Couple blames county’s cameras for need to close business;County says releasing copy of camera video falls under Kansas Open Records Act

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

When closing the doors to The Shiney Studio at 123 S. National Ave. in May, the owners posted a statement on the business’ website and also on social media. The statement accused courthouse employees of using courthouse security cameras to spy on co-owner DandeLyon Vredenburg, who is involved in a civil lawsuit brought by her ex-husband.

Vredenburg and Carl Repp, co-owners of The Shiney Studio, say the alleged activity is an invasion of their and their customers’ privacy.

Although Bourbon County Commissioners and the county counselor would not comment on specifics, courthouse officials have said the county has done no wrong. Providing copies of surveillance videos falls under the Kansas Open Records Act.

In 2016, Repp and Vredenburg purchased the St. Andrews Episcopal Church building, which had been vacant for a number of years. Repp and Vredenburg renovated the church building into a yoga studio and wellness center. It also became home to other businesses and Repp’s residence.

Repp told the Tribune he lived in an RV parked outside the Shiney Studio while renovation of his apartment inside the building took place. He said he has lived on the property – either in the RV or his apartment – since October 2016.

According to a document provided by the county to the Tribune, attorneys representing Vrendeburg’s ex-spouse “anticipated that the county’s clearly visible security camera on the northeast corner of the courthouse roof, pointing east of the courthouse, where the yoga studio was located, could contain evidence relevant to the case.”

On May 23, Repp said he became aware of the “surveillance” on or about April 16. According to documents obtained by The Tribune, that is when an attorney from Mason & Clark LLC, which represents Vredenburg’s ex-spouse, released a copy of the video to Vredenburg’s attorney.

For complete story, see the print or online edition of The Tribune.