Today is the final installment of our weeklong Progress Edition. We hope you have enjoyed our look back on the last 10 years as well as recognized our community’s growth.
But today the most important section is in your paper. It is the “Our Future” section where various community members, young and old, give their predictions of what Emporia will become in the next 10 years.
While we can’t change the past we can work to control our future.
After reading the responses some things stood out. People don’t expect things to be drastically different then they are today. Many predicted that our community will be similar to now with respect to population size, workforce and quality of life.
People want good paying jobs and have jobs available that they can do after they complete their education so they don’t have to leave the community.
Many submissions called for new ideas, and innovative leaders to drive our community to a bright future.
I would say our community is not short on leaders or ideas. When you talk with people around the community, the ideas and passions are plentiful.
What is in short supply is a real plan to bring all the scattered people and ideas into one idea to create an executable plan.
So how does this happen? We can look to our history for the answer. In the 60s,70s and 80s business owners worked cohesively together to really move this community forward. They invested sizeable amounts of their own money, spent time aligning projects so organizations weren’t fighting each other for dollars and they understood the importance of bolstering and supporting the community organizations.
From then until now things have changed. We have a fraction of local business owners today and owners invest more of their time and money in their own organizations. Today the younger business owners may not really understand how to get involved or the benefit.
For our community to move forward we need business owners and managers to be united and develop one cohesive plan and then work to bring all community sectors together.
We predict our community pulling together under one plan will be our community’s greatest challenge but also our greatest opportunity for a bright future.
Chris Walker
Editor & Publisher
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The K.B. Thomas Jr. Report January 29, 2011. Super News for sales tax receipts, starting about March 18th, there will be about 1200 hundred workers coming to the area to work on the Wolf Creek outage and the new 110 million dollar turbine......The city of Wichita has purchased 4 electronic signs for 350,000. The signs flash messages about events, concerts and traffic information........Someone once said, "the only thing new is the history you don't know." W.L. White was interested in the revitalization of downtown Emporia through Urban Renewal. This would have brought a new shopping center to downtown Emporia. An Architect from Texas drew up the plans and guess what, the plan was going to take the Emporia Gazette and that ended Urban Renewal and it was a hard fought election that nearly tore the town apart. A lot of people are still debating the issue. I don't think W.L. White would put out a section called progress edition. This progress edition is a very useful tool for promoting Emporia now and going forward and it will receive a special Kansas award and people in the community need to encourage and support the young business people of Emporia.
January 29, 2011 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://kiyosaki-blog.blogspot.com/
January 29, 2011 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
On the post above go to Rich plan, poor plan by Robert Kiyosaki tract 5......I think you will find it very interesting on what to do in a May day situation.
January 29, 2011 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
January 29, 2011 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
reddog, you should check your facts. those signs in wichita don't work. they haven't worked for months. there is a piece of paper telling people what to do. please read the wichita eagle before complaining....
January 29, 2011 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wvcbk...
January 29, 2011 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Way to go Chris....you get it...".Thanks"
January 29, 2011 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
scarlett01-8, I read the article but, don't pull back, move ahead. Did you review the video. And Emporian, my information came from a very creditable person of leadership at Wolf Creek. My reason for making this public is for people in Emporia to get the business. These folks will stay and spend there money in Emporia and other towns. Let's get our share. If we don't fight one another, there is enough to go around for everybody.
January 29, 2011 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Emporian, if you are making note of my comment of W.L. White on Urban Renewal, history says he made the motion to study it. And now as Paul Harvey would say, you know the rest of the story and there are people in the community that will acknowledge this fact. I have lived here since 1945 and Wichita before that.
January 29, 2011 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
reddog, You will find it painful to try to share wealth building ideas to some people. Best to keep trade secrets secret lest you find yourself insulted and scorned by the ones you're trying to help.
January 29, 2011 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
This reminds of a story, I heard years ago ... During the turn of the century, William Rockhill Nelson, the founder of the Kansas City Star was threatened and bullied by a prominent leader because Mr. Nelson spoke out against the leader. Mr. Nelson's editors, including William Allen White, stepped in and confronted the prominent leader.
Pull from history, Mr. Walker. When you look at the previous success of any town, the Editor & Publisher of the local newspaper was the driving force behind the political change. While newspapers are being purchased by corporations, facing massive layoffs every quarter and closing doors, The Emporia Gazette remains a strong force within the community and can position itself as the leading example of journalistic power in The State of Kansas and the country as a whole.
Pull from your great-grandfather's mentor and become "absolutely independent in politics, aiming to deal by all men and all parties with impartiality and fearlessness." Your great-grandfather understood the importance of social change and the needs and values of Emporia's citizens.
As the Editor & Publisher of The Emporia Gazette, the community is looking to you for detailed information that is fair and based upon our needs and values. You have the opportunity to provide the leadership and platform to unite Emporia.
And, Mr. Walker, if any leader tries to bully or threaten you, based upon a story that is published in your paper, that is for the good of the community ... We might now throw him down a stairwell, but we will take to the forums and let our support be known.
January 29, 2011 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Bravo, newtoemporia. True words indeed. I especially like what you say about our taking to the forums to let our support (or displeasure) be known.
As the pundits on the big news networks discuss the phenomenon of social networking, I cannot help but think of our little town and this forum because the principle is the same.
Again, thank you, Chris.
January 29, 2011 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Exactly. WIth one article, we have witnessed the power of the forums ... Not only were our voices heard, but we also rose to the top of Google and pushed out company's who pay SEO experts $1,000's to gain top ranking. As change continues to unfold and the forums become stronger, Emporia will gain the attention of larger cities within Kansas and throughout the nation. Let's not disappoint them.
January 29, 2011 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
new to emporia, you are right. what a refreshing point of view. chris are you hiring? looks like a promising prospect....
January 29, 2011 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
reddog, sorry, you and the go to stuff.....
write your thoughts, don't just spam them....
January 29, 2011 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
actually, i know someone who would love to work at The Gazette. Someone who has experience in both web & graphic design (we're talking Fortune 500 experience), but also in journalism. (not me) ... but, they are also following (silently) and had a 3 hour conversation last night about The Gazette and Emporia. ... if you are ever hiring. :)
January 29, 2011 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
My question about the possible influx of " VISITORS " - " WORKERS " that are going to be working at wolf creek is,
Will these " VISITORS " - " WORKERS ", definately be living and shopping in Emporia and if so will the City Leaders be using the extra tax revenue to repair, replace what City " INFRASTRUCTURE " needs to be " FIXED - REPAIRED-REPLACED " or will they do the same old thing and " SQUANDER " the extra tax moneys collected to purchase " UNNEEDED / UNNECESSARY TRINKETS ", kinda like when Wolf Creek was being built ???
Oh, Gosh, there I go, being absolutely NEGATIVE again !
Gee, maybe, Tell is right and I do not have the ability to think " POSITIVELY " !!
But, with the City Leaders and others track record on spending, Can I really be blamed for my NEGATIVITY ??
January 29, 2011 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
In regards to the Wolf Creek outage, I used to work there, know well what the contract workers are after. They are after cheap rooms and cheap meals PERIOD. If Emporia was serious about capturing the maximum amount of dollars they would find a way to lower tax burdens during the outage and make our costs of patronage here the lowest we possibly can. Instead most of those 1200 will trickle into Olathe, Topeka and Ottawa instead of here, last outage I was there that was where people were staying....
January 29, 2011 at 5:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
I got to say I am proud of the way people in town got together and didnt run with tail between their legs.Its still not done and if by chance they decide not to build these pet rocks dont let them forget they wasted over $30k. Recall the rest of the commish or vote them out the next election. I hope the new bunch of Commish make the city manager do something beside raise rates. Last year if I remember right he got a $10k raise and that is more than some on S.S. make in a year. How does he think these folks make do with prices going up on top of his rate increases?
January 29, 2011 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
good point, neighbor, and that is part of the point I was trying to make also !
Hell, Burlington is cheaper and closer to their work !!
January 29, 2011 at 8:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I think that the main focus going ahead should be to not pull back, but push forward. Just think where we would be today if Emporia business leaders of the 1950's and 1960's decided to push back instead of moving forward. Just think of the 1990's if Emporia would have pulled back and not hired a full time Economic Development Director. Ray Call wrote a book called Emporia's Ascent from 1950 to 2000. THIS BOOK IS VAULABLE READING TO NEW YOUNG LEADERS OF EMPORIA.
January 29, 2011 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Mark Twain made a profound statement which I think is something to ponder as we move forward. "you can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.".........
January 29, 2011 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
We need to forget about tourism and expensive decorations for the time being and strive to find something like this:
http://articles.cnn.com/2009-07-08/li...
Emporia has excellent access logistically to interstate and rail. We had low taxes and still have a relatively low cost of living( pace we are on will nullify this though). We need to play to our strengths(industry and logistics) and not our weakness(tourism). All focus should be on attracting jobs, not erecting silly rocks.
If the city commission thinks that rocks and visitor's centers will attract this they are sorely mistaken. A business picks an area because of logistics and economic viability, PERIOD.
Judging from the exodus of industry in this town over the last decade and our ridiculous tax rates it would seem those in charge are oblivious to this. Time to wake up folks. If we replaced even half of what we lost in this town over the past decade you could have your pretty rocks and eccentricities and not see near the push back being witnessed now. Companies are flush with cash and being given incredible tax breaks for investing in business in the US. Will we lose out again like we did with the Amazon Distribution Center or the Cessna plant?
January 29, 2011 at 10:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
One of my favorite stories of William Allen White was when he came to Emporia on a train, he had only 50 cents in his pocket. When he got off the train, he didn't know whether to walk to the Gazette and make people think he was frugal or take a carriage and make people think he was successful. He took the carriage.
January 29, 2011 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I remember when I was interviewed by a out of town tv station about Emporia losing the Cessna plant. I told them that competing against southeast Kansas was like competing against a 3rd world country and I was just glad they didn't go to Mexico. The Hill's plant is the envy of small town America. We have a governor that wants to expand the 4.5 Billion Dollar Tourism Industry especially in the Flint Hills and my question is--do we want to walk or take the carriage?
January 29, 2011 at 11:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
TOURISM IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/2010/...
January 29, 2011 at 11:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The world of economic development is shifting, keep up with it.
http://edpro-weblog.net/news/2008/3/2...
January 29, 2011 at 11:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
There is a lot of hoopla about " TOURISM " being the answer !!
Take a look at the following,
June 16, 2009, 3:01 PM ET.The Recession Doesn’t Spare Travel & Tourism.Article Comments (3) Real Time Economics HOME PAGE ».EmailPrintPermalinkTwitter
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close StumbleUponYahoo! BuzzMySpacedel.icio.usRedditLinkedInFarkViadeoOrkut Text By David Wessel
Inflation-adjusted spending on travel and tourism in the U.S. declined at an annual rate of 5.9% in the first quarter after falling 6.9% in the first quarter, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis said. (In comparison, the overall economy shrank at a 5.7% rate in the first quarter and a 6.3% rate in the fourth.)
The agency’s quarterly snapshot on tourism and travel said inflation-adjusted spending on passenger air transportation continued to contract — 5.8% in the first quarter of 2009. That’s the sixth consecutive quarterly declines. But spending on international flights rose 10.5% as it did in the previous quarter. Spending on accommodations posted a larger decrease — 18.6% in the first quarter — than in the fourth quarter, when it fell 10.4%. “The hotel industry continued to experience declining demand” and “reduced room rates,” the bureau said. Retail shopping by travelers showed smaller decrease of 1.3% in the first quarter, much milder than the 11.6% decline in the last quarter of 2008.
Weak demand is depressing travel and tourism prices, the agency added. They fell 10.9% in the first quarter on top of a 16.5% decrease in the fourth.
The decline in the tourism industry is turning into a priority for Congress. The Senate is moving forward on a bill to create a private fund to advertise the U.S. to foreign tourists. Private money will fund the company, but it will be matched by up to $100 million a year from the federal government
http://blogs.wsj.com/economics/2009/0...
January 30, 2011 at 12:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Tourism is a variable. how about instead of walking or taking the carriage we MAKE the carriage?
I am simply amazed that Brownback wants to put money into Tourism while cutting education and other services. But then again common sense is in short supply with that fellow since he fails to recognize evolution.
Boils down to this, want to hedge your bets on tourism which is a variable at the mercy of rising fuel costs and the slightest economic hiccup, or would you rather build your local economy around producers?
Funny how some of the most ardent Conservative folks around spend like Liberals on foolhardy ventures during these trying times. How hard is it to understand that until the economy is in full rebound tourism will be in the toilet?
January 30, 2011 at 12:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
A plan that we don't need is UN AGENDA 21 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. Please review this shocking video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02gk0...
January 30, 2011 at 12:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Hell right now I can go to Vegas, on cruises, to all inclusive resorts, etc for a fraction of what it cost a few years ago. REAL tourist attractions are hurting and deeply discounting everything to lure people in. How exactly is Kansas going to compete with that? Oh yeah, pour money on it. Great Call!
January 30, 2011 at 12:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The single most important quote on city planning was made by Daniel Burnham...."make no little plans, they have no magic to stir men's blood and will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a nobel, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with evergrowing insistency. The William Lindsay White Auditorium is a good example.
January 30, 2011 at 2:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
NOW FOR A LITTLE HUMOR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR1Thh...
January 30, 2011 at 2:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Here's something for you:
The Bike Across Kansas will be coming through Emporia Thursday, June 9th. The overnight stop Wed/Thurs is in Chase County, and the Thurs/Fri stop is in Burlington.
Now you know.
Matt
January 30, 2011 at 5:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
http://www.bak.org/2011/route11.html
January 30, 2011 at 5:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Correction: The overnight stop is in Cottonwood Falls.
Matt
P.S.- I don't think you understand my level of disappointment/piss-offedness that I can't go this year.
January 30, 2011 at 5:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juicer (anonymous) says...
About the only thing that brings people to Emporia from out of town are sporting events.There is nothing for out of towners to see. Even in one of the special sections last week a certain individual who is pumping the idea of tourism was saying the C of E has thier reunions in Kansas City. What does that show you! Concentrate on attracting workers, they will keep your city alive.
January 30, 2011 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Flint Hills Rodeo June 3,4,5.
Dirty Kanza bike race June 4
Ride across Kansas THROUGH town June 8th or 9th.
That will be some motel rooms huh?
January 30, 2011 at 7:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Nice one Chris.
I am old enough to remember the old days of the private business owners doing the heavy lifting of bringing jobs and industry to Emporia.
Emporia was blessed with the likes of Don Glaser, Carl Diddie , Joe Cannon and some other forward thinkers.
Really didn't have a Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau Regional Development Association, Building Futures Program or any other tax supported program like that. Private businessmen did all the work on a truly volunteer, what's best for Emporia basis. Granted after a while they got tired of all the hours of volunteer labor and formed an organization to take over the job.
Over the years it has worked great for our area. there have been numerous businesses and industry brought to Emporia and we have prospered because of it.
I can't help but think that if these original boosters of our town were still around, they would be shaking their heads at what their vision for Emporia has become.
On a bright note, maybe it WILL get better, but getting groups of people with differing ideas together to agree on certain issues is probably going to be tough. Especially when you have taxpayer funded groups pushing tourism as a cost effective answer to the problems we are now facing and will be facing in the future.
January 30, 2011 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
LOL Steve.
Absolutely, goodoleboy. Why not MAKE the carriage. We need to concentrate on things people NEED, not what they want.
Look at the towns that got on the wind turbine bandwagon. They are making wind turbines used everywhere. Not Emporia. We think we are such elites! We want people to think we are successful even though all we have is 50 cents in our pocket.
We aren't prepared for any kind of massive influx anyway. One thing of great concern when Cessna spoke of locating out near the airport was schools for their children. The location was in the Olpe school district, and at that time Olpe had not yet added on and there was very little room for such a large influx of students. There was bussing to Emporia of course, but the concern about schools was large on their list.
Here's an idea. The population is aging. Why aren't we concentrating on building more health care facilities? And not just health care for the elderly alone. Right now, for example, heart patients are not taken care of locally. Why not build a state-of-the-art heart care facility that will attract the kind of doctors we need and who will want to live here. We have homes they would like, that we do know.
Nearby, build a reasonably priced and CLEAN motel where loved ones can stay. Add a decent and reasonably priced place to grab a bite, not some outlandish overpriced place either. I'm talking PRACTICAL here.
We need to stop thinking of ourselves as the upper crust. We wear plaid!
juicer is right. There is nothing here for out-of-towners to see, and our landscape does not really add to our attraction. We are not the desert; we are not the tropics; we are not the mountains. We must accentuate what we have on this flat plain place.
January 30, 2011 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Boy, Steve, you hit the proverbial nail smack on the head !!!
And the thing about the people you mentioned in your ost were people that most Emporians could talk to and they would listen and take what you had to say under serious consideration and as " leaders, movers and shakers " of Emporia did not look down their noses at the " working man/woman " as someone who just existed to " Finance " their " Wants or Extravagant Whims " ! And yet their forsight and ideas did cause Emporia to move forward, prosper and grow ! Unlike the so called leaders of Emporia of today whos thinking and ideas seem to be " If I thought of IT and I believe IT is a good idea and IT pleases ME and feeds my EGO, no matter who else it may hurt or cause a hardship to, I am going to get IT, no matter what !
I had the privelage of knowing all of the men you named in your quote, and they were not only doers, but listeners as well, and all started as ordinary hard working people that rose to prominance on their own, through their work and never forgot their working man roots and the working, ( poor ) of the Community and never did or proposed anything, that would not be of benefit or improve the lives of all of the people of Emporia !
I also know a number of the recent past and present leaders of Emporia and the difference between and one you mentioned are as different as NIGHT and DAY !
January 30, 2011 at 9:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, Steve, and what did those forward thinkers you mention push for Emporia? Not tourism. They got behind manufacturing. We have forgotten ourselves.
And you're right about people having too many differing ideas. Look what happened to the request for the alley to be paved behind the new proposed developoment on north Commercial. Wow! so many were dead set against it. What would have happened if the Haag's simply said, fine, we're outta here. That corner would have sat there for another ten years or more.
We have a university here and an excellent tech school. We need to concentrate of employing those people with good jobs. Even our nursing school produces people who leave town.
We need to accentuate what we already have, not build tourist attractions. Is everyone rushing to Wichita to see that cowboy place down there? No, the place went broke.
January 30, 2011 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Not only the wind turbine band wagon, but an alternate energy bandwagon of some sort !
It would seem that alternate energy, may just be the " WAVE " of the future ! And someone mentioned, Technology , isn' t alternate energy a technologicaly advanced field and ripe for technologicaly savy, educated people ? Whether it be in, electricity generation, transportation, etc..
After all the area we live in, is one of the most prolific sustained wind corridors in the U.S., if not the world ! That is why I took it uppon myself in the last two years to try and get Wind Turbine manufactures and Electricity producing companys, world wide to take a look at Emporia and Kansas as an excellent site to manufacture and erect electricity producing Wind Farms here or in the area ! I spent the money doing so, not for myself, the recognition, or Ego, but for " THE PEOPLE " and the possible future generations that wish to stay here and call Emporia, HOME !!!
But, alas, I fear I will not be able to do it again, as our leaders are making it next to impossible for me to AFFORD to keep trying to help Emporia and the people to PROGRESS, move FORWARD toward into the FUTURE, on my own as they are taking my tax money and " SQUANDERING IT " on " ROCKS " and other " UNNEEDED FRILLS " !!
January 30, 2011 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
When I say Wind Turbine manufacturing, I don' t necessarily meant the manufacture of the Wind turbines them selves, but also the manufacture of the components used in the manufacture of the actual wind turbines themselves, like electronic components, rotors, stators, control panels, etc, the smaller components needed to construct the Wind Turbines them selves and we are approx. 80 miles from the City that will be manufacturing Wind Turbines !!
And wind turbines are also manufactured WORLD WIDE !
Tourism is a Best Guess Industry at Best and from the information I have gathered, requires a huge investment of money ! After all Brownback wants to invest something like 4 + billion dollars in Tourism ! The production of Energy is pretty much in demand constantly and seems to be somewhat more recession resistant than most Industries !
And I don' t mean coal fired electicity generation either !!!
January 30, 2011 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Is Brownback playing to cronyism with his emphasis on tourism?
January 30, 2011 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
All I can say is, " Cronyism " has been the watch word in all forms of government for many, many years now, and seems to be thoroughly entrenched to the point of creating a disaster for everyone !!
January 30, 2011 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
It would seem that so many have forgotten that people have to have jobs, in order to get paid a wage, in order to pay the rising taxes, in order to support the unneeded, usless spending of their leaders and their leaders cronies, which in turn leave them little money for their own everday essentials of life and that in turn leaves the people with very little money for TRAVEL, TOURISM and VISITING !
I can recall, not to many years ago, when you went to Walmart there used to be quite a few RVS, MOTORHOMES, etc., parked in the Walmart parking lot, occupied by people, tourists, travelers, visitors who were able to do so because they had the extra money to do so !
In the last two years the number of RVS, MOTORHOMES, driven, occupied by people, tourists, travelers, visitors, shoppers that are parked in the Walmart parking lot has dropped considerably !
Will a 5 Billion dollar investment in Tourism or a SIGN, bring them back ?
It may, but I tend to think that an investment in jobs and an improving economy will do more for reviving/saving the whole country, including Emporia and the Region than any sign will ever do !!!
And we must remember one thing this present recession is World Wide and even foreign people do not have the means to TOUR or be TOURISTS as they once did !!
January 30, 2011 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
One must also remember a politician that aspires to be the " TOP DOG / PRESIDENT " will do / say anything and spend any amount of the taxpayers money, if he thinks it will make him look good and propel / help him to achieve his ultimate ambition, to be " TOP DOG " even if it means walking over the dead bodies of those that have fallen because of his actions !
January 30, 2011 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I guess while Emporians have been busy trying to catch the factory workers children vandalizing their town, they have lost sight of everything else they had.
Ever heard of agritourism? It's all the rage in the big cities.
http://kansasflinthills.travel/destin...
January 30, 2011 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
As an outsider to Emporia, I can honestly say my first impression was, "Nice and friendly people, but the town (buildings, streets, hospital, etc) seems stuck in the early to mid 70's". After reading a few comments, would it be safe to assume this is when the forward thinking leaders started to become, as Steve_Corbin said, "tired of all the hours of volunteer labor and formed an organization to take over the job"?
create - I was thinking along the same lines as you with the health care industry. A state-of-the-art heart care facility would be great. Or, children from the area (including Wichita) are flown to Children's Mercy in Kansas City or they are taken to Children's Mercy for cancer treatments. It would be great if Emporia could specialize in similar medical treatments for children. Then, a family from Wichita or Western Kansas, who requires care, wouldn't be in Kansas City and would be able to remain close to other family members for emotional support. Emporia could get a Ronald McDonald house for those families too.
methusla - after following your comments for many weeks, you are the reason i started posting in these forums. you are a leader and i look up to you, your thoughts and your ideas.
January 30, 2011 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
"We have a university here and an excellent tech school. We need to concentrate of employing those people with good jobs. Even our nursing school produces people who leave town." -- Absolutely, create!!!
Thinking along the lines of health care, hospitals need (beyond the obvious nurses and doctors) Operation Managers, counselors, psychologists, art therapists, communication directors, public relation specialists, scientists, information technology, first responders and the list can grow longer -- all of which is taught at ESU and FHTC. Why are we educating the future and allowing them to leave for other towns and cities? There should be incentives for a ESU or FHTC graduate to stay and work in Emporia -- not just in the health care industry, but in all current and future industries in Emporia.
January 30, 2011 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia, What brought you to Emporia?
January 30, 2011 at 11:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
the university
January 30, 2011 at 11:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Awesome! Are you a student or staff?
January 30, 2011 at 11:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
But more importantly, What makes me want to stay in Emporia?
The leaders, citizens and forward thinkers like Steve_Corbin, create, methusla, mslater, yourself and all the other passionate voices that may or may not be in this forum.
January 30, 2011 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Have a toke on that Sauder.
January 30, 2011 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
REWBA - Just seeing your follow up question
the university brings me here to obtain a higher degree, but i have years of experience running a business
January 30, 2011 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Well..... how about a plan to increase students at the tech college and ESU to the levels Emporia had in 1970. Between The College Of Emporia and KSTC we had over 8500 students in Emporia. We had students from Lawrence And Manhatton comming to Emporia on weekends"for recreation".Emporia supported a larger # of mercantile business with that student base to serve.Currently we have less than 4000 students in Emporia between the two colleges.The town prospered in 1970, much as Lawrene and Manhatton do now....How about changing gears at the RDA and using our tax $ to engage students to attend our University or Tech college? Just imagine what our town would be like if the state of Kansas got into financial difficulty and wanted to cut education spending........we can secure ESU future and enhance wealth for Emporias citizens by changing gears at the rda.
January 30, 2011 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
sail: 6,262 enrolled at ESU
http://www.emporia.edu/news/archives/...
September 2010:
Emporia State University today reported enrollment growth across several categories, including graduate programs and regional numbers. Overall, enrollment remained flat at a marginal .8 percent decline. Retention for first-year students increased more than 4.5 percent over last year's to 73 percent.
According to 20th day census data, 6,262 students are taking advantage of an Emporia State University education. Much of the enrollment growth came from several states, including Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas and Oklahoma. Retention figures also went up significantly, 73 percent over just 68.5 percent last year.
Undergraduate enrollment numbers dropped 142 students or 3.4 percent from last year. Graduate enrollment grew by 90 students or 4.3 percent.
"Consistent with previous trends, we're proud of the progress we continue to make in attracting students to our graduate programs," said Dr. Tes Mehring, provost and vice president for academic affairs and student life.
"Particularly, our world-renowned School of Library and Information Management continues to grow its student numbers," Dr. Mehring added. Similarly, the quality of our undergraduate programs attracted even more students seeking their second bachelor's degree."
"We're all working together to let Kansans know about the many benefits of an Emporia State University education," explained ESU President Michael Lane. "An ESU education helps Kansans and the Kansas economy. Businesses want to locate in our region because of the quality education found here."
January 30, 2011 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
KANSAS TOURISM Last year amounted to 4.5 Billion Dollars and how much did Emporia get and what is the potential? We do know that the traffic count at the turnpike is 4 million and I estimate about 2.5 people per vehicle and that adds up to ten million people going through Emporia. Most people will not stop to tour Emporia but, some will stop to gas, eat and sleep. The 6 million vistor's center in Strong City should be a plus for Emporia. Part of the Emporian Plan should be to attract people to stop in Emporia. We need a new convention center as Emporia is within 100 miles of 80% of the population of Kansas. The Bowyer building at the Fairgrounds is a super start to the future forward thinking of Emporia. As I understand it, if an Indian wants a Casino in Emporia, it does not have to be approved by the state. A Flint Hills Discovery Center for Children on the line of the one in Manhattan is a real possibility because of the Jones Trust and other Foundations. Over the years millions of dollars has been given this community on an anonymous basis. In closing, Mark Twain said,"I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it ceased to be one." The inter-model at Gardner, Kansas considered a site near Emporia but, we don't have the work force. Everyone wants the big fish and it is a whale of an idea, but we can't even keep the bacan [Fanestil]. So, do you want to walk and make people think your frugal or take the LEM O and look prosperious. I rest my case.
January 30, 2011 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Nice info , but how many students are on campus?
January 30, 2011 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
A student living in KC getting an advanced degree on line does not spend money with our local economy.
January 30, 2011 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
My guess is ,full time enrollment on campus , butts in seats is aprox 3500. This is the# that needs to increase to benefit Emporia.
January 30, 2011 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia, Welcome to Emporia and welcome to the gazette blogs. Somewhere on that campus there is a plaque recognizing my great grandfathers contribution to the music program. He was an area farmer and he gave piano lessons on the side. When he died, he left a trust to ESU's music program.
sail, ESU has numerous international students attending classes here in Emporia. Unfortunately, when the weekend comes around they travel to places like Chicago, Atlanta or Denver to reunite with other international students that they communicate with via the internet. Too bad Emporia cannot entice them to get their friends to reunite here instead.
January 30, 2011 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Given the state of Emporia's infrastructure, the government of Emporia needs to become frugal and fix it's core. In it's current state, a fleet of limos (I'm assuming that's what LEM O meant) wouldn't make Emporia look prosperous nor would they stay longer than to fill on gas.
My business is in marketing. As a successful business owner and marketing professional, I can advise that tourism should not be your current concern.
A Flint Hills Discovery Center for Children does sound interesting reddog. And, I'm certain the citizens of Emporia have many other great ideas (including create's state-of-the-art health care system).
But, until you make Emporia a place where citizens want to stay and be proud to call home (streets, building codes, etc) you won't be able to convince many people to visit or develop businesses.
January 30, 2011 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good list, REWBA. I wonder why Nina and Gaylord West's lily farm is not on that list?
Yes, newtoemporia, a very good post with all the additional health care personnel needed besides doctors and nurses.
I cannot help but think of this town in North Carolina that was dying. Sorry I can't think of the name, but they were featured on a TV program last year. They had nothing going for them, then they decided to go the health care route. They became one of the go-to spots for health care in the entire region. The town is completely built up around the health care industry.
With regard to the futility of tourism: How much money do you suppose the owners of The White Rose Inn on the corner of 9th and Merchant sunk into that place? It had to have been tons and tons. Plus tons of sweat equity too. They were always working on that place and eventually turned it into a lovely spot designed to be a bread and breakfast. It's absolutely gorgeous on the inside with perfect appointments.
Now what has happened? It's for sale. And not for the first time. Maybe those folks can tell us about all the tourists they have entertained. Suppose there have been many?
What about the couple of motels around town whose accommodations are less than poor? S'pose they have many tourists?
This tourist thing is pie in the sky.
January 30, 2011 at 12:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
REWBA, thank you. Now, I can better understand your passion to make Emporia a better place to live and work. As an area farmer and person who gave of his time to teach others, your great-grandfather understood the importance of hard work, giving back to the community and shaping young minds. I'm glad you not only understand the Emporia community, but also the ESU community and you are raising your voice.
.
January 30, 2011 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://cjonline.com/news
January 30, 2011 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
About ten years ago I took a friend from Atlanta to a secret fishing spot that is close to my house. Nine years ago that friend called me requesting that I pick his group up from the airport in Wichita. My dad warned me not to disclose my secret spots and he was right. I can never go to that spot during the spring because there are too many people trying to cast their hook in the same spot. But, I get a few thousand dollars from them every year just by driving to and from the Airport and allowing them to camp out for a weekend.
The third year I thought that it would be a good investment to fix up a guest room to make things comfortable. I spent six thousand dollars on that room and nobody ever stays in it. They prefer to rough it. Funny how city people are. Oh well, I got a nice bedroom for myself. :-)
January 30, 2011 at 12:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Buffalo_Breath (anonymous) says...
Speaking of Wolf Creek ...
Anybody else wondering why there aren't two or three more units at the plant?
Anybody else wondering why, when we have harnessed the power of the atom, we are turning our back on science and returning to the horse-and-buggy technology of windmills?
... and we wonder why all the jobs are gone.
January 30, 2011 at 1:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
steve,
carl didde is still alive. he lives with his son in kc. we were floor mates and co-conspirators while in rehab at newman. he was a riot. rehab was much more enjoyable with him around. he probably still gets the gazette.
January 30, 2011 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia, I was born in Emporia but I spent a lifetime touring the world with the Army. I've seen so many wonderful things that other communities do to entertain visitors and can't help to think about them when I see wonderful spaces left untouched by Emporians who don't see these spaces as assets. The Neosho river runs through Emporia to the North and the Cottonwood river runs through Emporia to the South. Two awesome assets that many see as detriments by calling them Flood Zones. I can't help but to think about the river walk in San Antonio when I look at Sodens Grove. When I see the run down vacant homes on the south end of town, I remember the town of Volcan, Panama which was once a dieing farming community but is now the most exclusive spot for the wealthy businessmen in Panama City who purchase those shanties and build wonderful weekend retreat homes where they can get away from the rat race of the city. The residents of Volcan made a fortune on those shanties and earned another fortune building those retreats. Another industry that sprung up in Volcan was the house sitting business. The wealthy vacation home owners worry and are willing to pay money for piece of mind. Extra for mowing. :-)
Emporia has so much to offer and due to it's location between Kansas City Metro Area with a population of 1990831, Oklahoma City with a population of 1214652, Omaha with a population of 837925 and Wichita with a population of 612683, there is surely a few thousand businesspeople who would love to have a weekend retreat in a quiet little town within a couple hours driving distance of the rat race and only moments away from the activities in the Flint Hills.
Maybe I'm just stupid but everyone who really knows me calls me YY.
January 30, 2011 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Y2k that was a great post. This is great information. I need to know how many miles we are to 75% of the population of the midwest. Thank you for your service, something we have in common. I was hoping the college would start an ROTC program......Some people see things as they are and other folks ask YY.
January 30, 2011 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
newtoemporia, in marketing the university, you are involved in tourism. I call it University Tourism. Keep promoting Regional tournments in sports, debate, band etc. As a matter of fact some of the money going for tourism should go to promoting functions at the University. The new student union is a good example of pushing forward. If you ever need an advocate. my name is K.B.Thomas Jr.
January 30, 2011 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Just remember reddog, that's 2 Y's in case you didn't see it the first time. :-)
January 30, 2011 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
REWBA, I got cha.
January 30, 2011 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The K.B.Thomas Jr. Report january 30, 2011. What's Happening? Rockn' out--Stars Go Dim, a band who has opened for John Mayer and the goo goo dolls will perform at 7:30 at the Granada Theater.....Broadband expansion workers are staying in Emporia and the Council Grove area and the small towns will be hooked up at a cost of 120 million and I wonder how much that all adds up to per customer?
January 30, 2011 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
This alarming news!!!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG--42sjAvA
January 30, 2011 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG--42...
January 30, 2011 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I don't think you got it, reddog. YY is two Y's or Too Wise. Get it?
January 30, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I wonder if someone is keeping a blacklist of blogers against thehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tX0toka2Ik&NR=1 rocks?
January 30, 2011 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I wonder if someone is keeping a blacklist of blogers against the rocks?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tX0to...
January 30, 2011 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Holy Cow!! You got to view this and again I say that I don't believe everything on these videos, take what you like and leave the rest?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4eIok...
January 30, 2011 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clean_slate (anonymous) says...
I think the whole series was pretty good Gazette staff. Thanks for taking the time to look back and then look forward
I saw some things I liked some I did not. I never like mergers and saw again Mr. Sauder talkin mergers. Well I think Cableone and KVOE should merge then maybe ESU and FHTC could see just how easy and great an idea it is
January 30, 2011 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
reddog,
Blacklists work both ways.
And I personally think that anyone who thinks these rocks are a good use of SALES TAX MONEY, does not need to be drinking any alcohol. If any of my customers think these rocks are a good idea, they are keeping quiet about it.
There is a place at 18Th and Rural streets where the "ROCKERS" would probably have a sympathetic ear, with their beer;>)
January 30, 2011 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Heard a rumor this weekend.
A good one.
An empty building on commercial street is getting a new owner and business. Hope it is accurate.
January 30, 2011 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
I plan on boycotting any business that supports such foolishness. When it comes to using tax monies, no matter how it's collected or from whom, it should be used based on priority. Rocks for highway entrances are at the far end of the importance scale right now.
January 30, 2011 at 7:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
REWBA,
First, thank you for serving our country. With all your travels, both in uniform and as a civilian, outside of family, what brought you back to Emporia?
I'm very familiar with the river walk in San Antonio. I've noticed you posted several times about the two rivers that join in Emporia and Sodens Grove. I'd like to learn more ... What are some of your ideas to build that area?
reddog -
I would have to agree with many other contributors that Emporia has many nice things to offer and great ideas for the future, but I'm not sure if Emporia is a tourist destination. It seems to be a brief stop between major destinations. The definition of a "tourist" is someone who stays in a location for more than 24 hours.
But, I definitely think Emporia could maximize it's location in the Flinthills. I'm curious about REWBA's ideas on the rivers and Soden Grove. And, there are probably other ideas that can maximize what Emporia already has to offer. I'm certain, when families are traveling, they would be happy to spend a few hours in Emporia allowing their kids to run and play and explore. There's a sign on the turnpike between KC & Topeka ... something about "Are the kids getting restless? Visit Salina's (something or the other) XXX miles ahead." I can't remember what you're suppose to visit, but I do remember it's targeted to families who will be traveling through Salina. That's stuff Emporia could market ... For families who are traveling through Emporia to their major destination.
But, I don't see Emporia as a major tourist destination.
January 30, 2011 at 8:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
The one thing that REWBA, neglected to tell you about the Cottonwood and Neosho Rivers is, a very important fact, that both Rivers are somewhat prone to rising substatially when the area gets heavy rainfall and the area does get heavy rainfall at times !
And another important fact is, when the Cottonwood River " FLOODS " after a substantial heavy rain, that can and does happen, Sodens Grove is under, sometimes as much as 2 to 3 feet of possibly contaminated Cottonwood river water as is parts of PETER PAN PARK, the NEOSHO river is not quite as bad as the Cottonwood river as far as flooding any parts of the City, when the area recieves heavy rain fall !
That is why I am a bit skeptical about hiking or walking trails being feasible near either River !!
Yes, I for a fact know there is/used to be some excellent fishing on both rivers, but as I said earlier, Rivers are and can be a dangerous propisition / place for anyone and both Rivers have been proven to be a dangerous place in the past !
I have a question does the " RIVER WALK " in San Antonio ever " FLOOD " and place the area under, possibly contaminated River water ?
You see, people have ideas, but fail to consider all of the possiblilities and tend to mislead people with only half facts !
I was born in Emporia, have lived here all my life, except for the 2 years of military duty and 4 years of working in N. K.C. MO as a production supervisor for WHITAKER CABLE CO. and I have seen all Emporia has to offer as well as all of the not so good, that some people fail to mention when trying sell their ideas or don' t tell other people, not from Emporia, about !!!
I believe that if you are going to try and sell your town to anyone, it should be an " HONEST, NON-DECEITFUL " sell ! " Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive " ! This holds true for trying to attract businesses, visitors, tourists, even in raising taxes and spending taxpayers tax money !
But, then of course I am just an old Negative, lazy, no nothing, non-progressive, don' t care about the future of Emporia, Bitching, always complaining, plus a few other juicy, degrading words and a fed up taxpaying citizen of Emporia !
January 30, 2011 at 9:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
... There's a reason why Salina has a sign before Lawrence or Topeka. When you are on a long trip with children, you want to find activities for the kids. Salina strategically placed the sign so parents would have Salina in mind and pass Lawrence & Topeka. Now, what happens if the family isn't going towards Salina? They will stop in Lawrence or Topeka. Emporia could have a sign (before Lawrence and Topeka), but a few miles after Salina's sign:
"Salina off course? Let the kids run, play and explore Emporia. 90 miles ahead." (or something like that)
It's still not a major tourist destination, but a place for families to stop and spend a few hours ...
January 30, 2011 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
LOL, methusla. I love the way you end your comments.
What are some good things that Emporia has to offer? And, what are some good things Emporia once had to offer that no longer exist? And, (beyond government, streets, housing, etc) what do you wish Emporia had to offer? As someone who is new to the area, I'm interested in what you would suggest.
January 30, 2011 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
THE TALLGRASS NATIONAL RESERVE had 20,000 vistors last year and with the new 6 million dollar tourist center, they are expected to take in 50,000. The motels and hotels in Chase and Lyon County receive people from all over the world due to a featue inThe National Geographic magazine. In the very near future, Chase and Lyon Counties will see tourism as the lifeblood of the Flint Hills. K.B. Thomas JR. January 30, 2011. Like Broadway Joe said, "I guarantee it."
January 30, 2011 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
NEWS FLASH, ANOTHER NEW MOTEL IS COMING SOON TO EMPORIA---THEY DID THEIR MARKET RESEARCH.
January 30, 2011 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Emporia has some excellant, hard working people, intelligent people, people who are willing to help just about anyone and pay for a good cause, that has merit and benefits for all that come with it and all of the positive things that have been mentioned by others !
A better paying Jobs base for everyone, college grads, native Emporians, EVERYONE " who desires to work in Emporia and call Emporia " HOME " !
Regular ongoing infrastructure maintenance, repair, etc., that is needed at the time of the problem, instead of waiting decades to be done ! I always thought it was less expensive to fix a problem when it is a small problem, instead of waiting until it becomes a massive, expensive problem !
I know this next one has to do with government, but I would like to see a tax burden that was not based on a spend, tax, spend, tax leadership phylosophy, one that would allow the working taxpaying citizens keep more of their hard earned wage for their own everyday needs instead of paying for someone else's " WANTS " !
And I thoroughly enjoy your comments ! They are like a breath of " FRESH AIR " in an otherwise stagnat atmosphere ! Thank you !
January 30, 2011 at 10:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
A lot of people say Emporia for it's size has as many motels as Manhattan, Kansas. When they ask, I just smile and say it's our town's best kept secret.
January 30, 2011 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
My last comment was in response to newtoemporia !
January 30, 2011 at 10:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
http://www.nps.gov/archive/tapr/home.htm
January 30, 2011 at 10:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
I have heard a lot of complaints but, where is the plan? CHRIS WANTS A PLAN?
January 30, 2011 at 10:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
create, what you say is very true concerning medical and our ageing population. Major problem though as I see it, so many of our locals go out of town for services that we do have local. We can have the greatest services available medical wise but if the people do not utilize them, what is to keep that staff local if they don't have the business? This has been a problem for YEARS!!!!! I am always amazed when I visit with friends and they have gone out of town for services........services the community does provide. SHOP EMPORIA also covers our medical staff and hospital, mental health etc. In order to keep "abreast" of the latest, they need income to do so. Therefore, going out of town doesn't do it!!!!
Also, why aren't we "selling" the modine plant for manufacturing??? This should have been done four or five years ago...why then didn't we "jump on the bandwagon" with alternate energy? First, we need to be PROUD of the services we offer and have the possiblity of offering. We so need to have open minds and not so much negative!!!!! The negative goes with lack of pride so therefore NO growth.
January 30, 2011 at 11:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
I so agree concerning the four post, what a waste of money, but it seems that in the past few years many poor choices have been made by a "few". Adding onto the junior high school for one, closing two buildings that we have put A LOT of money in, another. Putting 5th grade back into our elementary schools. Two new elementary schools were built to help with the headcount, aren't we now going "backwards"???? Spending alot of money in very tough times?Spending alot of money on "fake" grass when others are going natural for a reason???Money,money.....seems to come easily
except for the taxpaper.
January 30, 2011 at 11:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
This video changes the whole ballgame, I beg of you to view it. It's time to pull back and I mean pull back, this is serious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9BH_x...
January 31, 2011 at 2:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
KB,
You understand that most "tourist towns" have a fairly small population, quite a few have less than Emporia does. You also understand that most of those jobs for the tourism industry pay less than $10/hr, right?
Key West, FL has a live-in population of 25,478. Emporia is really close to that (well, probably a lot lower than that now). Aspen, CO has a population of less than 6,000. Sturgis, SD is 5,969. Branson, Mo has a live-in population of 6,950. Do you see where I'm going with this??
Explain to me again how spending countless tax dollars to promote a tourism program that MIGHT work is worth it, when we could be promoting business and industry that offers MUCH better pay.
Matt
January 31, 2011 at 5:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
I can almost guarantee the answer to "can't you hold it?" gets more people to stop in Emporia than anything the CVB with their $375k a year budget does.
January 31, 2011 at 6:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
NOW THAT WAS FUNNY RIGHT THERE1
BUT TRUE
January 31, 2011 at 6:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Has anyone else heard Denny"s is not coming to the Flyng J and the restaurant is closing this Friday?
man, I was looking forward to those Grand Slams.
January 31, 2011 at 6:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
methusla-
What brought you back to Emporia? And, all the years following, what made you stay?
I agree it's "less expensive to fix a problem when it is a small problem, instead of waiting until it becomes a massive, expensive problem !" Over the years, the ball has been dropped by the government. With the citizen's outcry, I hope there is a reformation of government and all the leaders (government, citizens and business owners) develop the best solutions to restore Emporia's businesses, houses, streets, etc.
January 31, 2011 at 6:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
reddog
"I have heard a lot of complaints but, where is the plan? CHRIS WANTS A PLAN?"
You seem to be someone who has lived a long time in Emporia. So, you know the majority of the citizens. I don't. In a smaller town, I can also imagine those who have lived here, their entire life (or majority of their life), might not have an equal voice. Perhaps, someone's grandfather got into an argument and it's followed the generations. Perhaps, someone did something 40 years ago, while they were in high school, and it's still following them into mid to late adulthood. Perhaps, someone was born into a family of political or economic power and they have taken advantage and not listened to the average citizen. I don't know. But, it would be great to learn about the citizens of Emporia and hear their stories about their memories, why they remained in Emporia and what they want for the future. (Including yourself, reddog.)
Right now, it's obvious the citizens of Emporia love their town. Whether, it's the voices who are frustrated and angry about the current infrastructure and government. Or, those who want to attract more visitors. And, it's important everyone is heard (both the positive and negative). Then, priorities can be set and plans can be developed.
Will that make some people angry? Yes. Will there always be problems within a town? Yes. (I can tell you the streets of Johnson County, with all their planning and wealth, will flood) -- No town is perfect. Yes, my JOCO friends, who are following: I just told you, Johnson County is not perfect. :)
But, there have been some good ideas set into motion: government, housing, businesses (including a state-of-the-art hospital), streets, using the natural resources and scenery to attract visitors, including ESU and FHTC students into future plans and the list grows longer ...
It will take time to develop a plan. But, there are some great ideas.
January 31, 2011 at 6:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
sandman-
That's a good point about people leaving town for medical attention. In your opinion, why do you think that's happening?
Does anyone else have input? That's very interesting and I didn't know that was happening.
January 31, 2011 at 7:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Bike lanes. I would LOVE to see Emporia with bicycle lanes. Not bicycle routes, but actual LANES, where cars can't drive on, only bicycles. Bikes lanes. Honestly, I would be willing to bet we could even get most if not all paid for by private donations/fund-raising.
Matt
P.S.-- What better place to demo them than the Dirty Kanza and Bike Across Kansas!
January 31, 2011 at 7:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
mslater-
No joke. Early this summer, I was in a bike shop in Overland Park. I saw an advertisement for a "Flint Hills Death Ride" in Madison, KS. (At that time) I had to pull out my phone and map Madison, but I heard a lot of people talking about doing the bike ride.
I have a Trek and it scares me to ride on Emporia streets and sidewalks. It's a small enough town that enough people could (and should) take advantage of biking.
January 31, 2011 at 7:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Yeah, I wanted to do the Death Ride, but had to work. There is some great biking (mostly on gravel) outside of Emporia. Stop by High Gear and talk to Matt and Stephanie. They'll get you taken care of and know of lots of good places to ride. It's a really great local bike shop!
Matt
January 31, 2011 at 7:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I'll definitely visit High Gear. Thanks for the recommendation.
January 31, 2011 at 7:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
The final installment of the Gazette Series was very good and people had a lot of ideas.
I noticed the word "PROACTIVE" was used quite often and by many of the people. (It must be the new catch phrase for our leaders)
Being proactive is a good thing. But if we don't take care of what we have now, there won't be much of a town left for all of these "proactive" ideas.
January 31, 2011 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
you will like Matt and Stephanie.
Those two youngen's are a couple of Emporias' best ambassadors.
January 31, 2011 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
I came back to Emporia, because I do or at least did so love this Town/City, the people and at the time I had lived elsewhere, seen and experienced much and Emporia at the time did have a decent jobs base, with more industries then than now tht did pay a decent living wage and at the time the cost of living was less than in the big metropolises such as K.C., WICHITA, TOPEKA, ETC. and yes the colleges and trade school were some of the best and Emporia was a good, affordable place to raise children, but not so in the past several years ! I came back, because at the time Emporia still had leadership that cared about keeping the infrastructure in good stead and provided public services that everyone could afford and truely cared about doing / making decisions that were truely beneficial and non destructive to the City and all of its people and were inciteful enough to listen to " ALL OF THE PEOPLE " and not just a " FEW OF THE PEOPLE " and make their decisions accordingly and above all they tried very hard not to spend excessivly beyond what they thought the City / People could afford and that to me is what drew me back to Emporia and I believe that is what will be the one of the biggest PLUSES that, will draw Industry, Businesses ( Retail and Otherwise ), People, that will want to Work, Live, Visit and Tour Emporia with the right City Management and Leadership !
I guess I was a little like a Salmon, I had the desire to return to my Birth place and spawn and raise my young in what I had thought was the best place in the world to do so !!
As far as a PLAN to get Emporia out of the situation it has now gotten itself into !!
continued
January 31, 2011 at 7:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
continued
I have professed for years, to anyone who would listen and take what I said/say seriously ... We as a Community, Leaders and citizens alike must start spending within what we can afford and Budget Accordingly, that means, instead of throwing money at Organizations, Committees, Boards, etc., that make promises, but in most cases can not and do not make good on those promises, instead if these Organizations, Boards, Committees, Boards, etc., have a viable plan that will definately show results and a return on the taxpayers investment, then the elected leadership, studies the plan, and if the plan is a good one and has been researched, with viable " LEADS " then and only then should the Citys elected Leadership approve any Funds be appropiated to these organizations, after all most of these organizations are purported to be a not - for - profit , volunteer, organizations anyway not an employment oppertunity for the City and as such should be funded mainly by private, citizen donations, unless the plan they have, is good enough to merit donation of taxpayer funds to them by the City and then only if it meets approval with the citizen taxpayers !!
It is way past time to close the " POCKET BOOK " on " UNNEEDED EXTRAVAGANCE " and get Emporia " BACK ON TRACK " !
I could go on, as to what I would do or what my PLAN would be to get the train, " THE EMPORIA SPECIAL " back on track, but it would take quite a while and my plans and view do not count for much anyway !!
Thanks for listening and your interest !
January 31, 2011 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Agree 100%, when lake Kahola was sold,I marched my fat but into mr. zims office and suggested that money be used to pay for bike lanes on 9th 12th and rural, I walked out of that meeting so dazed with "bs", by the way where was that million $ bonus spent for the benefit of Emporiia giving up a great lake.
January 31, 2011 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
methusla -
I'm very interested in your plans. And, please stop discounting your views and ideas. I agree with what you wrote.
The elected leadership needs to conduct DETAILED research before spending money. The citizens & businesses also need to conduct detailed research before submitting ideas to the elected leaders. But, the government needs to have all the facts and exhausted all resources and tools for research before spending money. And, if the plan should not be funded by tax payer dollars ... the people and/or organizations who suggested the plan still needs to provide detailed information and research and have it approved (even with private funds).
But, I do want to hear more about your plans. Either, through the forum or by email.
January 31, 2011 at 8:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
My100% agreement is on the need for bike lanes, not the selling of Lake Kahola .
January 31, 2011 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
You see, I and others have been chastized and ridiculed for so long and so many times, that I anyway am becoming more and more reluctant to put or statemy ideas and plans to anyone !
Anyway, I am leaving the forum for a while to get some needed house cleaning and laundry done ! I will consider telling you more of my plans / ideas !
And again, thank you for your kind words and interest !
January 31, 2011 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Bike Lanes:
I can't imagine that putting bike lanes into Emporia would be that costly. All you need is street paint and a couple of signs, am I right? This might be something seriously worth looking into, ESPECIALLY if this could be done with private funds, donations, and fund-raisers. Anyone interested in tackling this, or do I have to wait until I get back?
Matt
P.S.-- If someone wants to get this started, I'll make the first donation.
January 31, 2011 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
methusla -
Well, if it means anything, I will say it again: After reading the forums for several weeks, I decided to start posting because of your comments. From what I have read, I think you have great ideas to improve Emporia and I am sorry that some people have chastized and ridiculed you and others.
I am an outsider to Emporia. And, besides the obvious, I don't know a lot about the town. And, when I see a lot of the same citizens posting, I want to know more about them. Why they came back to Emporia. What they remember that made Emporia great (and not so great). And, what they hope for the future. That's why I ask a lot of questions. But, even as an outsider, I can recognize passion.
Stay warm.
January 31, 2011 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Newtoemporia, you are a Johnson County brat and that tells me the whole story.
January 31, 2011 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
Where is the plan? A leader comes up with a plan. You can bet the bourgeoisie has one.
January 31, 2011 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
"Does anyone else have input? That's very interesting and I didn't know that was happening."
Our medical facilities here are nothing more than a bandaid station IMO. They can handle the common colds and flus, stitches, and minor surgeries, beyond that, they fly you out on the helicopter to the cities after lst getting their $25k of paperwork done.
This is not new, it has always been that way.
January 31, 2011 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
But don't you think it's time to change that? We fly the seriously sick and injured out because the specialists are in the big cities. We need to build the specialty centers they need or they won't want to relocate here.
Picture yourself being a specialist in your field. Would you drive a hundred miles or more a couple of times a week just to make yourself available to people who don't have your services or equipment? Or would you expect them to come to you?
January 31, 2011 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
The news behind the news, the story behind the story. THIS VIDEO CONVINCED ME TO PUT A HOLD ON THE ROCKS. Go to LINDSEY WILLIAMS ON RADIO LIBERTY 01-28-11
http://geraldcelentechannel.blogspot....
January 31, 2011 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Upon taking a break from household choirs, I looked at the forums just to see what was happening !
And low and behold there was one of the few, few whose eratic ideas and belief the his ideas and comments are the wisest and most logical of any and just happens to be one that will critize anyone for haveing an idea and plan that was not theirs, you newtoemporia, have just found that out, with his snide remark of you possibly being a Johnson county " BRAT " and the reference to everyone else who does not think of or self appointed themselves as a LEADER and make no mistake, the term " bourgeoisie " as used in the context that it was used, was used as an insult, put down !!
As reddog, thinks of himself and his family as better than most and therefore, I put him, etc., in the catagory of the few or " ELITE ", just as numerous others !!
And this is the main reason Emporia is in the situation it is in, as well as the State, County and Country !!!
Will leave the forum again, to finish my choirs and cool down some, as I am starting to get angry again at the stupiditiy of some people !!!
January 31, 2011 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia, My soul belongs here. Like methusla, I'm native american. I've spent a lifetime in the Military and so I was assigned to my hometown for my final years of uniformed service. After I retired, the Army tried to activate a chip that they implanted to deactivate my brain but a medicine man had removed it years earlier. Fearing that releasing my knowledge, skills and abilities on an innocent civilian population could have serious consequences they hired me as a civilian to keep me on a leash. lol
I know that the river floods. As a child, I've lived in a house that got flooded every spring and on more than one occasion have lost everything I owned.
I also know that what comes up will go down and for every day that their is high water on the river, there are months or even years when the water stays low. Handicapped accessible walkways and fishing spots along the banks of the river at sodens grove would be enjoyed by the locals even if no tourists ever come. Private and public grants are available for these types of projects. Floods will surely mess things up but the fire department has powerful hoses that can wash the mud off and the logjams can be cut into firewood to heat the homes of the poor.
I challenge you to walk to the south west edge of Peter Pan Park this spring and find a tree overhanging a cliff along the Cottonwood River and watch the kids swing from a rope tied to that tree as they plunge into the water below and tell me that you aren't reminded of Huckleberry Finn or Norman Rockwell.
January 31, 2011 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
create-Until Emporia is big enough to support a major trauma unit, we'll never have anything more than an over priced first aid station. If I'm involved in an accident and am capable of talking to the ambulance crew, I'll tell them to head to Wichita or Topeka from the get go bypassing an unnecessary stop and expense at NMCH.
January 31, 2011 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Now just imagine that with a bunch of bicycles going by!
Matt
January 31, 2011 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,believe the best answer to your question would be to ask everyone posting here, do you and have you gone to the Emporia Medical personnel for services? I'm a very poor one to ask because I have gone local.
With Emporia being a small community, we are so very fortunate to have the medical facility that we do. Being small, we can't offer the number of specialist in a given speciality that people desire today. A specialist, unless is their hometown, will want to go where they can make millions and not $50,000 to $100,000. One has to look at the amount of training that is required and the cost of that training, not cheap. Therefore, if we as a community do not support the ones we have but go out of town, what is there to bring in new?
January 31, 2011 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Just as ANY business, if it is not supported, why stay? Look at the businesses we have lost. We used to have a wonderful shopping area, bringing in many from surrounding areas, that is gone. We have lost so many "shops" and a large part of that, is because of industry and its loss, lack of income and we must "shop around".
January 31, 2011 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
What truly scares me is the school district. Look around and see what is occuring in larger towns, it will be hitting us in the next couple years.
I was in Chicago last week, do you know that many of the school districts are now borrowing to pay their staff? They have raised their taxes so and STILL aren't able to pay their debts. Yes! cut back now so when that period fully arrives, we are able to meet our debts instead of continually spending wildly and expecting the taxpayers to pull us out, tis proven they CAN'T!!! We aren't threw the "dark days" yet. Sounds negative, but in this case the old saying "a penny saved is a penny earned" stands true.(believe that is how it goes) We as taxpayers must "save" why doesn't our city, county,state and federal government not need to do the same?
January 31, 2011 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marko (anonymous) says...
alas, the new stones WERE the plan and now they may grind them up to pave some alleys.
January 31, 2011 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Hee hee, let's have a grinding up party. We could get the different organizations to sponsor their little hot dog stands, tacos, kettle corn, and that stuff I like so much -- batter fried in hot oil. Don't know what it's called, do know that I like it.
For every hot dog you purchase, you get a free dust mask.
January 31, 2011 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I saw the Congressman from Nevada this morning trying to assure people in tourist devoid Las Vegas that "Little gains over time can offset even the biggest losses."
Ah yes, tourism, the great plan for small town America.
Has anyone checked gasoline prices today? That situation in Egypt and now Jordan, and many mid east countries are affecting us big time. Keep your eyes peeled.
January 31, 2011 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I don't know who owns the land along the cottonwood river between Peter Pan Park and Sodens Grove but a trail at the river's edge connecting the two parks would be awesome. Fishermen, Bikers, Hikers, Naturalists, Poets, Painters and Photographers would be drawn to it like a magnet. It could be built by volunteers without the use of public funds. The only thing that would be required is permission from the land owners...Or...a law from the local government declaring that stretch of water a navigable waterway. Then the property owners could just shut the #ell up about anything below the high water mark.
January 31, 2011 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (Matt Slater) says...
Rewba,
Love the idea about the trail, not so much on the waterway thing. If it's meant to be, let's do it without jumping over the whole private property thing.
January 31, 2011 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I agree with your sentiment Matt but sometimes a law is required to protect private property owners from liability issues that may arise. Liability is one of the biggest hoops to get through when it comes to getting permission from land owners who would be charitable otherwise. You have heard the phrase, "No good deed goes unpunished".
January 31, 2011 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
reddog -
I'm a Johnson County brat. LOL
Sir, because I have lived (less than 10 years of my almost 40 years) in Johnson County, that neither makes me a brat nor is it far to generalize all people in Johnson County are brats.
My whole story? My family is from a small farming community. After WW II, my grandparents moved to KC so my grandpa could be a police officer. When my grandpa died, unexpectedly, the children were still young. My grandma raised the kids, by herself, as an emergency room nurse. I grew up in a small town. Obtained my bachelors. Moved to KC. Started a business. Decided to get another degree.
But, thank you for the generalization.
January 31, 2011 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Again I feel that I must appologize for the uncalled for remarks directed to you by , reddog !
I am sorry, you had to experience that !
I am going to work on a multi-step plan that I believe will save Emporia, its, people and it does involve fiscal responsibility of not making purchases off unnecessary " STUFF " ! I may post it on these forums or I may not or I may just bring it up at a City Commission meeting !! For all the good it would do !
Oh, and maybe I am not as intelligent as I think I am, but the City Commissioners have touted that they balanced the 2011 budget !
Perhaps you or anyone can explain to me how, a budget, any budget, City or individual, can be said to be " BALANCED " when total expenses amount to approx. $759,000 more than total receipts ?
I always understood that if you spend more than you are paid, that does not make for a balanced BUDGET !!
January 31, 2011 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
LOL, REWBA, please stop with the self praise and B.S. please ! LOL
January 31, 2011 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
methusla, Did you ever meet Harv Forebeck?
January 31, 2011 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
REWBA,
I also know that the rivers are not out of their banks more than they FLOOD, but the fact remains, they do flood and do you have any idea what contaminants, diseases, bacteria, etc., are deposited after the rivers receed and even swimming in a river, creek, pond or lake can be a risky business, not only for the possibility of drowning, but because of the possibility of contracting a serious illness from ingesting the unpurified water itself, from animal urin, feces (waste), such as Giardia for one ! " A number of enteric pathogens are carried in feces such as salmonella, various species of Clostridia (Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens), E. coli, and Campylobacter. These are only the tip of the ice berg."
http://www.bing.com/health/article/ma...
And how long these diseases are viable, left behind, for people to be exposed to after the rivers go down, depends on the specific conditions
Just why do you think river, lake or pond water needs to be treated before being made availabel to the public ??
You brag about , say how smart, intelligent you are, prove it with some common sense ! You sir, are a legend in your own mind !!
January 31, 2011 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
methusla, You forget to mention how good looking I think I am. :-)
January 31, 2011 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sorry, REWBA, I don' t fall for stupid or trick questions !
January 31, 2011 at 3:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I still would like to know if you ever met my great uncle harv.
January 31, 2011 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I guess I will have to take your word for how good looking you are and I will bite, No I have not met your great uncle 1
Just how old do you think I am anyway ? Just because my forum name is " METHUSLA " doesn' t mean I am the real " METHUSELAH " !
January 31, 2011 at 3:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
Enough of the love fest guys....... lets here a plan.....What will make Emporia a town where people can earn an income that will reduce our free and reduced lunch #s from the high 66% level it is today.Im sure vast areas in appalachia that are not at the 66%level.
January 31, 2011 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
It wasn't a trick. Just a question. Being a person of native american heritage who has lived in Emporia all his life I though that you might have known Uncle Harv. I never met him cause he died when I was a baby but I still have the stage coach shotgun that he gave to my dad. I thought it would be neat to meet someone who could tell me more about him. The only thing I have heard that was accredited to him was that businesses in Emporia put up signs that said "No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service" to keep Indians out.
Also, The river is fun to dive into but you really should get your shots. I like looking at it, listening to the birds sing and the beavers splash. It's really relaxing.
January 31, 2011 at 4:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
The best way to reduce the need for free or reduced lunches in Emporia's shools is to close down the businesses who hire slave labor and force the poor to go the way of the Somalis. Garden City anyone?
January 31, 2011 at 4:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Here's an idea for investigative reporting. How many children of Tyson workers receive free or reduced meals? Tyson's reported profits are in the Billions. Why can't their employees feed their own children? Should the taxpayers sue Tyson for the subsidies we provide so that they can sell stocks?
January 31, 2011 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
REWBA, before you go and down Tyson.....you need to watch out, we don't need another company pulling out. From what I understand......Free lunches are like the "post", let the taxpayer pay. You would be amazed at the number of children that receive free lunches. but also have their cell phones, ipods, etc. Yes, feeding your child is not a priority when you can get the taxpayers to pay. Things that were a luxury in our day......wonders and they aren't ALL Tyson children. As so often today, let the government pay so then we can have our big screen, etc.
January 31, 2011 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I don't have a big screen tv or a new car because I refuse to lie to get free food. I remember back when I was a young soldier with a new family it was hard to make ends meet. The I was listening to the retention NCO bragging about his new $1500 camera that he was going to write off as a business expense even though the battalion provided a camera for reenlistment ceremonies. He would brag about his wife's daycare business and how the toys he bought for Christmas presents were all deductible business expenses. He Bought a new Harley Davidson and I asked how he could afford it and still feed his family. He looked at me and boasted that he fed his family with food stamps. He outranked me by three pay grades and had one less child then I so I thought that I would apply for assistance too. The lady at the SRS office told me that I "Reported" too much earnings to qualify and gave me a new blank application. I asked her if she was asking me to lie and she got all defensive so I walked away in disgust. I reported the retention NCO who was a Master Sergeant E-8 to the SRS and was told to mind my own business. No wonder we are broke as a joke.
January 31, 2011 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
We reported a gal who was shacking with a big shot out at Dolly a few years back. She was on foodstamps and we were told also to mind out own business by the SRS
January 31, 2011 at 6:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
REWBA,
I don' t believe I am old enough to have know your great uncle Harv ! But perhaps my grandfather or great grandfather may have known him, sorry !! I myself do not look Native American, I take more after the Canadian side of my family !! However I do have cousins that look more Native American than I and my Father and Grandmother definately had the Native American look about them ! I do get my pride from my Native American heritage !! Incedintely my Native American Tribal name is " Standing Buffalo " !!
And the " NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, NO SERVICE " did not come about to keep Indians out of stores, etc., that particular ordinance was first adopted in the late 50's, early 60's by citys, towns that were beach front communities, because swimmers, sunbathers were running intio stores fresh out of the water and were thought to pose a health risk to store owners and the public !! I believe it stared or origionated in Florida !!
January 31, 2011 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sail,
I am presently working on a multi-step plan for improving Emporia, but it will take a little time and my plan if it were to be implemented would not achieve results overnight, it would take some time and most of all som " GUTS AND DISCIPLINE " by the leaders the voter elect to over see such a plan !! And some resolve by the taxpayers and voters to hold the leaders, Commission, Commissioners to the proposed " TURNAROUND " plan !!!
I really don' t know how long it will take for me to come up with a formalized " PLAN ", but I will try and get it done as soon as I can !!
January 31, 2011 at 7:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sail,
I've got a proactive idea.
The city needs to take all the receipts from the transient guest tax, (approximately $440,000.00 per year and put it in a bank for about 10 years. Then, after the money is banked, and interest is earned, the city could let bids for a convention center building. Something concrete, bricks and mortar, and approved by the voters.
Of course 1 or 2 people at the CVB would be out of a job, but heh, times are hard !
And of course we wouldn't be spending money on ads in O magazine and a bunch of rocks either.
After the convention center is built the city can use that same money, to hire an events coordinator and marketer for say $50,000.00 a year to market it to out of town visitors. Any excess funds from this tax could be spent on various projects that have been discussed and voted on at public city commission meetings.
Just an out of the box idea.
January 31, 2011 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Sail,
Also the voters are going to have to keep watch on the school board and the newly formed Rec Commission to keep their spending down and our taxes flat or reduced. They can't stay the same.
January 31, 2011 at 8:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
The first and most important part of my plan would be to cut spending !
That is, not to budget more expenditures than revenue taken in, period, no exceptions ! And absolutely no juggling or moving of Funds from one Specific Fund to another, or what I term " JUGGLING " of Funds, money that is allocated to a Specific Fund, stays in that Fund and used specifically for what is listed under that fund or making unnecessary Budget Adjustments, just to get something someone " WANTS " and not " NEEDED " !
And no more such thing as " MISCELLANEOUS EXPENDITUES " listed on the City Budget, all expenditures must be listed as to what they are and itemized if necessary !!
All not-for-profit , volunteer committees, Boards or organizations would not be funded by the City on a " FREE GRATIS " basis ! All plans and ideas these committees, Boards or organizations may have that would be necessary to involve funding by the City / THE PEOPLE, would / must be of a well thought out, researched nature, with viable leads and followups and submitted to the City for scrutinity, Lead follow up, discussion and then put to THE PEOPLE for approval OF THE PEOPLE, before any City / Taxpayer funds or PUBLIC FEES are to be used as funding for any such Committee, Board or Organizations !!
The City Manager would be paid on a performance based evaluation and if he has squandered the Citys money or put the Citys money to good use and paid, given raises or salary cuts or fired accordingly and if the City Manager or anyone being was found to be participating in Favoritism, Cronyism, they would be sumarily dismissed immediatly with out FANFARE or favorable reccomendation at all ! The same would go for any high ranking City official, such as assistants, foremen, Engineers, Building Inspectors, Code or Zoning employees or City Employee trying to inluence a City official on behalf of any third party !
page1 of 2
continued
January 31, 2011 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
continued, page 2 of 2
I believe that a City employee wage Study needs to be done to see if the wage of Emporia city Employees falis into line with the national average of other Citys the size of Emporia !! And I mean all City Employees, including Management Pesonnel, such as City Manager, Ass' t City Manager, secretarys, etc., all City Employees !
Spending money to build TOURISM, should be an expenditure of absolutely last resort, possibly not at all . Tourism is a risky undertaking at best and is not recessiion proof !!
These are the does and don' t does and I believe that if this guideline is followed, everyone will benefit from it ! Get unneeded spending under control and fix the Citys infrastructure and then everyone can be proud to be an Emporian and live in Emporia !!
Also all sales tax revenue collected must be used for infrastructure, repair, replacement, maintenance and for Public services and can only be used for other purposes, only if approved by a vote of the people !
Property tax revenues would be used for all other necessary expenditures, such as City employee wages and operation of the City in general and to pay down the Citys overwhelming debt, before being used for anything else !
There it is sort of a Plan Preamble !
I did this quickly and not doubt will not be agreeable to everyone, but that is o.k. !
How to attract jobs may be a bit harder until unnecessary spending is brought under control ! But I will try and formulate a plan for attracting jobs !!
January 31, 2011 at 10:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
One idea I have, is to possibly court a " FACTORY OUTLET STORE CHAIN " as to possibly opening a Store / Business in Emporia, possibly in the empty " BIG LOTS " or possibly the empty " LENZA " building or any of the already empty retail buildings !!
From what I have been able to find out these are pretty much recession proof, in fact during a recession, hardtimes people seem to go to Factory Outlet Stores more than during good times !!
And I still believe that courting a Wind Turbine components fabrication facility would also be a good idea ! So much so I took it upon my self to try and garner some interest in Emporia, last year !!!
January 31, 2011 at 10:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogan77 (anonymous) says...
Methusla: Love you idea about an outlet store. Heck, even an outlet mall.. a bunch of different outlet stores all mixed together... that would be a great way to bring in new business!
January 31, 2011 at 11:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
I'm just catching up on all the comments:
REWBA - "Fearing that releasing my knowledge, skills and abilities on an innocent civilian population could have serious consequences they hired me as a civilian to keep me on a leash." Yet, you are still YYs. Foolish government. Don't they know, even hired civilians, will revolt and release their knowledge. LOL
Seeing some of the natural beauty in Emporia and surrounding area, I agree that it would be a great idea to build upon those features. (including trails for hiking and biking) It would give the citizens and nearby residents more options for recreational and relaxing activities.
sandman - I haven't personally used the medical services in Emporia. But, you do make many interesting points. I wonder, how does the hospital recruit medical staff? Are most of the doctors from local towns who came back after med school?It would be great to know the documentary "create" watched a few years ago about the dying town that got into the health care field. And, to research other small towns that are doing the same. If other small towns are doing it, there has to be a way to attract a larger base and offer competitive pay. But, until that's done ... how do you keep people in town for basic medical needs?
methusla - those are some great ideas. Get the budget prioritized and moved into the correct funds. More research and community involvement before approving expenditures. Wage studies. You'd think this would be a no-brainer for the government, but I guess not!! I look forward to following your ideas as they develop.
Factory outlet store chain ... Would you propose one store or several stores? Clothing? Home Improvement?
February 1, 2011 at 3 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Just a quick note here on medical services. The federal government has a program that offers a certain amount of student loan relief for doctors who will practice in rural areas for x amount of years. I don't know if Emporia qualifies. I would think it would.
I will look to see if I can find that little town in the Carolinas that became such a medical care sensation.
I like the idea of an outlet mall too. I do know that the outlet malls in Oklahoma get a lot of out-of-state business.
methusla, I sit on an all volunteer advisory board, and all of the members are excellent ones, almost all still active workers and not yet retired like me. They are all devoted people. We do have a director. One thing a board must have is a director who is on salary. You can't expect people to work for nothing. There is a lot to do.
February 1, 2011 at 6:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
As many facttory outlet stores, as is feasibly possible and can be sustained / supported by the area market !!
create,
I commend you for volunteering and you are correct a volunteer Board or organization needs a leader, a paid leader if necessary, but a $100,000 per year wage for the director or, and staff of a non-profit / supposedly volunteer organization that is supposed to be working for the benefit of all the people of the community / area and paid with City taxpayer funds ?
I am sorry, but to me " VOLUNTEER " means exactly what the the first 2 definitions of volunteer states it to be,
vol·un·teer /ˌvɒlənˈtɪər/ Show Spelled
[vol-uhn-teer] Show IPA
–noun
1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking.
2. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.
Therefore even the leader / director of a " VOLUNTEER " Board or Group, knows that fact or should no it , before even wanting to be the leader of a Volunteer Committe or Group ! The director of a VOLUNTEER, committee, Board, group or organization, should not be paid an " exorbitant " wage, If even one person on or leading a VOLUNTEER, committee, Board, group or organization is paid any money / wage for services, then that person, Committee, Board, Group or Organization is no longer a not-for-profit, VOLUNTEER, committee, Board, group or organization as at least one person / the director is getting paid a wage, that is definately " FOR PROFIT " !!
Sorry that just how I see it and interpret the definition of " VOLUNTEER " and paying a volunteer groups directors wage with " FREE GRATIS " taxpayer funds just plain absolves that group of having a not-for-profit status !
If a not-for-profit VOLUNTEER, committee, Board, group or organization had to depend on stictly publicly donated funding, what sort of wage would the director be paid and still be able to accomplish what they say they will accomplish, if they did not receive and " FREE GRATIS " taxpayer funding and how long do you suppose that VOLUNTEER, committee, Board, group or organization or director of that group would be continue to be funded with publicly donated money / funding if the public that donated money / funds were to become distatisfied with the way that VOLUNTEER, committee, Board, group or organization was doing business or " WASTING " the publics, donated money / funding ?
page 1 of 2, continued on page 2
February 1, 2011 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
page 2 of 2
Sorry create, but the time for " FREE GRATIS, HANDOUTS, FUNDING " to such groups needs to stop and brought under control !!
I said, before, my plan would not be painless, woiuld not meet with
approval by everyone and that it would take some " GUTS / BACKBONE and Grit ", to just say '" NO ", " NO MORE WASTED SPENDING, HANDOUTS " with out prior approval and verifiable, workable / affordable plan, research, leads, hands on results, that would be verifiable / applicable of benefit to the Community / The People, All of the People !!
I am still working on the other steps to my plan, but as I said it will take me some time, as I am trying to research, future possible job possibilities and companys that are possibly looking to expand, that may have jobs, that may be tempting enough to keep ESU grads. from leaving Emporia and want to stay in Emporia as well as possibly attract college grads., from elsewhere ! That is going to be a big job in itself !
I wish the " Boyer " building were going to be bigger, as a 5000 sq. ft. building, convention center, or what ever you want to call it is not all that large, if it is to be used for trying to attract any large NATIONAL OR WORLDWIDE CONVENTIONS !
I believe the " BIG LOTS " building is larger than 5000 sq. ft., I believe that it is around 11000 sq. ft. or possibly closer to 20,000 sq. ft. !
I am not knocking the Bowyer building / convention center, I do appreciate Clints generosity very much ! Thank you so much Clint, your are a good person for doing this !!
February 1, 2011 at 7:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
And, NO, attracting CONVENTIONS is not Tourism per say, although it may lead to " TOURISM " !!
Which would then create even more jobs and improve the economy for everyone, by widening and enlarging the shared tax base !!
There by possibly, in time, lowering taxes, after the City debt is paid down / off and it quite possibly cause the benefits we are all looking for to become reality much faster, sooner !!
Continuing to spend, wastefully, and increase public fees and tax burdens, will only serve to cause more unrest and quite possibly quicken the death of Emporia !!
February 1, 2011 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sorry, I have gotten on a RAMBLING DRIVEL, but I cannot help myself, when I start thing about the bad decisions that our leaders have made and what to do to try and fix the problem, my mind goes at an alarming rate and at time I can" t even shut it off at night to sleep, because I fear for the future of Emporia and its people !!
I will stop now and try and calm down, I still have house chores to get down and a sidewalk to clean !!
SORRY !
February 1, 2011 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
I hope our commish candidates will espouse some of the plans mentioned by Methisila and others......Lets see if the candidates include their specific plans in their talking points on how to improve Emporia.
February 1, 2011 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
create:
Clemmons, NC?
http://www.examiner.com/history-in-ch...
methusla: An outlet mall has helped Wyandotte County. Sure, it's by the race track, but a lot of people, who aren't race fans, shop at Legends because it's centrally located off the turnpike and 435. This area was once nowhere land and the outlet stores have prospered during all seasons. I think a few stores just went out of that mall and there is a waiting list for tenants. It doesn't have the run-of-the-mill outlet stores like Great Mall of the Great Plains. There are some nice names and, I would think people from Wichita or Topeka would drive an hour or so to save money and those traveling through would stop too. But, Emporia is a centralized location and this could become something good, methusla. http://www.legendsshopping.com/post/f...
February 1, 2011 at 9:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
newtoemporia (anonymous) says...
Bass Pro Shop? The nearest locations are Olathe and OKC.
February 1, 2011 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Sorry, but I'm back !
There are a couple of Stores, buildings empty at the Mall, the Hastings and the FOOD store are still empty and rather large and then there is the empty BIG LOTS / K MART building andit is a large building also, and similarily situated ! Anyway I believe they are still empty and in close proximity to the Turnpike and the I 35 by pass !!
I will, look into, researching, getting some outlet store chains, possibly interested not only those Nationaly, but world wide factory outlet store possibilities !!
After all if the so called leaders of Emporia, the RDA, CVB, City Commission are not going to be willing to do it, for the City and the people and not for their own personal glorification and monetary gain, then it is going to be up to the people to do so !
I really can' t afford to to do it , but , I am willing to try ! After all its for the benefit of the preservation of the City, The People, the Children and their future !!
I will do it, not for the praise, but because it is the " RIGHT " thing to do !!
February 1, 2011 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Now, having jumped in and said that , I just realized that adding this to my to do list, will more than likely cause me to take longer to finish my, " Revitalize Emporia " plan Steps!
Also I just checked outside and will have to clear the sidewalks again !
Ah, well, "C'est la vie" !
February 1, 2011 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lcountyvictim (anonymous) says...
Meth - I believe the hospital already has plans for the empty space at the mall.
http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/20...
February 1, 2011 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
lcountyvictim,
I will believe it when I see it !
I would like to know where NRH is going to get the funds to do such a thing ! As I understand it NRH is in dire financial straits, as is ! And spending money they don' t have to open a " FREE CLINIC " ... how is that going to solve their financial difficulty ?
Are they expecting help from the area Taxpayers ?
February 1, 2011 at 12:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have been able to come up with a list of world wide Factory Outlet Corporations and the list is pretty sizeable ! I will get started on the process of researching the more viable ones and compose a list of those and them star t the contact proceedure and then after a while follow that up with a follow up contact proceedure !!
February 1, 2011 at 12:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I just remembered there are a lot of do it yourselferrs, wood workers , carpenters, private contracters in the area, perhaps a TOOL FACTORY OUTLET STORE or STORES would be a feasible / viable idea !!!
And seeing as Emporia has only 1 or 2 furniture or appliance stores, Perhaps a Furniture / Appliance OUTLET STORE / STORES would also be a viable idea for creating jobs !
I know they are not necessarily college grad type jobs, but right now jobs are jobs !
However, Walmart and the other stores may not like it !
February 1, 2011 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
new to emporia,
a new bass pro shop is going in to the west side of wichita.
as i understand the nrh free clinic has to do with politics, not so much health care. just what i've heard on the street.....
February 1, 2011 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
i do like meth's ideas.....
February 1, 2011 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
off topic,
matt slater, are you stationed at bagram in afg? i'm sending girl scout cookies to my son. if not post your addy and i can try to send you cookies too.
February 1, 2011 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarletto01_98, how sweet of you. Give us your sons address for we could also send him some "goodies". My son is home on leave, leaves next Sunday. Afraid he has gotten back into Kansas weather.....and not happy!!! He has such a tan from Africa. Stay warm and safe.
February 1, 2011 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
sand! hi! long time no see! lol about your son, i'll bet he's not happy about this weather. i will call steve and give him the addy.
does steve know where matt is stationed?
whatever happened to get together at tr? i hope your all are staying warm today......
February 1, 2011 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
newtoemporia,
Yes, that just may be the place there in Clemmons, North Carolina. The program I saw also discussed the upscale shops that were going in and how many people liked the idea. This article also mentions that. Thanks for finding that.
February 1, 2011 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
scarlrtt01_98,
More off topic.
Matt is stationed there, but I'm not sure he want's his address out on here. I'll ask him. But we at the "royal" are planning on sending a big box of girl scout cookies for him and his unit.
Maybe a get together when it is warmer?
February 1, 2011 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
better yet, if he's at bagram then he can go get goodies from my son. they are in the same place..
February 1, 2011 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
steve,
they probably know each other... matt and erik
February 1, 2011 at 3:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Watch out! The Taliban and Al Qaeda have the world wide web too.
February 1, 2011 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
rewba, good for them. they don't yet about night vision. soo i'm not too worried, besides matt can blow them up, erik can put them out...
February 1, 2011 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
*don't yet know
February 1, 2011 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Have you ever heard of Psychological Operations? How do you think a Soldier might react if the enemy began broadcasting the names and physical address of a Soldier's family member over a radio or loud speaker. How about calling a Soldier out by name and telling him things about his own mother, wife or children. The Soldier could feel really angry and do something stupid and get shot in the eyeball blowing the back of his skull onto his battle buddy. Now how would you feel if it was something stupid that you posted on the internet that gave the enemy these tools?
Forget about it. Keep talking about your sons physical location. Give out his name and let everyone know he will be eating girl scout cookies next week and that he is a fire fighter and anything else the enemy might find useful. Just leave every other Soldier's name out of it. PLEASE
February 1, 2011 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scarlett01_98 (anonymous) says...
rewba,
just another reason dislike you more and more....
try reading a newsweek mag, once in a while.
I WILL NOT respond to you again...to bad there is no ignore button on forums
February 1, 2011 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I'm not going to say I'm sorry even though I was a bit harsh. I tried to say it nicely but you decided to ignore the message so I spelled it out for you and anyone else who cares to take heed.
Never underestimate the enemy! Never give them Ammo unless you have a good sight picture and are sure that when you squeeze the trigger you will hit the bastard.
February 1, 2011 at 5:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
booker5m (anonymous) says...
There have been reports of this has happen. Some sites have asked that no names of GIs be used
February 1, 2011 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Names, locations, anticipated movements, mailing addresses, unit designations, occupational specialties, personal information or facebook addresses are just a few of the no, no's when discussing people in harms way.
Did you know that many cell phone cameras and digital cameras store GPS data in the image? Did you know that complete strangers can use that data to track your movements and anticipate where they may find you tomorrow within centimeters of where they actually find you? Food for thought:
http://mintywhite.com/more/software-m...
February 1, 2011 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
Sorry for straying off topic there.
With all the production expertise in Emporia and the fact that no town honors those who serve more than the home of veterans day, We should compete for and win the contract to produce a replacement to Meals Ready to Eat that Service Members would enjoy at a price that the Military couldn't pass up.
This would ensure jobs that pay prevailing wage instead of welfare wage and with the way the world is going, production of military rations would ensure job security for decades to come.
February 1, 2011 at 8:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Country boys can survive.... On MRE's?
February 1, 2011 at 10:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
I have a plan, if the city wants those rocks so bad they could melt down those bronze statues they has to have and sell it off, metals are paying very well right now.
February 1, 2011 at 11:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98 and REWBA, I am very sorry for I caused this disagreement and I KNOW better. REWBA, is very correct and when I asked, I didn't mean on here for I don't even put my own name. scarlett01_98, as I asked for yours but to give it to either Steve or at the "Breck", the same holds very true concerning our troops and their location. At times it is so easy to forget that we are on the "world wide web". REWBA, at times I haven't cared for you for I feel that sometimes what you write is not correct and off the wall, but also, othertimes, something you write is VERY correct, this is one time. As a mother, I don't like seeing ANY of our children put in harmsway, no matter where it is. We live in such a crazy mixed- up world today. I'm sorry.
February 2, 2011 at 1:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Concerning the signs, City Commission, if you continue to carryout the sign project, could you at least have the date Emporia was established on them? If the taxpayers are going to spend that kind of money, let us also do a little educating, PLEASE!!!!
February 2, 2011 at 2:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
scarlett01_98 and everyone else who supports our troops,
If you have a loved one serving and want to, drop their name and address off at the Breck for Sandman or Town royal we may get them a package off. Create is correct somewhat in what she says but the 1 good thing about our earlier exchange on who is stationed where is:
In Afghanistan, there are so many places and bases ending in ham, bam, gan, dan, tan and san that they can be confusing. Upon checking, my buddy is not stationed where your boy is. he is at another "an" base.
I wonder if they have any rocks over there?
February 2, 2011 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I have a question I would like to ask all of you who are small business owners, who hire workers and at times must lay off / furlough from work for various reasons !
Does / did the City give each and every one of you small businsess men/women who wished to start a business/own a business a 10 year tax abatement for who wished to start a business / own a business and help the employment and economy of the City ?
And please answer truthfully, as I will not use this information in a harmful manner what so ever . I would like to know, in order to help me formulate my " Emporia Revitalization Plan " and just need some information to study, as to how things are done now and could possibly be done in order to make Emporia more desirable for businesses and Industry, thereby, improving the City and all of the peoples lives and perhaps inspire more pride in Emporia and a desire for people, businesses, etc., to want to be part of an " ALL INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ", rather than be the " EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY " it now is !!
February 2, 2011 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Perhaps, I had better explain my question to you !
If the City does not offer a ten year tax abatement to every Business, Business man/woman that wishes to locate in Emporia or start up a Business in Emporia, no matter how small or how large they are, then to me that fact alone, will and does cause animosity in the Business Community, which can in turn erode and destroy the Business Community !
If the COC as touting themselves as the champion of the businessman/woman does not and will not have as its goal as equal and fair treatment of all Businesses, Corps, etc. as well as equal and fair treatment to the individual taxpaying citizens, by the City / LEADERS, RDA, CVB, BOE, COC, etc, then they are each equally responsible for creating the unrest that is and has been prevailant in EMPORIA or any City where such organizations, boards or Committees exists, by possibly / do create hardships, because of bad ideas / decisions and influencing City Commissions / Councils to approve bad ideas / decisions ! And this holds true for any organization, Board or Committee that purports to be working for the advancement and betterment of a Community and all of its people, but instead has its and its members own selfish, self interests at heart !
That is why I asked the question !
If you feel apprensive about answering on these forms, then plaease do not , as I believe I already may know the answer, but am not entirely sure !
As I said I asked the question merely for informational and study pruposes to formulate a possibly better " Revitalization for Emporia " !
As any plan is not a good viable plan without Study, Study, information, research, etc. With out these things a plan will be doomed to almost always fail or cause hurt and harm !!
Thank you, And it is time to again shovel the sidewalks, in order to keep from getting a fine from the City ! LOL
February 2, 2011 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sail (anonymous) says...
REWBA,liked your idea about mre,wonder why menue or hills could not use one of our vacant blds.Transpartation,central location, solid work force.Hmmmm ,do ya think the rda could partnership this venture.Imagine how this could be an incubator for growth and weal;th for Emporia.
February 3, 2011 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
create, How is the director of your group paid, and where does his pay come from, city tax, state tax, private donations, and does the director report this salary to the IRS?.
just questions that you knew that would probably come out about your comment. and is the director kbthomas?
Thank you in advance for your answers. OR is it none of my damn business?
February 3, 2011 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
sail, Remember, we have Dolly Madison (IBC) and Tyson too. I would suggest not calling them "MRE's" because they have a bad reputation. Meals Refusing to Exit, Meals Rejected by the Enemy, Meals, Rarely Edible, and or Three Lies for the Price of One: it's not a Meal, it's not Ready, and you can't Eat it.
Maybe we could call them HCM's Home Cooked Meals. or CPH's Care Packages from Home. Anything but MRE's :-)
February 3, 2011 at 9:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
justaflush, thanks for your question and a good laugh. No, KB Thomas is not the director of my group. LOL LOL LOL
OMG.
This is not some silly little group of little old ladies. LOL
The director is a professional and is paid by the state. You better believe he reports his salary to the IRS. It's a real wage. He gets a W2. If he didn't pay his taxes, I'd move to have him fired.
You're so funny.
February 3, 2011 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
methusla,
You and I both know that a business like Hill's or Dolly invest millions in plants and equipment, not to mention employing 100's, at a pretty good wage. Now a business such as mine, or say Family video store have MUCH less start up costs and usually pay minimum wage for a few part timers. That's good for students who need part time jobs, but not for a family. So I would say most small business people understand the need for enticements for the larger boys. More jobs with the big boys equal more customers for the small business.
Now there are state sponsored and funded ,(by our tax dollars) programs for the smaller businesses to take advantage of. Our local Main Street program has no interest loans as well as some grants for business improvement and start ups. Any one wanting to start up or improve a business should pay them a visit.
The Granada Lofts and soon the Kellogg Plaza development are getting a smaller tax exemption due to the millions in investment money they are providing. In my opinion, a carrot offered that is well worth the overall return, now and in the future.
While there may be a need for some tweaking at the RDA, (maybe considering some smaller companies and such), and maybe a little more transparency, the RDA is here to stay. At least until 2024 or the sales tax money runs out. But when it comes time to renew that tax for the RDA we will have our entrance rocks to remind the voters how extra taxes are spent. (And before some one hollers at me about that tax not being the tax paying for the monurocks, I know that.) But it is still an extra tax.
February 3, 2011 at 11:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Meth,
So that is one small businessman's thoughts on your question.
February 3, 2011 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
I do understand the whole concept you explained and I appreciate your input ! But, I still don' t think that it is entirely fair to all who wish to start a business or even locate a business somewhere to not be afforded the same advantage as the BIG BOYS ! After all who is better able to afford to pay taxes, THE BIG BOYS or the little guys and what is right about a BIG BOY causing an organization such as the RDA to force the City and the Taxpayers to go into debt and suffer possible hardships so they may line their CEO's pockets with millions of tax deferred dollars the City and taxpayers have given them and after possibly 1, 3, 7 or 10 years, THE BIG BOYS, close down, pick up and leave, and have laughed all the way to their respective Banks, offshore accounts without returning, but a small amount to the Citys that they, with the help of organizations like the RDA with what could be considered moneys due the Citys, Countys, States in the way of full tax dues that everyone else is required/ forced to pay ? Noone else is afforded the length of or size tax abatement that these BIG BOYS are afforded ?
I agree that these " BIG BOYS ", do hire people, some local, some not so local and pay them, sometimes a good decent wage ! But, you and I both know that some of those wages are not entire spent in Emporia and used to pay taxes in Emporia either !
I would like to know just what kind of guarantees did / do the " BIG BOYS " give to the City that they will have a sustained growth of jobs, there workforce will be made up of local people who live here, will support the local economy, pay local taxes and that the " BIG BOYS " will not decide to close / move the operation before they have to start paying full taxes in order to return most or more of what they received in incentives ?
In other words why does the CITY AND THE RDA insist on keeping incentive offers to " THE BIG BOYS, MEDIUM SIZE BOYS AND SMALL BOYS " and what exactly have / does did / do the City ( leaders ) RDA or other involved organizations receive from these " BOYS " to give them the incentives ?
Transparency / Accountability / Honesty / Credibility or Deception / Right and Wrong, is what I am talking about !
I realize and understand what Politics and Business is all about ! But that does not mean it has to be Underhanded / Deceitful Politics or Shady / Not above Board Business Dealings ! As I see it, unreasonable " BUSINESS INCENTIVES " are not an Acceptable or Right Business Practice and Underhanded / Deceitful Politics is Unethical / Uncredible / Untrustworthy Politics !
But then that just me and JMO !!
February 3, 2011 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve,
I am also working on questiions I want the Commission candidates to answer and as I said before, some are quite " POINTED " and to " THE POINT " and may not be answered or answered to my satisfaction !
And if you do not wish me and my passion to join you and others at Bruffs after the meeting I will understand your sentiment and not hold it against you !!
February 3, 2011 at 12:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
There is so much of the "look forward, not back" that seems to be done by some on here, mostly those who are in support of the rocks, but I still have not seen any studies about these rocks direct correlation to increased tourism and money spent in our businesses, instead I keep hearing sentiments along the lines of "Dress for the job you want, not the one you have." I would like to see one college graduate actually be able to afford on their own accord the Armani suit that would dress them as what they eventually want to be, and by on their own accord I mean without putting themselves into unnecessary debt which has not paid off in recent years and without mommy and daddy paying for it. If you want to look into it that deeply, the "Elite" are the kid and the mommy and daddy and bank are the taxpayers.
I came to Emporia because of the excellent education at a low cost. I am still here for my husband to finish his. I have never been at a loss of things to do with my own children, and have even brought friends in from other places who like the tranquility of the small town feeling, much like some of them grew up in, as well as the convenience or having shops to take care of their needs. The only thing that hasn't kept these friends here is the lack of jobs that would sustain them in a middle class lifestyle. One wanted to be here and applied for a job at the Hill's plant but did not get it and therefore stayed with a company where he travels 80% of the time and kicks himself every day that he does not get to spend the evenings and weekends with his very young children like people in this town do because his drive to care for them at the class he wants to overrides the want to spend that time with them.
February 3, 2011 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
cont'd
The distance between the classes is becoming larger and larger and I honestly believe that those who think that spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on cosmetic beautifications don't truly understand what the rest of us go through on a daily basis. As I explained to my mother last night, we as a world are coming out of three decades of people driving for their wants and not caring about the actual needs of anyone including themselves or the future. Isn't it the out of control spending that has put the world in the economic bind that it currently is in?
I grew up hearing one thing over and over that people are glad to say but in recent times do not want to follow "We must look to our past to decide the best course for our future." or something like that, sorry I am terrible with names and can't come up with who said that off the top of my head. Cosmetic beautifications are temporary, and many large cities have ended up with problems from urban sprawl and fleeing from the once vital centers of town because of the thinking to just look to the future and what might be instead of taking care of what they already had and keeping standards up across the board.
What I believe we as a small town should do is look more at what other small towns in Kansas have done. Take a look at Hutchinson, Kansas. Yes, they have had a big push for tourism that has paid off, butt that is because they had touristy things to do as well as a closer proximity to Wichita. Hutchinson has the Cosmosphere and after cashing in on tourism for that they, along with local business (Undrground Vaults and Storage) they have built the Underground Salt Museum. No, at first these things do not pay off but you do have to look at the big picture. They also have their own river walk area that looks great going through the old main street area as well as giving a safer place for people who live there to hike and bike all over town, giving a more enticing reason for people who want to live in a smaller and cheaper community but work in the bigger city to settle there.
Cont'd
February 3, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
cont'd
What do we have in Emporia? We have ESU, W.A. White House, W.L. White auditorium, C of E campus, two rivers, we are the halfway point between major metropolitan areas of Kansas, and I am sure more that I don't know about. We have great programs for families for entertainment and just "getting out of the house" activities. If advertising to get people to come into our towns and want to set up shop, why not start by advertising what we have that would make more people want to live and work here? I read another poster talking about putting up billboards to advertise the great parks and nature we have around here. That sounds excellent to me. We could even go so far as to also put up metal signs that remind people of what we have. I, for one, am terrible with names, whether it be people or places, but I do remember events I have participated in and sights that I have seen. In times of economic downturn, think the 1980's, people look to reminders of better times and are brought in by nostalgia, not by reminders of what they can't have or what they are really going through at the time. Also, staycations have become big across the world as those in the middle and lower class can't afford a big vacation. In the small town I grew up in in central Kansas, the big thing for everyone in that community was to get a hotel room during the state fair so that they didn't have to leave early from the carnival to get home before it was too late and they could go straight from their hotel room to the fair without having to endure the long ride there. If we were willing to spend the money to fix up main street as well as get together and help to restore historic homes and bring back that small town feel with some modern amenities we would end up in the long run better off. These programs could focus on hiring only local workers and companies as subcontracters, giving jobs (even if they are short term) to those who need them most while also training them in jobs they can parlay into long term job security. This is just the beginning of one plan that focuses on tourism and attracting people to settle.
It might cost us in the short term but I am sure those who oppose outlandish spending would not reject it for a few reasons.
1. Whether or not it brings a whole lot of new blood in it does benifit all of Emporia if in no other way than building civic pride
2. If researched properly and followed through properly then it can be a good, sustainable, long term road for us to travel.
As my parents, grandparents, and so on and so on always have told the youngins in our family "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without." We need to use what we have before we go to bringing in more to add to the mess.
February 3, 2011 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I enjoyed reading your commentary, apierich.
People from surrounding communities still today like to grab a motel room in Emporia and stay for a relaxing weekend and use the swimming pool or hot tub. Some do it for teenager's birthdays. Unfortunately, a couple of the locally owned motels have gone downhill; in fact, they are downright dirty and unkempt. Telling them so does no good at all. They don't seem to care. Too bad for Emporia because they are driving people away. So much for tourism.
February 3, 2011 at 4:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
It all comes down to saving the excess today for the rainy day tomorrow. People have eaten up for decades now that there will be no rainy day tomorrow because the things we have and can get now will ensure it. Well people, it's tomorrow, unfortunately those who made the most yeterday won't see their tomorrow till later than the rest of us working class.
February 3, 2011 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
I like seeing people take a problem and turn it into an asset. Take this winter storm for example. The city has cleared the streets and are moving the piles of snow that would ordinarily cause drainage problems and are moving it to the skateboard park and piling it up next to a drainage ditch on the outskirts of town. The snow pile can be enjoyed by sledders while it lasts and as it melts away it won't choke up storm water drains in town. Awesome!
February 3, 2011 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
Thank you create.
I have heard horrible things about local hotels, and the problem is not just here. My sister and her husband stayed in a hotel in Beto Junction or Lebo (she wasn't that exact and I didn't want to delve deeper at the time) for two weekends in a row. The first weekend they used a washcloth and hung it up to keep it out of the way the rest of that weekend. They went back the next weekend and the same washcloth was still hanging there. GAG!
If tourism is what the muckity mucks think will bring money and jobs to Emporia then they should make the board suggesting things to better tourism to go to these hotels and cite them, using a grading system like resturaunts have, so that maybe they will have encentive to actually "clean up" their act. Possibly even regulate the hotel industry in this town like they do in larger cities, since they seem to think that we will have tourism like the bigger cities, and actually fine the businesses for breaking a basic level of cleanliness. Just a thought.
February 3, 2011 at 5:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good idea, apierich. In fact, that one bears suggesting to the commission. Certainly it should be suggested to the new commission when it gets in.
I don't know if the the health department ever makes inspections. If they do, they are another failure.
February 3, 2011 at 5:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
apierich,
I was pretty much raised with the idea, that you take care of what you have for as long as you can, because if you have to replace it tomorrow it will probably cost you more to do so !
And this City and certain people have chosen not taken care of what needed to be taken care of , because of what they wanted no matter the cost their tomorrows !
February 3, 2011 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
methusla,
I completely agree, and that is part of what my family's saying is about. Maintenance is the best medicine, throwing something out that still has plenty of life in it is wasteful and arrogant.
There is a movement among younger people, like myself, that are tired of the "ME!" generation doing this stuff. Unfortunately nothing really changes overnight, even when a coup is mounted there is a transition time.
February 3, 2011 at 6:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justaflushaway (anonymous) says...
create, PLEASE, cant you find it in your heart to hire kbthomasimaIDIOT and send him on a fact finding mission to somewhere in the Antarctica, for at least 10 years, oh with a book of matches, and let him bug or beg the hell out of others for a while, that would make even his selfproclaimed friends happy for a while
February 3, 2011 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hogan77 (anonymous) says...
Talking about hotel citations... I came to Emporia a few years back. Stayed at what used to be the Super 8, not sure what it is now. Went to pull back the comforter and their laid the biggest blood stain I ever saw on the bed!! So big I thought someone had been murdered in there or something. Now tell me people, how in the he double hockey sticks can housekeeping NOT notice this???
I complained to the front desk. All I got was an "Oh sorry. We can trade you rooms." Now honestly, why in the world would I want to stay in this dirty horrible hotel?? No refund, no nothing. Makes a person really want to come and stay in Emporia again, now doesn't it?
February 4, 2011 at 1:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Exactly, hogan77. Unless Emporia finds some way to legally push these people to clean up their motels, no amount of rock signs will help. What will happen is that Emporia will quickly get a reputation for filth.
I'm trying to think of where the Super 8 was located.
February 4, 2011 at 6:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
create,
Super 8 Emporia
·2913 W US Highway 50, Emporia, KS
February 4, 2011 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks methusla. Now I remember. Out there near all the car lots. Two story, rectangular thing. Thanks.
February 4, 2011 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
I just had a friend bring this article from the Topeka Journal about Emporia to my attention. Thought some of you guys might be interested in it.
http://cjonline.com/life/2011-02-05/e...
February 6, 2011 at 9:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Thanks apierich. Yes, that was very interesting, particularly the market gaps in the downtown area. I can see a brewery-pub, men's clothing, and electronic game store. But a nursery?
A nursery?
We already have lots of nurseries in this town, and they are very good ones. Riverside Gardens (year round), Bluestem, Waters, Kaw Valley, Wal Mart, plus whatever is sold at the Farmer's Market.
Why dilute the market like this? This is crazy.
One very important piece of info in that news report. Emporia State employs more people than city and county governments combined. Of the top ten employers, ESU employs 745 people. Tyson employs 864 and USD 253, 803.
February 7, 2011 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
apierich (anonymous) says...
create,
I do agree, we already have several nurseries all over town. Perhaps it would be a better idea for one of the existing nurseries that has problems with traffic flow to partner up with a mom and pop shop downtown to sell decorative plants or something like that when the weather is nice enough. If nothing else it would help with the convenience of those who live downtown but don't have transprotation other than the L-Cat. I know I'm not going to go out of my way to buy violet or something for decorating my home, but if I'm already downtown shopping I would likely pick one up.
February 7, 2011 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )