By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-09/groups-worry-kansas-criminalized-voter-drives-but-republicans-say-theyll-prove-otherwise">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Outdoor summer events, county fairs, and college move-ins usually draw voter registration drives in the state.

But
 those efforts by non-partisan groups came to an abrupt halt in early 
July when a new Kansas law muddied the line about when helping someone 
else register to vote might be criminal.

Yet Republicans say the 
law will make Kansas elections more secure without limiting 
registration. The party and conservative groups plan to charge ahead 
with their voter registration campaigns.

Confusion about the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2183_2021" target="_blank">new law</a>
 comes ahead of monumental elections in 2022. Kansans will vote on 
whether to rewrite the the state constitution to specify that it doesn’t
 protect abortion rights. And Laura Kelly, the <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/a-very-early-look-at-the-2022-governor-races/" target="_blank">only Democratic governor</a> up for reelection in a state that President Joe Biden lost, stands for re-election.

Voter
 outreach and civic engagement organizations say the new law, which 
makes it a felony to appear to be impersonating an election official, 
essentially bans voter registration drives. In fact, they argue, 
registering voters in Kansas could cost a person their right to vote for
 up to two years if they cause another person to believe they’re acting 
as an election official.

“It’s kind of affecting everything that 
civic engagement groups like us are doing,” said Caleb Smith, a campaign
 director with the nonpartisan, left-leaning advocacy group Kansas 
Appleseed.

When Republicans in the Legislature overrode Kelly’s 
veto of the bill, she labeled the legislation “a solution to a problem 
that doesn’t exist.”

Widespread voter fraud is extraordinarily 
rare. Republicans tend to see it as a threat to the integrity of 
elections. Democrats argue that photo ID requirements and tight 
regulations of voter registration are designed to keep eligible citizens
 from participating in elections.

Kansas Republicans pushed 
through the new rules in hopes of “plugging gaps” and “closing 
loopholes,” Republican state Rep. Blaine Finch said at the time. They 
weren’t alone. Kansas is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/13/1026588142/map-see-which-states-have-restricted-voter-access-and-which-states-have-expanded" target="_blank">one of nine</a>
 states that tightened restrictions on voting and elections after 
then-President Donald Trump and his allies circulated false claims that 
there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election.

The state’s Board
 of Canvassers concluded in a post-election audit of all 105 Kansas 
counties that “foul play, of any kind, was not found.”. Secretary of 
State Scott Schwab told the Legislature he didn’t recommend drastic 
changes to the state’s election law.

“We aren’t quite sure why 
this restriction was created,” said Co-President of the League of Women 
Voters of Kansas Jacqueline Lightcap.

The league and its 
affiliates cancelled roughly 30 voter registration events planned over 
the course of the summer, saying their volunteers could be charged with 
felonies. In the past, they registered voters alongside election 
officials in Sedgwick and Douglas counties.

“How can we handle 
those so that we can keep our members safe,” Lightcap said, “and make 
sure that nobody is falsely accused of a felony for doing work that we 
have done for over 100 years without incident?”

At the upcoming 
Kansas State Fair, where the group planned to celebrate its centennial, 
volunteers will direct potential new voters to a QR code where they can 
register at a website on their own time, without assistance. Lightcap 
said it might not have the same success as helping people register 
in-person and in the moment.

Her organization, along with Kansas 
Appleseed, Loud Light, and The Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
 are suing the state over the law — which also criminalizes returning 
more than 10 advance ballots on behalf of other voters. In <a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/21CV299-League-et-al-v.-Schwab-et-al-Court-Stamped.pdf" target="_blank">court documents</a>, the groups allege lawmakers weren’t responding to any reported instances of impersonation of an election official in 2020.

A spokesman for state Attorney General Derek Schmidt said he hasn’t filed any charges under the new law yet.

Rebecca
 Green, a law professor at William &amp; Mary and co-director of the 
Election Law Program, said those groups may be right to fear prosecution
 for registration drives.

“In an abundance of caution, it would 
make sense that you would curtail your activities to be sure that you 
don’t fall prey,” she said.

Green said the Kansas law is different
 from impersonation laws in other states because it doesn’t deal with 
intent or a financial incentive for impersonation.

Green said 
Kansas falls in with a national trend where election observers are 
gaining power to call out problems within the election process. She said
 that could protect the credibility of elections, but that “it can be 
dangerous to have those kinds of accusations flying … it can create a 
narrative that might not comport with reality.”

By going after 
ancillary actors in the voting process — not voters or officials 
perpetrating fraud themselves — Green said the law could create an 
element of vigilante justice in a hyper-partisan environment.

“It’s
 sort of a fine line between empowering citizens to engage in the 
election process” she said, “versus potentially engaging in abusive 
practices that chill political participation.”

Smith said he’s 
seen a chilling effect. He handed out buttons to the volunteers he 
trains on how to register voters, identifying them as volunteers, not 
election officials. But he said, “our volunteers have more or less 
decided that maybe they should stay home for this local election 
season.”

Anita Austin, an organizer with the group Loud Light, 
said she’d normally be on college campuses working with a team of 20-30 
college students at each of Kansas’ major schools to register thousands 
of new voters. Her organization targets their outreach to 18-35 year-old
 voters. Instead, the group hasn’t conducted a voter registration drive 
during fall move-ins across the state.

“It’s addressing a problem that doesn’t exist,” she said, “and it’s creating a new problem.”

But
 not everyone has felt the same chill. The Kansas Republican Party 
alongside the powerful anti-abortion rights group Kansans for Life and 
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes held a voter registration training for activists in 
late August.

It was one of six trainings hosted by the state GOP 
in late August across the state. While voters weren’t registered at the 
trainings in Topeka, Manhattan, Wichita, Salina and Overland Park, 
Kansas GOP Executive Director Shannon Golden said, “our hope is that we 
start to see drives for early this fall” at high-school football games 
and community events.

The party also plans to have a table to 
register voters at the Kansas State Fair, and Golden said it isn’t 
worried about potential prosecutions under the new election law.

She said the party plans to emphasize voter registration drives ahead of the constitutional amendment on the ballot next August.

“We don’t want to wait,” Golden said, “until next summer.”

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631220996615.png" alt="Poll workers sign-in voters during the August, 2020, primary in Wichita. Under a new Kansas election law, people can be criminally charged for appearing to impersonate an election official. That's prompted non-partisan groups to halt voter registration events while the law is challenged in court. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Poll workers sign-in voters during the August, 2020, primary in Wichita. Under a new Kansas election law, people can be criminally charged for appearing to impersonate an election official. That's prompted non-partisan groups to halt voter registration events while the law is challenged in court. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-09/groups-worry-kansas-criminalized-voter-drives-but-republicans-say-theyll-prove-otherwise">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Outdoor summer events, county fairs, and college move-ins usually draw voter registration drives in the state.But
 those efforts by non-partisan groups came to an abrupt halt in early 
July when a new Kansas law muddied the line about when helping someone 
else register to vote might be criminal.Yet Republicans say the 
law will make Kansas elections more secure without limiting 
registration. The party and conservative groups plan to charge ahead 
with their voter registration campaigns.Confusion about the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/summary_hb_2183_2021" target="_blank">new law</a>
 comes ahead of monumental elections in 2022. Kansans will vote on 
whether to rewrite the the state constitution to specify that it doesn’t
 protect abortion rights. And Laura Kelly, the <a href="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/a-very-early-look-at-the-2022-governor-races/" target="_blank">only Democratic governor</a> up for reelection in a state that President Joe Biden lost, stands for re-election.Voter
 outreach and civic engagement organizations say the new law, which 
makes it a felony to appear to be impersonating an election official, 
essentially bans voter registration drives. In fact, they argue, 
registering voters in Kansas could cost a person their right to vote for
 up to two years if they cause another person to believe they’re acting 
as an election official.“It’s kind of affecting everything that 
civic engagement groups like us are doing,” said Caleb Smith, a campaign
 director with the nonpartisan, left-leaning advocacy group Kansas 
Appleseed.When Republicans in the Legislature overrode Kelly’s 
veto of the bill, she labeled the legislation “a solution to a problem 
that doesn’t exist.”Widespread voter fraud is extraordinarily 
rare. Republicans tend to see it as a threat to the integrity of 
elections. Democrats argue that photo ID requirements and tight 
regulations of voter registration are designed to keep eligible citizens
 from participating in elections.Kansas Republicans pushed 
through the new rules in hopes of “plugging gaps” and “closing 
loopholes,” Republican state Rep. Blaine Finch said at the time. They 
weren’t alone. Kansas is <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/13/1026588142/map-see-which-states-have-restricted-voter-access-and-which-states-have-expanded" target="_blank">one of nine</a>
 states that tightened restrictions on voting and elections after 
then-President Donald Trump and his allies circulated false claims that 
there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election.The state’s Board
 of Canvassers concluded in a post-election audit of all 105 Kansas 
counties that “foul play, of any kind, was not found.”. Secretary of 
State Scott Schwab told the Legislature he didn’t recommend drastic 
changes to the state’s election law.“We aren’t quite sure why 
this restriction was created,” said Co-President of the League of Women 
Voters of Kansas Jacqueline Lightcap.The league and its 
affiliates cancelled roughly 30 voter registration events planned over 
the course of the summer, saying their volunteers could be charged with 
felonies. In the past, they registered voters alongside election 
officials in Sedgwick and Douglas counties.“How can we handle 
those so that we can keep our members safe,” Lightcap said, “and make 
sure that nobody is falsely accused of a felony for doing work that we 
have done for over 100 years without incident?”At the upcoming 
Kansas State Fair, where the group planned to celebrate its centennial, 
volunteers will direct potential new voters to a QR code where they can 
register at a website on their own time, without assistance. Lightcap 
said it might not have the same success as helping people register 
in-person and in the moment.Her organization, along with Kansas 
Appleseed, Loud Light, and The Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
 are suing the state over the law — which also criminalizes returning 
more than 10 advance ballots on behalf of other voters. In <a href="https://www.democracydocket.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/21CV299-League-et-al-v.-Schwab-et-al-Court-Stamped.pdf" target="_blank">court documents</a>, the groups allege lawmakers weren’t responding to any reported instances of impersonation of an election official in 2020.A spokesman for state Attorney General Derek Schmidt said he hasn’t filed any charges under the new law yet.Rebecca
 Green, a law professor at William &amp; Mary and co-director of the 
Election Law Program, said those groups may be right to fear prosecution
 for registration drives.“In an abundance of caution, it would 
make sense that you would curtail your activities to be sure that you 
don’t fall prey,” she said.Green said the Kansas law is different
 from impersonation laws in other states because it doesn’t deal with 
intent or a financial incentive for impersonation.Green said 
Kansas falls in with a national trend where election observers are 
gaining power to call out problems within the election process. She said
 that could protect the credibility of elections, but that “it can be 
dangerous to have those kinds of accusations flying … it can create a 
narrative that might not comport with reality.”By going after 
ancillary actors in the voting process — not voters or officials 
perpetrating fraud themselves — Green said the law could create an 
element of vigilante justice in a hyper-partisan environment.“It’s
 sort of a fine line between empowering citizens to engage in the 
election process” she said, “versus potentially engaging in abusive 
practices that chill political participation.”Smith said he’s 
seen a chilling effect. He handed out buttons to the volunteers he 
trains on how to register voters, identifying them as volunteers, not 
election officials. But he said, “our volunteers have more or less 
decided that maybe they should stay home for this local election 
season.”Anita Austin, an organizer with the group Loud Light, 
said she’d normally be on college campuses working with a team of 20-30 
college students at each of Kansas’ major schools to register thousands 
of new voters. Her organization targets their outreach to 18-35 year-old
 voters. Instead, the group hasn’t conducted a voter registration drive 
during fall move-ins across the state.Austin blames the new law.“It’s addressing a problem that doesn’t exist,” she said, “and it’s creating a new problem.”But
 not everyone has felt the same chill. The Kansas Republican Party 
alongside the powerful anti-abortion rights group Kansans for Life and 
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes held a voter registration training for activists in 
late August.It was one of six trainings hosted by the state GOP 
in late August across the state. While voters weren’t registered at the 
trainings in Topeka, Manhattan, Wichita, Salina and Overland Park, 
Kansas GOP Executive Director Shannon Golden said, “our hope is that we 
start to see drives for early this fall” at high-school football games 
and community events.The party also plans to have a table to 
register voters at the Kansas State Fair, and Golden said it isn’t 
worried about potential prosecutions under the new election law.She said the party plans to emphasize voter registration drives ahead of the constitutional amendment on the ballot next August.“We don’t want to wait,” Golden said, “until next summer.”Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter<a href="https://twitter.com/AbigailCensky" target="_blank"> @AbigailCensky</a> or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

Groups worry Kan. criminalized voter drives; GOP says it'll prove otherwise 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State Fair officials judging the 4-H entomology entries last week discovered an invasive insect that prompted quarantines elsewhere.

Fair Board member Gregg Hadley said the student who caught the bug didn't know it had prompted quarantines in at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to try to stop its spread.

Hadley, who is Director for Extension at Kansas State's Research and Extension said it's not clear how the invasive bug make it to Kansas but it may have hitched a ride on a camper.

The spotted lanternfly was first found in Pennsylvania about 10 years ago feeds on some 70 different plant species and can cause plants to die by depositing excretions on them that can grow mold and block photosynthesis.

One of the fair’s entomology judges was familiar with the insect and a requirement that it be reported to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Federal officials are expected to try and learn how the insect reached Kansas.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State Fair officials judging the 4-H entomology entries last week discovered an invasive insect that prompted quarantines elsewhere.Fair Board member Gregg Hadley said the student who caught the bug didn't know it had prompted quarantines in at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to try to stop its spread.Hadley, who is Director for Extension at Kansas State's Research and Extension said it's not clear how the invasive bug make it to Kansas but it may have hitched a ride on a camper.The spotted lanternfly was first found in Pennsylvania about 10 years ago feeds on some 70 different plant species and can cause plants to die by depositing excretions on them that can grow mold and block photosynthesis.One of the fair’s entomology judges was familiar with the insect and a requirement that it be reported to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Federal officials are expected to try and learn how the insect reached Kansas.

Invasive insect spotted in 4-H entry at Kansas State Fair

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment for two men on charges related to an alleged fraudulent prescription writing scheme.

David Sulzman, 59, and Martin Sulzman, 40, both of Wichita are charged with conspiracy to dispense a controlled substance. According to court documents, between 2014 and 2019, David

Sulzman allegedly used his position as a physician assistant to prescribe controlled substances to individuals who were not his patients. David Sulzman faces 44 counts for the unlawful distribution and dispense of a controlled substance. Martin Sulzman is also charged with two counts of witness tampering.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment for two men on charges related to an alleged fraudulent prescription writing scheme.David Sulzman, 59, and Martin Sulzman, 40, both of Wichita are charged with conspiracy to dispense a controlled substance. According to court documents, between 2014 and 2019, DavidSulzman allegedly used his position as a physician assistant to prescribe controlled substances to individuals who were not his patients. David Sulzman faces 44 counts for the unlawful distribution and dispense of a controlled substance. Martin Sulzman is also charged with two counts of witness tampering.The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

Physician assistant in Kan. accused of prescription fraud

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-09/kansas-regulators-say-they-cant-demand-company-records-over-1-billion-in-natural-gas-bills">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — State regulators this week rejected a plea 
to pursue one company’s records to explore how Kansans ended up on the 
hook for nearly <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202108021123255860.pdf?Id=06123b65-2edc-4411-b15f-a8cd5d885b37" target="_blank">$1 billion in natural gas bills</a> during February’s winter storm.

A
 consumer advocacy group contends that ruling by the Kansas Corporation 
Commission significantly dashes hopes of exposing gouging or of fighting
 predatory billing.

“It’s an economic tragedy for our state,” said
 Jim Zakoura, who represents a group of natural customers including 
universities and churches. “There’s $1 billion in charges and we have 
nothing to show for it.”

In a ruling Thursday, the <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210909104121.pdf?Id=d939fd87-7d2a-493a-9a58-cdb7a4fd9675" target="_blank">KCC denied the Natural Gas Transportation Customer </a><a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210909104121.pdf?Id=d939fd87-7d2a-493a-9a58-cdb7a4fd9675" target="_blank">Coalition’s request</a><a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210909104121.pdf?Id=d939fd87-7d2a-493a-9a58-cdb7a4fd9675" target="_blank"> to subpoena</a> S&amp;P Platts Gas Daily.

The <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202107301012494448.pdf?Id=660cf248-4c2f-4f76-ac98-34cae14ffbac" target="_blank">group argues</a> that the way the indexing firm chose to set its prices drove up costs on the main natural gas pipeline in the state.

From Feb. 10 to Feb. 17, the index price for that pipeline rose from about $2 per unit of gas to more than $600.

Zakoura said the rates represented an attempt to exploit the surge in demand rather than a reflection of the natural gas market. Other smaller-but-significant pipelines in the state sold gas as much as $500 cheaper at times.

“There can be no investigation here that’s meaningful without an investigation of the index,” Zakoura said.

State
 regulators said they don’t have the authority to regulate a natural gas
 index company with offices outside of the state of Kansas. They said 
even if they were successful in getting the information requested in the
 subpoena, they wouldn’t be able to recalculate the index’s price from 
February or order rebates.

“We are focused on the conduct of our 
regulated utilities,” KCC Chairman Andrew French said at the Thursday 
hearing, “and whether they acted appropriately under the circumstances.”

The commission’s staff <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202108271420134618.pdf?Id=20dff587-5241-4b3f-998d-364149e82423" target="_blank">previously argued in filings</a> that they found that Kansas Gas Service followed standard purchasing practices. Preventing the company from recouping the extra costs it paid because of high gas prices would be unfair, the staff contends, because Kansas Gas Service was only doing what it had to to keep natural gas flowing to customers.

Kansas Gas Service is asking regulators to approve a plan to<a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202107301402167520.pdf?Id=d50f1d81-e90f-4b11-a6f4-52761e17d0cf" target="_blank"> recover more than $450 million in expenses</a> from its customers over a 10-year period.

Approval would effectively mark the single largest utility rate increase in state history.

Kansas
 Gas Service spokeswoman Dawn Tripp said the company purchased large 
amounts of the necessary gas before the winter storm and only had to 
purchase a small portion of gas when prices shot up.

She said the 
company is not doing any independent investigation of the high wholesale
 prices, but that it has disputed bills with some suppliers.

State
 regulators also said the kind of investigation the Natural Gas 
Transportation Customer Coalition is asking for is better suited for 
federal regulators, who are also currently looking into the impacts of 
unregulated natural gas prices during February’s winter storm.

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631220786143.png" alt="A gas furnace. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A gas furnace. Brian Grimmett / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-09/kansas-regulators-say-they-cant-demand-company-records-over-1-billion-in-natural-gas-bills">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — State regulators this week rejected a plea 
to pursue one company’s records to explore how Kansans ended up on the 
hook for nearly <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202108021123255860.pdf?Id=06123b65-2edc-4411-b15f-a8cd5d885b37" target="_blank">$1 billion in natural gas bills</a> during February’s winter storm.A
 consumer advocacy group contends that ruling by the Kansas Corporation 
Commission significantly dashes hopes of exposing gouging or of fighting
 predatory billing.“It’s an economic tragedy for our state,” said
 Jim Zakoura, who represents a group of natural customers including 
universities and churches. “There’s $1 billion in charges and we have 
nothing to show for it.”In a ruling Thursday, the <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210909104121.pdf?Id=d939fd87-7d2a-493a-9a58-cdb7a4fd9675" target="_blank">KCC denied the Natural Gas Transportation Customer </a><a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210909104121.pdf?Id=d939fd87-7d2a-493a-9a58-cdb7a4fd9675" target="_blank">Coalition’s request</a><a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20210909104121.pdf?Id=d939fd87-7d2a-493a-9a58-cdb7a4fd9675" target="_blank"> to subpoena</a> S&amp;P Platts Gas Daily.The <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202107301012494448.pdf?Id=660cf248-4c2f-4f76-ac98-34cae14ffbac" target="_blank">group argues</a> that the way the indexing firm chose to set its prices drove up costs on the main natural gas pipeline in the state.From Feb. 10 to Feb. 17, the index price for that pipeline rose from about $2 per unit of gas to more than $600.Zakoura said the rates represented an attempt to exploit the surge in demand rather than a reflection of the natural gas market. Other smaller-but-significant pipelines in the state sold gas as much as $500 cheaper at times.“There can be no investigation here that’s meaningful without an investigation of the index,” Zakoura said.State
 regulators said they don’t have the authority to regulate a natural gas
 index company with offices outside of the state of Kansas. They said 
even if they were successful in getting the information requested in the
 subpoena, they wouldn’t be able to recalculate the index’s price from 
February or order rebates.“We are focused on the conduct of our 
regulated utilities,” KCC Chairman Andrew French said at the Thursday 
hearing, “and whether they acted appropriately under the circumstances.”The commission’s staff <a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202108271420134618.pdf?Id=20dff587-5241-4b3f-998d-364149e82423" target="_blank">previously argued in filings</a> that they found that Kansas Gas Service followed standard purchasing practices. Preventing the company from recouping the extra costs it paid because of high gas prices would be unfair, the staff contends, because Kansas Gas Service was only doing what it had to to keep natural gas flowing to customers.Kansas Gas Service is asking regulators to approve a plan to<a href="https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202107301402167520.pdf?Id=d50f1d81-e90f-4b11-a6f4-52761e17d0cf" target="_blank"> recover more than $450 million in expenses</a> from its customers over a 10-year period.Approval would effectively mark the single largest utility rate increase in state history.Kansas
 Gas Service spokeswoman Dawn Tripp said the company purchased large 
amounts of the necessary gas before the winter storm and only had to 
purchase a small portion of gas when prices shot up.She said the 
company is not doing any independent investigation of the high wholesale
 prices, but that it has disputed bills with some suppliers.State
 regulators also said the kind of investigation the Natural Gas 
Transportation Customer Coalition is asking for is better suited for 
federal regulators, who are also currently looking into the impacts of 
unregulated natural gas prices during February’s winter storm.Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Kan. regulators can't demand records over $1B in natural gas bills 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America installed its first openly transgender bishop in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday.

The Rev. Megan Rohrer will lead one of the church’s 65 synods, overseeing nearly 200 congregations in Northern California and northern Nevada.

“My call is ... to be up to the same messy, loving things I was up to before,” Rohrer told worshippers. “But mostly, if you’ll let me, and I think you will, my hope is to love you and beyond that, to love what you love.”

Rohrer was elected in May to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod after its current bishop announced his retirement.

“I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in Northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing,” Rohrer said in a statement. “My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.”

Rohrer, who uses the pronoun “they,” previously served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco and a chaplain coordinator for the city’s police department, and also helped minister to the city’s homeless and LGTBQ community. They studied religion at Augustana University in their hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before moving to California to pursue master and doctoral degrees at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.

Rohrer became one of seven LGBTQ pastors accepted by the progressive Evangelical Lutheran church in 2010 after it allowed ordination of pastors in same-sex relationships. Rohrer is married and has two children.

The church is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States with about 3.3 million members.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631414323854.png" alt="Bishop Megan Rohrer during Saturday's installation photo courtesy&nbsp; Grace Cathedral.&nbsp;The Evangelical Lutheran Church is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States with about 3.3 million members." />
 <figcaption>Bishop Megan Rohrer during Saturday's installation photo courtesy&nbsp; Grace Cathedral.&nbsp;The Evangelical Lutheran Church is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States with about 3.3 million members.</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America installed its first openly transgender bishop in a service held in San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral on Saturday.The Rev. Megan Rohrer will lead one of the church’s 65 synods, overseeing nearly 200 congregations in Northern California and northern Nevada.“My call is ... to be up to the same messy, loving things I was up to before,” Rohrer told worshippers. “But mostly, if you’ll let me, and I think you will, my hope is to love you and beyond that, to love what you love.”Rohrer was elected in May to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod after its current bishop announced his retirement.“I step into this role because a diverse community of Lutherans in Northern California and Nevada prayerfully and thoughtfully voted to do a historic thing,” Rohrer said in a statement. “My installation will celebrate all that is possible when we trust God to shepherd us forward.”Rohrer, who uses the pronoun “they,” previously served as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco and a chaplain coordinator for the city’s police department, and also helped minister to the city’s homeless and LGTBQ community. They studied religion at Augustana University in their hometown of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, before moving to California to pursue master and doctoral degrees at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.Rohrer became one of seven LGBTQ pastors accepted by the progressive Evangelical Lutheran church in 2010 after it allowed ordination of pastors in same-sex relationships. Rohrer is married and has two children.The church is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States with about 3.3 million members.___

Evangelical Lutheran church installs 1st transgender bishop

WASHINGTON (AP) —Hoping to prevent another school year from being upended by the pandemic, President Joe Biden visited a Washington middle school Friday to push his new COVID plan, accusing some Republican governors of being “cavalier” with the health of children.

Biden’s plan require vaccinations for up to 100 million Americans and seek to ramp up virus testing. With those measures in place, he said, schools should present little risk for transmission of the coronavirus.

“I want folks to know that we’re going to be OK,” Biden said during an appearance at Brookland Middle School, a short drive from the White House. “We know what it takes to keep our kids safe and our schools open.”

But as the surging COVID-19 delta variant casts uncertainty over the start of a new school year — in some cases prompting schools to shut down after a few days — it’s unclear whether Biden’s plan will go far enough to prevent mass disruption. Biden has little direct authority over most schools, which are generally governed at the local level, and his plan faces sharp resistance from Republicans.

Under his expanded vaccine mandate, all employers with more than 100 workers must require them to get shots or test for the virus weekly. A separate provision requires vaccines for workers in Head Start programs and at schools operated by the federal government, affecting about 300,000 workers.

The plan does not explicitly require vaccines for teachers in locally governed schools, but some education leaders believe the employer rule will effectively amount to a teacher vaccine requirement in many states.

That part of the plan is being enacted through a forthcoming rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. And in states with OSHA plans, teachers will be among those required to get the vaccine or face testing, according to an interpretation by AASA, an association of school superintendents.

It’s expected to apply to 26 states, including several with Republican governors who opposed Biden’s plan, such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Arizona.

Biden did not address that aspect of his plan on Friday. Instead, he urged states to issue their own vaccine requirements for school workers.

“About 90% of school staff and teachers are vaccinated — we should have that at 100%,” Biden said. “I’m calling on all of the governors to require vaccination for all teachers and staff.”

Governors in a few states have already ordered teachers to get vaccinated, including in California, Oregon, New Jersey and New York. But most leave it up to school districts, and some Republican-led states have barred vaccine mandates.

Biden on Friday rebuked Republican governors who vowed to fight his new rules.

“I am so disappointed that, particularly, some Republican governors have been so cavalier with the health of these kids, so cavalier with the health of their communities,” he said. “We’re playing for real here. This isn’t a game.”

But most of his remarks struck a more conciliatory tone than a Thursday speech in which Biden vented his own frustrations with those who remain unvaccinated. He returned to a message of unity on Friday, insisting that “we’ve got to come together” to beat the virus.

Speaking to students at Brookland, Biden applauded those who had already been vaccinated. If all of them get shots, Biden promised to invite them to a special visit at the White House.

He also held up Washington, D.C., as a model. The city has hosted vaccine clinics at its public schools, and 65% of children age 12 to 17 have gotten at least their first shot, a rate that Biden said is among the highest in the nation.

In a plea to America’s families, Biden urged parents to get teenagers and other eligible children vaccinated as soon as possible. He argued that it’s no different than standard vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and other diseases.

Among the greatest threats to his plan, however, is the large population of children who are still too young to get the shot. Most elementary and middle schools have children below age 12 who have not been approved to receive the coronavirus vaccines.

Speaking to those concerns, Biden said he supports an “independent” scientific process to review the shots but he also promised to make them available to younger children as soon as it’s safe.

“I will do everything within my power to support the Food and Drug Administration in its efforts to do the science as safely and as quickly as possible,” he said.

The expanded vaccine mandate does not apply to students, but some districts have moved to require shots for students. The Los Angeles district this week became the first major district to enact a mandate for students ages 12 and up.

In addition to vaccines, Biden’s plan aims to ramp up virus testing in schools.

Testing policies vary widely by school and state. Some districts regularly test all students, including in the Los Angeles district, while some forgo any testing. And for many, it’s getting harder to find testing supplies amid a nationwide shortage in rapid tests.

As part of the White House plan, the government is working to increase the supply of virus tests and make them available at retailers including Walmart and Amazon. Biden said it will lead to 300 million more coronavirus tests, including some for schools.

“I want all schools setting up regular testing programs to make sure we detect and isolate cases before they can spread,” Biden said.

The plan drew support from the country’s two largest teachers unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Both groups have also endorsed vaccine mandates for all teachers and school staff.

Other education groups that support the plan include the National School Boards Association, which said it comes at an “extremely critical time.” The group said it welcomes Biden’s support even as education leaders face “threats, abuse and harassment” over their public health measures.

Speaking alongside Biden on Friday, first lady Jill Biden praised educators as “heroes” for their work over the past year. A longtime community college professor, the first lady said Americans have a duty to protect students as they return to the classroom.

“We owe them a promise to keep their schools open as safe as possible,” she said. “We owe them a commitment to follow the science — we owe them unity so that we can fight the virus, not each other.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631395633895.png" alt="“I want folks to know that we’re going to be OK,” Biden said during an appearance with his wife at Brookland Middle School, a short drive from the White House. “We know what it takes to keep our kids safe and our schools open.”-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>“I want folks to know that we’re going to be OK,” Biden said during an appearance with his wife at Brookland Middle School, a short drive from the White House. “We know what it takes to keep our kids safe and our schools open.”-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Hoping to prevent another school year from being upended by the pandemic, President Joe Biden visited a Washington middle school Friday to push his new COVID plan, accusing some Republican governors of being “cavalier” with the health of children.Biden’s plan require vaccinations for up to 100 million Americans and seek to ramp up virus testing. With those measures in place, he said, schools should present little risk for transmission of the coronavirus.“I want folks to know that we’re going to be OK,” Biden said during an appearance at Brookland Middle School, a short drive from the White House. “We know what it takes to keep our kids safe and our schools open.”But as the surging COVID-19 delta variant casts uncertainty over the start of a new school year — in some cases prompting schools to shut down after a few days — it’s unclear whether Biden’s plan will go far enough to prevent mass disruption. Biden has little direct authority over most schools, which are generally governed at the local level, and his plan faces sharp resistance from Republicans.Under his expanded vaccine mandate, all employers with more than 100 workers must require them to get shots or test for the virus weekly. A separate provision requires vaccines for workers in Head Start programs and at schools operated by the federal government, affecting about 300,000 workers.The plan does not explicitly require vaccines for teachers in locally governed schools, but some education leaders believe the employer rule will effectively amount to a teacher vaccine requirement in many states.That part of the plan is being enacted through a forthcoming rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. And in states with OSHA plans, teachers will be among those required to get the vaccine or face testing, according to an interpretation by AASA, an association of school superintendents.It’s expected to apply to 26 states, including several with Republican governors who opposed Biden’s plan, such as South Carolina, Tennessee and Arizona.Biden did not address that aspect of his plan on Friday. Instead, he urged states to issue their own vaccine requirements for school workers.“About 90% of school staff and teachers are vaccinated — we should have that at 100%,” Biden said. “I’m calling on all of the governors to require vaccination for all teachers and staff.”Governors in a few states have already ordered teachers to get vaccinated, including in California, Oregon, New Jersey and New York. But most leave it up to school districts, and some Republican-led states have barred vaccine mandates.Biden on Friday rebuked Republican governors who vowed to fight his new rules.“I am so disappointed that, particularly, some Republican governors have been so cavalier with the health of these kids, so cavalier with the health of their communities,” he said. “We’re playing for real here. This isn’t a game.”But most of his remarks struck a more conciliatory tone than a Thursday speech in which Biden vented his own frustrations with those who remain unvaccinated. He returned to a message of unity on Friday, insisting that “we’ve got to come together” to beat the virus.Speaking to students at Brookland, Biden applauded those who had already been vaccinated. If all of them get shots, Biden promised to invite them to a special visit at the White House.He also held up Washington, D.C., as a model. The city has hosted vaccine clinics at its public schools, and 65% of children age 12 to 17 have gotten at least their first shot, a rate that Biden said is among the highest in the nation.In a plea to America’s families, Biden urged parents to get teenagers and other eligible children vaccinated as soon as possible. He argued that it’s no different than standard vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and other diseases.Among the greatest threats to his plan, however, is the large population of children who are still too young to get the shot. Most elementary and middle schools have children below age 12 who have not been approved to receive the coronavirus vaccines.Speaking to those concerns, Biden said he supports an “independent” scientific process to review the shots but he also promised to make them available to younger children as soon as it’s safe.“I will do everything within my power to support the Food and Drug Administration in its efforts to do the science as safely and as quickly as possible,” he said.The expanded vaccine mandate does not apply to students, but some districts have moved to require shots for students. The Los Angeles district this week became the first major district to enact a mandate for students ages 12 and up.In addition to vaccines, Biden’s plan aims to ramp up virus testing in schools.Testing policies vary widely by school and state. Some districts regularly test all students, including in the Los Angeles district, while some forgo any testing. And for many, it’s getting harder to find testing supplies amid a nationwide shortage in rapid tests.As part of the White House plan, the government is working to increase the supply of virus tests and make them available at retailers including Walmart and Amazon. Biden said it will lead to 300 million more coronavirus tests, including some for schools.“I want all schools setting up regular testing programs to make sure we detect and isolate cases before they can spread,” Biden said.The plan drew support from the country’s two largest teachers unions, the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. Both groups have also endorsed vaccine mandates for all teachers and school staff.Other education groups that support the plan include the National School Boards Association, which said it comes at an “extremely critical time.” The group said it welcomes Biden’s support even as education leaders face “threats, abuse and harassment” over their public health measures.Speaking alongside Biden on Friday, first lady Jill Biden praised educators as “heroes” for their work over the past year. A longtime community college professor, the first lady said Americans have a duty to protect students as they return to the classroom.“We owe them a promise to keep their schools open as safe as possible,” she said. “We owe them a commitment to follow the science — we owe them unity so that we can fight the virus, not each other.”

Pres. Biden: States should mandate vaccine for all teachers

HARPER COUNTY– A Kansas man has been sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison for convictions on three child sex crimes, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Jason Spooner, 56, of Bluff City, was sentenced by Harper County District Court Judge Gaten Wood to 167 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility. Spooner pleaded no contest on July 23 to two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of indecent liberties with a child. 

Wood also sentenced Spooner to lifetime registration as a sex offender and lifetime post-release supervision.

The crimes took place in March 2019 in Harper County. The case was investigated by the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Anthony Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631118528397.png" alt="Spooner-remains jailed in Harper County" />
 <figcaption>Spooner-remains jailed in Harper County</figcaption>
 </figure>HARPER COUNTY– A Kansas man has been sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison for convictions on three child sex crimes, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Jason Spooner, 56, of Bluff City, was sentenced by Harper County District Court Judge Gaten Wood to 167 months in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility. Spooner pleaded no contest on July 23 to two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of indecent liberties with a child. Wood also sentenced Spooner to lifetime registration as a sex offender and lifetime post-release supervision.The crimes took place in March 2019 in Harper County. The case was investigated by the Harper County Sheriff’s Office, the Anthony Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Kansas man sentenced for 3 child sex crimes

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge has ordered a suburban Kansas City restaurant to close temporarily because the owner repeatedly refused to follow a mask mandate.

Jackson County Judge James Kanatazar on Friday granted the county's request for a temporary restraining order against Rae's Cafe in Blue Springs.

The county also filed a motion seeking to permanently prevent the owner from operating in violation of the health order.

Before the judge's ruling, Jackson County health officials and sheriff's deputies served the cafe owner, Amanda Wohletz, with an order to close because the mask mandate was being ignored. But the business continued to operate Friday morning.

Rae’s Cafe's food permit was suspended last week. The owner then reopened as a private club, which charges customers $1 to join and prohibits masks.

Jackson County said in a statement it would “take the necessary steps to ensure the health order is enforced.”

Wohletz has said she and all her workers are medically exempt from the mask mandate but has not explained what medical conditions they have, The Kansas City Star reported.

The county said Rae's Cafe is the first business it has tried to close for not following county requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631393652541.png" alt="A large gathering outside the Kansas City-area restaurant -photo courtesy Rae's" />
 <figcaption>A large gathering outside the Kansas City-area restaurant -photo courtesy Rae's</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A judge has ordered a suburban Kansas City restaurant to close temporarily because the owner repeatedly refused to follow a mask mandate.Jackson County Judge James Kanatazar on Friday granted the county's request for a temporary restraining order against Rae's Cafe in Blue Springs.The county also filed a motion seeking to permanently prevent the owner from operating in violation of the health order.Before the judge's ruling, Jackson County health officials and sheriff's deputies served the cafe owner, Amanda Wohletz, with an order to close because the mask mandate was being ignored. But the business continued to operate Friday morning.Rae’s Cafe's food permit was suspended last week. The owner then reopened as a private club, which charges customers $1 to join and prohibits masks.Jackson County said in a statement it would “take the necessary steps to ensure the health order is enforced.”Wohletz has said she and all her workers are medically exempt from the mask mandate but has not explained what medical conditions they have, The Kansas City Star reported.The county said Rae's Cafe is the first business it has tried to close for not following county requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge: KC-area restaurant closed in mask dispute

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Nevada man in connection with two attempted aggravated robberies.

On Wednesday, officers responded to the Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center located at SW 21st Street and SW Fairlawn Road for two separate, but related attempted armed robberies, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The suspect later identified as&nbsp;Trystan J. Mensler, 22 of Nevada  reportedly entered the Dillons at 5311 SW 22nd Pl. and attempted to purchase prescription medication from the pharmacy. When the suspect was denied purchase, he brandished a firearm. 

The suspect left without receiving anything and then went to the Walgreens at 2121 SW Fairlawn Rd. and tried the same thing, again receiving nothing.

Police located Mensler Thursday morning at the Econo Lodge located, 1518 SW Wanamaker Road and arrested&nbsp; him on requested charges of attempted aggravated robbery. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631395002245.png" alt="Mensler photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mensler photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Nevada man in connection with two attempted aggravated robberies.On Wednesday, officers responded to the Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center located at SW 21st Street and SW Fairlawn Road for two separate, but related attempted armed robberies, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The suspect later identified as&nbsp;Trystan J. Mensler, 22 of Nevada reportedly entered the Dillons at 5311 SW 22nd Pl. and attempted to purchase prescription medication from the pharmacy. When the suspect was denied purchase, he brandished a firearm. The suspect left without receiving anything and then went to the Walgreens at 2121 SW Fairlawn Rd. and tried the same thing, again receiving nothing.Police located Mensler Thursday morning at the Econo Lodge located, 1518 SW Wanamaker Road and arrested&nbsp; him on requested charges of attempted aggravated robbery.

Police: Man pulled gun at 2 pharmacies in Kansas

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Four students are suing Creighton University over its requirement to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to remain enrolled. 

They argue that some of them feel pushed to violate their religious beliefs against abortion. The lawsuit filed this week in Douglas County District Court also alleges that some of the four students have medical conditions that make vaccines not recommended for them. 

The Catholic university in Omaha mandated that all students get vaccinated in August. The lawsuit says the students object because vaccines were developed or tested using cells from aborted fetuses. 

The Vatican has declared that such vaccines are morally acceptable when others aren't available. The university declined comment.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Four students are suing Creighton University over its requirement to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to remain enrolled. They argue that some of them feel pushed to violate their religious beliefs against abortion. The lawsuit filed this week in Douglas County District Court also alleges that some of the four students have medical conditions that make vaccines not recommended for them. The Catholic university in Omaha mandated that all students get vaccinated in August. The lawsuit says the students object because vaccines were developed or tested using cells from aborted fetuses. The Vatican has declared that such vaccines are morally acceptable when others aren't available. The university declined comment.

4 pro-life students sue Creighton over vaccine mandate

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Twenty years 
ago, while many were running away from the horror of the 9/11 attacks, 
first responders ran toward the danger. They knew the gravity of the 
situation and went anyway. They did so, according to McPherson Fire 
Chief T.J. Wyssmann, out of a great love for their community, the people
 they served, and each other.

"Those men and women stepped up and 
did what needed to be done," Wyssmann said. "First responders don't seek
 fame. They don't seek power. They're not in it for recognition. They 
are goodhearted human beings who sacrifice their time, minds, and bodies
 to help others."

It is this spirit were honored on Saturday during the McPherson Fire Department's public 9/11 Ceremony.

The
 ceremony began at 8:46 a.m. Saturday at the bandshell in Lakeside 
Park with an honor guard lowering of the flag to half-staff and a moment
 of silent reflection according to the itinerary posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McphersonFireDepartment">McPherson Fire Department</a>
 Facebook page. Wyssmann said the department chose to follow the 9/11 
timeline as it would have been in Eastern Time in order to encourage 
more people to attend the event.

This first moment of silence marked the time that American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into floors 
93-99 of 1 World Trade Center, the North Tower.

A second moment of
 silence was at 9:03 a.m., the time that United Airlines Flight 175 
crashed into floors 77-85 of 2 World Trade Center, the South Tower.

The third moment of silence was at 9:37 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.

A
 final moment of silence was scheduled for just after 10 a.m. when United
 Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pa. It was 
the only of the four jets to not reach its target, thanks in part to 
passengers and crew who stormed the cockpit. 

At 9:59 a.m. and 
10:28 a.m., when the South Tower and North Tower, respectively, 
collapsed killing thousands, the McPherson Fire Department maintained&nbsp; a time-honored tradition of ringing out 5/5/5, also known as tolling 
the bell, symbolizing that a firefighter has died.

Wyssmann 
explained that in the days long before cellphones, fire alarms 
communicated with fire stations via a telegraph. Additionally, when a 
firefighter died in the line of duty, the telegraph company would send 
out a series of five dashes, followed by a pause, five more dashes and 
another pause, followed by the final five dashes to let others knows 
that a fireman had died. Today, those dashes are rung.

At 1 p.m., 
United States Senator Jerry Moran was scheduled to speak to commemorate 
the the 20th anniversary of 9/11, according to the McPherson Fire 
Department ceremony itinerary. Wyssmann and Chaplain Terry Turner also 
are scheduled to speak during the event, and those attending will be 
given the chance to reflect on 9/11.

While the McPherson Fire 
Department conducts a 9/11 ceremony each year, this year's event is more
 extensive and, for the first time, includes a car show to benefit the 
Firemen's Benefit Association. Wyssmann said the car show has grown to 
be much larger than expected, with 80 to 90 participants. The show also 
will provide those in attendance with an opportunity to see the 
department's 1928 American LaFrance fire truck that is being restored.

The McPherson event is but one of several in the area. 

The
 Salina Fire Department had a brief ceremony at Station 1, 222 W. 
Elm Street, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, when the flag was lowered to
 half-staff, Battalion Chief John Goertzen said.&nbsp;

The ceremony included remarks by Chief Kevin Royse
 and an invocation by one of the department's chaplains, Goertzen said. 
Additionally, fire personnel at all four Salina stations stood at 
attention outside the stations. Like their counterparts in McPherson, 
Salina firefighters tolled the bell on the department's antique fire 
truck in memory of those firefighters who died during the 9/11 attacks.

Ellsworth
 Fire and Rescue will have a 9/11 commemoration event at 4 p.m. 
Saturday in front of the fire station at Court and Main. Included will 
be a memorial reveal and dedication honoring the 20th anniversary of 
9/11. Additionally, the ceremony will include the singing of the 
National Anthem, the playing of bagpipes, and an opportunity to touch a 
piece of the World Trade Center, according to information posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ellsworth-Volunteer-Fire-Dept-730036290367382">Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Dept</a>
 Facebook page. The department also will ring an end of service in 
memory of those firefighters who lost their lives while trying to help 
others during 9/11.

To see a 9/11 timeline from 911memorial.org, <a href="https://timeline.911memorial.org/#Timeline/2">click here</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631038876655.png" alt="The World Trade Center burns in the background of New York City’s Empire State Building, Sept. 11, 2001. Both World Trade Center towers were attacked as a result of a highly coordinated al-Qaida plot. U.S. Department of Defense photo" />
 <figcaption>The World Trade Center burns in the background of New York City’s Empire State Building, Sept. 11, 2001. Both World Trade Center towers were attacked as a result of a highly coordinated al-Qaida plot. U.S. Department of Defense photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostTwenty years 
ago, while many were running away from the horror of the 9/11 attacks, 
first responders ran toward the danger. They knew the gravity of the 
situation and went anyway. They did so, according to McPherson Fire 
Chief T.J. Wyssmann, out of a great love for their community, the people
 they served, and each other."Those men and women stepped up and 
did what needed to be done," Wyssmann said. "First responders don't seek
 fame. They don't seek power. They're not in it for recognition. They 
are goodhearted human beings who sacrifice their time, minds, and bodies
 to help others."It is this spirit were honored on Saturday during the McPherson Fire Department's public 9/11 Ceremony.The
 ceremony began at 8:46 a.m. Saturday at the bandshell in Lakeside 
Park with an honor guard lowering of the flag to half-staff and a moment
 of silent reflection according to the itinerary posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/McphersonFireDepartment">McPherson Fire Department</a>
 Facebook page. Wyssmann said the department chose to follow the 9/11 
timeline as it would have been in Eastern Time in order to encourage 
more people to attend the event. This first moment of silence marked the time that American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into floors 
93-99 of 1 World Trade Center, the North Tower.A second moment of
 silence was at 9:03 a.m., the time that United Airlines Flight 175 
crashed into floors 77-85 of 2 World Trade Center, the South Tower.The third moment of silence was at 9:37 a.m., when American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.A
 final moment of silence was scheduled for just after 10 a.m. when United
 Airlines Flight 93 crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pa. It was 
the only of the four jets to not reach its target, thanks in part to 
passengers and crew who stormed the cockpit. At 9:59 a.m. and 
10:28 a.m., when the South Tower and North Tower, respectively, 
collapsed killing thousands, the McPherson Fire Department maintained&nbsp; a time-honored tradition of ringing out 5/5/5, also known as tolling 
the bell, symbolizing that a firefighter has died.Wyssmann 
explained that in the days long before cellphones, fire alarms 
communicated with fire stations via a telegraph. Additionally, when a 
firefighter died in the line of duty, the telegraph company would send 
out a series of five dashes, followed by a pause, five more dashes and 
another pause, followed by the final five dashes to let others knows 
that a fireman had died. Today, those dashes are rung.At 1 p.m., 
United States Senator Jerry Moran was scheduled to speak to commemorate 
the the 20th anniversary of 9/11, according to the McPherson Fire 
Department ceremony itinerary. Wyssmann and Chaplain Terry Turner also 
are scheduled to speak during the event, and those attending will be 
given the chance to reflect on 9/11.While the McPherson Fire 
Department conducts a 9/11 ceremony each year, this year's event is more
 extensive and, for the first time, includes a car show to benefit the 
Firemen's Benefit Association. Wyssmann said the car show has grown to 
be much larger than expected, with 80 to 90 participants. The show also 
will provide those in attendance with an opportunity to see the 
department's 1928 American LaFrance fire truck that is being restored.The McPherson event is but one of several in the area. The
 Salina Fire Department had a brief ceremony at Station 1, 222 W. 
Elm Street, beginning at 7:45 a.m. Saturday, when the flag was lowered to
 half-staff, Battalion Chief John Goertzen said.&nbsp;The ceremony included remarks by Chief Kevin Royse
 and an invocation by one of the department's chaplains, Goertzen said. 
Additionally, fire personnel at all four Salina stations stood at 
attention outside the stations. Like their counterparts in McPherson, 
Salina firefighters tolled the bell on the department's antique fire 
truck in memory of those firefighters who died during the 9/11 attacks.Ellsworth
 Fire and Rescue will have a 9/11 commemoration event at 4 p.m. 
Saturday in front of the fire station at Court and Main. Included will 
be a memorial reveal and dedication honoring the 20th anniversary of 
9/11. Additionally, the ceremony will include the singing of the 
National Anthem, the playing of bagpipes, and an opportunity to touch a 
piece of the World Trade Center, according to information posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ellsworth-Volunteer-Fire-Dept-730036290367382">Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Dept</a>
 Facebook page. The department also will ring an end of service in 
memory of those firefighters who lost their lives while trying to help 
others during 9/11.To see a 9/11 timeline from 911memorial.org, <a href="https://timeline.911memorial.org/#Timeline/2">click here</a>.

Salina-area fire departments commemorate 9/11 20th anniversary

EDITORS NOTE: A reader pointed out that Pat Roberts did not actually take the chairmanship of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence until 2003. Hutch Post regrets the error.


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Former Kansas U.S. Senator Pat Roberts was at the Kansas State Fair Saturday morning and reflected on his memories of the attacks on New York and Washington September 11, 2001.

"I was chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee," Roberts said. "We had been warning folks that the oceans no longer protected us and that we could be attacked by something that we just were not prepared for. The intel community was trying to figure out where that might come from. Nobody thought about somebody using airplanes as missiles."

Roberts realizes now he probably risked his own life just trying to get to the office.

"I finally hit some traffic and drove on the apron with people honking at me," Roberts said. "I got to my office by going behind the Capitol. That's especially important, because at the time I was doing that,&nbsp; was exactly the time that 007 (known commonly now by its name as United Flight 93) would have hit the Capitol. I think about that and really that heroism and really, saving my life."

Roberts thought his committee could help figure out what happened.

"I shouldn't even have been there, I should have probably stayed home," Roberts said. "I was chairman. What are you going to do? I got two members of my staff out. I said go home, go home, get away from this place, get off of the Beltway. I went over to police headquarters, where about 20 of us were meeting."

Leadership had gone to a secure location to ensure their safety.

"They were safe, but we had an intercom back and forth," Roberts said. "I was asking leadership, I'd like to have the intel committee meet, at least know what's going on. They said, nobody knows what's going on. That's when the President was flying around in the air."

Roberts also talked about his first trip to Ground Zero.

"We went up to the site later with the President," Roberts said. "There must have been 25 or 30 Senators. I got up there and I think it was the most horrific thing I've ever seen. For some reason, we had coat and ties on, I don't know, we took that off real fast. All the workers up there just stopped.&nbsp; They didn't know who we were, but they knew it had to be somebody semi-important. I got out of the bus first, went up there and I saw this guy with a jackhammer about from me to the tables, but there's concrete. It's just a mess. I thought, well, what am I doing just standing here? I just went over there, I got up on that deal and I said, I want to meet you, you're a hero. God bless you. I'm Pat Roberts from Dodge City, Kansas. I'm a Senator. He said, you're all Senators? I said, yup and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you at this particular time."

Several other Senators also spoke to the workers, and so did President Bush, with his famous speech with the bullhorn. If Roberts had a bullhorn, that Marine likely would have a message for current policy makers as well.

"I think all this business with Afghanistan and leaving people behind is absolutely contrary, 180 degrees from where we were at that particular time. I deeply regret what has happened in Afghanistan, again, tearing at the ethic of the military and making some really incredible decisions that put our country at risk."

Below is the raw audio from Roberts as told to Hutch Post on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

EDITORS NOTE: A reader pointed out that Pat Roberts did not actually take the chairmanship of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence until 2003. Hutch Post regrets the error.
By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — Former Kansas U.S. Senator Pat Roberts was at the Kansas State Fair Saturday morning and reflected on his memories of the attacks on New York and Washington September 11, 2001.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631374079335.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"I was chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee," Roberts said. "We had been warning folks that the oceans no longer protected us and that we could be attacked by something that we just were not prepared for. The intel community was trying to figure out where that might come from. Nobody thought about somebody using airplanes as missiles."Roberts realizes now he probably risked his own life just trying to get to the office."I finally hit some traffic and drove on the apron with people honking at me," Roberts said. "I got to my office by going behind the Capitol. That's especially important, because at the time I was doing that,&nbsp; was exactly the time that 007 (known commonly now by its name as United Flight 93) would have hit the Capitol. I think about that and really that heroism and really, saving my life."Roberts thought his committee could help figure out what happened."I shouldn't even have been there, I should have probably stayed home," Roberts said. "I was chairman. What are you going to do? I got two members of my staff out. I said go home, go home, get away from this place, get off of the Beltway. I went over to police headquarters, where about 20 of us were meeting."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631374126823.jpeg" alt="Pat Roberts and Roger Marshall-Courtesy Sen. Marshall's office" />
 <figcaption>Pat Roberts and Roger Marshall-Courtesy Sen. Marshall's office</figcaption>
 </figure>Leadership had gone to a secure location to ensure their safety."They were safe, but we had an intercom back and forth," Roberts said. "I was asking leadership, I'd like to have the intel committee meet, at least know what's going on. They said, nobody knows what's going on. That's when the President was flying around in the air."Roberts also talked about his first trip to Ground Zero."We went up to the site later with the President," Roberts said. "There must have been 25 or 30 Senators. I got up there and I think it was the most horrific thing I've ever seen. For some reason, we had coat and ties on, I don't know, we took that off real fast. All the workers up there just stopped.&nbsp; They didn't know who we were, but they knew it had to be somebody semi-important. I got out of the bus first, went up there and I saw this guy with a jackhammer about from me to the tables, but there's concrete. It's just a mess. I thought, well, what am I doing just standing here? I just went over there, I got up on that deal and I said, I want to meet you, you're a hero. God bless you. I'm Pat Roberts from Dodge City, Kansas. I'm a Senator. He said, you're all Senators? I said, yup and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you at this particular time."Several other Senators also spoke to the workers, and so did President Bush, with his famous speech with the bullhorn. If Roberts had a bullhorn, that Marine likely would have a message for current policy makers as well."I think all this business with Afghanistan and leaving people behind is absolutely contrary, 180 degrees from where we were at that particular time. I deeply regret what has happened in Afghanistan, again, tearing at the ethic of the military and making some really incredible decisions that put our country at risk."Below is the raw audio from Roberts as told to Hutch Post on Saturday, September 11, 2021.<div><iframe title="Pat Roberts 9-11-2001 reflections" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=x7h26-10d926a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=1&font-color=&btn-skin=7"></iframe></div>

Retired Senator Roberts on 20 years since terror attacks

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden is making an appeal for the nation to reclaim the spirit of cooperation that sprung up in the days following the 9/11 terror attacks as he commemorates those who died 20 years ago.

Biden was a senator when hijackers comandeered four planes and exacted the nation’s worst terror attack in 2001. Now he marks the 9/11 anniversary for the first time as commander in chief.

The president planned to pay his respects at the trio of sites where the planes crashed, but he was leaving the speech-making to others.

Instead, the White House released a taped address late Friday in which Biden spoke of the “true sense of national unity” that emerged after the attacks, seen in “heroism everywhere — in places expected and unexpected.”

“To me that’s the central lesson of September 11,” he said. “Unity is our greatest strength.”

Biden arrived in New York on Friday night as the skyline was illuminated by the “Tribute in Light,” hauntingly marking where the towers once stood. His first stop on Saturday was to be the National September 11 Memorial, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center were toppled as a horrified world watched on television.

From there he was to visit the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a plane fell from the sky after heroic passengers fought terrorists to prevent it from reaching its Washington destination. And finally, he was headed to the Pentagon, where the world’s mightiest military suffered an unthinkable blow to its very home.

Biden’s task, like his predecessors before him, was to mark the moment with a mix of grief and resolve. A man who has suffered immense personal tragedy, Biden speaks of loss with power.

He gave voice to the pain that comes with memories of 9/11 in his video message, saying, “No matter how much time has passed, these commemorations bring everything painfully back as if you just got the news a few seconds ago.”

Robert Gibbs, who served as President Barack Obama’s press secretary, said that for Biden, “It’s a moment for people to see him not as Democratic president, but as president of the United States of America,.”

“The American people are somewhat conflicted about what they have seen out of Afghanistan the last couple of weeks,” Gibbs said. “For Biden, it’s a moment to try to reset some of that. Remind people of what it is to be commander in chief and what it means to be the leader of the country at a moment of such significance.”

On the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Biden now shoulders the responsibility borne by his predecessors to prevent future tragedy, and must do so against fresh fears of a rise in terror after the United States’ hasty exit last from the country from which the Sept. 11 attacks were launched.

Biden will be the fourth president to console the nation on the anniversary of that dark day, one that has shaped many of the most consequential domestic and foreign policy decisions made by the chief executives over the past two decades.

The terror attack defined the presidency of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-w-bush">George W. Bush</a>, who was reading a book to Florida schoolchildren when the planes slammed into the World Trade Center. He spent that day being kept out of Washington for security reasons — a decision that then-Senator Biden urged him to reconsider, the current president has written — and then delivered a brief, halting speech that night from the White House to a terrified nation.

The following year, Bush chose Ellis Island as the location to deliver his first anniversary address, the Statue of Liberty over his shoulder as he vowed, “What our enemies have begun, we will finish.”

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were still deadly when President Barack Obama visited the Pentagon to mark his first Sept. 11 in office in 2009.

“No words can ease the ache of your hearts,” said Obama.

“We recall the beauty and meaning of their lives,” he said. “No passage of time, no dark skies can dull the meaning of that moment.”

By the time Obama spoke at the 10th anniversary, attack mastermind Osama bin Laden was dead, killed in a May 2011 Navy SEAL raid. Though the nation remained entangled overseas, and vigilant against terror threats, the anniversary became more about healing.

President Donald Trump pledged to get the U.S. out of Afghanistan, but his words during his first Sept. 11 anniversary ceremony in 2017 were a vivid warning to terrorists, telling “these savage killers that there is no dark corner beyond our reach, no sanctuary beyond our grasp, and nowhere to hide anywhere on this very large earth.”

On Saturday, as Biden was making his way to all three sites, Bush was to pay his respects in Shanksville while Obama did likewise in New York. Trump planned at least one stop in Manhattan and was to deliver ringside commentary at a boxing match at a casino in Hollywood, Florida.

NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden is making an appeal for the nation to reclaim the spirit of cooperation that sprung up in the days following the 9/11 terror attacks as he commemorates those who died 20 years ago.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On the eve of the 20th anniversary of the horrific 9/11 attacks, President Biden honors the lives of those we lost and highlights how even at our most vulnerable – unity is our greatest strength.<a href="https://t.co/TdVhw9TVpb">pic.twitter.com/TdVhw9TVpb</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1436454819028508672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden was a senator when hijackers comandeered four planes and exacted the nation’s worst terror attack in 2001. Now he marks the 9/11 anniversary for the first time as commander in chief.The president planned to pay his respects at the trio of sites where the planes crashed, but he was leaving the speech-making to others.Instead, the White House released a taped address late Friday in which Biden spoke of the “true sense of national unity” that emerged after the attacks, seen in “heroism everywhere — in places expected and unexpected.”“To me that’s the central lesson of September 11,” he said. “Unity is our greatest strength.”Biden arrived in New York on Friday night as the skyline was illuminated by the “Tribute in Light,” hauntingly marking where the towers once stood. His first stop on Saturday was to be the National September 11 Memorial, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center were toppled as a horrified world watched on television.From there he was to visit the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where a plane fell from the sky after heroic passengers fought terrorists to prevent it from reaching its Washington destination. And finally, he was headed to the Pentagon, where the world’s mightiest military suffered an unthinkable blow to its very home.Biden’s task, like his predecessors before him, was to mark the moment with a mix of grief and resolve. A man who has suffered immense personal tragedy, Biden speaks of loss with power.He gave voice to the pain that comes with memories of 9/11 in his video message, saying, “No matter how much time has passed, these commemorations bring everything painfully back as if you just got the news a few seconds ago.”Robert Gibbs, who served as President Barack Obama’s press secretary, said that for Biden, “It’s a moment for people to see him not as Democratic president, but as president of the United States of America,.”“The American people are somewhat conflicted about what they have seen out of Afghanistan the last couple of weeks,” Gibbs said. “For Biden, it’s a moment to try to reset some of that. Remind people of what it is to be commander in chief and what it means to be the leader of the country at a moment of such significance.”On the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Biden now shoulders the responsibility borne by his predecessors to prevent future tragedy, and must do so against fresh fears of a rise in terror after the United States’ hasty exit last from the country from which the Sept. 11 attacks were launched.Biden will be the fourth president to console the nation on the anniversary of that dark day, one that has shaped many of the most consequential domestic and foreign policy decisions made by the chief executives over the past two decades.The terror attack defined the presidency of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/george-w-bush">George W. Bush</a>, who was reading a book to Florida schoolchildren when the planes slammed into the World Trade Center. He spent that day being kept out of Washington for security reasons — a decision that then-Senator Biden urged him to reconsider, the current president has written — and then delivered a brief, halting speech that night from the White House to a terrified nation.The following year, Bush chose Ellis Island as the location to deliver his first anniversary address, the Statue of Liberty over his shoulder as he vowed, “What our enemies have begun, we will finish.”The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were still deadly when President Barack Obama visited the Pentagon to mark his first Sept. 11 in office in 2009.“No words can ease the ache of your hearts,” said Obama.“We recall the beauty and meaning of their lives,” he said. “No passage of time, no dark skies can dull the meaning of that moment.”By the time Obama spoke at the 10th anniversary, attack mastermind Osama bin Laden was dead, killed in a May 2011 Navy SEAL raid. Though the nation remained entangled overseas, and vigilant against terror threats, the anniversary became more about healing.President Donald Trump pledged to get the U.S. out of Afghanistan, but his words during his first Sept. 11 anniversary ceremony in 2017 were a vivid warning to terrorists, telling “these savage killers that there is no dark corner beyond our reach, no sanctuary beyond our grasp, and nowhere to hide anywhere on this very large earth.”On Saturday, as Biden was making his way to all three sites, Bush was to pay his respects in Shanksville while Obama did likewise in New York. Trump planned at least one stop in Manhattan and was to deliver ringside commentary at a boxing match at a casino in Hollywood, Florida.

🎥  Biden marks 9/11 anniversary with tribute, call for unity

By TOM SHINE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2021-09-10/29-planes-and-1-300-passengers-how-the-chaos-of-9-11-unfolded-at-mid-continent-airport">Kansas News Service</a>

Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.

Valerie Wise had just arrived at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport, where she worked as an administrative aide.

She
 didn’t know it yet, but in Wichita, the chaos and confusion that would 
unfold that day would be felt most acutely at Mid-Continent.

Less 
than an hour after the first tower at the World Trade Center was hit, 
the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all planes in the air to 
land.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631292021388.png" alt="Planes parked at Mid-Continent Airport after the FAA grounded all flights following the Sept. 11 attacks. Courtesy Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>Planes parked at Mid-Continent Airport after the FAA grounded all flights following the Sept. 11 attacks. Courtesy Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOM SHINE <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/news/2021-09-10/29-planes-and-1-300-passengers-how-the-chaos-of-9-11-unfolded-at-mid-continent-airport">Kansas News Service</a>Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing the morning of Sept. 11, 2001.Valerie Wise had just arrived at Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport, where she worked as an administrative aide.She
 didn’t know it yet, but in Wichita, the chaos and confusion that would 
unfold that day would be felt most acutely at Mid-Continent.Less 
than an hour after the first tower at the World Trade Center was hit, 
the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all planes in the air to 
land.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631292083534.png" alt="Valerie Wise was an administrative assistant at Mid-Continent in 2001. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Valerie Wise was an administrative assistant at Mid-Continent in 2001. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>At Mid-Continent, 22 passenger airliners and seven cargo planes landed in less than 60 minutes.“I
 heard people from the community were commenting about how they were 
watching all these planes circling, waiting to land,” said Wise, who is 
now the Air Service &amp; Business Development manager at Eisenhower 
National Airport.“I went over to the terminal building and went 
to the information desk to help out wherever I could. And the terminal 
was just teeming with passengers.”More than 1,300 of them, suddenly stranded in a strange city with nowhere to go, caught up in a national tragedy.Bob
 Knight was Wichita’s mayor in 2001. He said he had been to New York the
 week earlier for a conference, where Mayor Rudy Guiliani showed 
visitors the city’s new emergency communications center.When 
Knight arrived at Mid-Continent, city and airport officials were 
scrambling to figure out how to house the unexpected visitors.Knight got on the airport’s public address system.“I
 made a couple announcements,” he recalled, “[that] the city of Wichita 
would do everything it could do to accommodate them under the 
circumstances. And they have our full attention.“But, yeah, it was just a horrendous time.”Among the passengers were 123 Israelis aboard an El Al flight headed 
from New York to Los Angeles. Wise said they were initially hesitant to 
get off the plane because they were uncertain what was happening.The
 city made arrangements to send them to Camp Hiawatha, a summer camp run
 by the Salvation Army near 53rd Street North and the Little Arkansas 
River.Jami Scott is the director of Homeless Services for the 
Salvation Army. She was part of the group that helped get the bunkhouses
 and dining hall ready for the Israeli passengers.“We felt that 
we were doing something, even though we weren't like at ground zero, we 
were doing something to help our community, our world,” Scott said.The
 Salvation Army enlisted the help of local synagogues and the Mid-Kansas
 Jewish Federation. Scott said the passengers shared stories about life 
in Israel, and she taught them about Wichita and Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631292132480.png" alt="Jami Scott was part of a group that got Camp Hiawatha ready to house 123 Israeli travelers stranded in Wichita on 9/11. Courtesy" />
 <figcaption>Jami Scott was part of a group that got Camp Hiawatha ready to house 123 Israeli travelers stranded in Wichita on 9/11. Courtesy</figcaption>
 </figure>“I don't want to say it was a good time, but it was a time where 
people came together and did what needed to happen to make sure people 
were safe,” Scott said. “But we were still able to share … our cultures 
with each other.“I think what that taught me was that in the 
middle of chaos and fear, people will come together and people will 
figure it out and that you can still be kind in the middle of all that.”By
 Tuesday afternoon, all of the passengers were taken care of, many of 
them driven to hotels on city buses. Security crews had completed sweeps
 of the terminal and runways and had set up new procedures for screening
 passengers.But for the next 48 hours, before the FAA allowed airlines to begin flying again, Wise said Mid-Continent was strangely silent.“Wednesday
 was like a ghost town,” she said. “The airfield was so eerily quiet. It
 was just like a desert with aircraft sitting there.”Travel resumed the next day, and the passengers stranded in Wichita were allowed to continue their trips.Twenty years later, Wise said she still recalls how she felt after she left work the evening of Sept. 11.“I
 remember going home at night after the crazy day. I didn't have a 
chance to watch the news to see what was happening,” she said.“It wasn't until I got home that night, exhausted, and just cried, you know?”Tom joined KMUW in 2017 after spending 37 years with The Wichita Eagle where he held a variety of reporting and editing roles.&nbsp;