Publisher's column

   What is the proper role for a newspaper?  At Wyandotte Publishing, we embrace three traditional roles my father taught me as a young editor, too many years ago.  
   A community newspaper should always strive to be:

1. A trusted source of local information

2. A guardian of the public interest

3. A forum for public discussion

   In this era of continuous high tech communications, where our own NewzMedia consist of online, mobile and print delivery methods, we’ve added a fourth role:  

4. Connecting communities with relevant content and commerce

   One of the most important ways we can connect communities internally is to support credible and meaningful public and private institutions that increase the quality of life for our citizens. The United Way of Wyandotte County is an excellent example of the type of public service we enthusiastically endorse.
   Our newspaper’s role as major sponsor of this week’s events is relatively small when one considers the thousands of hours Dotte volunteers devote to making the United Way an important part of Wyandotte County’s caring and sharing with others.
   Led by President Wendell Maddox, United Way of Wyandotte County has provided over $2 million via 53 local programs that provide direct services. They also administer approximately $250,000 in grants for emergency food, shelter and utilities via United Way partner agencies.
   The United Way’s investment strategy addresses three focus areas: Meeting Basic Needs; Nurturing Children and Families; Promoting Health and Quality of Life.  
   Trained community volunteers evaluate programs and recommend funding priorities to an executive committee of the board. This process assures United Way donors that the community, and not some bureaucrat, decides where and why funds are allocated.
   We salute and congratulate all United Way volunteers, donors, supporters and participating agencies for the important work they do in our community.
   Special recognition is due those who serve on the Board of Directors:
Marilyn Alstrom, Executive Director, 20/20 Leadership
Jason Banks, Manager, Small Bus. Affairs, Unified Government 
Roger Beach, President, IBEW Local 124
Tim Bell, Business Representative, Laborers Local 1290
Donna Birks, President, Tri-County Labor Council
Arlana Coleman, Owner, A Joy Event Planner 
Jarvis Collier, Pastor, Pleasant Green Baptist Church
Dr. Ray Daniels, Community Volunteer
Chris Degner, Body Shop Area Manager, General Motors
Terry Eidson, Owner, Eidson Florist
Jack Geissinger, Plant Manager, Procter & Gamble Mfg. Co.
Abe Glaser, Investment Officer, Country Club Financial Services  
Johnetta Hinson, Supervisor - Cash Operations, BPU
Larry Horseman, President, Boilermakers Local 83 
Jon Jackson, Senior Vice President, University of Kansas Hospital
Bill Johnson, Acting Manager of Electrical Operations, BPU 
Tom Kanatzar, Intl. Association of Fire Fighters Local 64 
Lisa Kearney, Budget Director, Unified Government
Dorothy Knoll, Ph.D., Dean of Students, University of Kansas Medical Center 
Carol Levers, Director, KCK Public Libraries 
Jeff Lind, Store Director, Nebraska Furniture Mart 
Jeff Manning, President, United Auto Workers Local 31
Adriana Martinez, Account Manager, ECCO Select
Jerry Mayne, CFO, Archdiocese of KCK
Lynn McClure, Marketing President, First Legends State Bank 
Karla Nichols, Executive Director, Cancer Action, Inc.
Rhonda Philpott, CPA, Kansas City Catering 
Rosemary Podrebarac, Attorney
J.D. Rios, Assistant Superintendent, KCK Public Schools
Terry Robinson, President/CEO, Robinson's Delivery Services, Inc.
Greg Shondell, Secretary/Treasurer, Heathwood Oil
Clausie Smith, Mayor, Bonner Springs
David Smith, Chief of Staff, KCK Public Schools
Margaret Steele, Community Relations, Kansas Gas Service
Rev. Ricky Turner, Pastor, Oak Ridge Baptist Church
Wayne Yang, Professor, KCK Community College