Pain Relief Group to Schneider's Defense

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Posted: 5:15 PM Jan 4, 2008
Last Updated: 6:54 PM Jan 4, 2008
Email Address: deb.farris@kake.com

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A national pain relief group is in Wichita defending a Haysville doctor who faces federal criminal charges.

Siobhan Reynolds heads the Pain Relief Network out of New Mexico.

She says PRN will be filing a lawsuit against the federal government in defense of Doctor Stephen Schneider. He's the Haysville doctor arrested and charged with over prescribing pain pills, as well as other federal charges.

Reynolds says Schneider did nothing wrong and that the U.S. Department of Justice is singling out pain management doctors around the country, which is a violation of the constitution.

"This has been going on wholesale all across the country. As a result very few physicians will prescribe these much needed medicines,"

The lawsuit will be filed in about 10 days. The U.S. Attorney's office declined comment. Schneider and his wife are scheduled for court February 26th.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: tammy Location: Newton on Mar 27, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Dr.S prescribed legal pain meds. If his pt's went home and took the whole bottle, how can this be his fault. Drug addicts will lie and say anything to get what they want. As a nurse I know Dr. our taught to trust their pt's when they tell you they are in pain. Pain is subjective, only the pt knows if it is real or not. I say if you dont live with daily pain, you have no right to even have an opinion.

Posted by: Hi_Jinks Location: Wichita on Feb 10, 2008 at 06:30 PM
He never held a gun to anyone's head. He gave the people what THEY wanted!!

Posted by: Carmin Location: el dorado on Jan 31, 2008 at 09:59 AM
How can one Dr. be blamed when some patients go to more than one Dr. for pain medicine

Posted by: Michele Location: Wichita on Jan 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM
I think that the clinic is doing more good than harm. I have been going there for 5 years and they are the only one that have made a significant difference in the quality of my life. I have been in pain for so many years and they have helped me manage my pain to a point where I can tolerate most days. Before I could not even get out of bed most days because of the pain. I believe the clinic is doing a great job at helping people who truly need pain management help. And as for the people who died I am sorry for their loss but they are the ones who abused the medication NOT the doctors. If I took all of my medications I too would die would that too be the doctors fault? I think not.

Posted by: Me Location: Wichita on Jan 14, 2008 at 06:03 AM
Give me a break... All the positive comments that are defending Schneider is a joke. He's in jail for a reason. Many of you out there know why. Good job D.A.

Posted by: Michael Location: Indiana on Jan 8, 2008 at 08:34 AM
To Chris, Why had your uncle's other doctors not found out he had terminal cancer, before he had to get treated for the pain ( of unknown cause?). Soundsl like the malpractice occurred before your uncle was seen. I knew a fella that was cleared for the "big regional clinic" and came to my office. He was found to have cancer everywhere, when I did an exploratory laparoscopy. Was I responsible for his terminal cancer, too? I know a cancer patient, right now, that can't get pain medication because of, these type of crazy, accusations made by ignorant laymen!

Posted by: Bill on Jan 7, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Thank you unknown. The easiest seat to sit in is the one created by self and it is called self righteousness. So many people sit in judgement of others based on their on righteousness or what they have decided in their own heart what is right and wrong. It is sad to see a person who has never lived in pain to place judgement upon others who are suffering. Some people love to hate, it's their hobby and to even some, I think it's their full time job. Most seem to hate when another person sees things differently than they do, others hate because the live in fear. Dr. Schneider helped those poor souls that no one else cared about, the poor, the "trailer trash" those with no hope and no future. I went to three other doctors for help and was told they can do nothing for my pain. All they offered were nsaids, but after being hospitalized for stomach bleeding, I could no longer take that type of pain killer. I have to have acetaminophen based pain killers. Thank you Dr. Schneider for being the

Posted by: CHRIS Location: WICHITA, KS on Jan 7, 2008 at 03:21 PM
YEAH THIS WAS MY UNCLES DOCTOR TOOK 3MOS TO GET AN APPOINTMENT, ALL SCHNIEDER DID WAS GIVE HIM PAIN KILLERS FINALY TOOK MY UNCLE TO A REAL DOCTOR WHERE WE FOUND UT HE HAD CANCER & WE IS ON HIS DEATH BED NOW...WHAT A LOSER

Posted by: Unknown Location: wichita on Jan 7, 2008 at 12:04 PM
THANK YOU BILL!! It is hard for people that have never been in pain so badly that everyday life isn't in there vocabulary, to understand what its like!! To not be able to perform dialy tasks, such as bathing even. Of course they dont get it nor understand! Its flat out stupidity to corner one doctor, one place, and say its not ok? Its not ok to prescibe pain meds to someone that you know is abusing it, or to someone who isn't in pain... BUT.. the record shows these people got UA's they got testing to show pain WAS an issue! Dr. S would never intentionally hurt someone! He did not give them Rx'x to go home and hurt them selves. He opened his home to the people of haysville after the May 99 tornado, gave them shelter, food, and a warm place to sleep. Mabey it was then he plotted to get some of them addicted?? Yea come on. Most of you obviously dont know the man you are making comments about, and the HELP he has givin to people,inside and OUTSIDE that clinic, not as a doc but as a MAN to!!

Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Jan 7, 2008 at 10:23 AM
My pharmacy will not let me get too many pills at a time. 30 day supply in 30 days. I dropped some once and tried to refill too soon. I had to go thru the doctor for them. these are not pain meds, they are for diabetes.

Posted by: Bill Location: Wichita on Jan 6, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Donna, Unlike you, I do not make assumptions. Why does he have so many deaths? Why do so many die in nursing homes, maybe they should be all shut down. My guess, and it is only a guess, is that he accepts the patients that other doctors turn away. They are dying anyway so who cares, right? Oh, I am not related to Dr. Schneider, I am sure by his looks he has very little African American in him. Also, I am not in a coma, I never said those who died were abusing the system, I am awake, I am not trying to fool anyone. Now, if you are finished with your ad hominid attacks, maybe we could have an intelligent debate on the ills of mis prescribed medications, and how far can a doctor go before it becomes criminal. PS: You wouldn't be Donna St Clair would you?

Posted by: Women on Jan 6, 2008 at 08:39 PM
A GOOD majority of the people that did die that were pt's at that clinic, had under lying problems!Most of them had medical conditions that (im sorry) were terminal. And, not all of these pts were Dr. S's pts! At one point there were 3 D.O.'s and 3 P.A's. Not all of the pt's that died were under Dr. S's care. The clinic has dr schneiders name on it, not all 100% were his pt's though. Like I said, the fact's need to be strait. And as for Unknown talkin about the bar,, WHAT! You are from a bar, that is the devil's Playground! Why do people go to the bar anyway? To get messed up!!

Posted by: Donna Location: Wichita on Jan 6, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Bill needs to wake up from his coma that the great Martin Luther missed while treating him for 18 months. Schneider the writer had at least 30 deaths during those same 18 months. Why does Bill think all 30 of those deaths were abusing the system? Were the patients that died all "abusers"? If so why didn't a similar amount die at the hands of the all the other pain doctors in the city combined. He was and is a money obsessed drug dealer who took advantage of people who had real pain or addiction problems. The fact that he added so many drugs to the recipe made it difficult for a clear headed person to follow the dosing schedule let alone a person taking his combination of pills for anxiety, insomnia and pain. Wake up Bill you fool no one- - you are probably a relative of the quack.

Posted by: Bill Location: Wichita on Jan 6, 2008 at 12:34 PM
I went to Dr. Schneider when all other doctors had nothing to offer. I followed to the letter the pain management program that he set me up on. After 18 months of treatment, I was able to return to work and have a normal life again. Thank you Dr. Schneider. There will always be people who abuse the system, who take advantage of a given situation to earn an easy buck. They give the ones in need a bad name that they do not deserve. I will never forget the young woman I was speaking to in Dr. Schneider office one day. She was given 2 years to live, was in terrible pain and no other doctor in Wichita had the courage to write the prescriptions she needed. To most doctors, it is better to allow suffering than to lose their nice homes and cars because they cared a little to much. I support Dr. Schneider and the work he was not afraid to do. Dr. Schneider is the Martin Luther of medicine.

Posted by: devil Location: hell on Jan 6, 2008 at 08:59 AM
megan wake up hes a drug dealing murderer

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Atleast he's not a doctor who lets people suffer give the guy a break he's done more good then bad

Posted by: A woman Location: Haysville on Jan 6, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Yes, I do believe there are people who really need the pain medicine and use it the way they should. Unfortunately, there are people who became addicted because of Dr. Schneider. His name has been around for years before his arrest was aired. Many people lied to get pain medication and Dr. Schneider kept giving it to them. there are good and bad sides to this. Some of you may say get the facts, I got facts with my own eyes by witnessing some of his lying addict patients take advantage of the drugs and his stupidity to give it away like candy! C'mon look at the counts of people who died from Schneider. Shut his clinic down!

Posted by: Unknown Location: Haysville on Jan 6, 2008 at 12:38 AM
It's sad to say, but a few years back Dr. Schneider's name was known all over the bars. Most the people I knew were Schneider's patients. As soon as they got the prescription refill, 5 pills swallowed at a time and then drink on it. I had a friend who once overdosed because he bought someones pain medication outside the parking lot of the clinic on the day he knew his friends were going in to see Schneider. Yeah, his prescriptions were sold to people everywhere by his own patients. Over half the people in his clinic became addicts because of him overprescribing or just plain dumb enough to give them to those who really don't need it. Schneider's clinic needs to shut down and the addicts need to get their heads checked!

Posted by: megan on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Thank you!!! For all the people that acrually know what is going on. The news only speak what they know about, sadly that aint always the truth, or the full story! Every Patient that comes in that clinic knows they have to bring previous med records and get ua's.. Not any one can just walk in off the street and just get meds. I have worked for that clinic for 5 years, Im sorry i know! Diagnostic testing UA's, pill counts, what else should we have done? The FDA makes the medicine, they also make the rules, on max dialy amounts, Who is to blame? Peole overdose daily on alcohol! Who is to blame?? The User! That doctor hasn't done anything wrong, that will be proven, once and forall! And for that matter, the government has dipped entirely to far into patient doctor confidentiallity, and into health care. Go solve crimes on wichita street corners, in which kills people everyday!

Posted by: Debbie Location: Andover on Jan 5, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Mimi, How funny that you would get on a website like this and talk about how Dr. Schneider writes his scripts and whom he might write them to. I have had 4 failed back surgeries and if it weren't for pain meds I could not even get out of bed each morning and function on a normal level. Dr. Schneider not only makes you have your previous records but also red charts patients that abuse their narcotics, and they are not allowed to get pain pills or anything else from his clinic. Everyone also signs a pain management contract that you agree to random UA's and random pill counts. How much closer does your doctor monitor your pain management. It also states right on each scipt that you are not to exceed an amount in 24 hours. How could you wish prison time on someone that you know nothing about and your doing nothing more than listening to all the negative comments that the news media puts out there and you run with such stupidity. GROW UP AND FIND OUT WHAT THE TRUTH IS BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

Posted by: v Location: wichita on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Your funny, Have you read the sigs on Dr. s scrips? he did not put prn on narcotic pain meds. Dr. would really appreciate your prof. courtesy dr. k. maybe someday the feds will come after you and we'll all make a big joke out of it. ha ha ha

Posted by: Pat Location: Alabama on Jan 5, 2008 at 11:30 AM
That is the wonderfull USA, where the DEA with the WAR on DRUGS brag about the number of Pain Management Docs they have destroyed using Addicts and Pushers as patients and then witnesses against the Docs. Our Government believes the Docs should be detectives and pick out these "malignant patients". The DEA should be acting like the COPS in the rest of the world where if there is a "malignant patient" around they call up the Doc and warn him about the situation not set him up and confiscate as much as they can.

Posted by: john Location: kansas on Jan 5, 2008 at 09:16 AM
this group has no idea what they are talking about when it comes to Schneider

Posted by: Mimi Location: Wichita on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:11 AM
It's docs like this that make it so other docs won't prescribe narcotic pain medications to patients who REALLY need them. I'm seeing a pain managment doc for legitimate pain and he carefully monitors my use of pain meds. ANY doc that suspects abuse should flag the chart and stop writing scripts for narcotics. When used correctly, pain meds can be a very effective treatment option. I hope this doc has his license taken away and serves jail time. For the people who are supporting him, I think maybe you are his patients that are using the narcotics for non-medical purposes ..... aka ABUSE! Shame on you.

Posted by: dr .k Location: east ict on Jan 4, 2008 at 10:55 PM
isnt it ironic ...the group's initials are prn...in med terms prn is as needed....hmm....take yer narcotics prn...or as needed...or til yer dead or brain damaged or licking yer lips uncontrollably ...

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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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