the proper athorities myself !
Was it not you and those who supported the smoking ban law, that encouraged citizens to turn violaters into the authorities, etc., in the first place ?
By the way, what business of yours, is it anyway if I turn my findings over to Steve to turn in to the authorities, I would do the same for anyone, except you BigE, because you are the most selfcentered, selfish, egotisitical, dispicable person I have had the missfortune to come across !
BigE,
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT EVERONE SHOULD COMPLY AND ABIDE BY THIS NEW SMOKING BAN LAW OR NOT, NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE, WHO THEY KNOW, WHAT ORGANIZATION THEIR ARE AFFILIATED WITH, GROUP THEY BELONG TO OR WHO THEY OWE, WITHOUT EXCEPTION ?
IF NOT, THEN JUST WHO DO YOU BELIEVE SHOULD COMPLY WITH AND ABIDE BY THIS NEW SMOKING BAN LAW ?
If you want to anger me more, just keep up your stupid, snide little remarks !

May 10, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

BigE; Your post on Sept.28 2008 @9:08

"I think it is a gross oversimplification to think that if it's a private owned business, that you can do as you please. The multitude of current laws that govern business are put there to protect the public as well as the best interest of the business owner, even if the owner may disagree with them. There is an obvious difference between an individuals home and an individuals business that serves the public."

While kind of fun, let's forget the fairytales for a moment. What do you think?
Steve

May 10, 2009 at 11:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

FYI, BigE, running in the halls at school or anywhere is and was against the school rules and not good for your " HEALTH " or anyone elses and is dangerous to boot !
However since you were undoubtledly the most important kid in school, you and your friends, if you had any, friends that is, didn't have to abide by the rules, while everyone else did !

May 10, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

The only requirements for the sign are:

Section 9. POSTING OF SIGNS
a. The owner, manager or other person having control of such building or
other areas where smoking is prohibited by this Article shall have a
conspicuously posted sign clearly stating that smoking is prohibited at all
main entrances used by the public (excluding employee-only entrances).
b. Such “No Smoking” signs shall have bold lettering of not less than one (1)
inch in height. The international “No Smoking” symbol may also be used
(consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a
red circle with red bar across it).

Methusla old buddy,

Don't let them rile you up. It's all done in fun. At least that's what I'm trying to do, take a bad situation and have a little fun with it.

May 10, 2009 at 11:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I wonder if I sign a complaint on the Gazette, who would get the ticket?
Gwen?
Patrick?
Christopher?

May 10, 2009 at 11:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

I'm new to this game but I'm slowly starting to figure out who some of the people posting here are......and now I can add Big E to my list.

It was a classic description rbow...good job....

May 11, 2009 at 5:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Deepthoughts (anonymous) says...

"In his grown-up life he decided to pursue the sporting life and the performing arts. His mentorship and support of various dance performers was legendary."

rbow - I'm impressed by your descriptive ability. This had me laughing out loud!

May 11, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

I could be way off on my assumptions about BigE, but I would still like them to explain the difference in their thinking that has taken place from pre-ban days to what they think now.
It seems to me there is a complete change in your way of thinking, tell us why BigE?

Oh, and I still don't see a no-smoking sign on the Gazette front door.

May 12, 2009 at 6:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigE (anonymous) says...

So you were the MVP of hall monitors, huh methusla? Sounds like you are still a little bitter about those people that were dangerously running in the halls!
Additionally, I did finally get through your rather lengthy post from 5/10 at 10:24 p.m., but must admit I dozed off a time or two, and had to stop for a sandwich before I got clear to the end. And by that time I had already forgotten what the 1st part of it said...

rbow, I must say that my thinking is still the same as in the pre-ban days. I have enjoyed being out in the smoke free environment. I know you obviously opposed it, but how do you feel about things since it passed? Any difference in opinion on your part? Just curious...
You are correct, businesses should post the signs as set forth in the requirements that you stated. I was just having a little fun with methusla after reading his post. It sure did get his panties in a wad in a hurry though.
Not sure what fairy tale you are referring to in your post that quoted me from Sept. 28th, mentioning the laws that govern business, I still believe what I said in that post to be true. Not all laws will please everyone, but I feel that they are in place for a reason.

May 12, 2009 at 8:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Well BigE, it is hard to say about the business aspect of this post ban period. This time of year my business normally drops off some due to the nice weather, and people getting out working in their yards, etc. The afternoon early evening business is down with the smokers not staying as long as they used to. The air seems to be a lot less smokey, but that would be expected. The tension of some smokers, including myself seems to be heightened.
Beyond the business aspect I still consider this law as taking away my private property rights. You think it is necessary and I do not. The law however is the law and we are following it.
We have had two checks from the fire department since, the law took effect, I can't say the same for other businesses here in town. This level playing field we all heard about is pretty bumpy. That is why I have kept up about the Gazette not posting their non-smoking sign as per the ordinance. I can only guess they want me to file a complaint against them so they can have a story to print. Oh well!
But at least you do agree that all businesses should follow the laws as they are written, and that is a start to a level playing field.
Steve

May 12, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

methusla (anonymous) says...

Well, BigE, your idea of fun and my idea of fun, obviously are not the same thing !
For example, you stated, and I quote, " If you really have nothing better to do than go around and inspect businesses and measure their signs, you should really look into a part time job, or at the very least some type of hobby!!! "
Does the above statement you directed at me your idea of having fun, because it is certainly not my idea of a particularly funny thing to say to anyone !
I worked hard for almost 50 years, providing for my family and am now retired and don't have to work any longer, I have all I want and need, because I am not driven by greed and the need for power, control of others, etc.
As for having a hobby, I do have a hobby, thank you !
Therefore BigE, I am assuming that by now you know that I do not like you, and most likely never will !

May 12, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xeTma...

May 13, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Still don't see a sign at the Gazette!

Good morning!

May 13, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cwalker (anonymous) says...

Come check it out. Sign is up.

Thanks for the conversation. We will be printing some enlightening and entertaining information.

Thanks
Chris

May 13, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

You're welcome.

May 13, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Is that really you posting Chris?

I was begining to think That Pat Kelly, (in a smoking withdrawal fit of rage), had bricked you up in the old smoking room, never to be seen or heard from again.
Good to hear your'e still here:)
Steve

May 13, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cwalker (anonymous) says...

Yes Corbin it's really me. Sorry for my delayed response but I don't venture to the forums very often. As one can imagine keeping Bobbi on track takes a good amount time.

The fire chief had picked up on your blog and called me this morning to give me some pointers on our signage.

I hope our signage passes. I will wait to hear from you.

Chris Walker
The Emporia Gazette

May 13, 2009 at 1:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Stebbins (anonymous) says...

Wow, now I really want a cigarette.
When the wind is sued for carrying smoke into public places, will the wind sue me?

May 13, 2009 at 1:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Ironically, the answer is blowin' in the wind.

May 13, 2009 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

biscuitboy (anonymous) says...

see good things happen when men (and women) of good will meet together and exchange ideas with grace and dignity.....and a little humor doesn't hurt anything.

May 13, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

Did anyone get the dimensions on that sign yet?

May 13, 2009 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Thanks for the conversation. We will be printing some enlightening and entertaining information.

Thanks
Chris

Please enlighten us, so we may take you off the Most wanted list of the sign police.

May 13, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

cwalker (anonymous) says...

Corbin,

Bobbi is working on an informative piece and I will write a column about you next week.

Town Royal Customer Alert!!!!
Can you make sure Mike Turnbull is feeling Ok. I saw him in his yard yesterday doing what appeared to be yard work. He was actually holding a garden rake.

Does he need a doctor's note before doing manual labor?

Chris

May 14, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGWUZQ...

May 14, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...

Gosh, when I cut his hours at the 2nd job I didn't think he would have to take up manual labor. You should have had a camera, I find it hard to believe.
Steve

May 14, 2009 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

So, I just heard through the grapevine that one of the pre-ban prophecies is coming true. If the info is correct--and I believe it is--one of our local bars will be closing entirely because of the smoking ban. Corbin's crystal ball (or business experience) was dead on. Who'da thunk?

May 14, 2009 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

BigE (anonymous) says...

"entirely because of the smoking ban"? Really? Surely there is no other factor, right?
Mr. Corbin's post from May 12, 8:31 PM states that his business normally drops off this time of year due to nice weather, people working in their yards, etc... I would imagine that this probably holds true for other bars as well. Wouldn't you think that the economy would also be a factor? So how can you state it is entirely from the smoking ban?

And methusla, did you really mean that you don't like me? Are you sure? How am I supposed to go on? That has been my goal all along, for you to like me! Maybe you just need more time to think about it...I bet you will come around!

May 17, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...

just coincidence I'm sure(rolls eyes)

May 17, 2009 at 8:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...

Well, I certainly did not ask for specific numbers and calculations, Big E, but I did verify that the owner stated that the ban is absolutely the cause of the business's demise. This is second-hand, but the person telling me said that the owner did directly state in the conversation between the two that the ban is directly to blame. I typically trust that any intelligent business owner who knows their business also knows what's killing it. As it was predicted by other bar owners who also know the business well, I would personally trust the statement is accurate.
You can feel free to distrust and question it all you want---you already made up your mind a long time ago how you want to perceive this ban, and as we all (now) know, perception trumps reality every time. :D

May 17, 2009 at 9:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )