Jeremiah Ariaz, the talented author of “The Kansas Mirror: The Fourth Estate in the Heart of America,” has recently embarked on a captivating photographic journey, capturing the essence of newspaper offices throughout Kansas.
Marion, a quintessential Kansas town with a population of just under 2,000, proudly boasts a weekly newspaper that has been in operation since 1869. The majestic red brick building housing the Marion Country Record stands across from the District Courthouse, serving as a constant reminder of the newspaper’s vital role as a government watchdog.
Above the newspaper’s entrance, a striking masthead logo featuring an American flag overlaying the outline of Marion County captivates passersby. A red newspaper stand, although present, often goes unnoticed as townspeople eagerly walk into the office to purchase their copies directly from the front desk for a mere dollar, leaving their payment in the jar next to the latest edition.
Eric Meyer, editor of the Record and a member of the longstanding family that owns the paper, temporarily left his position as a journalism professor at the University of Illinois to return to Marion during the pandemic. He stepped in to help at the Record and provide care for his elderly mother. While there were considerations of selling the paper, Meyer and his family ultimately decided to preserve local ownership after witnessing the fate of other newspapers swallowed by corporate chains.
Inside the office of the Record, an inspiring display captures the attention of visitors. It features a framed front page of a previous edition, proudly showcasing a Kansas Press Association award-winning article. One headline teases the story of a harrowing father-daughter trip gone wrong, displaying an image of a young girl’s bitten ankle carefully marked by doctors. Another photo demonstrates a toddler’s playful moment as she sticks her tongue out, accompanying an article on the growing popularity of yoga among young enthusiasts. Surrounded by these intriguing stories, a captivating image of a mountain lion, baring its teeth and reaching towards the camera, visually narrates a tale of a gun and taxidermy collection up for sale. The mix of articles creates a thought-provoking collection, challenging the idyllic perception of small towns.
The decline of local journalism has been disheartening and concerning for many. Over the course of two years, Jeremiah Ariaz has passionately documented newspaper offices across his native Kansas, highlighting the importance of community, unity, democracy, and the preservation of First Amendment rights. Marion, in particular, has become a focal point where these concerns have intersected and collided.
The recent events surrounding the Marion County Record have established a troubling narrative. Law enforcement officers conducted a raid on the newspaper’s office, as well as the homes of its owners and a city councilwoman. They confiscated computer equipment, routers, and cellphones. This action occurred after Eric Meyer and one of his reporters were expelled from a community meeting hosted by a state representative. The meeting took place at a restaurant whose owner attempted to ban the media. However, on Wednesday, an order was issued for the Marion police to return the seized items to the newspaper.
Meyer strongly believes that the raid was an act of retaliation due to the paper’s in-depth coverage of local politics and the investigation into allegations of abuse involving the Marion police chief.
Upon hearing news of the raid, Jeremiah Ariaz revisited his striking photographs, attempting to envision such dramatic events unfolding within the humble confines of the Marion County Record office. The office stands as a representation of these valuable institutions, the dedicated individuals who work within them, and the significant roles they play in their respective communities. One particular feature that lingers in Ariaz’s memory is the Kansas state seal hanging on a faded stucco wall. Just above eye level, the words “Ad Astra Per Aspera” serve as a poignant reminder that through adversity, we strive towards the stars.
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