Schneider Patients Claim Gov't Harassment
Schneider Patients Claim Gov't Harassment Save Email Print
Posted: 4:50 PM Mar 21, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:13 PM Mar 21, 2008
 Email Address: deb.farris@kake.com
24 comments
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Former patients of a federally indicted Haysville doctor say they are being intimidated by the federal government.

Stephen and Linda Schneider, of Haysville, are behind bars facing federal charges of over-prescribing narcotic pain medications. The US Attorney is linking the couple to the overdose deaths of 56 patients.

Now several Schneider patients say federal agents are forcing their way into their homes without warrants, asking a lot of questions, and even taking items that don't belong to them.

"They grabbed the door and jerked it open," says one patient who spoke to KAKE News on a condition of anonymity. "And then they grabbed my left arm and pulled it up behind me. They said we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

This patient says the agents even took a hand written letter that Schneider wrote her from prison.

The US Attorney's Office says they can't comment on specific cases, but they say a warrant is required in order to search someone's home or to force a person to hand over something that belongs to them. However, a warrant is not needed to talk to someone or to ask for something.

Meanwhile, former US Attorney Randy Rathbun, who is no longer associated with the office, says, "I don't believe it. I doubt that is happening. That is simply not appropriate."
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Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 24, 2009 at 08:37 PM
More hate speech:

Posted by: Trent on Mar 22, 2008 at 11:13 AM "I find it very hard to believe that these people, the legal drug addicts of Snideirs office, have enough gumption to repeadely put this in the public eye. It is people like you that abuse the healthcare system which has a direct negative effect on our Healthcare and what it is meant to do. Why are no other doctors in the area in trouble for these same crimes? Simple answer what the Schnideirs were doing was illegal and it was about time they were shut down. Narcotics in our society are being abused at the doctors offices and I am personally glad to see that our legal system is working properly. Now all we need is a conviction."
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 24, 2009 at 08:30 PM
To Amy:

QUOTING "Posted by: Amy Location: Kansas on Mar 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM The people who are screaming about the Schneiders being arrested are nothing more than junkies who have had their drugs taken away. These people have fooled themselves into thinking that they were getting their "fixes" legally... etc."

This sounds like either a mis-information campaign officer or a very unsympathetic and narrow minded person. Not to mention uninformed. You don't know any of the 'patients' or what medical condition they may or may not have. Libelous comments are not helpful in a discussion. Please stop poisoning the well with this kind of thing. Thank you.
Posted by: Jeff Location: philadelphia on Jun 22, 2008 at 02:45 PM
The dea is nothing but a repository for thugs and sociopaths. When is our government going to shut down this totally unnecessary evil agency. The comments by maxine and trent are appalling!! The woulds have done well in the 3rd reich!
Posted by: ld Location: close on May 4, 2008 at 12:26 PM
ITS A SHAME,THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVENT WALKED IN OUR SHOES OR A DOCOTERS,FOR FEAR OF THE DEA,GOV,ECT, TO TREAT PEOPLE IN CHRONIC PAIN,KNOWN AS CCP,FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DONT HAVE A CLUE! IT EFFECTS YOUR ENTIRE LIFE, YOU TELL ME, COULD YOU, SIT AND WATCH YOUR LOVED ONE SUFFER, EVEN YOURSELF,CANT FEND FOR YOURSELF,DUE TO CCP.A DOC. CANT BABY SIT THEIR PATIENTS, DONT GET ME WRONG, MY HEART GOES OUT TO THOSE WHO LOST A LOVED ONE,NO MATTER WHAT THE CASE MAY BE.AND WHOS GOING TO BE RESPONCEABLE FOR THOSE WHO LOSE THEIR LIFES DUE TO CCP, UNDERTREATMENT OF CCP. DUE YOUR RESCHEARCH ON WHAT CC CAN DUE TO A PERSON,OTHER THEN ROB THEM OF A SOME WHAT NORMAL LIFE. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE ,UNTIL YOU WALK DOWN THAT COLD LONLY ROAD,OH MOST PEOPLE CANT EVEN WALK,GET OUT OF BED ,GO TO THE STORE.ARE THEY HURTING YOU ,I ASK ? DIDNT THINK SO. CC CAN CAUSE MORE HEALTH PROBLEMS THEN YOU HAVE A CLUE, AND CAN LEAD TO DEATH, UNLESS TREATED, AND IF THAT MEANS A CERTAIN PAIN MED ,THEN SO BE IT.VETS,WHOS THEIR F/TM
Posted by: J.R. Location: Pa on Apr 5, 2008 at 03:23 AM
I love holier than thou people who think if others don't think or do as they do they are wrong.All these alternative treatments Maxine is so in love with are useless(injections,cold&heat,aromatherapy,or my favotite"just see the pain declining").She wouldn't know a clue if it caused her as much pain as she is in my u-know-what!!
Posted by: Robert Location: Topeka on Mar 27, 2008 at 04:59 PM
You shouldn't pick on Amie, Maxine and Trent for being ignorant. They apparently don't know the difference between someone who is "addicted" to a drug and someone who is "drug dependent". Like I said they are ignorant and that is not their fault. That they would display their ignorance so blatently on a public forum, well thats another matter.
Posted by: Greg Location: NY, NY on Mar 27, 2008 at 11:09 AM
I keep wondering when someone is going to mention the 52 overdose deaths which the Snieders are responsible for. I defy the Federal agents to "show me the beef". They won't because they can't because these factitious deaths did not occur. Or if 52 patients of the Sneiders have died in the past 10 years I can garantee you that it was of no fault of theirs. So if these cases are all contrived then the Feds are guilty of lying to a Grand Jury. Anyone think they will ever be held accountable for this?
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Mar 27, 2008 at 08:58 AM
things like this, warrentless search and seizures, taking "evidence" and such happen a lot, and only stop when someone alerts the media. be carefull what you may do or say that dosnt sound like your in favor of fair treatment for the schneiders, you could be next for such tactics.
Posted by: Travis Location: Texas on Mar 26, 2008 at 08:58 PM
About agents abusing their power, former US Attorney Randy Rathbun says, "I don't believe it. I doubt that is happening..." Ever notice that government agents (police, DEA, FBI, etc.) never do anything wrong unless there is a video.
Posted by: Compassionate_One Location: Far Far Away on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Hey Amy - Try reading that new best selling book called the New Testament. This fellow named Jesus has come up with a revolutionary idea on how to treat the suffering. I don't recall him referring to them as "Junkies", he simply helped them. And his groundbreaking concept? He felt we ALL should too. And I'm sorry if you can't handle the sick in our society, but your extreme prejudice towards them does not mean they've done anything wrong. Just like the Schneiders. But I'll save the "innocent until proven guilty" concept for a later date. Wouldn't want to make things too difficult for you to understand. For now, just stick to the good book, it will help get your sole back on track.
Posted by: Compassion_Sole Location: Far Far Away on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:47 AM
To question someones prescription drug use when they are suffering in pain is about as mean and ruthless as it gets. What's next, little old ladies and their walkers, do they irritate you when you have to hold the door open for them? How about those blind people and their seeing eye dogs, no room for them on your buses? And what about the crippled and their wheelchairs, tired of making room for them at the Piggly Wiggly? Way to go Kansas! Heartland my behind, more like the "Heartless Land" if you ask me!!!
Posted by: Maxine Location: Kansas on Mar 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
As to comments by Lori, Wash. St. Maybe you should not always assume. I as well suffer from chronic pain that is excruciating and has kept me from daily functioning. The difference is I chose to ask questions, find alternative treatments, and not ASSUME the only treatment was to "pop" more pain pills. Because that is not functioning normally. So you see, I do have a clue!
Posted by: DH Michon Location: WI on Mar 24, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Fascism, plain and simple. The effects these agent/prosecutor storm troops are having on health care for all of us are frightening. They have no medical training whatever, frequently a spotty academic at best, yet they hold the ultimate authority over our doctors. And our doctors are scared, very much so. So each case like this one - and there are many - negatively influences countless other doctor-patient relationships nobody ever hears about. It's chilling. The only solace is knowing that these fascists will face pain themselves someday and it could very well be the kind of pain that leaves you screaming for hours, and even the chronic pain that never goes away. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when they doctor tells him/her, "I'm sorry, I can't help you. I never prescribe those drugs because I've seen so many doctors prosecuted...by people like you!" America has become an evil, petty place where the cretins have seized power while the rest of us where out living our lives. Resist!
Posted by: me Location: here on Mar 24, 2008 at 07:46 PM
TRENT, THERE DOESN'T HAVE TO BE DOCTORS IN THIS AREA IN TROUBLE, THEY ARE ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! THE REASON THERE WERE SO MANY PATIENTS AT SCHNIEDERS IS BECAUSE HE WAS THE ONLY DR IN THE AREA WITH ENOUGH COURAGE TO HELP PEOPLE. DR'S ARE PETRIFIED TO USE DRUGS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR EVER AND HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO WORK WITH VERY LITTLE SIDE EFFECTS AND LOW DEATH RATES (WHEN USED AS DIRECTED) BECAUSE THE LAW IS OUT THERE STRONG ARMING PATIENTS AND DR'S. AND NOW THAT IT IS AT THIER BACK DOOR THERE ARE VERY FEW DR'S WITH ANY COURAGE AT ALL IN THE FACE OF LIFE IN PRISON. ALL FOR CARING FOR PATIENTS. THERE ARE ALWAYS GOING TO BE ABUSERS IN THE SYSTEM, I KNOW THAT THIS CLINIC DID MANY THINGS TO TRY TO WEED THEM OUT AND IT IS UNFAIR FOR YOU ALL TO SIT ON YOUR THRONES AND THROW STONES WHEN YOUR NOT THE ONE SUFFERING.
Posted by: Lori Location: Wash. state on Mar 24, 2008 at 02:27 PM
As to comments by Amy, Maxine & Trent...you don't have a clue! Try living w/severe, chronic pain 24/7 w/0 med. help...I must because Wa. state is just as bad as Kan.& Drs' EveryWhere ARE being Strongarmed & WE ARE NOT JUNKIES. As my husb. told a dr. refusing to treat my neuropathy/RSD.."I hope you don't get chronic pain & get a dr like YOU." That's my wish 4 U 3 also. For Trent: The "gumption" is JUST STARTING. Watch Wa. too. & YAY $ James!! Great comebacks! Amazing support for Siobhan Reynolds & the Schneiders & their lawyers from Wa. state.
Posted by: Maxine Location: Kansas on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:29 AM
The patients of the Schneider Clinic may not have started out as addicts; however, the majority seeking pain meds ended up that way because of Dr. Schneider and the medical staff at the clinic. They are only crying out now because legitimate pain management doctors won't just write them a prescription and send them on their way until the next refill as was done routinely at the Schneider clinic. To believe this ridiculous story that the government is "strong arming" patients is ludicrous. It is an obvious ploy to gain sympathy for the Schneiders release. I was interviewed by these agents as well and was never intimidated or "strong armed" in anyway. Trent is right-A conviction is all that is needed!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Wichita on Mar 24, 2008 at 08:27 AM
"we can do this the hard way or the easy way"? Sounds like someone has been watching to many 1950's whodunit movies.
Posted by: Gregory Walter Location: Albany Georgia on Mar 23, 2008 at 06:03 PM
I think US Attorney Rathburn ought to stop doing damage control on TV and start by reigning in his "thugs". Of course his agents are intimidating witnesses. Just like he is trying to intimidate PRN and the Schneiders. Why else would you put a non-violent first time offender in solitary confinement without bail. I thought that was the whole point in all this. Win convictions at any cost. Why don't they try water boarding them too I am lead to believe that that is an acceptable method of interrogation according to the justice department. (Editors note: Rathbun is no longer the US Attorney and is not associated with the office.)
Posted by: James Location: midwest on Mar 23, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Regarding the assumption that this isn't happening because "That is simply not appropriate." Could it be that this is the first time in years that the beast has had its unquestioned authority legitimately questioned, and it is therefore ENRAGED? When high level federal government corruption begins to effect the medical treatment of common patients in America, they can and should fight back. This enforcement is all about protecting the patented treatment sales of pharmaceutical corporations, and it is why the Bush administration is doing it. The federal government works for people who would rather see you suffering and trying out endless streams of new, patented high-priced medications rather than to see your pain relieved with inexpensive tried and true pain medications (which, but the way, are NOT under patent, and therefore not profitable to pharmaceutical companies). Every knows the administration works for corporations. The feds are enraged because they usually don't get questioned
Posted by: Doc's Nurse & Proud of It Location: U Guess on Mar 23, 2008 at 01:42 AM
Ok, IT'S "SCHNEIDER MEDICAL" NOT "SNIDER MEDICAL" TRENT!!, AND MAYBE YOU AND AMY WERE BOTH PATIENTS WE FIRED OR CAUGHT SELLING YOUR "DRUGS"... DO YOUR RESEARCH AND BRUSH UP ON YOUR GRAMMAR NEXT TIME.. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF DR.S BEING AFFECTED BY THE DEA (THINKING THEY ARE DR.'S).... GO TO THE KANSAS BOARD OF HEALING ARTS AND OTHER STATES AND LOOK/RESEARCH ALL THE DR.'S BEING SITED AND HARASSED BY THE DEA (AGAIN NOT DR.'S) FOR NOT BEING "NARCOPHOBICS" AND AFRAID TO TREAT LEGITIMATE PAIN PATIENTS... Now if you want to criticize us for "TRUSTING & BELIEVING" IN OUR PATIENTS, WELL YOU GOT US THERE.... AFTER ALL THE MCDONALDS CUPS FOUND IN THE BATHROOM USED TO BRING URINE IN, WE THE NURSES SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT ON SOONER, SO BLAME US.. BUT U SIGNED PAIN MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS, FILLED OUT PDT'S...... BUT WHEN I THREW U OUT WHEN U FAILED, UDS'S ECT... WE ARE THE BAD ONES. I HOPE THOSE THAT ABUSED DOC & THE CONTRACT SUFFER AND THOSE THAT HAVE PAIN FIND HELP. HANG IN THERE, HOPE IS COMING!!!!!
Posted by: Theresa Location: Not in wichita anymore on Mar 22, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Just because you don't believe it doesn't mean that's it's not happening!!!!!Sometimes the people representing the Government do what they want and the people whom they are targeting don't have the money to hire a lawyer to stop them !!!
Posted by: Trent on Mar 22, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I find it very hard to believe that these people, the legal drug addicts of Snideirs office, have enough gumption to repeadely put this in the public eye. It is people like you that abuse the healthcare system which has a direct negative effect on our Healthcare and what it is meant to do. Why are no other doctors in the area in trouble for these same crimes? Simple answer what the Schnideirs were doing was illegal and it was about time they were shut down. Narcotics in our society are being abused at the doctors offices and I am personally glad to see that our legal system is working properly. Now all we need is a conviction.
Posted by: Amy Location: Kansas on Mar 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
The people who are screaming about the Schneiders being arrested are nothing more than junkies who have had their drugs taken away. These people have fooled themselves into thinking that they were getting their "fixes" legally and now want to cry foul when they found out that the law applies to them as well. We need to treat these people like the drug addicts they are. Maybe a few of them behind bars would cool their jets a little bit.
Posted by: James Location: w on Mar 21, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I can easily believe the junior hitler youth are capable of this behavior;too much power and too few brains
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    Fire Department: Fireworks Are Illegal In Most Of Sedgwick County
    • 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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