KC Star begins layoffs

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The layoffs at The Kansas City Star are going on as I write this. I find no joy in typing this — only sadness for the people let go. This morning, I came across Roxie the Cockeyed Optimist, a blog written by the wife of Star columnist Mike Hendricks. Yes, he’s still employed. But as she writes, her husband’s employment continues at a 33-percent pay cut.

The Hendricks family learned the news Friday. In this post, Roxie recalls hearing the news — the pay cut also took Hendricks to part-time employee status with no life insurance benefit or vacation days. “Accept it or take a buyout,” Roxie paraphrases. “But if you accept, there may not be another chance for a buyout. No promises. You have until Wednesday to decide.”

Roxie calls the Star‘s ax men the “Destroyer.” She’s also put a face on them: the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.