sexingthecherry (anonymous) says...

I'd rather take pride in academics.

February 23, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Iloveemporia (anonymous) says...

bowyer should pay for the sign, Should he not at least be able to provide a new swing set or a bench at the park?

February 23, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

07Bowyer07 (anonymous) says...

Academics are great. ESU takes care of that with a lot of advertising. Teachers Hall of Fame billboard, radio advertising, websites, etc...

February 23, 2008 at 3:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

07Bowyer07 (anonymous) says...

Clint could pay for the sign, but that takes away from the home town pride. Wichita put up a sign for Barry Sanders between Wichita and El Dorado.

February 23, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

Everytime Clint Bowyers name, and "where he is from", is mentioned, anywhere...at the racetracks....on t.v. in print, or when he is interviewed... he is paying for a well deserved sign in Emporia. THAT's.. Hometown Pride!!!
Maybe we should let him know how proud we are of him too.

For a community that wants, and needs more to be proud of, I think recognizing, and supporting, ALL our Athletes is important.

I have heard we have some up and coming Golfers in Emporia, as well..like Fletcher Harder......

Maybe if people hear we have some LIVING, hero's in Emporia, they might think about coming here to take a look!!!!! Who knows, maybe they will like what they see, and......... :-)

Come on Emporia!!!!...it's 2008.

February 23, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

boomer46 (anonymous) says...

Why in the world should Clint Bowyer pay for his own sign when the town doesn’t show any support for him? I'm sure if he saw some support from Emporia fans, he would be the first to put money in the jar.

Having been a NASCAR fan for many years, I feel that Emporia is failing Clint Bowyer. We, as a city, should be taking pride in what this Emporia man has done. I have been to many NASCAR races across the US (Charlotte, Daytona, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Fontana) and have seen what towns do for these drivers. Signs on storefronts, liquor stores, restaurants, etc. Emporia has such an opportunity to show this great driver how very proud we are that he is from here. Remember, NASCAR is the #1 fan participation sport. 100,000 plus fans at any racetrack you go to. Oh what fun it is being stuck in the traffic before and especially after a race.

NASCAR fans, we need to stand up and let Clint know we are supporting him and are very proud of his accomplishments and hope that his dream comes true of winning a Championship - then Emporia will be on the map.

P.S. How about a bus going to the race track with the fans wearing a Clint Bowyer shirt or hat or both. How much fun would that be? Wouldn't that make Clint proud to be from Emporia, when he saw his hometown fans supporting him at the track?

February 23, 2008 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

justthinkin (anonymous) says...

I agree - a group support of Clint at the Kansas Speedway (or anywhere) would be so AWESOME !

I am a Bowyer fan & very proud of it. I would contribute & support a sign & I feel a great deal of pride when they say "from Emporia, Kansas" I also appreciate when I talk to business associates from around the country & I say I'm from Emporia, KS, they say.... Oh, Clint Bowyer.

Bottom line --- it's not a competition between academics & sports --- why not take pride in BOTH? I guess some people just want to find something negative in everything. I'm sorry for them.

February 23, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

TeamKansas (anonymous) says...

Anyone that leaves Natasha's because "there aren't enough people paying attention" doesn't deserve a sign nor should he be mentioned in the same breathe as Barry Sanders.

I think we should recognize former KU player and Tar Heel HOF coach Dean Smith or 2-Time winner on the PGA Tour JL Lewis before we even consider Bowyer. And if those names don't ring a bell perhaps you need to brush up on your Emporia Sports heros.

February 23, 2008 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

anotherside (anonymous) says...

We should be grateful for the name recognition (Emporia's) everytime it it brought up whether it is because of Clint or J. L. or whomever. It sure is a lot more positive then hearing how the community lost 1500 jobs or another child molester was arrested here.

February 23, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

bellabrooke (anonymous) says...

I'm all for some recognition for Bowyer. I'd rather spend money on that than the ascinine banners that read "Celebrate Engraving Arts". The things this town wastes money on is truly astounding.

February 23, 2008 at 8:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slipandslide (anonymous) says...

yes we should have a sign or something for clint, i agree alot with what bellabrooke says.

February 23, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

quarterback (anonymous) says...

Are people forgetting all the other Emporian's doing things in professional sports and don't they deserve signs?

Jason Lahr - Professional Rodeo
J.L Lewis - Professional Golfer
Gary Stinett - NHRA

Former Professionals
Terry Bivins - Nascar Driver who raced against the legends
(I can't believe Nascar fans don't want to honor Terry)
John Lohmeyer - Professional Football player
Bob Clements - Professional Football player
Larry Krammer - Professional Football player

We have many professionals and they are all worthy of recognition. Why single one person out.

WE NEED TO REMEMBER Clint doesn't live here any more. He has moved on and calls NORTH CAROLINA home now.

February 23, 2008 at 10:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Amen, quarterback! Our many professionals also include great teachers, doctors, writers, and just plain ordinary people who do great things. We're not waving signs for them. Forget it.

February 24, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

momus (anonymous) says...

Lots of great ideas for marketing the community... But, recognition is only half of the equation. If we are going to recognize anyone (past of present), we need to tie that individual to something in town to entice people to make the turn off of the highway (see the golf course where J.L. Lewis got his start, etc.) If we believe that we can create destination businesses that can capitalize on important figures (again, past or present) then lets go for it.

I don't believe a sign by itself would be much of a pull factor, unless coupled with something additional. And, with the budget crunch that is quickly coming for Emporia, I doubt we can count on many public funds for the aforementioned type of recognition. Simply put, if you want a sign for Clint (or anyone else), maybe a public fundraiser can be organized to pay for signage (talk to the local establishments that carry the races and see if they would be willing to promote and accept donations). Still, there needs to be something IN TOWN to direct people to in order to create an effect greater than "Clint Boyer is from here, that's nice" as a driver zooms by on the highway.

As a lover of history, I think recognizing an important figure in Emporia’s past or present is a good thing. However, to make that recognition sustainable we need a "for profit" contingent included as part of a marketing plan which goes far beyond a simple sign.

February 24, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

Create....Forget it?

I've looked at our brochures from our Chamber and I see nothing about all those people that quarterback mentioned....and, I see nothing on Emporia's web page.

When I mention to people that I live in Emporia, home of William Allen Wright....no offense to Emporia, but most of the replys are ...WHO?

Clint Bowyer was born here...and I believe he still has family here.
Also, be realistic...he is a NASCAR driver...How could he live here year around...and do what he does?

I'd just like to say one thing Create and quarterback.....I was one of those that fought against the new influx of Refugees, and I was fighting some of the issues with Tyson.....
Every day there is some new forum, complaining about something in Emporia...I have had my turn at complaining, but I think it would be fun to do something positive in Emporia.

Let the same people that have read all our posts about the Refugees and Tyson, read about some of the successes in our town.

I watched the 500 RACE last week-end, and I am not even a NASCAR fan, and I was so excited when Clint Bowyer was in the lead, for a while, because I knew he was from Emporia.

I am excited when I read about Emporia's, Fletcher Harder winning Golf Tournaments, and now getting a scholarship for College.....
I'm happy to hear about anyone that goes on to be a success in life, and they can say they are from Emporia....whether they are a scholar, a writer, an athlete, an entertainer, or whatever............

AND, Create and quarterback....what I said in my last post is true...WHEN someone that is a success says they are from EMPORIA, it's a big pay back for us.
I remember driving to Emporia the first time a little over a year ago....there were several signs outside small towns, in Kansas, saying it was the HOME of someone.........Since then I have gone back to look at a couple of them, and I thought it was kind of fun to know they might have been born or grew up there.

So why can't we find a way to honor some, or all, of our success stories?....Does anyone have any ideas? Create...are you saying, All or No one?, or just not Clint Bowyer?..

P.S. I know about the Teachers Hall of Fame....I went to see it one day, and followed the SIGNS on the interstate, only to find out it wasn't even there anymore....(no one even bothered to change those signs).
We have the All Veterans Memorial....but, we also have a Pastor in our town that won't honor them, because they are War Hero's...and he doesn't believe in War.

February 24, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

No, Renegade, I'm not saying all or no one. You want a sign? Start a fund already. I'm just questioning why it has to be a pro athlete?

Yes, we do have an All Veterans' Memorial, a worthy place for signage if there ever was one. As far as that pastor is concerned, the fact that he doesn't believe in war doesn't lessen the numbers who wear the uniform or come home covered in a flag. One pastor doesn't make a difference; but the many who have earned the honor of being called a veteran do.

February 24, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

OutofTowner (anonymous) says...

For those who think Clint should pay for a sign, he is listed
in ESU's Honor Roll of Donors at the University Club level.
This means he donated at least $2,500 to ESU.

February 24, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

Create..I wholeheartidly agree with you about the All Veterans Memorial.

The reason I was talking about the Pro Athlete was because that was the topic of this Forum...and, I do think if there are enough people that would like to do something for Clint Bowyer...it should be done.

I mentioned the Teachers Hall of Fame Sign though, because it irritates me every time I come back into Emporia and see it.
I was ticked when I first came to Emporia and followed the sign, on the Interstate, to the old building, only, to find a sign reading the Hall of Fame had relocated.
I still haven't been to it, because I'm still ticked because it wasn't where the sign on the road said it was...and I was ready to visit it !!!!! :-)

February 24, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

hottopics (anonymous) says...

No matter what ideas are brought up in this town it always goes from one thing to another. How do we come together to make this a proud town and pay respect to those who deserve it. Where do we begin to start this community over and head it in the right place? Its in the leadership. We need better leaders to make these things happen, in all sports and success of Emporian's who made it out of here and gave us pride to be a part of it.

It may take one to bring the idea, but it takes a community to get it done. So present your ideas to the leaders and hopefully they will react and do.

February 24, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

Jim Everett was also born in Emporia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Everett

February 24, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Absolute (anonymous) says...

So was this guy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Lee_E...

February 25, 2008 at 12:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

Apparently there are some very successful athletes, and hero's, authors, and other celebrities from Emporia.

So, someone suggested we honor one of them....and, some don't want to do that for Clint Bowyer - because if we do it for one...we have to do it for all?
Okay...so, lets not bother with honoring anyone! Good idea!

by the way- My family is from Cypress, California..Anyone know someone successful from there?
Tiger Woods! He doesn't live there anymore...but, you won't hear the people in that community argue about supporting him, or bragging about him.

I think it's nice that we are the home of the Teachers Hall of Fame, too. Too bad, we aren't proud enough to even change the sign on the Interstate.

February 25, 2008 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lycomu (anonymous) says...

The Lyon County Historical Museum had a major exhibit on Emporia and Lyon County Sports noteables two years ago. We featured everyone mentioned on this string along with Jesse Nelson, Carolyn Davis, Pam Bulson O'Conner, Bill Tidwell, and Ron Slaymker. We have a wealth of information on all of these fine people, and all of you are welcome to come in and do some research.

February 25, 2008 at 8:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

momus (anonymous) says...

I once had a PE teacher that explained his classes importance by intimating his class enabled the body to do what the mind told it to do. Leadership works essentially the same way. We all have the capacity to become community leaders, maybe not elected officials, but community leaders. So, if signage is important to you, contact the person in question (or organization in question) and use a forum (like this) to get started. Contact community volunteer organizations and see if you can partner on projects honoring Emporians of any type you wish.

My point is, we can talk about problems and expect others to take our words and formulate (and implement) an action plan. OR, WE can get things done that are important to us. Most of our traditional (elected) leadership is busy freaking out about the economy right now, so if you want projects to get done grab some friends and get them done. If you want a Clint Boyer sign, contact him, his family, his sponsors and his fans to get a sign going. The same goes for any athlete, past or present. If you want recognition for an author, contact their publisher or local book stores. My family has a saying that I will clean up substantially for this forum, but it goes something like "you have the right to gripe if you take the responsibility to do something about it." I've got a fairly big mouth, so I end up working on A LOT of community projects. It's actually kind of fun! So, don't just type, jump in and figure out how to bring some of your ideas to fruition!

February 25, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lightenup (anonymous) says...

Great post, momus.

"...we can talk about problems and expect others to take our words and formulate (and implement) an action plan. OR, WE can get things done that are important to us."

You're right, it's time for each of us, as individuals and groups, to find ways to improve Emporia and do those things on our own.

Emporia has assets - including Clint and all the others - and we can highlight the good stuff.

No one is going to come in and save this town. We have to save ourselves.

February 25, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporia79 (anonymous) says...

I agree. Great post, momus.
I think a Clint Bowyer sign is a great idea and I'd be willing to help and contribute in any way I can.
I'm not sure how you go about having a sign dedicated to him, but count me in with a donation and I'm sure there's a few businesses that would donate as well.

February 25, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

lightenup (anonymous) says...

Maybe we can rename a street or two in town:
Clint Bowyer Drive
Don Coldsmith Street
Veteran's Avenue

February 25, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

momus (anonymous) says...

Ok, so if you want to get started on the sinage, I would start contacting The Emporia Community Foundation to see about setting up an account. Then, maybe contact organizations that have a vested interest in the project: The CVB (Betty Senn), the Chamber (Jennine McKenna is a big NASCAR fan) and Main Street (Kayla Oney is also a race fan). See if you can get some publicity through the Gazette and local radio stations for a meeting with interested individuals and businesses. The Library is a great local place to hold a meeting (Sue Blechtel (sp?) is your contact there). At your first meeting, develop some goals and promotional materials that you can hand out to individuals or businesses asking for donations. Some businesses don't give out cash, so you may have to have an auction or other event to convert gift certificates or other goods into cash. You may also want to place donation jars at venues where people like to watch the race(s), or develop some sort of "pledge" game where donations vary on the basis of Clint's finishing place. Work with local graphic designers (IM, Chester Press, Navrats & others) to produce a mock-up of a sign so people know what they are donating too. Also, contact Clint's sponsors to let them know what you are doing and ask for their help. Great sinage improves their company name recognition and works as a great advertising/marketing tool, so it only makes sense for Clint's sponsors to provide marketing/design/advertising support. Those are some of my ideas to get this thing started. Anyone else?

February 25, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporia_soldier (anonymous) says...

I agree that we should do something for Clint or anyone else in town that should be recognized for a job well done!! I am currently stationed overseas and if we can stay up half the night just to watch a race I think the city of Emporia can come together and figure something out!! I never heard anyone say anything about using tax money to pay for the sign!! I guess for you people that think Clint should pay for the sign himself, you would also think that a soldier killed in battle should pay for his/her own flag that drapes the coffin?? Grow up Emporia. It seems like everyone there wants to gripe about stuff all the time but I never see anyone standing up for anything. For the preacher that doesn't repsect the American Soldier who is a Veteran because they fought in a War, he needs a wake up call also!! You wouldn't have the freedom to preach your religion if it wasn't for Soldiers old and new that have stood up to fight for Our Country!! It is not our fault that a preacher can preach his religion but be a coward in the same manner by turning his back against any human!! I guess he doesn't believe in the same God I do that says not to judge one another!! It sounds like this preacher is a hypocrit!! Now Emporia take this how you want it and remember that there are people from your city overseas right now fighting for your freedom to gripe and complain daily over stupid nonsense such as this.

February 25, 2008 at 5:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

Emporia_soldier....There are success stories, and famous people from Emporia, but none are as important as our Hero's...
Emporia is the "Home of many Hero's", you, Emporia _soldier, are certainly one of them.....Thank you for defending our Country, and for your heartfelt post.
--Renegade

February 25, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timcann (anonymous) says...

yes we need a clint bowyer sign i drive over 48 state and a lot of small towns have signs clint moved to nc because that were his office is i stop all the time at the rcr racing shop in nc he as a office there i see him often clint loves emporia and he come back here a lot and he is always telling good thing about emporia if need money for a sign i will pay for it wake up emporia get it done now tc

February 25, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

EsqEB (anonymous) says...

Timcann just proved every stupid-redneck-NASCAR fan joke correct in one painfully long sentence.

Clint is a great guy and does Emporia proud; but to go as far as to call him a hero is a stretch. He makes a living entertaining hundreds of thousands of people by making left hand turns. Not exactly Grant Timmerman. I agree though, Emporia should take pride in any hometown person that makes it big in their profession, whether it be academia, athletics, musical ability, philanthropic endeavors, military service, etc.

February 25, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slipandslide (anonymous) says...

when did this become and english class?

February 25, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

midnight_rider (anonymous) says...

Who cares - Clint is a good ol boy and does a great job recognizing emporia, but kdot has enough signs along the road already. if you want to add any more signs you should take some down that are already up. you can start by taking down the stupid red and blue signs around town that try to point the way to different places in town. what a stupid waste of money was spent on them. its not like emporia is so big that people can't find there way around. And its time you all stop trying to be something your not. How many of you were watching car racing back in the 70's, probably not that many. most of you didnot even know that it existed until clint started driving. Get real. Emporia and emporians need to quit trying to be something that you are not.

February 26, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

EsqEB...Just to clarify...my remark about Hero's, was made directly to the emporia_soldier, and all soldiers that defend our country. I am sure there are other's that we could call heros, who call Emporia their Hometown....However, I was not saying that Clint Bowyer was a hero...certainly not in the way I referenced emporia_soldier.

Just to let you all know..... I bought an ...07 Clint Bowyer- license plate, for the front of my car yesterday.:-)
I've never been to a NASCAR race in my life, and I didn't know who Clint Bowyer was...(until I moved to Emporia).....I have also been out asking questions of some people who are associated with Clint, and his family, regarding a sign, or banner, and I talked to the Chamber, yesterday.

I'll be happy to share what I found out, and who I spoke to, if you would like to e-mail me at the im.renegade@yahoo.com address.

I do not want to "step on toes" or re-invent anything that has already been started, or done...I just am curious as to all I can find out about Clint... NASCAR, and what has been going on in Emporia, in regards to Clint Bowyer.

Being kind of new to Emporia, I still enjoy asking questions, and learning about everything. I'm always on a fact finding mission.:-)
Maybe I'll even become a big NASCAR fan, because of Clint Bowyer.

BY the way....I was told yesterday, that changing the sign on the Interstate for the Teachers Hall of Fame...."is in the works!"....I love that expression....I got that answer yesterday from a few people that I asked about honoring Clint Bowyer, as well...."it's in the works!". :-)

February 26, 2008 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

midnight_ rider....that's not fair!.. Are you saying that I shouldn't be involved or interested in doing anything, for Clint Bowyer, because I haven't followed NASCAR since the 70's?....or, because I didn't know about Clint Bowyer until I moved to Emporia a year ago?

Could you please explain to me what you mean by...."Emporians should stop trying to be something they're not!?"

February 26, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

momus (anonymous) says...

Directional sinage shows people from out of town, or people new to town, where certain venues exist. Anyone involved with city planning will tell you the same thing. And, we do have a lot of people from out of town that travel into Emporia.

Showing pride in our community by honoring those that make us proud shows the world who we are, it isn't "trying to be something we're not." I think I understand rider's comments in the context that some Emporians have a skewed view that Emporia is a budding metropolis. But, some Emporian's have a skewed view that we are just a poe dunk little disinegrating town. The truth is, neither one is true. And, neither skewed view should have an impact on us as a community building pride in Emporia, who we are, who we were and what we are capable of being.

February 26, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporia79 (anonymous) says...

I'll email you Renegade. I'm interested in the info you found out. I grew up with Clint and still remain close to him and his family so I would like to help and I know my family would too.
A sign for Clint is a good idea "in my opinion" so that's where I'll put my interest. To each their own.

I know this is a forum, but it just amazes me the constant negativity over everything.

February 26, 2008 at 12:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

I think a sign is a great idea- count me in....
We have a lot of people involved in motorsports here,two wheel AND four wheel.Some are locally manufacturing racing components,too.Flat Land Racing comes to mind.The SCCA Headquarters is 50 mi away as the crow flies.Not to mention the 1/4 mi strip and road track.I'm gonna forget somebody,so I'll stop here! Now I'm gonna find that black paint and start on the "07" on the side of the garage......

February 26, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporialifer (anonymous) says...

I think it is great anytime a town has an individual or team or whatever that they can be proud of, and it is neat to see how many Emporia actually has had over the years and who knows what is still to come.

I think a sign is a good idea (IMO) and I certainly wouldn't expect Clint to pay for it.

emporia79 - I was thinking the same thing as I was reading through this thread - it amazed me the negativity over a topic as neutral and uncontroversial as this one. Must be because of all the politics in the air - people are ready to debate. haha

February 26, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporia12 (anonymous) says...

If we are putting signs up I really hate leaving out Emporia's other professionals.

Jason Lahr has been in professional rodeo for a long time and gets numerous mentions on T.V. Same with J.L. Lewis. Are they not worthy?

We have many professionals we can honor. I like quarterbacks list.

Jason Lahr - Professional Rodeo
J.L Lewis - Professional Golfer
Gary Stinett - NHRA

Former Professionals
Terry Bivins - Nascar Driver who raced against the legends
(I can't believe Nascar fans don't want to honor Terry)
John Lohmeyer - Professional Football player
Bob Clements - Professional Football player
Larry Krammer - Professional Football player
Dean Smith

February 26, 2008 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

Renegade (anonymous) says...

If anyone knows of an organization or group of people, that have been working on doing something for the people mentioned by emporia12, and others....
or, for Clint Bowyer, would you please post information on where we can get in touch with the appropriate people?

If not I would be willing to be a 'starting' point to see what can be done, and who would like to be involved.
Unless, someone else wants to volunteer?

I've already received some phone calls, and know of people that are interested, but nobody knows where to begin.

im.renegade@yahoo.com

February 26, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

emporia_soldier (anonymous) says...

Renegade, if you can send me some info on this I would love to donate any way I can to getting something done for Clint or any other professional that needs recognition in Emporia. I have watched Nascar for years and even though I wasn't watching it in the 70's because I was not born until the late 70's I have been watching Nascar way before Clint ever came into the spotlight. I don't understand why everyone is always so negative about everything in Emporia. I guess that is why the town is so divided the way it is. People like to complain but that is all they know how to do!! I wish I had time to sit around and complain about everything all the time, (NO I DON"T) but then where would this country be if every soldier did nothing but complain and try to figure out how to get out of deploying. I will send you an e-mail with my address to get more info from you. For all the positive people in Emporia thank you for having the courage to stand up against things that you feel are not right. And for everyone that just complains about stuff, GROW UP and figure out how to do something about it. It is people like you that make Emporia the place it is today where I wouldn't want to claim I live there.

February 26, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

blulitespecial (anonymous) says...

Why stop with the Clint Bowyer sign?How about ALL the racin' people and businesses invited to be in the Christmas parade? And Veteran's Day,and the 4th of July parade?
Why stop there? How about signs"Emporia Motorsports Park- this exit"?....and there IS one!
I walk out in my backyard,look three directions, and I can see three sprint cars.These people are goin' racing.They have to drive out of town.Why?
Emporia is home to a lot of people that design,build,and race.I've seen a new aircraft engine made here that started as a block of aluminum.I knew a man here that cut and rewelded cam and crankshafts,thus redesigning the modern V8 engine.
We're close enough to word-class tracks that we can build on the racing biz,transportation,and whatever you're good at!
Hint- New dirt track.Heavy equipment proving grounds.Automotive R&D.Camoplast? off-road testing facility.The possibilities are endless.

February 26, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

sexingthecherry (anonymous) says...

I'm the opposite of proud of Clint Bowyer.

The Nascar culture is reprehensible.

February 26, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

slipandslide (anonymous) says...

with emporia looking for a new slogan and logo,why not give it something that honors the past and present vets of emporia? there are alot of emporians who have been in the military it could be something that reflects the bravery.

February 26, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

timcann (anonymous) says...

home of clint bowyer nascar driver for all he done for this dieing town we have had a lot of great sport heros over the years why not play the hot hand with all the jobs leaveing town and more to go soon we need someone to give emporia attention in a good way and we need it now i would hate to see emporia end up like gary in and that the way we are heading fast have you seen all the rip-off pay day loan places open that not job needed we need good co and good pay now so a small green sign on the highway is not a big deal if you ever get by checotah okiahoma and a sign on every road comeing in to town and stop and talk to good folk of checotah you might learn about home town pride checotah is the home town of carrie underwood

February 26, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

glarson (anonymous) says...

OK, gang. Time to move to a new forum just for this topic. Here's the link.

http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...

While you're there, check out the other forums on sports topics.

Gwen Larson
Managing Editor

February 27, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

create (anonymous) says...

Whoa Tim, you're killing me too, I kid you not. As an English teacher, my eyes are still a bit crossed, but I did read your post, albeit slowly, and found good ideas too, especially with regard to all the payday loan places. They bother me too, Tim. Loan sharks used to be jailed; now they have main street businesses with signs, big signs.

May you all get your sign.

February 27, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )