Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on June 26, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Additional comment on ticketing, displays, etc.

Posted by OutsiderJ (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think its such a load to be banned from fireworks. In huge sprawling cities it can be justified (sort of). Even there they usually have gigantic public displays for the residents. I hear alot of people complaining about the high taxes in Emporia and Lyon County, myself included. If the city/county is/are collecting so much taxes, how come they can't afford anything. The streets are falling apart, we have 1/2 of an animal control officer, no fireworks, no funding for nearly anything. Where the hell is money going? The police cars are pretty nice, I guess. But to ban fireworks and not provide a show for the public as a compromise or alternative is ridiculous. Its like a famous comedian used to say at the beginning of his rants: "What the hell is this Russia..."
For those who complain about trash, I would rather have it spread equally all over town than have the packed, ratty, and trashy looking ditches just beyond the city limits signs, like there were last year. For those complaining about the noise, deal with it. Its certainly no worse than the g-money bass bumping 11:00pm stereo full blast crowd that drown out my TV and damn near makes my heart skip a beat on a nightly basis.
Don't even get me started on the fact that this is the home of Veteran's Day. Seems to me that Emporia would encourage a patriotic traditional display of solidarity like fireworks on the fourth. This town is fake proud to American, and it is nauseating.

Posted by Penny (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BJ, I think if you would poll the liquor stores you would find that the July 4th weekend has a high volume beer sales. I'm just saying what I have observed. When you drive through the country on July 5th, many county roads are littered with piles of leftover/burnt fireworks and empty cases of beer (the boxes). If Independence Day means only fireworks and Christmas means only lights then I am sad for you. However, if you feel that strongly about it, again I urge you to put your money and your time behind organizing an event for next year. You've told us many times on this forum that you have lots of money so I'm sure it would not be a hardship.

As to the quote from Adams, why is everyone so fixated on the firework piece, seems to me the tone of the entire quote includes much much more than that. Where's the Pomp, the Parades, the Solemnity, the Bonfire, the Bells?

No one has said there is or should be a ban on public displays, only that tax dollars aren't going to fund it. Personally I enjoy the public displays and would most certainly support fund-raisers for that purpose. I would whole-heartedly support a community event to include parades, family activities, games, concerts and fireworks displays. I think Emporia needs some sort of festival/community event to help foster that sense of belonging. Years ago we had the "Twin Rivers Festival", all the small towns around us have some sort of "Fall Festival" or celebration. I would think the Chamber of Commerce should be interested as those type of festivals bring lots of retail revenue. Who among the people out there who feel so very strongly about "July 4th" is ready to chair that committee? Anybody?

Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Back many years ago when I was in Jaycees, our organization did the fireworks display at the fairgrounds. We spent lots of money on the fireworks collected thru our various fund raisers. We also sought donations from businesses and citizens right up to the start of the show to fund the event. Every year, our club saw declining donations, yet every year the crowds who came to see the show grew. The larger crowds did not bring in more donations, in fact we encountered many that wouldn't donate so much as a dime towards the show. The last year I was was involved, we spent several thousand dollars out of our own account to be sure the show went on. Everyone enjoys the display of big fireworks, too bad they arent weren't willing to pitch in a help pay for it. That's why you will have to travel to another town this year to see the big show.

As for the police enforcing the fireworks ban, failure to do so in the past 20-30 years is why fireworks can be heard/seen in Emporia two weeks prior to and weeks following the 4th now. It should have been enforced from day one when the ordinance became effective.

For those of you who go out in the country to shoot off your fireworks, remember that the roads are for public use, that is for driving your vehicles upon. It doesn't mean you and your party of 30 can set up camp in the middle of the road and have a bbq and bonfire party. Keep in mind the land adjacent to the roads is private property, do not stray off the road onto it, shoot your fireworks off into the fields, nor use the land as a dump site for your trash. It is not legal to leave your fireworks trash behind on the road either. You can be criminally and civilly liable for damages if you set ditches, crops or hayfields on fire. Expect to be checked out by the Sheriff's Dept, most rural landowners don't want you near their land shooting off fireworks either.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Careful, Penny. I've never said I "have lots of money". I have said I worked hard and sytemically saved so I could retire without having to eat dog food, but I am far from rich, or even totally confortable. Don't put words in my mouth. If you want to put something in my mouth, bake me an apple pie!

Posted by rami (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok, so no fireworks done in town by individuals...plus no city display? Emporia has really become a place to hate to live. We celebrate our independence in this town by having our freedom to celebrate taken away. WOW way to go. I am not a fan of the big popping fireworks either but it's awful that my children are not allowed to do their sparklers or fountains in the front yard, with the hose nearby just in case something bad happened. I understand all the points of view on here, there are parents who are responsible on the holiday, the ones who make sure their children are being safe and using fireworks properly and there are parents who are too busy tipping the beer can to notice that little Jr. is lighting a firework dangerously close to a can of flammable liquid, or aiming the roman candle at his siblings head.
I still say there should have been talk about giving an option to buy a one day permission pass for fireworks in town offered at a reasonable price. There would be alot of details to work out, but it's something to look into.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I recall this was a topic of discussion last year at the public discussions on the budget and those who attended at least one neighborhood meeting felt that the city shouldn't spend money on fireworks. According to the story in the paper, there were only 5 people who showed up at this week's meeting at the library and they all wanted taxes cut. Sounds like people need to voice their opinions at the meetings if they want something changed.

Posted by jennienbj (anonymous) on June 26, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it is nuts that we are going to not have a display! I do not go to the display, but it is nice to sit in my front yard to see it. We should be able to shoot small things off, like firecrackers or the little fountains. It is not fair to kids that it is taken away from them. I think shooting off the fireworks is no different than the kids that terrorize my neighborhood everyday, all day. We should be able to shoot off fireworks, just put a limit on what you can shoot in town and put a curfew on the nights that need to be done early. Me personally, I will probably find a way to shoot fireworks off, even if it means going to my in-laws in chase county or to coffey county. It is ridiculous that our town has the money to do some renovations at the fire department, and whatever the hell else our town spends money on, because we all know we are not getting our streets re-done, and the things that need to be fixed? How hard is it to budget? This is Independence Day, let us shoot fireworks. I want to know how the cops are going to be able to ticket everyone when they can't ticket all the drunk drivers, the people that killed the animals at the zoo, the petty thieves and everything else. I think that the 4rth of July will be really busy for the Emporia Police Department. I see so many people get away with so many things and cops drive right on by them and do not give the tickets out to those who deserve it. So instead of ticketing the terrible drivers or whatever else, they are going to cruise emporia all day long with gas being 4 bucks a gallon and try to find people shootin off fireworks. Good luck.!

Posted by dhcc66 (anonymous) on June 27, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

so much energy spent complaining and none of it put toward organizing a 4th of July Parade, which we aren't going to have....a public and sanctioned fireworks display, which we aren't going to have, or putting together a petition to change the ordinance...which nobody seems to want to do. of all the complainers on here, notice nobody wants to run for city office, or have a petition signed to change things to the way they want. they want change so they figure they'll do it even if it means breaking the law.

as for those saying the police and fire departments are the cause of all of this..how about complaining to the real source of all of this. somewhere 20 or 30 years ago, the city commission enacted an ordinance and the state of kansas passed laws on fireworks displays.

citizens act and get laws and ordinances changed all the time. citizens and public interest paved the way for many good laws and for changes to bad laws over the last 20 years that i can recall, and from what i know (and it's totally possible that i'm wrong), all it takes to get something on the ballot for this year is a petition. so for all those putting so much effort into complaining, stop typing and start getting your neighbors together to petition the city for changes that you want. don't you realize that typing on here doesn't get the comission's attention...people at budget meetings do, and people with petitions do, and people who vote the commissioners out of office for not doing the right things do..why not do this the correct and legal way?

Posted by Penny (anonymous) on June 27, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry, BJ, that was a snotty comment and I apologize. I would, however, like to see everybody who complains about the current situation work to change it. It seems like those who complain the loudest often are nowhere to be found when it comes time to supply money, time, or work to make something happen.

I do make a pretty mean apple pie (at least I used to), thanks for the suggestion!

Posted by sherryh (anonymous) on June 27, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's an idea.....how about all the money that the city collects from the "fireworks offenders" goes to next years fireworks display.....I would donate....lol

Posted by jmcmannis (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow is all I can say. Here we have bigger problems in our country, oil prices sky rocketing, the hint of a recession and our men and women in harms way protecting the freedom we so dearly love. Don't get me wrong I love watching the fireworks display, but to sit here at home and whine because the fire chief, the chief of police have decided to try and crack down on illegal fireworks and people who go out of their way to break the law when they have been warned.
I am history major and I know what Indpendence day means and what sacrifices were given so we may live free from tyranny. Men and women have given the "Last Full Measure" defending our country. Sure they had gun fire, cannon fire, parades, but they also read the Declaration of Independce to all the town folk. We need to focus our energies on what really matters and that is fixing our country, I am sure the founding father's are tossing and turning in their graves at how far we have strayed from their orginal vision for this country.
With that said, I wish you all a safe and joyous Indpendence Day."Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof" inscription on the Liberty Bell.

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good post, jmcmannis, and I admire your comments and patriotism. However, I still find it illogical that the backward burg in which we reside finds it prudent to ban fireworks on the Fourth of July. It is Independence Day; the day we are supposed to celebrate our nation's independence and have for centuries in a boisterous and noisy fashion. I noticed Topeka announced it's fireworks policy this week. They are allowing fireworks to be discharged in city limits daily from June 27th through July 5th from the hours of 8:00 am to 9:00 pm and until 11:00 pm on the fourth.

My question is: Is Topeka more patriotic than Emporia, or are their citizens more responsible than ours thus capable of handling pyrotechnics on the Fourth? Or maybe all Topeka's homes are fireproof so the Fire Chief needs not worry about fireworks setting them on fire.

It seems to me that Topeka's commissioners have weighed the negatives against the positives and come to the conclusion that allowing fireworks during Independence Day is the right thing to do. Perhaps Emporia's commissioners need to stop trying to play protective big brother and do "the right thing", too. It is absolutely ludicrous to not have fireworks, especially snakes and sparklers, on The Fourth of July.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I haven't posted, or commented on much, in the forum, for a long time, because it seemed like everyone was complaining about any, and everything.
But, I can't hold back on this one....Whats going on in Emporia? Some of our Churches don't fly the American Flag anymore, or honor our Veterans on Veterans Day.. yet...We celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and St. Patricks Day... but we can't put anything together to celebrate America's Independence Day?
No fireworks, no public celebrations, no Parades, NOTHING!!!...for Independence Day?....
Even the smallest towns in America find a way to have a fireworks display, or a public celebration for the people of the community....They encourage people to fly the American Flag, and display red, white and blue..It's a day to be proud!.
I am sick to death of hearing about the Budget,in Emporia, yet, we have money to hire consultants to come to Emporia and tell us, what most all of us already know, because our leaders can't figure it out for themselves.
I can hardly wait.....6 months... until Christmas....What kind of craziness are we going to have to deal with this year?

I understand the decision to not let Emporians shoot off fireworks in private residences....but, to NOT have a community display of any kind...and no Parade...NOTHING..to honor our countries Independence, is outrageous.
I don't care what the excuses are.....I'm disappointed in Emporia!

I guess this is what the politicians are referring to when they say we want CHANGE....If a Holiday, or celebration, has anything to do with God, or our Country...we gotta CHANGE it!!!

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way....What got me so riled up?
Well, my husband and I have been out looking for decorations to put up around our house for the 4th..and found, little, or nothing, to decorate with....and, there was almost nothing in the stores to remind people that the 4th of July is coming up.

I guess now that we aren't suppose to display Nativity Scenes, or, keep Christmas a religious Holiday.or, sing Christmas Carols, that, we shouldn't display American Flags, or sing God Bless America, or say the Pledge of Allegience on the the 4th of July either...Who are we offending now??!!!.......

So ya know...the only CHANGE I want in Emporia is new leadership....
TAKE UP a donation for Fireworks next year???????? HE**** NO!!!!......Just don't hire one more Consultant this year, and you'll have it covered.

Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Police should be out ticketing all the people who leave their trash all over the rural roads and bridges of this county. The amount of trash I see left out on our "Doorstep to the Flinthills" sickens me

Posted by jennienbj (anonymous) on June 28, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Renegade,

You are so right. Anymore everything anyone does is so offensive. Our Christmas program, isn't christmas program anymore, it is the seasonal celebration. They don't even sing normal christmas carrols. I work in a business that we can't say happy holidays, merry christmas, etc. It is crap, I am sorry you don't celebrate but it takes away from the rest of us that does. I think it is ludacris that we can "run out of money." Where did it go? You can't say from all the damage from the storms because there is still so much to be cleaned up. We all pay taxes don't we? Our water bills went up. Let's take a look at what they are spending it on and let everyone know where all the money goes to.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm sure the sheriff's department will be happy to cover the county roads. The police take care of the city. As to wondering where your money goes, the city budget is a public document. They print a regular report on every expenditure. I check it out every once in a while. Go on down and get a copy.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I too, like Renegade have not posted any comments on this forum for a while, so I have decided to once again jump into the fray and see how many people I will manage to p__s o__ with my comments, so here goes, some of you here have asked where is your tax dollars spent, well, as far as I am concerned the one totally wasted expenditure of tax dollars is the $100,000.00 per year city managers' salary, as I believe the only thing the man is good at managing is driving his new Jaguar automobile, also over the years there have been various other wasted expenditures of tax dollers, 1. Court House ( that someone just had to have), 2. $ 50,000.00 useless library statue 3. Totally useless pile of sandstone at the fairgrounds corner, cost ( who knows for sure) 4. absolutely useless 12th & Merchant clock tower, cost $100,000.00 plus ! 5. Murals painted on two downtown buildings, cost ( impossible to tell) 6. Main street beautification project, waste of money ?, I think so.
Now for those who do not live in the real world here is a little shot of reality, every thing that is made of, packaged in or has anything to do with plastic will definately be going up in price by at least 25%, as Dupont has already served notice that all their plastics are increasing in price by at least 25% and on Friday the price of oil hit over $140.00 per barrel. Also General Motors has already told dealers 2009 vehicles will increase in price as well as plant closings and job losses. Now if anyone has the extra money to burn up in fireworks by all means do so, I for one, even if I had the extra would not spend it on fireworks. I am thankful for my freedom, but I celebrate Independence Day my own way.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello Methusla....It's nice to see you again.
I don't actually have the extra money, so I won't be spending any on fireworks either...and, I'm sure there are many in Emporia that feel the same.
My point is...there is "nothing" going on in our town...Methusla, we have young families here....Holidays are made up of traditions, as well.
Maybe the time for fireworks is gone, but what about some summer events to bring the people out?
You know Methusla...I'll survive....We all will!...but I am just disappointed.

Maybe we could sell the 12th & Merchant Clock Tower, on ebay!!!! :-)

It's not just about the fireworks display Methusla...it's about giving the people of Emporia, something to smile about, for a change.

Posted by methusla (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Renegade- I too was very glad to see you active on the forum again and I agree completely with the fact that people in Emporia, in fact the entire country have little or nothing to smile about, however if we stop overpaying our public officials and use our tax dollars for something constructive, i.e., street repairs, etc. and quit worring how pretty our city is and lower my (our taxes) so I we can afford to keep my (our) property maintained, pretty and the grass mowed, instead of threatening a $500.00 fine for not mowing the grass, even if the person that live there has moved or died, then you might get a smile out of me. I believe that the next time I mow the parking between the street curb and sidewalk I am going to send the City of Emporia a bill for $1500.00, after all, technically speaking that piece of property belongs to the City of Emporia and I am getting tired of doing what should be there responsibility in the first place and doing it without getting so much as a thank you or payed for doing it.
I don't know about anyone else, but the first thing I notice about another town or city is how the streets I have to drive on are repaired and maintened or how badly the streets need to be repaired and maintened, I wonder what a visitor to Emporia feels about the condition of our streets.

Posted by jmcmannis (anonymous) on June 29, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am going to jump into the fray again. I agree Emporia needs to have more summer activities. Once ESU lets out for summer this place becomes like a ghost town. Granted we have a portion of Tyson still here but we need something to do. As far as I know it does not cost anything to hold a parade. Have people sign up to be in it, heck I would even ride a bike or march in my civil war uniform in it. We need to start a petition to force the city council to change its policies. After all our founders gave us the right and voice to speak up against a tyranical goverment.
It is time we take back our town. This year is already screwed up but if really want to do something lets be proactive and run for city council or vote them out of office.
I agree the clock tower and new courthouse look ridicuolus among all the old buildings on Commercial street.
So lets start a revolution and force the city to change its money hording ways and provide for some activities.

Posted by pizza (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From what I've read we have 12 fireworks stands selling fireworks but, supposedly, a complete ban on shooting them off in the city. Soooo where will they be shot off? Well, I'm guessing the county wll receive the honor of trespassers and trashed up roads etc. But that is ok as it will get the burden out of the city. This is a fine display of city - county cooperation by the city. Surely they could have, at least, designated some of the city parks or the fairgrounds as public shooting areas and let people enjoy their fireworks. The city has just given this whole situation no prior thought.

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just FYI, I don't think the city had much to do with the county spending money to build a new courthouse.

Posted by musician (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just to play devil's advocate - all the complaining is too little, too late - where was everybody last summer when all this started? A year ago the city commission made a list of possible cuts to the budget, published it in the Gazette, and held three or four public forums on the budget, looking for input from the people of Emporia. I was present at several of those forums, and there were fewer than 25 people at each one. About all that the commissioners heard from the public was along the lines of, "Do what you have to do, but don't raise my taxes." The commissioners response was to make the cuts they said they would, including, among several others, cutting the money for the fireworks display. Where was everybody back then?

Don't get me wrong; I am just as unhappy with the cuts that were enacted, especially considering the ridiculous money spent since then on surveys and studies to find out what we already knew. However, let's not condemn the city commissioners for doing what they told us they would do. WE were the ones who elected these people on a "lower taxes" issues, and then WE were the ones who failed to tell them what cuts we wanted in order to lower those taxes.

If we want a voice in city government, then we should take an ACTIVE roll, not wait until unpopular decisions are made, then complain about the results.

(End of my 2-cents)

Posted by jennienbj (anonymous) on June 30, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess we all should be paying more attention to what is going on. I think it is bull that we can buy fireworks but can't shoot them. I do not know how many people I seen shooting fireworks off on saturday, and guess what no cops around at all? What happened to we will ticked all that shoot fireworks, there will be no warnings? If the city has canceled so much this year what is going to happen next year? Have they thought about that. why is it that the city manager is getting paid that much? Not much has been done since they came into office.

Posted by create (anonymous) on July 1, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The 2009 budget meeting was held on June 30 at Faith Lutheran Church, 7 p.m. The city commission invited public comment with regard to what they felt were priorities.

NINE PEOPLE ATTENDED !!!!!

Posted by glarson (Gwen Larson) on July 2, 2008 at 7:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those who have expressed interest in creating a festival in 2009... I've received a flyer in the mail from Junction City, which organized a weeklong festival. Info at www.sundownsalute.org

Posted by emporialifer (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Gwen, that is great information. It looks like Junction City sure puts on a show.

Posted by create (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, they're doing it up big in Junction City. Lots of ideas, and I'm sure that it took a great deal of work too. Check out the list of sponsors! Thanks, Gwen.

Perhaps some of those here will make the effort to take up the cause. But I also read with interest what the former Jaycee "neighbor" had so say, "Every year, our club saw declining donations, yet every year the crowds who came to see the show grew. The larger crowds did not bring in more donations, in fact we encountered many that wouldn't donate so much as a dime towards the show."

Even after the club continued to use thousands of its own money to present a show, nobody cared to donate. See how people are? "Bread and Circuses."

"Bread and circuses" (panem et circenses) is an ancient Roman metaphor for people choosing food and fun over freedom. It often appears in commentary that accuses people of giving up their civic duty and following whichever political leader offers to satisfy their decadent desires." Wikipedia

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you Gwen...I will be in touch with you soon.

For any of you interested in having the ban lifted on safe and safe fireworks in the City.........................

I have posted on the "It doesn't have to fizzle" article .....
My husband and I met with Mr. Plummer, City Attorney, and Mr. Zimmerman, City Manager, this morning regarding the City Ordinance Ban on having safe and sane Fireworks in the city limits.
There has been a ban on them for years.....
If you are interested in what happened in the meeting, and, you would like to get involved to try to get the ban lifted......please go to that forum......for information.

I would, very much, like to see the ban lifted...and, safe and sane fireworks be returned to our city....along with other Celebrations....
If you are interested, please email me at im.renegade@yahoo.com.

Posted by AmericanXplorer13 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tonight, the 2nd, someone put on an amazing fireworks show south of Prairie. This was out of the city limits, and it was a beautiful sight to see from where we were.

Posted by patriot (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I saw the same show that AmericanXplorer13 saw...truly amazing! Pretty pathetic that a private citizen felt the need to show their pride in our country, while the city of Emporia doesn't feel this is important. We feel that Fourth of July is a holiday that is worth celebrating! Does the freedoom that we enjoy on a daily basis not mean a thing to the city of Emporia? We decided that since Emporia does not hold this holiday in any high regard, we are heading to Wichita to watch THEIR Fourth of July celebrations! I wonder if Wichita has the theme, "Shop Wichita FIRST?"...hmmm, something to think about!

Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it was the Holiday Resort that did the fireworks. I understand they do it every year on the 2nd.

Posted by Renegade (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This was posted in another forum story by BJNemp....I think it pretty well sums it up.....Thanks BJNemp.....

Posted by Bjnemp (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just saw this article in the Topeka paper. Chapman was devastated by a tornado last month and lies in rubble, but city leaders feel The Fourth of July is too important to miss.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fireworks shows will go on in Chapman

The Associated Press
Published Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. CDT
CHAPMAN — Despite piles of rubble and plenty to do in the cleanup of wreckage left by a huge tornado, Chapman is dotted with fireworks stands.

“I figured we needed a little celebration after what we’ve been through,” said Mayor Bob Gaetz.

He convinced the city council that no harm would come from residents setting off fireworks a safe distance away from the damaged areas of town.

The EF3 tornado on the night of June 11 killed a 21-year-old woman and damaged or destroyed 60 percent of the town’s buildings.

Among Chapman residents selling fireworks are the police chief, the superintendent of schools and a family doctor.

Emporia should be ashamed.

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Posted by justthefacts (anonymous) on July 4, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

William Allen White wrote an article in the Gazette on August 15, 1896 entitled "What's The Matter With Kansas?" I would encourage the editorial staff at the Gazette to publish it again. I think it is very relevant to today and certainly reflects the many values that seem to appear in this forum. I think one particular passage is relevant at this time.
"...Because we have become poorer and ornerier all and meaner than a spavined, distempered mule, we, the people of Kansas, propose to kick; we don't care to build up, we wish to tear down..."

And there, dear fellow contributors is the crux of the entire problem of this community. It's time to stop the tearing down, both verbally and physically and get busy. What the "state" cannot provide we need to reach back to our New England roots of self sufficiency and provide for ourselves and our neighbors...and yes that means more taxes. We need to have a positive attitude and we need to move forward and stop complaining about court houses, clock towers and all the other issues contained in these pages and pages of rantings. As Mr. White concluded sarcastically :

"What we need is not the respect of our fellow men, but the chance to get something for nothing."

Posted by friend (anonymous) on July 8, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why does the city have to make so many budget cuts? Sure times are tough but why are other towns around us doing better? With your taxes on vehicles and houses are so high in this town, compare them to others and you will see. Could it be the clock, court house, or fancy sidewalks instead of smaller ones. Or possibly could the taxes be high because our citizens have to pay the taxes on large companies for years as an incentive, the only reason they will come here, for years. And as soon as their 10-15 years free taxes are up they leave. This is what I have heard, tell me if this is information-would like to know!!

Posted by agoldengirl (anonymous) on July 16, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So proud as the founder of Veteran's day, why are we not equally proud of our independence? I am not rather fond of all the fireworks that go off in my neighborhood, but if anyone wishes to truly celebrate all of our freedom, least am I to say it isn't important. Shame on the commissioners to to not budget for the activity, but spend my tax money on statue and arches on the fair grounds that I see as very silly and without any merit of what the city has to offer for such really
"I don't even know what it is" displays as art. It is a waste of tax dollars and I wish the
"fair grounds" would go to a county location rather than an industrial opportunity for growth to the city. Hello. How many times a year do you even think about the fair ground or what it is costing us to set with a few functions a year at what expense?