A few people have voted in the new poll. What do you all think about that poll itself?
The bike path is pretty much on the way to completion. Now it would take some strong opposition to stop it, and Im not sure that will happen.
I really believe that the bike path will begin the process of utilizing our rivers. Its a first step. And having the state paying for two thirds of it is a good deal.
Any city ive been to that has a river nearby, has river access and they utilize the resource. At one time they did in Arkansas City. Ive seen pictures from the early 1900s where there were riverside parks and people rowing around in boats.
We just need some people with an mind for business and a good bit of intestinal fortitude.
It wont happen over night, but it we dont get it started, it will never happen. Its a good thing we have the levee. Had we not had it we would have had major flooding last summer. Im sure there were opponents then too.
Things do need to be questioned. Im not against that at all, I am just against the usual naysayers that tend to show up to oppose just about anything. There must be a balance there.
The hospital is also a good case in point. we do need a hospital, but there are lots of questions. The hospital board needs to be more open and give the public more information about the project. They also need to answer a lot of questions.
Im not for or against a specific location. I dont see how people can complain about 2 miles out of town when they drive 60 to go to a hospital in wichita.
The hospital board needs to let us know specifically why they chose that location.
Then there is the insurance thing with the city and the police. I intend to look more into that as well. I could be wrong, but I just dong think thats any big deal.
Ok, there are some opinions.
Let the debate begin.
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35 comments:
JJ why do you always call someone who does not see things your way a NAYSAYER,, this is totaly redundant and creates more problems for you than being a gay citizen
jj,
i believe that a hike / bike trail could do so much for this city. i know you camp out on the river occasionally and know how peaceful it is. can you imagine if we get people off their butts and just walk ( if not ride their bikes, which is what i would do) on this bike/hike trail. you should see the people that walk the veterans lake trail now. we could set a standard for cowley county on getting fit. find some sponsers for a run or just a walk (does't have to be anything much at all) you're getting in shape, that should be enough. this could be huge. i am going to see how i can get involved and get something started when this bike/hike trail happens. this is right up my alley. thanks for putting this here.
who does not see things your way a NAYSAYER,, this is totaly redundant and creates more problems for you than being a gay citizen
OH my goodness. Im being called gay?
well you could ask my wife?
If youll read what I wrote, I said that there are good questions that need to be asked.
I clearly defined Naysayer ... which is not someone who disagrees with me ... it is someone who ALWAYS is against ANYTHING that comes up.
You know who you are :L:)
i for one say that a hike/bike trail would be a positive thing for this community. put picnic tables or etc. along the way ( maybe ask for sponsors like the college golf tournaments) and give them a plaque at certain stations, to advertise their goods.
could be a real positive thing. keep up the work j.j. could be a real good thing.
a hike/bike trail could be a great thing. maybe get some sponsers to get some picnic tables with a plauqe with their name on it ( like they do at the country club) to help with the cost. it would be a great cause don't you think?
The picnic tables are a great idea.
Just have to figure out the right of way, and corps or engineer rules ,but that could be figured out.
Just needs someone to take on the project and make it happen. :)
I would imagine you would get good cooperation from the city.
j
i for one would build them myself. i will e-mail you my address to get this rolling. thanks j.j.
I think all this sounds great, let me prewarn you that if you put tables, etc on the trail there is a high risk of them being vandilazed and tore up, it has happened out at popular street trail several times. One time someone set the portable restroom on fire. Other than that, I hope the city follows through on the trail. Fit people are happier people!!!!
yeah well you took it personaly it was a comparison not a direct acusation
((OH my goodness. Im being called gay?
well you could ask my wife?))
maybe she should dress you differently hahaha
nothing ment by my comment it was simply a comparison in general should have deleted the for you part
I know, i thought you were kidding.
Maybe ill ask my wife if i can dress differently :)
I really like the idea of a trail, as far as the mentioned vandalism, isn't that what our police force is for. Beyond that, what is wrong with people. The city builds nice facilities and people that don't care, tear it up. Why do a few people always ruin things for the rest of us?
Also, the gay thing...come on grow up. I think that we can be adults here.
I hear the Flinstones have a gay old time now and again.
I had to kill some time yesterday in Wichita so I took a drive around the river/museum area. It makes me wish that the river was more accessible. I know the dikes are a necessary thing, but they are blocking the view and access. Darn it!
After thinking on this for a while, I was wondering if it would be possible to build a permanent stage on the river side of the dike and use the slope of the dike for concert seating. I think the river would make a nice backdrop for a concert. Then, you could use the stage for many "river oriented" events like canoe races, airboat races, etc.
I was wondering if it would be possible to build a permanent stage on the river side of the dike and use the slope of the dike for concert seating. I think the river would make a nice backdrop for a concert.
>>
I think this would be possible. That was my original idea for the concert really.
The other side of the levee from where the meat packing plant was, would be a great spot.
You would have to build the stage in some way to account for flooding. Either have it on pontoons so it would float, or make it out of stuff that wont matter if it gets wet and muddy.
There would be some logistical issues with flooding at times, but it could still be done.
It wouldn't have to be a fancy design. Just a simple deck with poles set for hanging lighting or banners which could be removed when not in use?
As I understand, you can build just about anything on the crown of the levee, as long as it doesn't involve any foundations, piers or subterranean piles, pipes, conduits, etc.
Once you start constructing anything which digs into or creates a water pathway into the faces of the levee, then you have problems, particularly on the river side of the levee.
There have been 2 recent spectacular levee failures that have been caused by rodents burrowing into the levee berms, which undermined the structure during a flood and they broke and flooded the towns.
It is unlikely that the Corps will permit construction of any magnitude on the levee riverside face.
It is unlikely that the Corps will permit construction of any magnitude on the levee riverside face.
Could probably have seating on the levee face, as long as you didnt build seats.
Theres plenty of room to build something across the levee at the old meat packing plant.
Could be a great park, though it would flood from time to time.
:)
Dear JJ:
You have asked repeatedly why the hospital board selected the site 2 miles north of the city. Here are some reasons:
1. The US govt. will be forcing Cowley County down to only one hospital. This will be either Winfield or Arkansas City. If you don\'t believe this, then why would Winfield Hospital spend tens of thousands on the mailing to every Cowley County address two weeks ago?
2. COBRA law requires that medical assistance be provided by the closest hospital. Currently, Winfield is the closest hospital from Strother Field. In the event of an Emergency at a Strother Field Employer, now patients would be transferred to the new hospital.
3. The location is going to allow for people from the county to come. Many will not drive into downtown AC, but do drive to Strother to work, this may help draw people to the new facility.
4. The current hospital has money saved back for the construction. I am told it is around 3 million dollars that will be given to the city to help with construction costs. In the event a new hospital is not built, this money will have to be used to start the asbestos abatement, firesprinkler system and heating/cooling issues. Currently, AC hospital is running on borrowed time from the State Licensing Agency because there has been a plan of action for a new facility. If the new facility does not become reality, then the state will force the repairs of these items in order for the AC hospital to continue to stay open. The cost of all these repairs far exceeds the 3 million that is in reserve. However, if the sales tax is voted down and the current hospital does start all repairs in order to stay open for business it also means that there will be no \"down payment\" for the city to use. Oh, and one more thing...how do you think the city will come up with the additional funding for the cost of repairs? I bet they ask for sales tax increase.
Just my opinion I guess
And whom might this information be coming from in the post: Anonymous...August 25, 2008 5:18 AM
1. The US govt. will be forcing Cowley County down to only one hospital. This will be either Winfield or Arkansas City. If you don\'t believe this, then why would Winfield Hospital spend tens of thousands on the mailing to every Cowley County address two weeks ago?
Why? Can you please provide back up to this statement.
2. COBRA law requires that medical assistance be provided by the closest hospital. Currently, Winfield is the closest hospital from Strother Field. In the event of an Emergency at a Strother Field Employer, now patients would be transferred to the new hospital.
Are you sure? COBRA law (EMLTA section) relates to not being denied emergency services by a hospital because they don't have insurance. Generally, they are required to take you to the closest (most appropriate hospital). For example, if you have a gun shot wound they won't take you to the hospital with a burn unit over a hosptial with a trauma unit just because it is closer. Secondly, there are plenty of EMS services across the country that allow you to go to the hospital of your choice as long as it is within reasonable distance (usually 10 minutes). Unless, this is a KS law it is not a COBRA law.
how can the US government force a county to have just one hospital when most hospitals are privately owned
Agian it should bedoely noted that most people go to or end up in Wichita,Tulsa,OKC,Denver,Dallas bcause they are sent there by a local practicing medical doctor because they know they don't have an ideal or the proper reseach or technical equipment to tell you just exactly what is wrong or what the latest treatment for some thimgs are, general practice is just that general. Not knocking the doctors but they do know where you can find out what is best for the patient. A new hospital will not change those facts for years because a new facility does not means new treatment. We need to attract more specialized doctors to make the hospital deal better but as long as we are in the top 7 of unemployeement in this state medicare will not pay them enough to move here, nor will the excitment in this town from all the NAYSAYERS. JJ I don't believe to many people just drive to Wichita to see a doctor without having a referall from a doctor here
Agian it should bedoely noted that most people go to or end up in Wichita,Tulsa,OKC,Denver,Dallas bcause they are sent there by a local practicing medical doctor because they know they don't have an ideal or the proper reseach or technical equipment to tell you just exactly what is wrong or what the latest treatment for some thimgs are, general practice is just that general. Not knocking the doctors but they do know where you can find out what is best for the patient. A new hospital will not change those facts for years because a new facility does not means new treatment. We need to attract more specialized doctors to make the hospital deal better but as long as we are in the top 7 of unemployeement in this state medicare will not pay them enough to move here, nor will the excitment in this town from all the NAYSAYERS. JJ I don't believe to many people just drive to Wichita to see a doctor without having a referall from a doctor here
"Could probably have seating on the levee face, as long as you didnt build seats.
Theres plenty of room to build something across the levee at the old meat packing plant.
Could be a great park, though it would flood from time to time."
Yep. that's probably right. The biggest concern is anything that would disrupt water flow on the face or permit hydraulic undermining (like underground pipes pilings, foundations or conduits). Surprisingly enough, the top of the berm is really not critical at all.
The sides? Bigtime.
Surprisingly enough, the top of the berm is really not critical at all.
The sides? Bigtime.
>>>
I would think you could put in temporary stuff, seasonal, on the other side of the levee and not touch it at all.
Things like a stage, seating etc., wouldnt be all that hard i dont think.
but would take some engineering, thought, planning and cash.
but it could be done
Who cares where the hospital is located? Put it in a big ol tree for all I care. It seems to me that a lot of people are blowing this thing of 2 miles out of proportion. If you lived in a big city, most likely its gonna take you a lot longer to get there, Due to traffic etc. AC doesn't have traffic like that and the emergency vehicles can manuver around the traffic easy enough.
Lets say you drive to Winfield(10 miles), that takes you what, 10 minutes, maybe less? So I think 2 miles is not going to take you but maybe 2 or 3 extra minutes if you are in an ems vehicle? That could be a positive for some, because it it those guys and gals who are sustaining the first life support measures you need.
Somewhere I read thata person was saying it will be like the casino traffic. I don't think it will, because for one thing, it is already a 4 lane highway north of town, and speed limits can be adjusted as needed and turn lanes can be put in. Now on adjusting the speed limit their is my concern, because it doesn't seem to be working very well in front of the casinos. A large majority of vehicles still fly through there even though the speed limit is 45.
"A large majority of vehicles still fly through there even though the speed limit is 45."
The 45mph signs are yellow caution signs. The white signs displaying 65mph are the legal posted speed limit.
The cautions emerged when it became obvious that patrons of the casinos and the fueling station were not demonstrating defensive/safe driving tactics in entering the 65mph traffic.
The white signs - as it is standardized across the nation - display the legal speed limit. Yellows are advisaries that there may be hazards (inattentive motorists entering hi-way) in teh immediate area.
It seems that a fair number of patrons maybe even think the highway traffic should yield and allow them to enter the flow.
They desperately need turn lanes. One experienced driver taught me, many years ago, that a really safe manuever was to pull onto the shoulder and allow through traffic to pass and then, when it clear and safe, complete a left turn on the highway. Takes a bit longer but it beats the heck out of getting rear ended by a semi traveling at 65 mph or 45 mph.
In defensive driving - collision avoidance - one should never depend on trailing vehicles to recognize that you are coming to a stop to make a left turn across traffic.
We never have accidents in front of strother field on that four lane. Hmmm...
Did anyone see the circus train?
No, but I saw three clowns at the city council meeting!
bada-BING!
So Charles, you are saying that legally I don't have to drive 45 past the casinos,since it is not an official national speed limit sign?
I am not Charles but he is right. When there is a yellow speed limit sign posted like the one near the Casinos it is suggested that you drive that speed. A white sign is the law that you drive that speed. If you happen to have an accident and you are not driving the suggested speed however that could be to your disadvantage as you were warned to slow and you didn't heed the warning. So just because the sign may say 45 mph doesn't mean the traffic will be traveling that. Don't pull out when traffic is coming....just wait!
good idea, but lets not forget that the 'state paying' = taxpayers money. that phrase is thrown around a lot, like it is a windfall or donation, and we tend to forget it is OUR money. bike trails and such are nice, but when your sewers and streets are falling apart, perhaps that 'state money' ought to go to the most pressing needs first, then pleasure and beauty can follow
There ya go.
Always a reason to not do something. Yea, we cant have everything, so we better just roll over and die. :)
Let Winfield have anything thats of value, if there is anything of value left in the world.
No the fact of the matter is this.
The State sets aside a certain amount of money each year for projects such as bike paths.
This is competitive. Towns compete for the money.
Yes it is our money, but which individual city gets it, depends on who has the best application.
The money is going to be spent by whoever gets the grant. If we dont want it, there are about 50 other cities already in line to take it and actually use it.
So we won a competitive process for the grant.
Turning it back would be the epitome of stupidity. That is the only option. Build the path or send the money back to the state. Let some other city use "our" money because we didnt have enough sense to use it...
You can bet that if we were to turn it back, it would be decades before we would even be considered for another one.
The money MUST be used for what the grant application said it would be used for. To try to use it for something else would be embezzlement and would land someone in federal prison for a few years.
Some people can always find a way to make something negative.
Yea we need streets, but thats a different grant process, and we have received some of those.
THAT is how Summit has been paved the last two summers.
Yea there are starving children in Katmandu who would love to have those instant mashed potatoes.
So we better be glad we have that and stop wanting steak.
In that case, I say build the thing. Quickly.
Of course, I've been for it all along anyway, but the idea of giving that money back (or to another town) is just plain dumb.
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