Showing posts with label Wichita Kansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wichita Kansas. Show all posts

Oct 6, 2014

City Life Cafe Downtown Wichita......It's a Good Thing

Good food at reasonable prices in Downtown Wichita.

Have to say it........


The City Life Cafe in Downtown Wichita......not only to they have good food for a very reasonable price but their hospitality is the bomb.


Yes, they were very nice to me........walking around in the cold weather waiting for my tires to be replaced at my beloved Firestone on Main St........just dying for a nice hot cup of coffee--but who will let me in.

Yes, it was not just me but also my trusty companion, Ronnie--the red-brindle pit bull mix.

Maybe just ask...could we come in for a cup of coffee......as they had just opened and very few people were in there the proprietor said yes....no, we sat at the edge not to have the doggie in question sprawled out in the middle of the dining room floor.

Recommending the cheese quesidilla with sour cream and salsa--cooked to perfection with tater tots to die for served perfectly by Tyler--friendly yet not overbearing with the knack of always being there just at the right time.

Good service and good food, and possibly the best cup of coffee ever with cream and sugar expertly prepared by Zee.




These young men made me and Ronnie feel so welcome on a cold day....and the coffee came in at the very reasonable price of 1.29.

Thanks City Life Cafe, Zee and Tyler, in the Petroleum building in Downtown Wichita for welcoming us with that lovely cup of coffee and friendly hospitality.

We really appreciated your cafe.....can't wait to go there again.

Well done.

City Life Cafe
217 S. Broadway
Wichita, Kansas
316-201-3107


here is a link to their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Youth-for-Christs-City-Life-Cafe/129481433765914

Ronnie just loves City Life Cafe



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Jul 18, 2014

Lieutenant Tim Brant of the Derby Police Dept Talks About the Recent Pit Bull Shooting

the dog in question

Could not resist it.......that dog, the face, the look, the muzzle, the written story.......had to find out more.....thank you to Lt. Tim Brant of the Derby Police for patiently answering all of my questions........



What a pleasure....an immense pleasure talking to Lieutenant Tim Brant from the Derby Police Department........

Talking about the recent Pit Bull situation--an officer became involved in an incident involving an American Staffordshire Terrier where he felt the life the animal control officer was in jeopardy.

He felt an attack was imminent and this resulted in him making a decision to shoot this American Pit Bull Terrier in the chest.

The good news is that the dog is with a veterinarian--the dog will be okay.

There was also a Husky involved--the Husky is with the Wichita Humane Society.

I must have spoken with Lieutenant Tim Brant with the Derby Police Department over 20 minutes.  I had so many questions as the story was very close to my heart.

Yes, I do have a dog in the fight and his name is Ronald.........
Ronnie

In situations similar previous in other areas individuals were not so forth coming with information.

I was really impressed by his professional and informational nature.
Lieutenant Brant was willing to listen to me ask questions without any rushing.  I felt like he wanted to readily share information.

The upshot of the whole thing--a judge will decide what to do at a hearing after all of the information is given and the outcome of the dog will be decided.  I had asked Lieutenant Tim Brant if there was any chance the dog will be euthanized and he said that will be decided by the judge.

He explained to me the first priority is the safety of the citizens of Derby, Kansas; the animal control officers and the other animals and pets.

It seems like the dogs were out and about on their own all day.

It was a worrisome situation because the dog in question had injured a cat, basically cornered a lady while growling and the officer that shot the dog felt the life of the animal control person was in danger.

Tim Brant told me they have also found information that this dog has recently attacked a horse.

I asked Tim Brant if the police had or knew of any kind of program for the rehabilitation of owners and dogs that have acted improperly.  He said he did not but he would really like to know of any program like that if it exists.

I had to ask if he felt dog fighting was a issue here in Kansas.  He said he has not found evidence of dog fighting in Derby but it may in fact exist in the metropolitan area of Wichita.  He has not seen equipment or tools used for dog fighting and he has not seen dogs with tell-tale scars or injuries.

This is a personal concern for me as a owner of a pit bull mix, Ronnie.  Some people are so afraid of my dog they literally pick up their little children and run.  He is old now but he actually has a scar on his head from a  non-malignant tumor.  If everyone only knew he was bossed around by old cats I think they would not run away.

In San Diego there is dog fighting and I felt I had seen signs of dog fighting here in Wichita, too.  I am beginning to think Pit Bulls are the most abused dog in our society today.

It does not take a genius or a long time of owning this breed to notice dog fighting and to hear all of the horrible stories.  In San Diego, at the dog park, literally someone came up to me with his pit bull and said "My dog could kill your dog."

In San Diego and here in Wichita there are very, very large dogs--American Staffordshire Terriers--they are way too big.  Pit Bulls should not be bred so large and they should not be running around loose on the streets.  The neighbors are afraid due to their bad reputation, these days--it is not fair to the neighbors or the dog.

Some American Pit Bull Terriers have not been socialized properly--they get out--in need of exercise--get in a dog pack and run after cats and other animals.  You know what happens next.

What people do not realize about Pit Bulls is that they are extremely heavy and solid dogs--in my experience I think they can knock any other dog.  It is just a matter of time.  Yes, they do enjoy rough-housing but in my opinion they are not really a watch dog such as a German Shepard.  They are just so darn loyal.

Ronnie is the best--he is not prey driven, but many dogs of all breeds will chase anything that moves.  Going to the dog park with any dog, but particularly, a Pitty can be a loaded-gun situation.

Rough-housing is one thing but an all out attack can happen at any time with any breed.  It can happen so fast there is not much any one can do once it gets started.  The dog attack can happen in a flash--everyone is suppose to have their dog under control.

Man, I do not want to lose my dog.......I do not want him to hurt any one and I do not want him to get hurt as he is on the senior citizen side, now.

Thank you to Lieutenant Tim Brant from the Derby Police Department for taking his valuable time to answer all of my questions and to listen to my concern for everyone involved.

My heart goes out to the Police Officers for the hard job they have to do and the very difficult split second decisions they have to make.

The thing is the officers and the dogs are under the gun for every outcome--if a person is injured or if a dog is injured.

I wish the best for the dogs and the officers involved and I hope the owners have a chance to receive dog training so their dogs will not be out running around if that is what is necessary.

It's not fair for the dogs--everyone ends up hating them....it's not fair for the residents and other animals to be in fear of being terrorized if that is the case....and it is not reasonable for the police and animal control to have to deal with animals that have been raised and cared for improperly--everyone loses--we have to make this a win win all of the people affected.

Agree or disagree--welcome comments and your good ideas and your take on the situation.

Talking about responsible dog ownership and the trials and tribulations of owning and American Staffordshire Terrier.


copied from derbyweb.com

Posted on: July 16, 2014

Derby Police Department Captures Vicious Dogs

Pitbull











On July 15 at approximately 7 a.m., the Derby Police Department responded to a report of a vicious animal at 2121 N. Duckcreek Lane in Derby. After nearly 24 hours, both dogs were captured by the Derby Police Department.
When officers arrived on Duckcreek Lane, they found a husky and pit bull lying on top of a cat that appeared to be dead. The resident at this address discovered that one or both of the dogs had mauled her cat. The pit bull also approached a next-door neighbor when she was putting her trash cart at the curb. The dog was growling and barking at her.
A Derby Animal Control Officer attempted to capture the husky using a catch pole. During this time, the pit bull circled around and moved towards the Animal Control Officer and a police officer, growling and barking. Because of the dog’s threatening behavior and threat of attack, the police officer fired a single shot from a shotgun, striking the pit bull on its chest.
“Any time we deal with a vicious animal our goal is to safely capture the animal without incident,” said Derby Police Lt. Tim Brant. “Because of the aggressive nature of the pit bill reported to and witnessed by the police officer, the officer believed the pit bull was going to attack so he shot it to protect human life.”
After the shot was fired, both dogs ran off. Derby officers tracked the dogs to the railroad tracks between Buckner Street and River Street near an industrial area. The dogs were spotted along a thick line of brush near the tracks, but officers were not able to catch them.
Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, police officers were dispatched to Shirts Plus, 703 N. Buckner, for a report of dogs on the back porch. When the officers arrived, the dogs ran from them again and were not captured. The Animal Control Officer set out a large dog trap in the area and police officers monitored the area throughout the night.
On July 16 at approximately 6 a.m., police officers were dispatched to 228 N. Water for a report of two dogs in the backyard. The resident was concerned about other animals in the yard and didn’t want the dogs to attack them. Both dogs were captured at this location without incident.
The pit bull was taken to the veterinarian for treatment, and the owners have been located. The dogs live outside the City of Derby near 47th Street South and K-15.
“We are happy to report that no other people or animals were harmed during the night as the dogs ran loose,” said Lt. Brant. “The primary responsibility of the Derby Police Department is to protect the life and property of our citizens and visitors. We value animals up until the point they pose a threat to humans or other animals.”


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Jul 15, 2014

What's Up in Wichita with Abandoned Houses, Lack of Grocery Stores, Health Care and Birth Control.......

Cindy Mann ....here is an inspirational reply to the story first.......

The Obama administration did not declare war on aviation. Maybe someday the republicans will learn to accept 

 responsibility and stop blaming everyone for the messes they make. And for the past six years the only person that has 

 been working is President Obama. Meanwhile the republican controlled congress has turned every breath he takes into a 

 scandal. And, offered nothing....except hate for the federal government...and hate for our first african american 

 president. The republican congress is possibly the worst in history. You can't blame the problems in Ks aviation on 

 President Obama. Where you find a red state, you usually find a failed state.



......exactly.....you've got Mike Pompeo saying he is against the ACA to save jobs....that is an out and out lie.  I would like him to answer for that statement.

Also you've got the council recently voting against birth control.....what is going on?

In the lower income area there are not even grocery stores in walking distance.  How will someone get food if they do not have a car.

Some of these things can easily be improved......health care for everyone with easy access to birth control, grocery stores with easy access in the low income areas and stop spreading the lies about President  Obama--he is doing a fabulous job.  He has given us healthcare and stood up for women.

There is nothing to be gained by the crazy conservatism here....one person stopped being friends with me because I supported President Obama.

Seriously, the person was misinformed by his church, of all things--and wasn't even having it when it came to a political discussion.


Stop the lies--get the groceries and get on with it--Wichita is basically a very nice place.

Chloe Louise--the ronnie republic and What's Up Wichita.........always looking for contributors--agree or disagree.


from the Wichita Eagle.......

Wichita real estate officials view latest ranking of ‘abandoned’ homes with skepticism

  • Published Monday, July 14, 2014, at 1:23 p.m.
  • Updated Monday, July 14, 2014, at 5:09 p.m.

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Wichita has the distinction of having the highest percentage of vacant foreclosed houses in the nation, according to a report from an online company, but area real estate officials said Monday that the numbers don’t say much – if anything – about the state of the area’s housing market.
Wall Street 24/7, an Internet-based financial news and opinion service, said based on its analysis of data of 100 metropolitan areas, Wichita had the highest percentage — 49 percent — of foreclosed homes that were vacant. It said of 301 properties in foreclosure in the second quarter of 2014, 146 were vacant. The data studied came from the real estate company RealtyTrac.
“Honestly I don’t think it means very much,” said Stan Longhofer, director of the Center for Real Estate at Wichita State University. “Percentages are always misleading when you deal with that low of a base.”
For example, Longhofer added, “If we had two houses in foreclosure in Sedgwick County and all of a sudden, next year we had four, that would be a 100 percent increase.”
Some publications, such as USA Today, have picked up the report, calling the vacant homes in foreclosure, “abandoned.”
Greg Fox, president of the South Central Kansas Multiple Listing Service and owner of real estate brokerage Realty World Alliance, said, “We don’t have very many foreclosures going on if we’ve got 300.”
According to RealtyTrac‘s website, as of May one in every 4,697 houses in Sedgwick County was in foreclosure. That compares with one in every 2,861 houses in foreclosure in Kansas, and one in every 1,199 houses in foreclosure in the U.S., according to RealtyTrac.
Longhofer said once a house goes into foreclosure, it doesn’t mean the house is immediately vacated by the home owner. The foreclosure process takes months, and it’s generally not until much later in the process — after the lender has filed a court action to foreclose — that the owner is evicted.
“I think given the numbers we’re dealing with here, they were previously renter occupied or purchased for that reason, or it (the vacant house) was in a situation where the previous owner moved out ... (and the house is) not inhabitable,” he said.

here is a link to the story and there are also some very inspirational comments:


Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/07/14/3552861/local-real-estate-officials-view.html#storylink=cpy

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Jul 9, 2014

from What's Up Wichita: Hey, There's Not Any Place to Buy Groceries

Seriously, after recently moving to Wichita without a car I realized I was in a grocery no-man's land..........finally walking to the Dollar store where nothing was a dollar......frustration set in.
Actually, if one lives over by WSU there is no where in the world to walk and get food.....how do the poor people, like me, do it.
At the end of the day...the closest food is McDonalds.....while everyone enjoys their dollar menu it is not nutritious for everyday fare.
In the place where inexpensive groceries are needed with easy access--walking--it just does not exist.
Right, I couldn't believe it.....why.
Shall we ask Mike Pompeo......since he is against healthcare for Wichita citizens is he against quality food at a fair price, too.......will he address these issues.....does he care......does his mom care.....
Neighbors concerned about effects of Wichita Dillons closings

  • Published Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 9:58 p.m.
  • Updated Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 11:30 p.m.

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Growing up across the street from the angular green-and-brick Dillons store at Harry and Broadway, Amber and Ashlee Kimminau would walk to the store almost daily, for anything from fruit to a quick soda.
The location, along with the Dillons at 13th and Woodlawn, is set to close after 61 years of operation, because it has not performed up to expectations and its location is not conducive to renovations or expansion.
“The assembled fact is there are houses all around here, and they need a Dillons,” Amber Kimminau said. “It’s an oldie, but it’s a good one.”
Neighborhood residents worry that when the stores close July 19, they will become part of a “food desert,” a term for low-income areas more than a mile from the nearest full-service grocery store.
Wichita already has 44 square miles of food desert, according to a survey last year by the Health and Welfare Coalition, a partnership of the Wichita YMCA, city and county government, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Metro Chamber of Commerce and a host of local businesses with an interest in community health.
“One-fourth of our Wichita population lives in a food desert,” said Becky Tuttle, a staff member with the coalition.
She said it’s uncertain whether the closing of the two Dillons stores will expand the food desert or, if it does, by how much.
But it is highly likely that the loss of the two stores will make it more difficult for some in core areas to get access to fruits, vegetables, grain products and lean proteins, the four staple groups that improve individual and community health, she said.
Tuttle said the closures will mean that at least some residents, particularly those who rely on public transportation, will have to go farther to get their groceries and could choose to supplement their diets more often with convenience-store food.
The coalition study found that while nearly half of convenience stores offer fresh fruit – such as apples, bananas and oranges – fewer than 1 in 10 offer fresh vegetables.
Dillons, a division of the grocery giant Kroger Co., did take that into consideration when choosing to close the stores, but it was a business decision that had to be made, said company spokeswoman Sheila Lowrie.
“In all honesty, we have to look at the operations from a business perspective, just as any other retailer would,” she said. “If we have a location that has deteriorating sales and has been underperforming for some time, we have to absorb the costs of that business, of that store, in all areas of our company.”
Dillons won’t provide specifics on just how underperforming the stores were, but the clear trend was that business was moving away from smaller stores toward the bigger supermarkets with wider variety, discounts on gasoline and other amenities.
“With our customers, what we’re seeing from their shopping habits is they’re choosing to shop with us at some of our larger, newly renovated store locations where they can find everything like fresh produce, natural foods and maybe some of the additional amenities like Starbucks or sushi,” Lowrie said.
The Kansas Health Institute recently analyzed community food access as part of a larger study into the city bus system and found many residents struggle to bring home enough healthy food.
“It was particularly true for low-income neighborhoods, because they don’t have alternative modes of transportation to get to the other stores,” said Tatiana Lin, senior analyst and strategy team leader for the institute. “They don’t have additional discretionary funds to pay for gas. It increases their likelihood to rely on convenience stores or Dollar General in the area.”
The loss of the Dillons stores, both of which were on bus routes, could be a further obstacle for people to get the kind of food they need, said Sheena Smith, an analyst who worked with Lin on the study.
Dillons closed four urban stores in Wichita in 2008: 13th and Waco, Central and Oliver, Douglas and Meridian and Lincoln and Hydraulic.
The company kept its store at Douglas and Hillside and built a new and larger store at Harry and Edgemoor that took up some of the slack. The rest of the company’s stores form a more or less ringlike suburban constellation around the urban core.
Longtime south Wichita resident David Bonfiglio said he’s worried his neighborhood Dillons will become another “shuttered store front on neglected South Broadway.”
“This is going to be a huge blow to the neighborhood,” Bonfiglio said.
“It’s one of the most vulnerable areas of Wichita. Many customers here walk to the store, ride their bicycles to the store – now they have miles and miles left to go.”
While there is a Wal-Mart relatively close to the neighborhood – at Pawnee and Broadway, a mile south of the Dillons – the Kimminaus said they fear the corner will go the way of 13th and Waco. Dillons closed its store there in 2008, which “killed everything” in the neighborhood, Ashlee Kimminau said.
“So what if it’s not a super-Dillons?” she said of the Broadway store. “I think it’s just perfect for people around the neighborhood. It feels like they’re taking from the poor.”
Bob Goudy, 79, said he has been going to the Dillons at 13th and Woodlawn for “someteen years.”
Now, he said, he will make arrangements to go to the nearby Walmart Neighborhood Market at 13th and Oliver or the Dillons Marketplace at Central and Rock Road.
“I can see a pattern in the area,” Goudy said. “It was nice to be able to walk here when the weather was nice enough, but it won’t affect me too much.”
Bonfiglio said he hopes the company will reconsider its decision to close the locations.
“I hope Dillons will look at the numbers again and decide that they’re better off serving this community,” he said.
Reach Dion Lefler at 316-268-6527 or dlefler@wichitaeagle.com.


copied from the wichita eagle.com or kansas.com


from the ronnie republic and what's up wichita........


Hey, what do you think is going on in Wichita........


the Dillons is closing....I can't walk for groceries in Wichita...what about you:



Talking about the high prices at the "Dollar" Stores.......




Talking about Mike Pompeo--is he right about ObamaCare...


Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2014/07/08/3544892/residents-concerned-about-effects.html#storylink=cpy

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