Harrah's Pulls Out Of Sumner Co Casino Deal

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Reporter: Jennifer Bocchieri
Email Address: jbocchieri@kake.com

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Harrah's couldn't get the money it needed to build the nearly half a billion dollar casino off the Mulvane exit so on Monday afternoon it announces it's bailing out of the deal.

The rumors that just this would happen have been swirling for weeks so the news doesn't come as much surprise to Mulvane City Manager Kent Hixson.

"It's disappointing but not devastating," said Hixson.

Economic conditions and what Harrahs calls the "unprecedented disruption in world financial markets" have caused casino giants across the country to fall on tough times. Harrahs had already slowed development of other projects and took several cost-cutting measures.

As for what to do now with this land though doesn't have Mulvane city leaders worried.

"There will be other casino developers interested in Exit 33 and we're going to package the information in a brochure and we're going to reach out to them," said Hixson.

This all comes after the state spent months reviewing casino proposals for Sumner County. Now it'll be back to square one.

"We are certainly disappointed and wish it weren't the case. We wish the gaming economy were better and we could move forward with this project right now but we will be starting all over again," said Kansas Lottery Communications Director Sally Lunsford.

Since the state will now reopen the casino bidding process that means Wellington, the city that fought hard and lost it's two casino bids the first time around, now has another chance to play the game. But folks there aren't getting overly excited just yet.

"You know it's been an up and down roller coaster since this whole thing started so I've kind of kept my emotions in check. I don't let anything let me get optimistic anymore. Until I actually see them digging dirt on a casino I'm not going to get my hopes up," said Wellington City Council Member BJ Tracy.

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

Posted by: scooter Location: wellington on Nov 22, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I dont understand why there is so much anymosity towards Wellington over the Harrahs failure, Wellington didnt select them, the state did. The state had all of Harrahs financial info in front of them A halfway sane person could see red flags that when Sumner Gaming and Resorts the majority partner was $ 19 million short on theyre part of the equity money and if all of the fincancial gurus that the state hired to research this could not see in August, what the rest of the country has been watching on the news about the ecomomy tanking for the last year then we the people really got screwed. So before people continue to blame Wellington and the Sumner County Commision please take this into account. The state screwed themselves and the south central Kansas from probably getting a casino.

Posted by: Greg Location: Kansas City on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:12 AM
As an outsider here, I think the lottery commission should have chosen Wellington as the site. Wellington had 2 bids from legit casinos. Mulvane had 1 bid from Harrah's, and everyone knows tha harrah's is one of the worst ran Casino's in the country. The commission will have a second chance at this. I hope they make the right decision this time.

Posted by: Alan Location: Mulvane on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:43 PM
It sounds like there is a lot of sore losers in Wellington. I amagine you will hand pick your jury for the anexation trial. Both site's may not have any casino's interested for quite some time, in this depressed economy. I think Mulvane can whip Wellington again, we have the best site for the state of Kansas.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:20 AM
I wanted one in Wichita in the first place. True Mulvane is closer. Either way this Rejection of Harrah's is NOT going to make our state look good...

Posted by: Grace Location: Wichita on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Put the casino in Wichita on River Bank with a nice hotel and lower our property taxes with money,plus you would not have come back year after year wanting a school bond passed.

Posted by: Nina Location: Wichita on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:13 PM
I am really sorry to hear that Harrah's has withdrew it's proposal. I like to gamble and I would rather spend my hard earned dollars gambling at Harrah's... no matter where they put it in Sumner county. I like to go to Vegas a couple times a year and with Harrah's I could have played in Mulvane and had free rooms and other comps in Vegas. What a sad day for Kansas!!. I don't care about the feud between Wellington and Mulvane and neither does anyone else except residents of Wellington & Mulvane. The only reason I care is because we are losing Harrah's and now we will get a no brand name casino. That casino will give us absolutely no transferable benefits for our play and for those that like to make a trip to Vegas now and then...we will receive nothing. Again, what a sad day for South Central Kansas

Posted by: INAwe Location: Wellington on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:59 AM
One of the issues surrounding the vote at the lottery board was that Harrah's couldn't come up with the money. Now, it comes to light. This is egg on the face of the lottery board! If Wellington would have got the casino, they would have broke ground by now! How much revenue will now be lost by this? How much more do the residents of Sumner County need to pay for probably another approval of Mulvane. It would be interesting to see what the county majority would vote today, knowing that the process was as corrupt as it was. I voted yes, because Knight and everyone in the beginning was saying the Wellington exit. I could care less if it's going to go to Mulvane. The decision to locate in Mulvane was based on nothing more than cash in pockets. Why else would the award go to a financially ailing casino, in an illegally anexed location, where the majority of the citizens did not want it, including the Mulvane locals! When you don't do the right thing, things don't go right.

Posted by: Proud Wellington Resident Location: Wellington on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:29 AM
To the ones in Mulvane who did not want this to happen...Congratulations!!!!!!! Now we can only hope we in Wellington will get what we wanted all along!! And just for a little FYI....BJ Tracy is on the Wellington city council, not the Mulvane. Don't insult the poor man with that typo please!

Posted by: JD Location: Wichita on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Wellington is a joke and can keep driving down to ark or ok to gamble if they want....go MULVANE

Posted by: Stu Location: wellington on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I guess when you play a crooked game, you always lose in the end! Congratulations Mulvane, you remanin the laughing stock! Go Wellington!!!!!

Posted by: It's ok Location: Mulvane on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:09 AM
We all dodged a bullet this time.Move on down the list and let's all stop Harrah's from wasting anymore of our time and tax dollars,they should not be allowed to rebid in the future as they stated on Kake last night, how many times will we be bit by the same snake.They didn't have the funds from the start and should never have been picked,it's our deciding factors fault this happened they knew they didn't have the funds and that the other two companies in Wellington did, but by the financial picture I could have told you this would happen month's ago.I'm glad they pulled out did you all really want them to build a tent on the side of the turnpike,that's what we would have gotten from a developer that doesn't even put pools at it's residential locations, or any amenities to speak of,that development was the first project that large for them, they said it themselves.

Posted by: Cool on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Someone at KAKE has to call Shelly Hansel and get her version of this. She's got to be just beside her self with joy!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:17 AM
To the people of Mulvane (that wanted the casino)... One word for you... KARMA! To the state and the gaming authorities... Wellington always wanted the casino where Mulvane's citizens voted it down! COME TO WELLINGTON!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I highly doubt Harrah's will ever happen

Posted by: Chelsea Location: Mulvane Kansas on Nov 18, 2008 at 12:46 AM
OMG I just got off work and found out this great news. The good lord works in mysterious ways. I have laid low for sometime now because of all the threats on being vocal over not wanting it in my backyard. Most of you know my family pretty much lost everything due to flooding in June and July. On top of that Mulvane would not listen to us a majority of the citizens that we didnt want a casino in our area. We love our quiet little communitys built off of exit 33 just as they are. Please gaming and racing board members we again ask you to seriously move the site just a few more miles south. 14 miles is not asking that much of you is it. I cant start to think of all the tears we have shed as many others have also over this being continueally forced down our throats. Time to seek out the removal of the ones accountable in office and we wont have this problem any longer. I love living in northern sumner county and thank you Harrah's for doing the right thing.

Posted by: Mulvane Location: Mulvane on Nov 17, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Wellington, I've said all along: Let Wellington HAVE the casino, PLEASE!

Posted by: good of suco Location: oxford on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:11 PM
We all need to write the Gaming commish, gov, whoever to get this deal going, we as Sumner Countians and Kansans will lose completely if they don't move faster! Let the runner up have it or whatever! But don't re-open the entire process! Just more of our dollars at work. Build it somewhere, Wellington preferably, and they will come!

Posted by: nokeri Location: Wichita on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:42 PM
faithfender,Isn't that calling the kettle black, maybe you should read what comes out of your own backyard before making comments like that. The Wichita Eagle opinion line is full of backstabbing of one another. So before you go pointing fingers make sure you know all the facts

Posted by: Linda P Location: Mulvane Kansas on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Its a disgrace that we were taken advantage of by the greed flu that over took our city. Again lets just get it over with and let the other town have their oppertunity. We have failed to come up with a few extra dollars. Harrah's should never have another say so in the state of kansas. Anyone want to come to Mulvane for a burn your harrahs apparrel night out. Its to raise money to help pay off our in debtedness sumner county for following orders to buy out land owners. I hope they all dont jump the sinking ship and open up their lose lips or were all in deep dodo in mulburg kansas. I cant believe harrahs would pull out after promissing us everything under the sun. My neighbors have been spending large amounts of money they were supose to have in the bank but now its all like I read somewhere else just like a fart in the wind. Here one moment and gone the next. Maybe we can delay this for 6 months or longer and harrahs will come back and pay what they promised my neighbors. Its a sad day

Posted by: faithfender Location: Wichita on Nov 17, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Wow! After reading these comments from all you folks in Sumner County I'm really glad I don't live there. I do have to drive through there to get to Oklahoma. But my oh my. Are you really like that with each other? I didn't know Kansans could behave so poorly based on the nastiness you're putting in your emails. And please Shelley do you really think we won't recognize you behind that anonymous moniker? Please.

Posted by: Paul W Location: Mulvane on Nov 17, 2008 at 05:46 PM
I really loved Penn Nationals $509 Million dollar proposal when they gave their talk in Topeka. It was unfortunate for all of us a company that has cash like they do flowing out of their wazzo to let it slip away. $1.5 Billion in cash can build one hell of a Casino. I hope Wellington will now drop their suit and let us off the hook for their almost 1/2 million dollars in lawyer fees they have accumulated so far. We need to recall Jim Ford and Kent Hixson and get them clowns out of office. They have spent untold thousands and thousands on this project that could have paved all our streets for what? We could all be driving a few extra miles and gambling very soon at exit 19. Wasnt it nice of the freaking governor giving us thanks for all the hard work them folks in Wellington worked so hard for. I guess everyone needs to give Shelly a great big hug for working her behind off for Sumner County as a whole. If we really want to make a right out of a wrong they should chose either 19 location

Posted by: MO Location: Peck, Ks on Nov 17, 2008 at 05:30 PM
This is a huge blow to the county, especially to the Northern part because development there is the only chance for timely emergency services to be available to us. Something Wellington residents take for granted. We all lose in such a nightmare economy. Sadly it does not look like it will improve for a long time either. The county commissioners should have played fair from the beginning, and there would not be the amount of anger and hostility between towns, neighbors, and people who should be working together for the good of the whole county - like there is now. I used to like to shop in Wellington, but I don't feel welcome there anymore. I live at Peck, and we fought for our only chance to have emergency services here. Three people in my neighborhood have died of heart attacks, waiting for an ambulance - because it takes so long if a train is there in Mulvane. We all lose if the county does not get the development to grow.

Posted by: John Location: Wellington on Nov 17, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Whats the point of a deposit if you get it back when they back out? The longer it takes to get it this deal figured out the longer the state continues to lose south centeral tax dollars and it also prolongs the begining of construction which opens alot of jobs and cash flow to the area. Wether the casino goes in at Mulvane or Wellington it don't matter, but if goes in at the Mulvane interchange that land is legally sumner county property not property governed by a illegal annexation by the sole choice of Mulvanes incopentent leaders that took the situation into their own hands after their own people voted in majority for NO for the casino.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 17, 2008 at 05:01 PM
HaHaHA Mulvane I called this on every post I have posted.Eat that Mulvane.Wellington here we come.

Posted by: Kim Location: Mulvane on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Wellingtonites are so bitter. It would be laughable if not so pitiful. Mulvane is the best :)

Posted by: Kim Location: Mulvane on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Good! There are still a lot of us who do NOT want the casino. If Harrah's can't get the money, it's doubtful others will be able to. Good.

Posted by: Brian on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Awesome. Go Wellington!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Hey Wellington - let us not be so hasty in our celebrations at Mulvanes' bad luck. The same economy that stopped Harrah's may very well also shut down your plans (Wellington isn't THAT far from Mulvane).

Posted by: JD Location: Wellington Ks on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:37 PM
It's about time reality sunk into Mulvane and their corupt actions in taking the destination casino away from CENTRAL SUMNER COUNTY is brought to a right. Harrah's was in deep financial trouble long before any bidding even started in Sumner County. I firmly believe the County Commissioners need to file a suit against the Kansas Lottery to stop any type of re-opening of bidding untill their case has been settled with Mulvane over their illegal annexation. And by right give the next highest bidder Marvel Gaming their due to run their opperations as they so well planned.

Posted by: kansas on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:36 PM
why refund the deposit it is thier choice to back out

Posted by: Wellington Location: Wellington on Nov 17, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Ha Ha Ha Mulvane!!!!!

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Fire Department: Fireworks Are Illegal In Most Of Sedgwick County

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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