Pain Relief Group Refutes "Pill Mill" Charges
Pain Relief Group Refutes "Pill Mill" Charges Save Email Print
Posted: 1:12 PM Jan 3, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:12 PM Jan 3, 2008
 Reporter: Associated Press
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A national pain relief group is rallying to the defense of a Kansas doctor indicted on federal charges that he ran a "pill mill" from his Haysville clinic.

The New Mexico-based Pain Relief Network says it plans to file a
civil lawsuit in Wichita federal court alleging the Controlled Substances Act as applied to doctors and patients is unconstitutional.

Dr. Stephen J. Schneider and his wife, nurse Linda K. Schneider, have a February 26th trial date on counts including conspiracy, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, health care fraud, illegal monetary transactions and money laundering.

Pain Relief Network president Siobhan Reynolds says that since 2002, the group has been involved with 15 cases filed by federal prosecutors against pain treating physicians.

The Kansas Board of Healing Arts scheduled a January 15th hearing on its motion for an emergency suspension of Schneider's medical license.
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Posted by: Anonymous Location: wichita on Jan 15, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Me I do believe that Dr. Schneider terminated you for your abuse of your medications and now you are being vendictive because you cannot locate another to give you your medications anymore. Becuase my comment was not a bunch of bull. You know you were drug tested and you pills were counted so don't lie about that. You are just trying to get back at a doctor that seen you are abusive habits and cut you off!!! So there you go playing victim when you know it was your fault because you sound exactly like someone who abused there medications so where do you get off thinking you can slam a doctor who cut you off for good reasons and to save you from destroying your out of control self.
Posted by: OUCH IN ICT Location: ICT on Jan 14, 2008 at 06:54 AM
MAYBE DEBBIE NEEDS TO GO TO TOPEKA AND TALK TO TANYA HARDING, SHE WILL FIND OUT DEB FERRIS CANNOT TALK TO THE SCHNIEDERS NOT EVEN A PHONE CALL. THEY CUT THERE PHONE CALLS VISITS FROM EVERY ONE INCLUDING THERE DAUGHTER AND LAWYER SO QUIT ACTING LIKE A U.S. PROSICUTER AND BACK off DEB FERRIS. You don't shoot the messanger for the message!!!
Posted by: P Location: Wichita on Jan 13, 2008 at 09:22 PM
SharonCorby comment: Sorry to here what you family went through. Ours went through the same. Hope God heals and restores your family. God Bless
Posted by: Me Location: Wichita on Jan 13, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Anonymous comment is full of it.. there was no pill count. Every month he would ask if the meds are working and write you a script within seconds. Drug testing was to show that you were using the meds ,so take one before the exam. Yeah your services were cut off if you told them you felt that you were becoming addicted, he would kick you to the curb. Have you ever stood outside the clinic waiting for the doors to open and listen to all the convesations the patients had among themselfs? I have... For pain 120 lortab 10's amonth did'nt work he would write you oxys. For sleep 30 xanax bars amonth he would write. Thats just for back pain without a MRI. AND for as long as you kept coming back on a monthly basis. A real doctor would not let this happen to their patients on a long term care. Wake up! And for the patients that claim that no other doctor will take them because they are ex-Schneider are full of it. Its just other Doctors take care of there patients, not turn them into addicts.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wichita on Jan 11, 2008 at 08:05 AM
I have a couple of friends that are patients of Dr. Schneider and their medications are carefully monitored by Dr. Schneider. If your pill count is not accurate then he will no longer see you and he does give random drug testing. So to blame the doctor is so wrong. He does not just prescibe medication to anyone. There is a lot of testing and evaluations that are done. He can not control what the patients once they leave his office. The people that should be charged are the ones that are abusing the medications not the doctor. Let's put the blame where it belongs because if Dr. Schneider sees anything wrong about his patients stories they are cut off and their services are terminated.
Posted by: Sara Location: Wichita on Jan 6, 2008 at 06:52 PM
TELL ME DEBBIE since you are so knowledgeable about the Schneiders. How do you explaan the insurance fraud and the money laundering?? Did the media make that up? Do you think the federal government drew that out of a hat??? You are the ignorant embarrassment to support a doctor and his nurse wife who let people die to make a buck.
Posted by: SharonCorby Location: OKC on Jan 6, 2008 at 05:02 PM
My ex husband was a patient of this doctors, and i can verify he was given many different prescriptions in ungodly amount, for no reason, my ex soon turned into a pill addict and could hardly function. These included percocets 200 monthly, loratabs 200 monthly, and oxycotion 200 monthly, as well as other pain relievers and muscle relaxers he was a zombie most of the time. It was Hell for our family, although the doc and his wife are nice people they shouldnt be giving these out like skittles, the doc should have used much better judgement and took an actual concern to get to the root of an illness not mask it with drugs !! what an outrage !!!
Posted by: Debbie Location: Andover on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:32 PM
You know its so embarrassing to even admit I am a Kansas native. Our new media is so out of control is sickening. You know nothing more than what you hear or what some idiot might have told you and you put that crap on TV. Give me a break. To think you people went to school to become journalists is really a joke, because you really went to school to lie and tell things that you have no idea what your talking about. If you want to comment on Dr. Schneider and Linda then Deb Ferris maybe you should go to the Butler County Jail and speak with them and find out what kind of people our government has truthfully locked up. As I can assure you they neither should be there. People like you do more harm than this Dr. could have ever done. What about all the child molesters and murders that are walking our streets of Wichita on Parole, do you slam them the way you have Doc and his wife? No sure didn't think so. I am more worried about my children being in Wichita and the people in Wichita.
Posted by: Debbie Location: Andover on Jan 5, 2008 at 05:01 PM
YOU PEOPLE ARE SO SIMPLE MINDED AND HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT. DR. SCHNEIDER NEVER WROTE 100 OR MORE NARCOTIC SCRIPTS PER DAY. GET YOUR STORY STRAIGHT OR STAY OFF THE INTERNET. IF YOU DON'T KNOW DR. SCHNEIDER OR LINDA THEN WHY COMMENT ON WHAT HE DID OR DID NOT DO FOR ANY PATIENT OF HIS. BESIDES THE FACT THAT HE WAS NOT THE ONLY DR. IN THAT CLINIC SO WHY IS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON SEEKING DR. SCHNEIDER? GOOD QUESTION HUH??? NON OF THE OTHER DR.'S THAT WERE IN THAT CLINIC ARE BEING ACCUSED OF ANY WRONG DOING AND WAS SEEING MORE PATIENTS THAN DR. SCHNEIDER EVER COULD SEE. GET YOUR STORIES RIGHT OR DON'T SPEAK.
Posted by: dr.k Location: east ict on Jan 4, 2008 at 08:29 PM
this is fact..kansas leads the nation in prescribed drugs....my ex wife was a patient of this doctor...he was right up her alley.she took narcotics like they were candy.....did this doctor mercy kill....i dont believe he did,...but i do believe that doctors think it is easier to hide pain than to find out why the pain is there...i wonder if he prescribed marijuana ...
Posted by: j Location: mulvane on Jan 4, 2008 at 12:45 PM
If any of you had a family member or friend who became addicted to pain medication and then DIED due to Dr. Snieder's loose prescription practices you'd feel a little different. Did you even read the indictment? He was prescribing massive amounts of narcotics to persons who had little or NO diagnosis! He was writing, sometimes, over a hundred prescriptions a day! You really think all of those were well thought out??!! I am speaking from personal experience here, I know people who did not NEED pain management who received bottle after bottle after bottle of highly addictive and in one case I know of, very near to me, deadly medication. Any of Dr. Snieder's patients who truly do need pain management will not have a problem finding a fine local doctor to treat them, and I pray that any of his patients who were needless prescribe pain management medication and became addicted will find a fine local doctor who will properly diagnose their addiction and help them with that problem.
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:57 AM
there are a lot of pain problems that can be treated with surgery or even phisiotherapy that the insurance companies will not pay for. they will pay for a lifetime of drugs tho. cliff
Posted by: Barbara Location: Haysville on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:43 AM
I beleive very much in Dr. Schneider being a good doctor. I have been treated by him for years and he knows his medicene. He is a very caring doctor and he took care of my husband until cancer took him in 2005. I did not like the way the office was run because you could be there all day to see the doctor. I could have appointment at 10 AM and not get in till 5 PM. Dr. Schneider is a very caring doctor and he is an excellent doctor.
Posted by: Unknown Location: Haysville on Jan 4, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I use to work with and also have friends that were patients of Dr. Schneider. Those people were addicts and would go through a bottle of pills within a week just to get a high. Most of them would sell their prescription to people who didn't have any pain problems just to make a few bucks. I asked how they got them so easily and they would tell me they would lie about the extent of their pain just to get more pills. The Dr. I feel should observe and be a little more strict on giving these pills to his patients. Anyone can walk in a clinic and say they have a back problem and are in major pain. Honestly, it's just as easy to get them in the emergency room. So it's not all Schneider's fault. He could've controlled his problem before it got out of hand. Yes his patients are taking the drugs to the streets. I think there should be an investigation on his patients as well. The clinic should be shut down because the drugs are getting out of hand.
Posted by: Robby on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:47 AM
THIS ONES FOR YOU DOC,,, Your Patients and Friends are speaking for you today... WE ARE GOING TO LET THESE SIMPLE MINDED PEOPLE KNOW, JUST HOW GOOD, LOVING AND CARING OF A DR. YOU ARE... AND HOW IMPORTANT YOUR PROFESSION IS...... HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON DOC. WE'LL HAVE THE LIGHT ON FOR YOU AND LINDA..... "SO COME ON HOME" :)
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wichita on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:25 AM
As a doctor he should of recogmized the signs of abuse and stopped medicating these people. He's a criminal and deserves what he gets, it's just too bad so many had to die first.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 4, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Dr. K. - why don't you talk to the families of the deceased patients about suffering
Posted by: Nick Location: Wichita on Jan 4, 2008 at 08:33 AM
How do all of you know he is innocent? Did you stand over his shoulder while he visited with each and every patient, or maybe read all of the medical records he has on file? Did you look over every single perscription he has written? He may not have told anyone to abuse the medications he distributed but if even one of those patients showed signs of drug abuse he was obligated to act accordingly and not perscribe a narcotic. Giving away narcotic medications without due cause is unethical.
Posted by: Bill Location: wichita on Jan 4, 2008 at 06:56 AM
he gave 56 of them pain relief alright. Right into the grave. He sent countless others into la la land with drool down there chins. I suppose you idiots that suport this jerk think he done them a favor. A mercy killing of sorts. Well news flash this isnt Oregan nor is he a jack Kevorkian
Posted by: john Location: lawrence on Jan 3, 2008 at 11:57 PM
It is well known that some of his patients went to him only for narcotics, because he was easy. For that, he should be convicted.
Posted by: dr k Location: east ict on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:36 PM
we can take our pets to the vet and have them put out of their misery..but we have to watch our loved ones suffer til their last breath....is that wrong or not??
Posted by: concerned Location: wichita on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:07 PM
so the pill poppers there families see dollar signs so what do they do go after the innocent
Posted by: david & rosie Location: haysville on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:03 PM
We believe in dr. schneider and his wife he gave his patients help when they needed relief from pain that they requested. He did not tell his patients to abuse the medication. Dr. schneider did not take the pills and stick them in the patients mouth they took it upon them selfs because they wanted to. I think it is very inhuman to treat Dr. scneider and his wife like criminals since after all wichita has alot of pain management dr. why pick on him and his wife. He was trying to help his patients he did not tell them to overdose. We are praying for him and his wife.
Posted by: Tina Location: Wichita on Jan 3, 2008 at 06:11 PM
There are certain medical conditions that are not 'fixable'.. except by euthanasia.. which is also against the law in Kansas. I read some of the allegations when this story first came out. Personally, I think it is nothing more than a witch-hunt by the federal government, and patients placing blame regarding their decisions to abuse the medications on the health care professionals that tried to help them. In many other countries, pain medications are sold over the counter, and it is the consumer's responsibility to take the medication as labeled. What has happened to personal accountability?
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Jan 3, 2008 at 02:21 PM
why a pain orginzation? cant the doctors fix the problems? being on "pain relievers" for years is just being lazy for the doctors. Cure the problem, dont cover it up with toxic and hazardous stuff.
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    Fire Department: Fireworks Are Illegal In Most Of Sedgwick County
    • Posted By: : Park city looked like the first Iraq war last night!!! It was spectacular,the whole sky was lit up waaayyyy into the night in ALL neighborhoods...like it is EVERY year and did not have ONE incident of a feild or house fire! Sorry you people in Wichita did not get to enjoy! If you're good...we might let you come and see us shoot them next year...but thats only if you're good..kiddys.
    • Posted By: Stacy: These guidelines are good. However, I'm new to Wichita and I have to say I'm shocked at how many people shoot off fireworks in the city proper and in parking lots of businesses andapartment buildings (like the one I live in). If it's illegal to do this, why on earth is it so commonplace? I was in the military for a few years, about 3 of which were spent in a lot of different areas of the continental U.S., not to mention the nearly 18 years I grew up in mosly Montana. I never before have seen an entire city with so many amateur fireworks displays inside of city limits. Law enforcement, why aren't you enforcing anything?
    • Posted By: Anonymous: I agree with Frankie although the sedgwick county fire department says they only enforce the law, they pushed for the fireworks ban. I believe the original was in 1978. I know it was after bottle rockets were made illegal in Kansas. I wish government would quit trying to protect us from ourselves, we need protection from them. I'm sure our tax dollars paid for the signs, putting them up, and then for taking them down stuck all over! KAKE needs to go through it's archives and find the original ban the sedgwick county commissioners signed and also read the constitution it says that we have the right to celebrate our independance with fireworks. For those complaining about fires in rural areas I've lived out in rural sedgwick for over 50 years and the instance of a house or wheatfield fire being caused by fireworks is pretty uncommon. It's a sparsely populated area unlike city living and fireworks tend to go up not shoot out for miles. Farmers intentionally light the stubble after harvest!
    • Posted By: Firefighter: Fireworks were banned in Sedgwick County in 1978. Why? There weren't enough firefighters and equipment to go around. Calls were waiting for a response. Firefighters came to work at 7:00 and didn't see their station until the following morning. There were was much damage to fire equipment. The County department had a tank truck roll. This type of response had been occuring for several years. This doesn't even speak to the damage to stuctures, possesions and the persons that where injured. The departments and civic leaders said enough,and fireworks were banned. Some of you say we are unamerican. Far from the truth. You have asked us to watch after you and assist in the time of need. Sometimes that means prevetion instead of action. I love fireworks as much as the next person. Fireworks have slowly made it back into many communities. If everyone can prove they have self control and caution when using fireworks then, they may come back everywhere. Stay safe this 4th.
    • Posted By: Anonymous: I guess I'm one of the hundreds of others that did not realize ALL FIREWORKS WERE ILLEGAL! (At least For those of us living outside a city limits in sedgwick county). I knew that while some cities Belle Plaine, Clearwater, Haysville, etc.. chose to allow BIG STUFF (the aerials) Wichita did not. The 78' fireworks ban was for the BIG STUFF!! The unincorporated areas had to follow sedgwick county's allowable fireworks same as the city of wichita chose to do. What year did they sneak in NO FIREWORKS AT ALL OF ANY TYPE for unincorporated sedgwick county?? It wasn't in the original ban. Living outside the city limits of any town, even when ALL FIREWORKS were allowed there were no fireworks stands out here, and the news was saying buy where you live, I called the no fire number for the sedgwick county fire department and asked where we should buy fire works that would be legal and I was told in wichita city limits. This is unconstitutional, prejudiced and segregates rural sedgwick county!!!!
    • Posted By: George Washington: This is all silly. I am going outside to set off Fireworks.
    • Posted By: Susan: Ok, I will expect everyone who is upset to show up at the next Sedgwick County council meeting. If you don't even at least call your councilman, than you should not complain.
    • Posted By: Shaun: I think that people in the county needs to remember that this day is to celebrate or freedom as a country!!! China gave us fireworks to help US and a COUNRTY celebrate. To me this is UNAMERICAN!!! Yes, i agree that the big ones that can set major fires sould probly not be shot in rural areas. And all though this law don't affect me personally, it still does as I am a soldier and an American. I am proud of my country. Even if I could only shoot off fountains or what ever I still think that is better than nothing. As long as the person shooting them off is doing it on a concrete surface I don't see why they can't have small fireworks!!!!!
    • Posted By: donald otnes: My daughter called me at 10:15 pm on July 2, 2009. She had people setting off fireworks in her housing district. The kids were firing off the ones that sound like a bomb going off. Are people that stupid to let kids have fireworks that could blow up and take a hand off or even there face.
    • Posted By: miss america: My family is apparently among the wild, irresponsible rednecks in unincorporated Sedgwick county that have shot off fireworks every year on the 4th since I was a baby. It's true there is a need to protect farmers' wheatfields, so I can understand why the county might ban the big fireworks that fly up in the air, and bottle rockets, etc. But, why shouldn't we be able to at least set off the smaller fireworks, such as fountains, that are less dangerous? Why are our families denied the privilege of celebrating the 4th in a safe, fun way just because we live in the unincorporated areas? This fireworks ban on the 4th needs to be loosened up. It's really not fair.
    • Posted By: a: Think about this people! Fireworks are loud and anoying! I am so sick of people setting them off late at night while we are trying to sleep! My baby is being kept up by fireworks because people set them off at two in the morning!Please just think about where you are setting them off like close to houses and apartment buildings. Those are not good places to be doing them!
    • Posted By: Firefighters daughter: For those who think that firefighters just "sit around" you obviously have no idea what these people do. Just looking at the 4th, I can recall as a child how we all wondered if my dad would get to finish his hamburger before being called out to yet another of the many fires he went on that day . The work they do isn't restricted to a summer holiday. Think about the gear they wear...heavy coats, boots, air tanks, even on 100 degree days. Take a walk in their boots and face the fires, car accidents, tornado/storms, floods, and other emergencies they must face with courage, calm, and strength in order to save lives and property. As for "washing the truck" and other maintenance that must be done, do you want a rusted out, broken hosed truck showing up at your house because they DIDN't do those things? I hope they do get a chance to relax, eat, sleep, etc. between the emergencies they must face. I want a well rested and ready fire fighter showing up at my house should I ever need one
    • Posted By: rebecca: hey does anyone know if the little boy that went into QT has been found? I know this isn't the topic but I just wanted to know.
    • Posted By: : h: I believe that fireworks like Black Cats can be used in Derby as well as Wichita (it's been a long time since I've done any here so I wouldn't definitely know). But they might be setting off something bigger like an M50. The main problems they've had is with the ones that burst into showers of colored balls and sparks like we see in the big displays, roman candles, M80s and the ones that spray out sparks. The Eagle Beacon, last year, said that a good rule of thumb is if they shoot out sparks more than about 6 feet from the device then they are probably illegal.
    • Posted By: h: well they are sure shooting them in derby and we're in sedgwick county either they are not banned or the police in derby are not doing anything about the ones that are shooting off fireworks already. Frankly I'm sick of it, the neighborhood kids are shooting them off close to my property and my dogs are having fits, a call to the local police dpt says nothing they can do....so if they are banned in sedgwick county then they should be banned in derby and the derby police dpt needs to start enforcing the ban, if they aren't banned in derby then they need to be, there are other ways of having a good time on the 4th of July without having to endanger your yard, my yard, your life!!!!
    • Posted By: : If everyone was a responible person that means for their self and for the one's that have children, then we wouldn't have had these laws made.The population is so high now that the fire departments are on overload because of the people that will not take responsiblity for their actions.And as far as the fire department setting around!!! Let your house be on fire and then have to wait because these people are not at their work area's because you think they are setting around.I would hate for them to be kept busy 24/7. What would happen to our town without them if that were the case.Already the street that I live on is littered with trash from fire works because people are not responsibly.(not all)
    • Posted By: D: I completely agree with Anonymous at 9:26. Linda, unless you've been living under a rock, it's been well known for years that fireworks are illegal in the city limits. They make the same announcements every year. They don't sell the "big" illegal fireworks in the city but everyone still goes out of city limits to buy them and then come back home and shoot them off out in the neighborhood streets. I've seen fireworks in my neighborhood that would rival the ones at riverfest and Lawrence Dumont stadium and they aren't legal in the city.
    • Posted By: : Cliff: That's true but when they are burned off purposely there are fire control measures in place. When someone sets a fire with fireworks they tend to run away and then it gets out of control. Like I said, I've missed work because of people who do this. The reason why they made them illegal in Sedgwick County to begin with is because most people here are not responsible enough to use them safely. And Linda: They've been telling people every year that they are illegal. Most people just don't pay attention. And they only selll fireworks in Wichita that you can set off in Wichita. That's why they've always said "Shoot them where you buy them".
    • Posted By: Rod: I'm with 'Anonymous on Jul 1, 2009 at 08:08 AM'... Helps us Obama! We need you to protect us from ourselves! ALL PRAISE OBAMA!!!
    • Posted By: Linda: Ok, for one I think if they were illegal, than why didn't we know about it along time ago. I bet that the majority of the people that lives in Wichita didn't know this, and I think it is not right to start enforcing it NOW, I mean come on the main reason why people shoot of fireworks is for the kids entertainment, Also if its going to be illegal than why on earth should selling fireworks at the stands not be? People see the signs that fireworks are illegal, but when they are driving around wichita and see firework stands it just tempts them that much more. So I think its not right.
    • Posted By: cliff: anonomous at 8;08, fireworks are a tradition on the fourth of july. and the "tinderbox "harvesed wheat fields are usually burnt off this time of year anyway even without fireworks.
    • Posted By: : Bottle Rocket Roger: What makes you think being American means you should have the right to set off explosives? For the idiots who think they need to have fireworks: how many of you have to call into work and tell your boss you can't come in because some moron set fire to your house or yard? What about when they go outside the city & set them off in newly harvested wheat fields that are nothing more than tinderboxes at this time of year? Every year for the past six years I've lost pay because idiots cannot control themselves or the fires they set.
    • Posted By: don: its really sad,,,,we are not hardly even "independent" anymore,,,the government has "used" up all are rights,,,,,like the ol' saying goes though "just be glad your not getting ALL the government you pay for",,,,,period, end of sentence !!!!
    • Posted By: : Anonymous who is coming down on firefighters and their "lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals" has no clue what firefighters do and how many calls many of the stations get,though many are medical. Firefighters are not exactly unpatriotic joy-squelchers, but they are supposed to educate the general public about fire safety. If you even understood all the job entailed you wouldn't talk like that.
    • Posted By: Bottle Rocket Roger: When I lived in a town just north of wichita,we were able to shoot fireworks ALL day long for a week..Park City allows fireworks ALL day long for week,NO problems in either town! We celebrate the 4th like americans in these towns! The people that made fireworks illegal in Wichita and hate the fireworks are ALL UNAMERICAN! Go hide in you're basements and shake like a coward..the M80's are coming!
    • Posted By: : We need two things immediately. One, a petition to remove this descriminatory 1978 law against residents of the county, and secondly, another petition to remove the authors of this law if they are still in office, and any other person in authority that supports it. I'll drive any distance to sign those petitions. Our tax dollars were used to print and post these signs and will also be used again to remove them, and patrol neighborhoods looking for little kids shooting ladyfinger firecrackers. This travesty of the use of our tax dollars must be exposed with those that have attacked Independence Day.
    • Posted By: Bob: Enforce the law! Many firewoks are dangerous, destructive, and disturbing--especially to pets.
    • Posted By: : I never knew there were so many un-educated people around the state. It even says in the text of the story, that the fire department is not going to be doing extra patrolling, due to staffing. People are very careless with their fireworks in the "uncorperated" area's of the county. You add wind, and some dry wood, or brush.. And you cause a very dangerous situation, and put those "poorly staffed" fire deparments that respond in danger. ****If you live in a town/city in "sedgwick County".. you need to check your local laws. The no fireworks law - is for "uncorprated" - aka *NOT IN CITY LIMITS*
    • Posted By: Michelle: Can't we come to a compromise? Make them illigal everyday of the year, except the 4th? I agree with the ones on here that said we are celebrating our FREEDOM! This is what the USA is about. Hotdogs, baseball and fireworks! 8-)
    • Posted By: Kristy: "But many like Sedgwick County Resident Michael Dixson don't plan on breaking the law." Seriously - someone who writes for a news station should be familiar with proper grammar usage.
    • Posted By: : How ironic it is that it's Independance Day however; they tell you that you can't fire off any fireworks.....at least any that are worth paying money for. Yes, we're slowly on our way to becoming a communist country. I miss Archie Bunker!
    • Posted By: : Why even celebrate??? Pretty sad when Amerians can't participate in the tradation and celebration of America's Indepandance. I feel for you rual Sedwick County people. Sedwick County SUCKS!!
    • Posted By: Tim: The Fire Department IS NOT encouraging people to call 911 every time they see people shooting fireworks, this will create an unnecessary strain on the 911 system. The problem is being worked on and will take time to get things all straightened out. If you have an emergency or a problem that warrants calling 911 by all means call 911. What is not needed is a call to 911 every time you see someone shooting a firecracker.
    • Posted By: : The fire departments are going out of their way with NO FIREWORKS signs just because they don't want to have to work any more than they have to. Little fire here and there disrupts their lazy days of washing the trucks and sleeping and cooking meals!
    • Posted By: topper: at one time you couldn't shoot fire works in dodge, now that we can the 2nd through the 5th i think. i havent heard of more fires or whatever it is you think is going to happen if you were to allow.. its the 4th of july, and you stoping people from celebrating. thats dumb if you ask me. besides, people are going to shoot them off no matter what you do.
    • Posted By: Frankie: The Fire Department says it only enforces the law against fireworks in Sedgwick County, but I've lived here since 1938 and I remember that it was the Sedgwick County Fire Department that pushed for the County Commissioners to pass the illegal fireworks law.
    • Posted By: anoymous: It is a little confusing, because Park City has fireworks tents all over, but I thought Bel Aire and Park City were actually their own "cities", and not part of unincorporated Sedgwick County. And they are allowed in Goddard,I checked out the website. I wish there was a central list posted where they are legal/illegal, because I do think there is confusion about this, especially when I thought I heard people in Bel Aire saying they purchased permits in the past. Can anyone elaborate?
    • Posted By: Debby: If they are illegal why are they sold in the city where they are illegal?
    • Posted By: : Isn't it funny how it's called Independance Day but yet big brother wants to tell us we can't shoot fireworks? Screw you big brother!! I'm firing mine off!!
    • Posted By: Elmer: I saw on the news that you are asking the neighbors to report the people who are using fireworks to the police. Hitler did the same thing when enforcing his laws. Are we coming closer to socialist government, or are you just trying to create a community that is untenable due to loss of trust in neighbors? I can't believe we are repeating history again.
    • Posted By: bob: i think the county is forgetting what we are celebrating, our independence. so they should let us shoot them where you buy them.
    • Posted By: Justin: Land of the Free, My hind end. Restrictions yes, understandable. But, all out ban? This is not the America I fought for!!!!! Maybe before long we won't have any independence to celebrate!!! And I'm sure the fire fighters are just having to do what there told. Heck, most of them love fire or they wouldn't be doing there job.
    • Posted By: : "fire dept only enforces the law" im sure they had a say in how it was created. thats like saying police dont have a quota when writing tickets when im sure they do. how else are police measured when trying for promotions and raises--its by how many tickets they write, how many crimes they solve, ect. people are gonna shoot off fireworks and worry bout what happens later because this is the one time in the year that we get to do so! plus it helps celebrate america's birthday !!
    • Posted By: Mikea: I sure wish there was something we could do about the rednecks who insist on setting off the big heavy skybursts in our neighborhood at 1am every night. Fireworks should be illegal inside the city. Loud car radios are, and fireworks are more dangerous.
    • Posted By: Bob: Ok maybe this is a stupid question, but what is unincorporated Sedgwick County? What is meant by that?
    • Posted By: AJ Simkatu: Everyone knows that fireworks that go up in the sky are illegal, even in the city of Wichita. The problem is that nobody cares. Most people think the ban is a ridiculous overreaction to a small problem. People are sick of the nanny state telling us what we can and can't do with our own lives and property. What's next, ban skydiving, skiing, riding dirt bikes, mountain climbing? The government needs to mind its own business and stay out of ours.
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