The journalism community and residents of Central Kansas are grieving the loss of Joan Meyer, a pioneering newswoman and co-owner of the Marion County Record.
Mrs. Meyer passed away on Saturday afternoon following grief from a police raid on Friday.
Joan Meyer had been a part of the journalism landscape since 1953. She co-owned and operated the Marion County Record alongside her son Eric Meyer.
Joan Meyer died at the age of 98 after she collapsed in her house in Kansas following grief and shock from an unlawful police raid. Source| New York Times
Tragedy struck on Friday when the Marion County Record’s office and Mrs. Joan Meyer’s home were raided by local law enforcement. The reason for the raids remains unclear, as it defied both legal norms and common sense.
The police were reportedly investigating allegations that a reporter from the Record had conducted an improper computer search. According to the Kansas police, the search was to verify a story about a local business owner’s loss of a driver’s license due to a DUI conviction.
Eric Meyer, Joan Meyer’s son and Co-owner of the Marion County Record. Source: New York Times.
However, the report had not even been published. This was because the editors at the Record had reservations about the motives of the whistleblower.
Despite the circumstances, Joan Meyer did not shy away from speaking out against the raid. She likened the tactics employed by the police to those used during the darkest moments of history. Joan specifically referenced Hitler’s tactics during World War II.
Marion County Record offices in Central Kansas. Source| New York Times.
In the aftermath of the raid, Mrs. Meyer’s health deteriorated rapidly. Overwhelmed by shock and grief, she reportedly found herself unable to eat or sleep. On Saturday afternoon, she tragically collapsed at her home and passed away.
As a result, the incident has sparked outrage within the Kansas community and beyond. Thus prompting discussions about the critical role journalism plays in holding power accountable and informing the public.
According to reports, there has been closure of over 25% of American newspapers since 2005. Consequently, this led to decline of daily papers in two-thirds of U.S. counties. Therefore, the loss of local journalism has become a concerning trend.
In honor of Mrs. Meyer’s legacy, individuals are encouraged to support local journalism by subscribing to their local newspapers. By doing so, readers can contribute to the preservation of a vital institution that upholds the principles of truth, transparency, and accountability in society.
