Unfettered Letters

Support after fire

On behalf of my children, owners of Kennedy’s Bar and Grill, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the firefighters who tried so valiantly to save Kennedy’s as well as the other businesses that were destroyed in the Waldo fire. Our prayers go out to those who were injured, and we are grateful that there was no loss of life.
We would also like to thank the hundreds of friends and patrons who called, e-mailed and sent cards expressing their sadness at our loss. We loved the Web sites that were set up so that customers could share their “Kennedy stories.” And to the neighboring bars, Tanner’s Bar and Grill, the Waldo Bar, BB’s Lawnside Barbecue, Bobby Baker’s, Mike’s Tavern and the Point: Thank you for your sympathy and support.
It’s difficult for a mother to watch her children’s dream go up in smoke, but I am truly inspired by the kindnesses of so many.
Kennedy’s will return!
D’Ann Dreiling
Belton

Report smell of smoke

Report smell of smoke In Tony Rizzo’s “Drama inside big fire emerges; Hours of smoldering preceded eruption of blaze in Waldo” (2/20, Local), I read, “Based on interviews with witnesses, (Fire Chief Smokey) Dyer said people in the area reported smelling smoke up to 10 hours before the fire was reported. However, none of those people thought it was serious enough to report at the time, he said.” I found this hard to believe, but after a little thought I sadly accepted it as truth. Why is it that people “don’t want to get involved,” or are otherwise reluctant or unwilling to take action that could save lives and property? Having lived for over 40 years in apartments, I’ve had occasion to call the fire department several times. At least once, there turned out to be a fire in the building. Most of the time, there was some other explanation. Did the firefighters think I was wasting their time? No. They know very well that calls based on suspicion or an alarm sometimes save lives and prevent destruction. For heaven’s sake, if you smell smoke, don’t know where it’s coming from and feel the least bit of concern, dial 911.

Jon Rutherford
Kansas City