Monday, November 17, 2025

A SERIOUS WIN FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT

By Bob Walsh

 


 

Regular news consumers will remember a major stink in August two years ago in Marion County, Kansas.  The Marion P D raided the offices of the Marion County Record.  The raid was led by Gideon Cody, then the Chief of Police.  It also raided the homes of people associated with the news paper.  The county assisted with preparing the warrants so they were named in the lawsuit, which was settled last week.

The county offered up a written apology to Joan Meyer, Eric Meyer and Ronald Herbel for their part in the assistance given to the city in drafting the warrants.  They admitted they screwed the pooch.

The county is shelling out a total of $3 million.  This includes $1.5 million to Eric Meyer and $650,000 to Herbel.  It also includes two jurnalists, $600,000 to Phyllis Zorn and $250,000 to Deb Gruver.  The county insurance carrier will cover almost all of this.

Former Chief Cody settled last year with Deb Gruver for $235,000.  Cody is facing criminal charges in the matter.     

The city and various officials are still facing civil complaints in federal court.  The county has agreed to make various county officials available for interviews with the plaintiffs in that case.  

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