The U.S. Census Bureau says that Emporia’s population has declined steadily since the official census was taken for 2000. City officials, however, are not confident the Census Bureau figures are accurate.
In a census estimate released late last month, Emporia’s population on July 1, 2006, was 26,188. The 2000 census showed the city’s population as 26,824.
Robert Bernstein, spokesman for the U.S. Census Bureau, said that estimating populations is a two-part process.
Natural changes, though birth and death records, are part of the measurement process. Movement also is taken into account, using Medicare and Internal Revenue Service records, Bernstein said.
International migration also comes into play.
“For that, we take primarily an estimate of the foreign-born population ... from the American community survey,” he said. Those numbers provide a national estimate, “then we distribute that to the subnational areas.”
Housing investments, building permit data and other information help in determining Part 2, which is distribution of county populations to subportions of the county, he said.
Emporia’s population dropped 636 between 2000 and 2006, and 248 between 2005 and 2006, despite a natural increase of 230 more births than deaths, he said.
“There actually were more births than deaths,” Bernstein said. “Actually, the decline was solely because of what we call ‘net internal migration,’ so that means that about 600 more people moved out” than were born or moved to the area.
The Census Bureau showed a small increase from international migration to Emporia.
“But the reason it lost overall was because of this net decline of over 600 people, like movement to other parts of the country. ... It could be a county next door; it could be a county 2,000 miles away,” he said.
Despite the loss claimed by the census estimates, the number of water meters in Emporia increased by 291 between July 2000 and July 2006, according to records from City Clerk Susan Mendoza.
“That would include residential, industries, commercial, multi-family (dwellings),” she said. “I think, if anything, we’ve had more multi-family units.”
One meter, then, could represent a significantly larger number of people. A group of five fourplexes already has been built at Eighth Avenue and Prairie Street, she said as an example of the challenge in getting a population count; two more fourplexes remain to be built. Those residences will house a minimum of 28 people and perhaps up to 84 or more, while adding only one meter to the city’s count.
“They’ve got one huge meter,” Mendoza said, explaining that one meter will serve all of the fourplexes in the complex.
City Manager Matt Zimmerman said that he does not expect the recent population estimate to affect any federal monies that the city might receive. Such money often is tied to population.
“My experience has been, with almost all federal programs, they only base it on an authorized Census Bureau (census),” he said. “It shouldn’t have any impact at all.”
Zimmerman was skeptical of the accuracy of the bureau’s population estimate for the city.
“I’m not saying it’s wrong,” he said, “but it’s not certified. ... For what little I understand of it, it’s a statistical model and the model’s probably good, but there’s still a lot of assumptions that go into that model.”
Certified counts, he said, are decennial — published for the first year of each decade — and occasionally for other Census Bureau counts that have been authorized.
Zimmerman mentioned the difficulty in counting immigrant population, which could have affected the Census Bureau’s estimate.
“We know we’ve had a goodly influx in the immigrant population,” he said. “I would be surprised if we’re down, but I don’t know, either. It’s like I said, it’s a guess.”
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I whole hearted believe the census. Zimmerman needs to face the facts of people leaving here not only because of increasing costs and taxes but also the job situation. He does not want to admit that the census is correct because that just might have to wake him up as to what is going on here. he is afraid of losing federal money so they can give more tax breaks to companies. He just wants to make himself look good. Wake up!!!!! If they keep raising taxes to the small and common person, of course more people are going to leave. What is offered to keep people here and are the companies we are dealing with going to bring people here to live?
July 19, 2007 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dayjob55 (anonymous) says...
Of course the population of Emporia has declined. Just look at the number of "For Sale" signs around town, the number of houses sitting empty and the number of apartments that are advised for rent. Those things have gone up significantly in the last several years. Then don't forget to throw in the number of illegals that don't want to be counted because they don't want to risk deportation/jail, etc. Wake up and smell the coffee/roses and or anything else you want to. This town is in trouble and no one seems to realize that. It sure didn't take the new city manager long to fall in line with the "old boy network". The only think keeping people here is the university and the majority of those numbers roll over every 4-5 years as the students graduate and LEAVE TOWN!
July 19, 2007 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vankamp (anonymous) says...
I would believe that the population of the people that have lived in Emporia longer than a couple of years has decreased. Probably what Zimmerman is thinking of is all the Somalians that have moved to town in droves.
July 19, 2007 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
LOL!
Hey Zimmerman, the population has decreased. Just ask my dead father who keeps getting notices for jury duty!
Nice record-keeping!
M
July 19, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
No wonder no body understands the money situation around here. Zimmerman apparently likes to account for the dead people here residing in the cemeteries. Of course, they are the lest likely to move. Isn't it a matter of public record that people die, so that tells me that the court house does not keep very good records. I would believe the census before I would any one working for this town!
July 19, 2007 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
I left Emporia two years ago, didn't like the way it was going. Give me one good reason anyone would want to live in Emporia.
July 19, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
You are one of the smart ones imgone!
July 19, 2007 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madpoet (anonymous) says...
I came to Emporia to go to ESU. Never liked the town, have stayed because my spouse's family is in Lyon County and I've got one of the few decent jobs in Emporia. I DON'T live in town though.
July 19, 2007 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ratdog (anonymous) says...
What's that say about you Daveedailey!
July 19, 2007 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Ratdog, what are you talking about? Please clarify!
July 19, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Ratdog, you apparently do not read many posts, otherwise you would know as to how many of us are trying to leave here!Do not make remarks about those who have left and those who are trying to leave. They are just responsible people who got out of a money hungry town.
July 19, 2007 at 4:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
Emporia's problem is not only population decline, but also a downward shift in household income. The people with higher paying jobs are moving elsewhere while the number of low wage workers is increasing. If the census figures are right, there is a net loss of 600 in population. Those 600 people are in all likliehood those with higher wages.
This city does not have great options. Population is in decline, household incomes are declining. Real estate taxes, costs of services like water and trash are going up.
There are a couple of questions that occur to me. Will the bio-diesel plant and Hill's really bring higher wages to Emporia? I hope so, but I doubt it. Will the massive use of incentives fix our problems and attract industry? Kansas City is now wrestling with the same problem in downtown. The Power and Light district is now going to be delayed 8 months. That means the city will have to continue to pay the bonds from taxpayers' wallets until the shops, etc. create some revenue. Most KC offiicials believe the power brokers in this are holding the city hostage looking for more incentives. I can't help but wonder if we're not going to see the same thing here.
What will it take to fix things? Better jobs, with better wages that will give people more disposable income and thereby increase sales tax revenues significantly. Police and sheriff's department consolidation is being considered. I suspect there's a huge amount of duplication of effort going on in administrative services that could be looked at and save a lot of taxpayer money as well. Others have mentioned eliminating services the city provides that aren't critical like the municipal golf course. How can a city this size support two golf courses? If people want to play golf they can join the country club..
I hope things work out for Emporia, but I think that we may have passed the point of no return. On one side you have higher and higher taxes propping things up artificially and on the other you have the prospect of fewer and fewer services so that taxes can remain at least flat. So, it may just be a matter of picking our poisin.
July 19, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sciguy (anonymous) says...
If you start eliminating things that make Emporia stand out, such as the municipal golf course (which is an 18 hole full course, rather than the limited course at the CC), or the parks, or the ongoing rejuvenation of the downtown district, you will only make the problem worse. Much worse.
The fewer cultural and recreational options we have here, the more difficult it is going to be for anyone to decide to move here, or to locate a company or branch here.
The sooner we can attract some white collar businesses here and begin raising the average Emporian income level, the sooner we can try to reverse this trend. We need economic diversity, not just more of the same blue/brown collar work that has been stagnating our economy for years.
July 19, 2007 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
westaber (anonymous) says...
Why don't you count all the iilegals and the som's in this town it would bring the population count up.
July 20, 2007 at 1:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
sciguy
There may be some middle ground. Any time I pass by the municipal course I see few people playing. I've also seen some estimates on what it costs the city to maintain it. It's six figures. Maybe it's time to look at privatizing it.
I agree that we need to work on downtown. What I see right now is one step forward, two steps back. I just spoke to the project manager for the Granada project the other day and he told me that the project will not be completed in the fall of 2007 as planned. He also told me that "they" (the Granada alliance) were now projecting the first of the year. I asked him if that was a good projection and he replied, "That's their projection, not mine." I spent a few minutes looking inside and didn't see any great signs of progress. It's a bit better than it was three months ago, but not appreciably.
I also agree that we need to get better paying jobs here. I also agree that the over-abundance of blue/brown collar work with low wages is not helping.
I also agree that we need to invest in infrastructure. But it's going to be difficult when more and more tax money is going to incentives for primarily manufacturing firms. Even for those infrastructure improvements that the city is proposing are going to TIF's for manufacturing firms, not quality of life improvements. And, they're going to be funded with taxpayer dollars.
While I hope for the best I'm not confident. The city is between a rock and a hard place and it doesn't help when city leadership seems reluctant to face the facts (population decline, lower household incomes, etc.).
July 20, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paccifier (anonymous) says...
Hey- Melissa E- Matt Zimmerman is with the CITY, Jury Summons come from the COUNTY
July 20, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paccifier (anonymous) says...
I think what Matt Zimmerman is looking for is the un-reported population in Emporia. We know there are illegal residents here- and they try to stay under the radar- How many people live here in reality, but show a Texas residence/vehicle tags because they have no taxes to pay down there- but they live here and work here and use services here- and place a burden on taxpayers quite often, so they need to be counted- and I think that is what he is looking for- those who hurt the town because they won't be counted- but are really here- do you really think the town's population is smaller? look around at the traffic and the push and shove in town- I have a feeling that if the true population were known, it would be larger than we guess- but they are only here for the money and not to help the town.
July 20, 2007 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
Paccifier, if you think Emporia has "traffic" then I think you should get out more......live outside the box and visit a CITY.....Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago.
Traffic in Emporia, LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
July 20, 2007 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
netloafer (anonymous) says...
That's only one side of the equation. The other is that many people with means, disposable income, and good jobs are leaving. That's the outbound tide that we need to stem. We've got more going out then we have coming in. As much as I don't like to admit it, it's true.
July 20, 2007 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
MelissaE,
If you are so damn fond of these BIG cities and their "traffic" why don't you go there and quit making fun of people here every chance you get. Seams like every forum I see you posted on you are LYAO at someone. Why don't you take your own advise and live outside your own box for a change of pace. Between you and Mrs. Davee Dailey no one can hardly get a word in with out being poked fun at like school kids... Our traffic here may not compare to the big cities but if you go anywhere in this town you will see it has increased over the last couple years. I agrre if these illegals would stand up like people instead of cowering like dogs our census would be quite a bit higher. Emporia isn't doing to well I give all of you that. I can pretty much bet any where you escape to will be the same and/or worse. How many people do you actually talk to that doesn't b & m about the town they live in or outside of.
July 20, 2007 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paccifier (anonymous) says...
47hclwym you need to realize that MelissaE does not live here- that makes her an expert on everything in Emporia- Sorry young lady- I do travel to much larger communities- and I do drive in them- and, if you were here- rather than there- you would see that at many times of the day the older Emporia streets are simply under capacity- When lines of cars extend back several blocks from intersections - I'd call that traffic- but then, how would you know, since you only visit and do not live here. 47hclwyn, you must understand- it's really easier to hide behind a computer key board outside the state and do nothing but complain, and take shots at people- rather than doing anything.
July 20, 2007 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
citizen (anonymous) says...
There are some very good points expressed. What I see is that not all residents are going to tell you who all lives in their house because they are here illegally. Tyson has brought in many people to work their factory at low wages instead of paying a fair wage to those who already live here.This trend will continue unless Hills and the Biodiesel start with higher wages. If they do have higher wages maybe we won't lose Emporians to other towns that pay better. Emporia businesses need to take care of Emporians and in return we won't live elsewhere and we will 'shop emporia first'.
July 20, 2007 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Doug (anonymous) says...
They won't have higher wages because they will do a study of the average wage in this town and stay competitive with that for their own profitability.
July 20, 2007 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
No one has given me one good reason to live in Emporia yet that I asked for. Does that say somthing?
July 20, 2007 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
I know... I misspelled "something". Sorry about that.
July 20, 2007 at 5:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KristieR (anonymous) says...
If the illegals stand up to be counted, they will be deported. Your census numbers still won't increase.
Duh.
K
July 20, 2007 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
midnight_rider (anonymous) says...
How interesting that the city is concerned abut the population of Emporia dropping 636 residents between 2000 and 2006. It would be interesting if The Gazette would print some kind of graph showing the census for Emporia for the past 50 years or so.
July 20, 2007 at 9:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
Imgone,
I can't speak for anyone else here, but I moved to Emporia for a few reasons I consider "good". First, I moved to Emporia from a much smaller farming community. By compairison, there are infinatley more things to do in Emporia. But, the community still has a small town feel to it (which I like). Since moving to Emporia, I have encountered several friendly people that I interact with on a daily basis. I generally park my car a couple of blocks from where I work downtown, and it's very rare to go a morning without someone waiving or saying "hello" as they pass.
I guess the things that concern me about this thread are: 1. If you've left town because you were miserable here, why do you feel the need to bring everyone else down that still considers Emporia home? And, secondly, what did you do to make Emporia a better place? I don't think Emporia is perfect, but I spend several hours every week in an attempt to make things better. I guess I always heard that you get the right to gripe if you take the responsibility to make things better.
July 21, 2007 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
momus.......If that is all it takes to make you happy, thats just fine. From what you say it sounds like you have not really experienced many of the finer things of life. There are friendly people everywhere. Wake up to the fact that many people do not like the path Emporia has taken and are leaving or want to leave.
July 22, 2007 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
siamesefred (anonymous) says...
I have to agree with momus. I'm a native Kansan, raised mostly in a small rural town. After college, I lived and worked for a few years on the east coast. I learned to navigate the D.C. Beltway and wasn't bothered by it too much.
Then it came time to settle down. My husband (also a Kansan) and I looked around and realized we didn't really have any roots. In the big metropolitan area it was easy to coast through without developing close friendships. And we realized we wanted to raise children with Midwestern values.
So, we moved back home. Neither of us had lived in Emporia before moving here (a job brought us here). But it's been a good fit. Both of us grew up in smaller towns. Emporia is a great size for us.
We were in Topeka over the weekend. The traffic wasn't bothering me, but it was my husband. He immediately noticed how many more people there were and how much more crowded the stores were.
No... Emporia isn't perfect, but no town is. And I find it interesting, all the comments about people wanting to move to Lawrence that are on another thread. Go to ljworld.com and search for its census story. Go to the poll and read the thread there. Its residents are leaving, too, and for many of hte same reasons Emporians want to leave.
July 23, 2007 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
47 Highcost, THANK YOU SO MAUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 23, 2007 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
Dailey- Highcost??????? In my post I said nothing about $.
July 23, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
Hey, 47 What, are you afraid to drive in real traffic? Traffic in Emporia is a joke. Where is the traffic? W Mart? LMAO at you.
July 23, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
Kstre, I love the form. Makes perfectly good sense to me.
Maybe the city manager would understand it better.
July 23, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
Pacifier, from reading the posts it looks to me like you hide behind a keyboard as do many of us. I see where a lot have nothing to hide and use their names. This makes me wonder about you.
Maybe you should live some where else so you can see what the real world is about.
You seem to be kind of smart but I do not see that you have offered any solutions except spend money and make remarks about people. Shame on you!
You also do not read posts or remember much of what you read. You make comments about other statements to the wrong people.
Maybe you are just jealous that others had the guts to get out of Emporia. After all Pac, there are two sides to every story and so far I think few people like yours.
July 23, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
Imgone,
I consider myself a fairly cultured person. I have traveled quite extensively and enjoy good food, wine, music and other entertainment. However, I've found that life is what you make of it, and personal relationships mean more to me than more material, external comforts. I enjoy the city band, brown bag concerts, live in the lot, Arts Council events and events on the main drag (Commercial Street). I enjoy the mom and pop stores that line our downtown. I enjoy the people I've met here, the size of the town and those few that try to make things better.
I answered your questions, and if you refer to my post above, I would appreciate the same consideration. I don't believe you must posses a significant amount of "guts" to leave an area. I do believe that brave, selfless individuals that choose to volunteer their time for the common good can make a difference. Often, those individuals work to make things better while others gripe from the sidelines. If you decided to leave Emporia, so be it. I wish you every happiness in your new home. But, it is beyond me why you feel the need to belittle the people that choose to call Emporia home, and curse the city that some of us work so hard to improve.
July 23, 2007 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
wookdog that comment was totally uncalled for and childish. But from reading most of hte posts on here from people you don't have to ba and adult to post on this forum. For 1 NO where in my post did I say the Emporia traffic was like a big city. I said it has been increasing over the last few years. Also, I think you need to practice what you preach, in your comment to Pacifier about making bad remarks to people. You know the shame on you part? For your info. not that its really any of your business about where I am and am not affraid to drive. I am from Boston. I came for the small town quiet. Got on these forums to see what they were about. Its to bad that after the 1st 2 comments on any given subject No ONE is still on subject it goes to who ever can sling the worst insult. shame on ALL of us.
July 23, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
way to go momus 100%
July 23, 2007 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I think I know what wookdog is saying. Pacifier has commented several times on me and police cars and he/she has not gotten it correct yet! I have reviewd past articles with posts on police cars and have not found it. I did remark on cars cheaper in Oklahoma and he keeps talking police cars. I would love to know where the info comes from. Momus, I was raised in a big city and I still laugh when they talk about traffic. I have yet to see any here and I have been here for a very long time. I have also traveled the big cities and Emporia is nothing. The only reason I am here is for family.
47 high cost you made one of the worst faux paus, and I think you know exactly what I mean. I hope you are happy with yourself. One thing about it, I go by my real name. Unlike those of you who hide behind a computer keyboard with a fake name.
July 23, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
It's been a busy weekend here!
47: Too bad for you that I get to post where ever I feel like posting. If you don't like what I write, stop reading it, simple as that.
Paccifier, you said: When lines of cars extend back several blocks from intersections - I'd call that traffic- but then, how would you know, since you only visit and do not live here.
So basically, you count "blocks" as traffic? When Emporia has MILES of traffic backed up for HOURS, then maybe something should be done......and yep, I do go home (to Emporia) about once a month, give or take, so yeah, I know.
And then you said: 47hclwyn, you must understand- it's really easier to hide behind a computer key board outside the state and do nothing but complain, and take shots at people- rather than doing anything.
Nice shot right back.
And what big city(cities) do you drive in? You didn't say and I'm just curious.
Kristie R: LMAOOOOOOOOOO (yep, I wrote it again) at your comment. :)
Kstrebuchet: Love your new form.
M
July 23, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I personally admire those of you who are gone. You are able to look back and see what kind of people really are in Emporia. Not all are bad, but from the looks on these posts, it seems they all have something to hide. Maybe they are just ashamed to be here and want the lives of those that have left by looking back and laughing. a lot of unhappy people will try to make their own life and town look good (in their eyes), then to face the truth about things. As those of you not living here I think you are very able to see the total wickedness of what goes on. I actually believe half of these people are just liars. Or, they are the ones with the money and know how to work the town to their benefit. Ok, lets here from all you rightious do gooders and bible thumpers if you all are so good that you can knock all the other people in the world for having opinions different than your own. Melissa, Brian, Kris, Imgone keep up the good work.
July 23, 2007 at 5:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
siamesefred (anonymous) says...
OK, folks, let's get back on track. If you look at the poll question this week, you'll see that more than half the respondents believe Emporia is losing population because of a lack of well-paying, white-collar jobs.
I'm curious... what should Emporia do to attract these companies?
Seems to me the city fathers years ago talked about "quality of life" issues that would be instrumental to draw industry here. That was when city voters passed the "Cessna tax." Part of this funded the aquatic center, touted as a HUGE quality of life issue. The thought was that the aquatic center would make Emporia look more attractive to companies looking around... and their employees trying to decide whether to make the move.
I like a comment made either earlier on this thread or a city budget thread.... it was something about Emporia is a small town but the city fathers are trying to turn it into a city.
I think that's the crux of the issue... are we too small townish to draw the white-collar jobs? Do we want to be more like a big city (and all the problems that could bring) to attract them?
July 24, 2007 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
momus (anonymous) says...
siamesefred,
I think a lot of the "quality of life" issues are over rated in terms of the ability to draw white collar jobs. Fundementally, our approach to recriutment must be significantly different than our current emphasis if we are expected to shift job our job focus from blue collar to white collar. White collar jobs are generally based more in cutting edge tech sectors, at the headquarters of industrial or service based companies or within stand-alone service based firms. The very nature of a white collar job, when coupled with our current recruitment strategy, makes attaining white collar jobs in Emporia very difficult.
It is unlikely that we will get a company to move their opperational headquarters to Emporia. With the surrounding metroplex areas, it is also unlikely that we will attract large, independant stand-alone service based businesses to Emporia. That leaves us with the option of "growing our own", which is a LONG painful process that includes significant risk. I believe we can create more white collar jobs by encouraging businesses with thier heaquarters based in Emporia to expand, but we may also want to set aside a certain portion of our industrial sales tax to support riskier ventures. Contacting venture capitalists involved in funding activities for start-up businesses in biotech or other high end technology firms, and offering to help mitigate their risk in return for placing firms in Emporia, is one idea. The failure ratio would be fairly high, but if one firm took off it would improve the white collar job situation in this town significantly.
July 24, 2007 at 8:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
Dailey, "47 high cost you made one of the worst faux paus, and I think you know exactly what I mean. I hope you are happy with yourself. One thing about it, I go by my real name. Unlike those of you who hide behind a computer keyboard with a fake name." ??? I still don't know why you said anything about high cost to me. I have have said nothing about money of any kind in any of my posts?! siamese"OK, folks, let's get back on track." Good job!
July 24, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
47hclwym, I am blonde and I figured out what Dave is talking about. Do not play dumb!
July 24, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
Where is pacifier today? Driving in KC traffic to the auto auction? I wonder what is meant by traffic in Emporia? I drive the city streets, new and older and as of yet have not seen a traffic problem. The most is on Industrial where the construction goes on. Is this a reason to redo all the town? (LOL). The round about is funny. It was not meant for big trucks, and you can already see where the bricks are going to break down because of driving on them. I think it will be funny again when the high schoolers tie up traffic (as you people call it) when they go round and round without letting other cars in.
July 24, 2007 at 2:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Sorry to chime in but... I read 47's posts and I am trying to figure out what daveedailey is talking about and now you. I think you are getting this persons posts mixed up with someone elses. Please explain what I also am missing. did you figure out who he/she is or did they have hidden meaning in a post???
July 24, 2007 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
Let 47 explain it.
hclwym = High Cost of Living With Your Mother, Man, Mom, Moron, Money
wookdog: According to the others on the roundabout thread, it's fabulous (not to mention PRETTY) and no one would ever drive round and round and round (especially high-schoolers).
Melissa
July 24, 2007 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
We are in the census forum not the round about forum. LMAOOOO is that how it goes.... kstre- I just love your CENSUS post. Atleast you are on topic. As for the hcl.... you people have a great imagination. I will have to remember that one. Thanks for judging me without knowing me.... This is supposed to be anonymous so people can blow off steam with being assinated in there sleep or the gazette would MAKE you post your name instead of a screen name. In the word of ( I won't use a name for my quote so I don't affend anyone) DUH!!!
July 24, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
47 seems a little out of sorts and still has not figured it out. Oh well, Melissa you are pretty close. I love your posts especially when you laugh about Emporia people.
I think if they want Emporia to survive they should seriously consider building a casino or two or three. This seems to be where the money is.
It would provide jobs of all kinds from tellers to cooks to security guards.
It would help with taxes and money support for our schools, our streets and even possible bring in more places to shop, etc. Emporia could grow by leaps and bounds if the commissioners would just look at the whole picture instead of what they want to see.
Why not use a casino to the benefit of the town. Money would be a complete turn around. Look at how well Oklahoma is doing and their schools profiting from the casinoes. I realize that this is probably more in depth than the comissioners or city manager would ever understand.
July 24, 2007 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
siamesefred (anonymous) says...
I agree that traffic in Emporia is not nearly at the levels I saw 15 years ago on thte East Coast where it took 3 cycles of a light to get through an intersection.
BUT, Emporia does have some periodic traffic congestion. Head west on 12th Avenue just after 5 p.m. The 4-way stop at Rural Street backs up beyond State Street (that's 2 blocks). Not the same as bumper to bumper stopped 4 lanes wide on the Beltway for a phantom obstruction, but still annoying.
On the other hand, count the number of traffic lights in Emporia:
East 12th: none
West 12th: 4 (counting Commercial St)
Commercial: 7
Merchant: 3
East 6th: 2 (counting Commercial)
West 6th: 6
Industrial Road: 3 (not including 6th and 12th, which were already counted)
That's a total of 25 lights. Most of the time you can cruise a stretch without hitting every one.
July 24, 2007 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
Do you people really even understand "traffic". I am sorry but I am laughing at this. Trafffic for a couple of blocks.
Really now! I believe there are much bigger problems in Emporia than traffic. This is so funny.
July 24, 2007 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
I agree about the casino (in fact, I mentioned it as a solution before).
47, don't get so upset. I mean, you can write names, we write names. What goes around comes around I guess.
M
July 24, 2007 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wookdog13 (anonymous) says...
You people just do not get it at all. Emporia is SMALL TOWN, always has been and always will be with the attitudes of the people here.
How sad. Besides the traffic lights for Emporia probably cost ten times more than any other town would have to pay for them. Everthing else here is so expensive.
July 24, 2007 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biggest_small_townKS (anonymous) says...
This is the post I have most enjoyed reading....LOLOLOL
I am not a native Emporian but have lived here way too many years and can't wait to leave.
Let's face it folks, this town has nothing to offer.
Nothing in the way of decent paying jobs (unless your illegal and live 20+ to a household), nothing in the way of retail (Walmart has a monopoly and is the highest priced walmart store i have ever stepped foot in), absolutely nothing in the way of culture, recreation (i guess only if you play golf or softball).
NOTHING!
What they do have to offer that might make people want to stay is high property taxes, liberal goverment spending like it really is YOUR money, outrageous service prices like the sewer, trash, water oh and don't forget the dump and the animal shelter that are open when they can't possibly get any business because we are all at work trying to pay our outrageous taxes....
Oh and let's not forget the "good ol' boy network", I guess if you are a part of that you definitely plan on staying and maintaining the status quo.
TRAFFIC?????? C'mon get real!
You guys are joking about that right?
Imgone has got it down pat and I'm right behind him/her.
My user name says it all about Emporia.....Just a larger gossip circle /peyton place than say Americus or Olpe. Ironically the only neglible difference is.... the increased population....LMAO!
July 25, 2007 at 2:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackslap (anonymous) says...
I seen bigfoot!
July 25, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackslap (anonymous) says...
On a moped with a pink hat..... In traffic with a cell phone.
July 25, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
I saw him too. But their was so much traffic that I couldn"t see where he went. Biggest you hit the nail on the head with your post. I guess I got some real gossip started. Love it!
July 25, 2007 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
We all must realize that the census figures have changed, I guess there is two of me. (LOL)
July 25, 2007 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biggest_small_townKS (anonymous) says...
Big Foot in traffic.... that's hilarious!!!!
Dave, as for the gossip.....you must have gotten in the line early to be the "starter"....LMAO
You know what they say about people in small towns.....
oh well, guess i don't need to go there, not with all this culture and values and....oh yeah traffic. AFH
To get back on track seriously now, because I alsolutely did not address the "census" topic in my previous post; if you want to know whether the census is correct:
1 As far as naturalized citizenry is concerned, it most likely is correct. The fact that only 636 people have migrated away over that period of time seems baffling to me, I would have expected it to be double or triple that number.
2 As far as the illegal, over-stayed visa immigrant population, the census probably has made it's best guess and is probably a little too low.
3 As for why Emporia is losing population, may I please refer you to my previous post for my opinionated answer.
There, (whew) glad I could get back on topic!
July 25, 2007 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
imgone (anonymous) says...
siamesefred.....momus...I remember when Emporia WAS a good town and a good place to raise a family. Maybe you have not lived here long enough to remember and just accept things the way they are. It's sad.
July 25, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackslap (anonymous) says...
Big Foot almost got hit by a somali! Watch out Big Foot......Bad Traffic!
July 25, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
Oh, so very sorry. Big foot is now Little Big Foot. Funeral to be announced.
July 25, 2007 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackslap (anonymous) says...
Keep his life savings.... Call Charter!
July 25, 2007 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
daveedailey (anonymous) says...
jackslap, be careful, soon there maybe four or five Big Foots. Look how I multiplied myself. I love it!
July 25, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Doug (anonymous) says...
According to Webster's 21st Century Dictionary, Traffic is the movement along roadways. It really doesn't say anything about just LA, Chicago, Boston roadways. I think the original point that got lost was, with the supposed decreased Census, why is there an increase in the amount of traffic, ie: increase in the amount of movement along roadways in Emporia.
July 25, 2007 at 6 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )