Your Letters for Aug. 8, 2025
Calling for investigation
I am asking the News-Press to investigate why the MWSU Board of Governors voted in Closed Session on February 27 to extend Elizabeth Kennedy's contract as president for an additional three years, through June 30, 2030. Given that she was only in the eighth month of her current three-year contract, what was the Board's motive to award her a sudden three-year extension? This action was not made public until the April 24 Board meeting. It occurred during the time that state legislators were investigating a directive preventing MWSU recruiters from visiting 23 St. Louis and KC schools. A whistleblower had alerted the Board of the directive, allegedly ordered by Dr. Kennedy as a means to address dorm behavior. The legislators issued a press release demanding greater accountability by the Board regarding the origin and motive of that cease-recruiting directive. The contract extension was rushed through and passed by a Board with several members about to exit, before the four new Board members just appointed by Governor Kehoe could be sworn in and vote. The public deserves to know the rationale for such a curious and rushed act eliminating the possibility for a more effective president through June of 2030.
Bill Church
St. Joseph
Editor's note: This letter was submitted a few weeks ago but was misplaced. Our apologies to the writer. The News-Press always tries to run Letters to the Editor in a timely manner.
Judeo-Christian heritage
I read the article in The News-Press: "Preserving a Jewish story written into the bricks of St. Joseph" (July 24 issue). Another man, Albert Brunswig, Sr. (1852-1938) built a farm and early grain-elevators. He was active in the Masonic order receiving the 4-14th degrees at the Lodge of Perfection at Marysville, KS. He got his 15th-32nd degrees at Leavenworth.
Mr. Brunswig moved from Kansas to St. Joseph, Mo. (circa 1909). Upon moving there he joined the Royal Arch Masons, Cryptic Masons, and Commandery of Knight Templar Masons (the latter is nearly all Masons who are Christians). However, Brunswig was an exception: he was Jewish. Additionally, he joined Moila Shriners Center, in St Joseph. He proved to be such a fine member, he was awarded the prestigious 33rd degree in 1925 .
Brunswig had grain-elevators in Missouri which shipped grain by rail all over the nation.
In our modern world recently, our beloved nation has sadly seen antisemitic attacks on innocent people. That is deplorable. Even many Christians forget that Christianity itself owes its roots to Judaism. Jesus was a Jew, and so was the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, Peter, James and John (among others). I am glad the Newburger Hat Building stands in St. Joseph to remind us of harmony prevailing.
James A. Marples
Longview, Texas (former Kansan)
Major league issue
I have a major issue with our major league sports teams. Even though it may be a small thing to most, it’s big to me. I like to go to the games and photograph them from around the parks or fields. Wait, new rule: can’t have a lens longer than 6 inches. You have gotta be kidding. Are these multimillion-dollar teams losing money to the shutterbug who likes to take pictures, and, God forbid, sell them? I'm not one who sells my photos. I just like to shoot them. But come on, can’t have a lens longer then 6 inches. How dumb. And because of this rule, I don't go to see the Royals like I might or see the Chiefs at MoWest, or drive to St. Louis. Let’s suck the fun out of everything. I'm sure you won't miss me or my few bucks at your games, etc., so I'm sure nothing would change about it. But how much more can they take away before others have enough?
Jeff Vendelboe
Savannah, Missouri
