Hesston College, a small Mennonite institution, has history of sexual abuse and harassment cases

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

HESSTON — An audit of a small Mennonite college in rural Kansas has found systemic failings, with sexual abuse reporters pressured to meet their abusers face-to-face and “forgive and forget” the abuse.

In November 2022, Hesston College commissioned international law firm Cozen O’Connor to review legal compliance and make recommendations about the college’s policies, procedures and practices addressing sexual and gender-based harassment and violence under Title IX and the Clery Act.

In the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hesston.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hesston-College-Report-of-External-Review-April-13-2023.pdf">64-page report</a>&nbsp;released in April, reviewers found frequent Title IX violations, including cases in which administrators failed to adequately respond to reports and failed to give the person reporting abuse access to support and resources. The audit also found evidence of mishandled sexual harassment and violence complaint resolutions, including cases in which the survivor had to met face-to-face with their abuser without necessary safeguards.

Due to the small size and religious nature of the campus community, which has about 325 students, the audit posited that reporting was made more difficult. Several report filers said the college’s religious values put pressure on survivors to forgive those accused of abuse.

The audit found the college had a common practice of having abuse survivors meet with their abusers for a discussion about their experiences and what they need to do to move forward.

“If you are the victim, the burden is placed on you to forgive and forget. It is made to sound like it’s your responsibility to reconcile the behavior,” one report filer said.

Another person said they weren’t allowed to emotionally process the situation.

“A lot of what I experienced with admin and professors was the faith portion,” the interviewee said. “They really pushed to forgive. That is really sore for me. I was never allowed to be mad. They pushed so much forgiveness. I was told about counseling options, but I was never followed up with again. I was under suicide watch, but no one came to check on me.”

Students told the auditors that they felt blamed by college administrators for sexual harassment, including employees telling students not to go out late or wear “flashy things.”

Auditors reported that only three out of the 35 Title IX cases they reviewed were formally investigated and they found many examples of institutional responses that didn’t meet Title IX legal requirements.

Advocacy groups such as Into Account have said sexual misconduct and assault has been a systemic issue at Hesston since the college’s beginning. Daniel Bender, the Mennonite bishop who founded the college in 1909, confessed to repeatedly sexually abusing his daughter.

The November review was the result of multiple student complaints about mishandled sexual misconduct reports and a student campus protest demanding action. Students also demanded that Bender’s portrait be removed from the college’s administration building, or a plaque be put up explaining his abuse. The portrait was removed months later, following the audit’s publication.&nbsp;

The audit recommended more professional training, student outreach and oversight of the campus Title IX office, along with changing the college’s approach to having survivors reconcile with their abusers.&nbsp;

“The experiences we heard as part of this review — of students being further traumatized by pressure to engage in swift reconciliation efforts, or not reporting at all because they do not want to be prematurely asked to offer forgiveness — reflects the challenges of using a forgiveness-based reconciliation approach in a manner that is not nuanced, informed by the law, or steeped in an understanding of the dynamics of sexual and interpersonal violence and trauma,” the audit read

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/P4071237-1024x768.jpg" alt="An audit of Hesston College found systemic failure to adequately address sexual abuse and harassment complaints. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>An audit of Hesston College found systemic failure to adequately address sexual abuse and harassment complaints. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Hesston College, a small Mennonite institution, has history of sexual abuse and harassment cases</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>HESSTON — An audit of a small Mennonite college in rural Kansas has found systemic failings, with sexual abuse reporters pressured to meet their abusers face-to-face and “forgive and forget” the abuse.In November 2022, Hesston College commissioned international law firm Cozen O’Connor to review legal compliance and make recommendations about the college’s policies, procedures and practices addressing sexual and gender-based harassment and violence under Title IX and the Clery Act.In the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.hesston.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hesston-College-Report-of-External-Review-April-13-2023.pdf">64-page report</a>&nbsp;released in April, reviewers found frequent Title IX violations, including cases in which administrators failed to adequately respond to reports and failed to give the person reporting abuse access to support and resources. The audit also found evidence of mishandled sexual harassment and violence complaint resolutions, including cases in which the survivor had to met face-to-face with their abuser without necessary safeguards.Due to the small size and religious nature of the campus community, which has about 325 students, the audit posited that reporting was made more difficult. Several report filers said the college’s religious values put pressure on survivors to forgive those accused of abuse.The audit found the college had a common practice of having abuse survivors meet with their abusers for a discussion about their experiences and what they need to do to move forward.“If you are the victim, the burden is placed on you to forgive and forget. It is made to sound like it’s your responsibility to reconcile the behavior,” one report filer said.Another person said they weren’t allowed to emotionally process the situation.“A lot of what I experienced with admin and professors was the faith portion,” the interviewee said. “They really pushed to forgive. That is really sore for me. I was never allowed to be mad. They pushed so much forgiveness. I was told about counseling options, but I was never followed up with again. I was under suicide watch, but no one came to check on me.”Students told the auditors that they felt blamed by college administrators for sexual harassment, including employees telling students not to go out late or wear “flashy things.”Auditors reported that only three out of the 35 Title IX cases they reviewed were formally investigated and they found many examples of institutional responses that didn’t meet Title IX legal requirements.Advocacy groups such as Into Account have said sexual misconduct and assault has been a systemic issue at Hesston since the college’s beginning. Daniel Bender, the Mennonite bishop who founded the college in 1909, confessed to repeatedly sexually abusing his daughter.The November review was the result of multiple student complaints about mishandled sexual misconduct reports and a student campus protest demanding action. Students also demanded that Bender’s portrait be removed from the college’s administration building, or a plaque be put up explaining his abuse. The portrait was removed months later, following the audit’s publication.&nbsp;The audit recommended more professional training, student outreach and oversight of the campus Title IX office, along with changing the college’s approach to having survivors reconcile with their abusers.&nbsp;“The experiences we heard as part of this review — of students being further traumatized by pressure to engage in swift reconciliation efforts, or not reporting at all because they do not want to be prematurely asked to offer forgiveness — reflects the challenges of using a forgiveness-based reconciliation approach in a manner that is not nuanced, informed by the law, or steeped in an understanding of the dynamics of sexual and interpersonal violence and trauma,” the audit read

Title IX audit of Kansas college shows pressure to forgive abusers, reconcile

KANSAS CITY – A dozen Kansas City metropolitan residents have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that resulted in nearly $250,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans being issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.

Renetta Golden-Larimore, 54, Don A. Baker, 47, Stephan Booth, 40, Candace E. Hill-Williams, 25, Reisjon Larimore, 25, Teiara M. Mercer, 23, Padgit L. Smith, 48, Joseph Valdivia III, 45, Salvadore Valdivia, 41, and Mone’y C. Woods, 21, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cameron P. Henderson, 27, of Independence, Mo.; and Roger Larimore, 27, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on April 26, 2023. The indictment was unsealed and made public Tuesday upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.

According to the indictment, Golden-Larimore prepared and filed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of the other co-conspirators. She allegedly received payments between $2,000 and $7,000 from the loan proceeds for her assistance in filing false and fraudulent PPP loan applications. 

Golden-Larimore created counterfeit IRS forms for nonexistent businesses, the indictment says, and inflated income for existing businesses in order to qualify the borrower for a PPP loan.

Each of the defendants received a PPP loan of either $20,832 or $20,833.

In addition to the conspiracy, Golden-Larimore is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud. Each of the remaining defendants are also charged with aiding and abetting her in one of those wire fraud counts for the fraudulent loan they received.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require each of the defendants to forfeit to the government any property obtained from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including a money judgment of $20,832 for each defendant.

In a separate case that arose from the federal investigation, Theresa R. Griswold, 42, of Olathe, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after obtaining a fraudulent PPP loan during this conspiracy. Griswold admitted she received a fraudulent $20,832 PPP loan.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588075781384.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A dozen Kansas City metropolitan residents have been indicted for their roles in a conspiracy that resulted in nearly $250,000 in fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans being issued under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, according to the United State's Attorney.Renetta Golden-Larimore, 54, Don A. Baker, 47, Stephan Booth, 40, Candace E. Hill-Williams, 25, Reisjon Larimore, 25, Teiara M. Mercer, 23, Padgit L. Smith, 48, Joseph Valdivia III, 45, Salvadore Valdivia, 41, and Mone’y C. Woods, 21, all of Kansas City, Mo.; Cameron P. Henderson, 27, of Independence, Mo.; and Roger Larimore, 27, of Raytown, Mo., were charged in a 13-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on April 26, 2023. The indictment was unsealed and made public Tuesday upon the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.According to the indictment, Golden-Larimore prepared and filed fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of the other co-conspirators. She allegedly received payments between $2,000 and $7,000 from the loan proceeds for her assistance in filing false and fraudulent PPP loan applications. Golden-Larimore created counterfeit IRS forms for nonexistent businesses, the indictment says, and inflated income for existing businesses in order to qualify the borrower for a PPP loan.Each of the defendants received a PPP loan of either $20,832 or $20,833.In addition to the conspiracy, Golden-Larimore is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud. Each of the remaining defendants are also charged with aiding and abetting her in one of those wire fraud counts for the fraudulent loan they received.The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require each of the defendants to forfeit to the government any property obtained from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including a money judgment of $20,832 for each defendant.In a separate case that arose from the federal investigation, Theresa R. Griswold, 42, of Olathe, Kansas, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after obtaining a fraudulent PPP loan during this conspiracy. Griswold admitted she received a fraudulent $20,832 PPP loan.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul S. Becker. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

12 KC-area residents indicted in COVID fraud conspiracy

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly approved tax breaks for suicide prevention and senior assistance organizations, legislation meant to bolster resources for vulnerable people across the state.&nbsp;

Kelly announced the signing of bipartisan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMDAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTAuNzY1MTQ1MDEifQ.KxG7bMhl3pF-9q-mpnawI3D1Ptuke0d8GjE7FHgZubg/s/2897855304/br/184350495348-l">House Bill 2002</a>&nbsp;Wednesday. The bill, which passed&nbsp;the Senate 37-0 and the House 122-0, creates sales tax exemptions for the Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ and the Area Agencies on Aging.

“Our Area Agencies on Aging and the Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ are vital to the lives of Kansans,” Kelly said. “This bill stretches the impact of the funds they receive, furthering their ability to improve the quality of life for those they serve.”

The exemption is meant to expand Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ’s&nbsp; prevention training statewide and increase awareness of mental health resources for those in need. Area Agencies on Aging officials said the tax exemption would help the organization increase services for Kansas seniors and individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;

“This bill will help older Kansans and caregivers receive those services, including support for senior centers, Friendship Meals and home-delivered meals, and other in-home services to maintain an independent, positive quality of life,” said Julie Govert Walter, executive director of North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging.&nbsp;

HB2002 also allows counties to provide electronic tax notices depending on taxpayer wishes, among other provisions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/P2020030-1024x576.jpg" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a bill that provides sales tax exemptions for two organizations geared toward helping vulnerable groups. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly signed into law a bill that provides sales tax exemptions for two organizations geared toward helping vulnerable groups. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly approved tax breaks for suicide prevention and senior assistance organizations, legislation meant to bolster resources for vulnerable people across the state.&nbsp;Kelly announced the signing of bipartisan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cua3NsZWdpc2xhdHVyZS5vcmcvbGkvYjIwMjNfMjQvbWVhc3VyZXMvaGIyMDAyLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA1MTAuNzY1MTQ1MDEifQ.KxG7bMhl3pF-9q-mpnawI3D1Ptuke0d8GjE7FHgZubg/s/2897855304/br/184350495348-l">House Bill 2002</a>&nbsp;Wednesday. The bill, which passed&nbsp;the Senate 37-0 and the House 122-0, creates sales tax exemptions for the Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ and the Area Agencies on Aging.“Our Area Agencies on Aging and the Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ are vital to the lives of Kansans,” Kelly said. “This bill stretches the impact of the funds they receive, furthering their ability to improve the quality of life for those they serve.”The exemption is meant to expand Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ’s&nbsp; prevention training statewide and increase awareness of mental health resources for those in need. Area Agencies on Aging officials said the tax exemption would help the organization increase services for Kansas seniors and individuals with disabilities.&nbsp;“This bill will help older Kansans and caregivers receive those services, including support for senior centers, Friendship Meals and home-delivered meals, and other in-home services to maintain an independent, positive quality of life,” said Julie Govert Walter, executive director of North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging.&nbsp;HB2002 also allows counties to provide electronic tax notices depending on taxpayer wishes, among other provisions.

New law provides tax exemptions for suicide prevention and senior services organizations

KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Republican-governed states across the nation advance myriad bills targeting transgender young people, America's faith leaders are starkly divided in their assessment. Some view the legislation as reflecting God's will; others voice outrage that Christianity is being invoked to justify laws they view as cruel and hateful.

In one camp are many legislators who have cited their conservative religious beliefs while promoting these bills, as well as leaders of America's two largest denominations — the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention.

U.S. Catholic bishops have rejected the concept of gender transition; they issued guidelines in March to stop Catholic hospitals from assisting in such transitions. The SBC has been on record since 2014 asserting that gender transition is "contrary to God's design."

In an online article, the Rev. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, depicted gender transition as "a blatant attempt to undermine the very order of creation."

"The Bible reveals that any attempt to subvert creation ends in disaster, not in human liberation," he wrote.

Faith leaders who support transgender rights bristle at the use of religious rhetoric to marginalize trans people.

"As a Christian leader, it's horrifying to me that Christianity and the Bible are being used by the religious right to bludgeon people through these many bills," said Serene Jones, the president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

"To use religious language like that is an abomination," she said. "They are threatening the lives and well-being of so many people around the U.S. and the world."

Jones said it was wrong to cite the Bible in rejecting transgender identity.

"It wasn't something that the Bible even thought about," she said. "The larger message there is a message of love and inclusion."

By the latest count, at least 20 states have imposed bans or limits on transgender athletes' sports participation at the K-12 or collegiate level. And at least 18 states have adopted laws or policies — including some blocked by courts — barring gender-affirming medical care, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for minors.

In Oklahoma, state Sen. David Bullard cited a biblical passage in introducing what he calls the Millstone Act — a bill that would make it a felony for doctors to provide gender transition procedures to anyone under the age of 26. Bullard, who has served as a deacon at his Baptist church, said the act's name alludes to a passage in the Book of Matthew suggesting that anyone causing a child to sin should be drowned in the sea with a millstone hung around their neck.

In the Texas legislature, one of the leading backers of anti-trans legislation is an ordained minister — Rep. Steve Toth. One bill he introduced also proposes making it a felony to provide gender-affirming care for minors.

Bills in other states have sought to restrict transgender people's use of public restrooms and limit their ability to be called by the pronouns that reflect their gender identity.

In recent months, several of the Southern Baptists' state affiliates have adopted resolutions embracing the overall thrust of the anti-trans bills.

A resolution approved by the Tennessee Baptist Convention depicted gender dysphoria as a "sexual perversion."

The South Carolina Baptist Convention urged its followers "to resist speaking falsely and giving credence to the philosophies of the LGBTQ+ movement by adopting preferred pronouns that do not refer to a person's created sex and biological makeup." And the Southern Baptists of Texas cited a verse from Genesis in rejecting "any type of false doctrine or deceptive application related to gender identity and sexuality."

In various communities across the U.S. — including Knoxville, Tennessee, and Madison, Wisconsin — interfaith groups of moderate and liberal religious leaders have held events to show support for transgender people and denounce the wave of anti-trans legislation.

In Pasadena, California, one such event took place on March 31, bringing together Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders for a news conference at All Saints Church, home to an Episcopal congregation that embraces LGBTQ inclusion.

Even though California's Democratic-controlled legislature would not approve any anti-trans measures, an organizer of the event said it was important to speak out in support of trans people in states enacting such bills.

"If our voices can be heard by some trans kid in Kentucky, realizing there are faith leaders who've got their back, they might hang on a little bit longer," said the Rev. Pat Langlois, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church United Church of Christ in the Valley.

"These bills are the most vitriolic and cruel legislation I've seen," she said. "I have a non-binary teenager, so I take this really personally, not just as a person of faith and as a lesbian, but as a mom."

Langlois, whose LGBTQ activism spans several decades, described the current situation as "probably the scariest time" because of the array of hostile bills.

Her worries were compounded on May 4, when the rector of All Saints, Mike Kinman, told his congregation that the church had received two threats — that a bomb would be detonated during Sunday worship, and that someone would come to a service with a gun to kill the pastor.

In response, Kinman said the church would be deploying security guards, requesting that police conduct a sweep of church property before the services and closing the church balcony to the public.

The leader of one of the largest mainline Protestant denominations, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has condemned the anti-trans bills as an attack on trans people's humanity.

"While members of our church hold various convictions regarding gender, the teaching of our church supports legislation and policies to protect every person's human dignity and civil rights," Eaton said in a recent statement. "Our church teaches that we affirm transgender and nonbinary siblings as God's children."

As for U.S. Catholics, there are diverse views among church personnel.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has told Catholic hospitals they must not perform "interventions, whether surgical or chemical, that aim to transform the sexual characteristics of a human body into those of the opposite sex."

Christine Zuba, a transgender woman who lives in New Jersey, was disappointed that transgender people weren't even mentioned in the USCCB's 14-page document, except in a footnote.

"All we ask is listen to us," she said. "Open your hearts and try to understand."

Yet some parish priests — including Zuba's pastor — have welcomed transgender people into their congregations, and honored their decisions to transition. In March, several thousand Catholic nuns, representing orders across the U.S., signed a statement urging people to oppose anti-transgender legislation in their states.

"As members of the body of Christ, we cannot be whole without the full inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals," the statement said.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

By DAVID CRARY AP National WriterKANSAS CITY (AP) —As Republican-governed states across the nation advance myriad bills targeting transgender young people, America's faith leaders are starkly divided in their assessment. Some view the legislation as reflecting God's will; others voice outrage that Christianity is being invoked to justify laws they view as cruel and hateful.In one camp are many legislators who have cited their conservative religious beliefs while promoting these bills, as well as leaders of America's two largest denominations — the Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention.U.S. Catholic bishops have rejected the concept of gender transition; they issued guidelines in March to stop Catholic hospitals from assisting in such transitions. The SBC has been on record since 2014 asserting that gender transition is "contrary to God's design."In an online article, the Rev. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, depicted gender transition as "a blatant attempt to undermine the very order of creation.""The Bible reveals that any attempt to subvert creation ends in disaster, not in human liberation," he wrote.Faith leaders who support transgender rights bristle at the use of religious rhetoric to marginalize trans people."As a Christian leader, it's horrifying to me that Christianity and the Bible are being used by the religious right to bludgeon people through these many bills," said Serene Jones, the president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City."To use religious language like that is an abomination," she said. "They are threatening the lives and well-being of so many people around the U.S. and the world."Jones said it was wrong to cite the Bible in rejecting transgender identity."It wasn't something that the Bible even thought about," she said. "The larger message there is a message of love and inclusion."By the latest count, at least 20 states have imposed bans or limits on transgender athletes' sports participation at the K-12 or collegiate level. And at least 18 states have adopted laws or policies — including some blocked by courts — barring gender-affirming medical care, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for minors.In Oklahoma, state Sen. David Bullard cited a biblical passage in introducing what he calls the Millstone Act — a bill that would make it a felony for doctors to provide gender transition procedures to anyone under the age of 26. Bullard, who has served as a deacon at his Baptist church, said the act's name alludes to a passage in the Book of Matthew suggesting that anyone causing a child to sin should be drowned in the sea with a millstone hung around their neck.In the Texas legislature, one of the leading backers of anti-trans legislation is an ordained minister — Rep. Steve Toth. One bill he introduced also proposes making it a felony to provide gender-affirming care for minors.Bills in other states have sought to restrict transgender people's use of public restrooms and limit their ability to be called by the pronouns that reflect their gender identity.In recent months, several of the Southern Baptists' state affiliates have adopted resolutions embracing the overall thrust of the anti-trans bills.A resolution approved by the Tennessee Baptist Convention depicted gender dysphoria as a "sexual perversion."The South Carolina Baptist Convention urged its followers "to resist speaking falsely and giving credence to the philosophies of the LGBTQ+ movement by adopting preferred pronouns that do not refer to a person's created sex and biological makeup." And the Southern Baptists of Texas cited a verse from Genesis in rejecting "any type of false doctrine or deceptive application related to gender identity and sexuality."In various communities across the U.S. — including Knoxville, Tennessee, and Madison, Wisconsin — interfaith groups of moderate and liberal religious leaders have held events to show support for transgender people and denounce the wave of anti-trans legislation.In Pasadena, California, one such event took place on March 31, bringing together Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders for a news conference at All Saints Church, home to an Episcopal congregation that embraces LGBTQ inclusion.Even though California's Democratic-controlled legislature would not approve any anti-trans measures, an organizer of the event said it was important to speak out in support of trans people in states enacting such bills."If our voices can be heard by some trans kid in Kentucky, realizing there are faith leaders who've got their back, they might hang on a little bit longer," said the Rev. Pat Langlois, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church United Church of Christ in the Valley."These bills are the most vitriolic and cruel legislation I've seen," she said. "I have a non-binary teenager, so I take this really personally, not just as a person of faith and as a lesbian, but as a mom."Langlois, whose LGBTQ activism spans several decades, described the current situation as "probably the scariest time" because of the array of hostile bills.Her worries were compounded on May 4, when the rector of All Saints, Mike Kinman, told his congregation that the church had received two threats — that a bomb would be detonated during Sunday worship, and that someone would come to a service with a gun to kill the pastor.In response, Kinman said the church would be deploying security guards, requesting that police conduct a sweep of church property before the services and closing the church balcony to the public.The leader of one of the largest mainline Protestant denominations, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has condemned the anti-trans bills as an attack on trans people's humanity."While members of our church hold various convictions regarding gender, the teaching of our church supports legislation and policies to protect every person's human dignity and civil rights," Eaton said in a recent statement. "Our church teaches that we affirm transgender and nonbinary siblings as God's children."As for U.S. Catholics, there are diverse views among church personnel.The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has told Catholic hospitals they must not perform "interventions, whether surgical or chemical, that aim to transform the sexual characteristics of a human body into those of the opposite sex."Christine Zuba, a transgender woman who lives in New Jersey, was disappointed that transgender people weren't even mentioned in the USCCB's 14-page document, except in a footnote."All we ask is listen to us," she said. "Open your hearts and try to understand."Yet some parish priests — including Zuba's pastor — have welcomed transgender people into their congregations, and honored their decisions to transition. In March, several thousand Catholic nuns, representing orders across the U.S., signed a statement urging people to oppose anti-transgender legislation in their states."As members of the body of Christ, we cannot be whole without the full inclusion of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals," the statement said.___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Wave of anti-transgender bills in GOP-led states divides US faith leaders

KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities continue searching for 21-year-old Jae’veon Marquice Mitchell-Locke, a suspect in the April 5, shooting of three Kansas police officers during an undercover fentanyl trafficking investigation, according&nbsp; to the Platte County Sheriff's office.

Officials at the Platte County, Missouri Detention Center released him inadvertently on April 20.

Mitchell-Locke and two other suspects in the gunfight are charged in Wyandotte County with attempted murder, aggravated battery against law enforcement, criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building or vehicle, aggravated endangering a child, aggravated assault of law enforcement officers and distribution or possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1682111930463.png" alt="Mitchell-Locke-photo Platte County" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-Locke-photo Platte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Law enforcement authorities continue searching for 21-year-old Jae’veon Marquice Mitchell-Locke, a suspect in the April 5, shooting of three Kansas police officers during an undercover fentanyl trafficking investigation, according&nbsp; to the Platte County Sheriff's office.Officials at the Platte County, Missouri Detention Center released him inadvertently on April 20.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681993393030.png" alt="Scene of the shooting investigation on April 5 -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Scene of the shooting investigation on April 5 -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Mitchell-Locke and two other suspects in the gunfight are charged in Wyandotte County with attempted murder, aggravated battery against law enforcement, criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied building or vehicle, aggravated endangering a child, aggravated assault of law enforcement officers and distribution or possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to online jail records.

Suspect in Kan. officer shooting released by mistake is still missing

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Saturday told graduates of a&nbsp;<a href="https://howard.edu/about/history">leading historically Black university</a>&nbsp;that American history “has not always been a fairy tale” and that “racism has long torn us apart." But on the nation's best days, he said “enough of us have the guts and the heart to stand up for the best in us.”

(Click below to watch the President's address)

As Biden spoke, more than a dozen cap-and-gowned Howard University students stood with their backs to him holding handmade signs in silent protest over what they said were many forms of white supremacist violence.

In his speech, Biden described the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlottesville-a-year-later-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-virginia-b8560c3ebaac4deb9043bb695f2eb1db">2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia</a>, which he has said helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-joe-biden-virginia-0da41bc7243c434b8d6522cc344c61bc">compel him to run for president</a>&nbsp;in 2020.

Hate “never goes away” and “silence is complicity,” Biden said.

“We know that American history has not always been a fairy tale,” Biden said, describing a constant “push and pull” between the idea that at all people are created equal and “the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart."

”But on the best days enough of us have the guts and the hearts to stand up for the best in us," he continued. “To choose love over hate, unity over disunion, progress over retreat.”

Biden, who recently announced that he is running for a second term in 2024, said he came to Howard to “continue the work to redeem the soul of this nation,” which was a theme of his 2020 campaign.

He told the graduates they feed his optimism for the future.

“You're part of the most gifted, tolerant, talented, best-educated generation in American history. That's a fact,” he said. “And it's your generation, more than anyone else’s, who will answer the questions for America: Who are we, what do we stand for, what do we believe, what do we want to be.”

It was unclear whether Biden was aware that several students had turned their backs as they held handmade signs protesting some of the injustices he mentioned in his speech. One sign named&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-neely-subway-chokehold-3f36c61a13532eead65cf4f8155f13b8">Jordan Neely</a>, the New York City subway performer who died May 1 after he was restrained in a chokehold by another passenger.

The passenger, Daniel Penny, 24, a former Marine, surrendered to police on Friday to face a manslaughter charge. He was freed pending trial.

"We as graduates stand united for change, for Black Lives globally," the students said in a statement. The White House had no comment.

Biden spoke after he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

The speech at Howard was the first of two commencement addresses Biden will deliver this year. He is scheduled to address graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado on June 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684022629870.png" alt="Biden spoke after he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden spoke after he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Saturday told graduates of a&nbsp;<a href="https://howard.edu/about/history">leading historically Black university</a>&nbsp;that American history “has not always been a fairy tale” and that “racism has long torn us apart." But on the nation's best days, he said “enough of us have the guts and the heart to stand up for the best in us.”(Click below to watch the President's address)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hxqYIl3eP0M?start=980" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>As Biden spoke, more than a dozen cap-and-gowned Howard University students stood with their backs to him holding handmade signs in silent protest over what they said were many forms of white supremacist violence.In his speech, Biden described the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charlottesville-a-year-later-north-america-us-news-ap-top-news-virginia-b8560c3ebaac4deb9043bb695f2eb1db">2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia</a>, which he has said helped&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-joe-biden-virginia-0da41bc7243c434b8d6522cc344c61bc">compel him to run for president</a>&nbsp;in 2020.Hate “never goes away” and “silence is complicity,” Biden said.“We know that American history has not always been a fairy tale,” Biden said, describing a constant “push and pull” between the idea that at all people are created equal and “the harsh reality that racism has long torn us apart."”But on the best days enough of us have the guts and the hearts to stand up for the best in us," he continued. “To choose love over hate, unity over disunion, progress over retreat.”Biden, who recently announced that he is running for a second term in 2024, said he came to Howard to “continue the work to redeem the soul of this nation,” which was a theme of his 2020 campaign.He told the graduates they feed his optimism for the future.“You're part of the most gifted, tolerant, talented, best-educated generation in American history. That's a fact,” he said. “And it's your generation, more than anyone else’s, who will answer the questions for America: Who are we, what do we stand for, what do we believe, what do we want to be.”It was unclear whether Biden was aware that several students had turned their backs as they held handmade signs protesting some of the injustices he mentioned in his speech. One sign named&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-neely-subway-chokehold-3f36c61a13532eead65cf4f8155f13b8">Jordan Neely</a>, the New York City subway performer who died May 1 after he was restrained in a chokehold by another passenger.The passenger, Daniel Penny, 24, a former Marine, surrendered to police on Friday to face a manslaughter charge. He was freed pending trial."We as graduates stand united for change, for Black Lives globally," the students said in a statement. The White House had no comment.Biden spoke after he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree.The speech at Howard was the first of two commencement addresses Biden will deliver this year. He is scheduled to address graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado on June 1.

🎥Biden to grads: White supremacy is ‘most dangerous terrorist threat’

RAY COUNTY —A child died in an accident just before 9 a.m., Saturday in Ray County, approximately 45 minutes east of Kansas City.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported&nbsp; an eastbound Burlington Northern train struck the 1-year-old girl who was stationary on railroad tracks at Route J and Elm Street in the city of Hardin. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported fo Forensic Medial.

Authorities released no additional details.

RAY COUNTY —A child died in an accident just before 9 a.m., Saturday in Ray County, approximately 45 minutes east of Kansas City.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid0whV8z9wDBMYMa3tJsAsMkJUyjBBRN7U3ttYqEv1koiWEnopxBR4CVyrGWKtuUNCGl%26id%3D100064883972742&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="234" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported&nbsp; an eastbound Burlington Northern train struck the 1-year-old girl who was stationary on railroad tracks at Route J and Elm Street in the city of Hardin. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported fo Forensic Medial.Authorities released no additional details.

Patrol: 1-year-old girl dies after struck by a train

WICHITA, KAN. – A man has been sentenced after sexually assaulting three women in one day during the summer of 2021.

 District Judge Faith Maughan sentenced 28-year-old Andrew Jones, 28 of Wichita, to 95 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.

On July 1, 2021, Jones grabbed two women inside Towne East Square shopping mall in east Wichita. After the assaults at Towne East, a third woman was removing groceries from her car on E. Morris Street when a man grabbed her in a sexual manner.

The woman yelled for her husband who chased the man before he stopped and pointed a knife at the husband.

That same day, an officer spotted a man wearing a gray hoodie and shorts who matched the description of the suspect in the sexual assaults. The officer chased the man later identified as Jones over a mile before he entered a house in the 8000 block of E. Gilbert.

When the suspect threatened to shoot the officer, he backed off. Other officers later entered the home and arrested Jones.

On March 9, Jones pled no contest to attempted rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and criminal threat.

Along with the prison sentence, Judge Maughan ordered Jones to serve lifetime post release and offender registration.

Lifetime post release requires the Department of Corrections to watch him the rest of his life. Jones is subject to conditions on the release. If he violates those conditions, he could be sent back to prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683834580237.png" alt="Jones-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A man has been sentenced after sexually assaulting three women in one day during the summer of 2021. District Judge Faith Maughan sentenced 28-year-old Andrew Jones, 28 of Wichita, to 95 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's offie.On July 1, 2021, Jones grabbed two women inside Towne East Square shopping mall in east Wichita. After the assaults at Towne East, a third woman was removing groceries from her car on E. Morris Street when a man grabbed her in a sexual manner.The woman yelled for her husband who chased the man before he stopped and pointed a knife at the husband.That same day, an officer spotted a man wearing a gray hoodie and shorts who matched the description of the suspect in the sexual assaults. The officer chased the man later identified as Jones over a mile before he entered a house in the 8000 block of E. Gilbert.When the suspect threatened to shoot the officer, he backed off. Other officers later entered the home and arrested Jones.On March 9, Jones pled no contest to attempted rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and criminal threat.Along with the prison sentence, Judge Maughan ordered Jones to serve lifetime post release and offender registration.Lifetime post release requires the Department of Corrections to watch him the rest of his life. Jones is subject to conditions on the release. If he violates those conditions, he could be sent back to prison.

Kan. man admits committing series of sex crimes on same day 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A sophomore at a Missouri high school who recorded a teacher using a racial slur during class was suspended for three days.

Mary Walton, a student at Glendale High School in Springfield, said she was told Friday that she would not be allowed to return to school until Wednesday because she violated district policy on inappropriate use of electronic devices, the Springfield News-Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2023/05/13/glendale-student-suspended-after-recording-teacher-saying-racial-slur/70177873007/">reported</a>.

The teacher, whose name has not been released, was put on paid administrative leave after using the racial slur on Tuesday.

Walton said the teacher used the racial slur six times — two of which were recorded on her video. Walton wasn't sure what prompted the exchange but she said the teacher asked some of her classmates why they were allowed to use the slur but he wasn't.

She said the teacher told her to put her phone away when he realized Walton was recording him. When she refused, he told her to go to the office but stopped short of sending her.

Walton sent the video to her mom and shared it with one friend. Walton said she didn't upload it, but it spread “really, really fast.”

Glendale principal Josh Groves said in a message to school employees and families that the comments expressed in the video were inappropriate and did not meet the Springfield district's professional standards.

District officials said they couldn't comment on student disciplinary actions.

Welborn said she understands that the district does not want students taking “vigilante” recordings of any slight infraction by teachers but she said this teacher's actions needed to be brought to light.

“What you are tacitly doing is discouraging students from reporting whenever a teacher does something outrageous,” she said.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A sophomore at a Missouri high school who recorded a teacher using a racial slur during class was suspended for three days.Mary Walton, a student at Glendale High School in Springfield, said she was told Friday that she would not be allowed to return to school until Wednesday because she violated district policy on inappropriate use of electronic devices, the Springfield News-Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2023/05/13/glendale-student-suspended-after-recording-teacher-saying-racial-slur/70177873007/">reported</a>.The teacher, whose name has not been released, was put on paid administrative leave after using the racial slur on Tuesday.Walton said the teacher used the racial slur six times — two of which were recorded on her video. Walton wasn't sure what prompted the exchange but she said the teacher asked some of her classmates why they were allowed to use the slur but he wasn't.She said the teacher told her to put her phone away when he realized Walton was recording him. When she refused, he told her to go to the office but stopped short of sending her.Walton sent the video to her mom and shared it with one friend. Walton said she didn't upload it, but it spread “really, really fast.”Glendale principal Josh Groves said in a message to school employees and families that the comments expressed in the video were inappropriate and did not meet the Springfield district's professional standards.District officials said they couldn't comment on student disciplinary actions.Welborn said she understands that the district does not want students taking “vigilante” recordings of any slight infraction by teachers but she said this teacher's actions needed to be brought to light.“What you are tacitly doing is discouraging students from reporting whenever a teacher does something outrageous,” she said.

Student suspended after reporting teacher used racial slur

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.

On May 11, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2600 Block SE Adams Street in Topeka in reference an ongoing investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, 28-year-old Dakota Lehrbach; 26-year-old Steven Thorne, 34-year-old Kimber Jameson and 24-year-old&nbsp; Tieler Lay were transported to the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections.

Dakota Lehrbach is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent

Steven Thorne is jailed on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Kimber Jameson remains jails on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Tieler Lay was booked on Two arrest warrants.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899291704.png" alt="Lehrbach-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lehrbach-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug allegations.On May 11, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant in the 2600 Block SE Adams Street in Topeka in reference an ongoing investigation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.While conducting the search warrant, officers located marijuana, methamphetamine, firearms and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899367358.png" alt="Jameson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jameson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result, 28-year-old Dakota Lehrbach; 26-year-old Steven Thorne, 34-year-old Kimber Jameson and 24-year-old&nbsp; Tieler Lay were transported to the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections.Dakota Lehrbach is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899274006.png" alt="Thorne-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Thorne-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Steven Thorne is jailed on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683899408974.png" alt="Lay-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lay-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kimber Jameson remains jails on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school and Tieler Lay was booked on Two arrest warrants.

Kansas drug task force makes meth bust near school

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum is making strides to show all the history of Stafford County. Last month, the Lucille M. Hall Museum was awarded $10,000 by Humanities Kansas for a portrait project highlighting some of the county's lesser-known historical faces.

"We're just trying to tell more stories of diversity, while also telling the stories people are more familiar with," said Beccy Tanner, project director. "This year, we're focusing on Native Americans whose tribe would have been prominent in this area prior to the settlement of the first settlers."

This is the second phase of a multi-year project. Two years ago, the museum invited descendants of African American Exodusters who arrived in the area in the late 1870s. Photographer Bo Rader, using 19th-century wet plate glass negative technology, took portraits of the visitors and donated his work to the museum. The photos are now part of the "Hall of Portraits: Documenting Our Diverse Legacy" exhibit at the museum.

"Hopefully, by the time it's all said and done, we'll have more than 100 portraits," Tanner said. "There's a wonderful song in the musical 'Hamilton' that 'History has its eyes on you.' I think this will be a chance for people to see that history does indeed have its eyes on you as you come into this portrait room, and you see all these people, and you see their portraits looking directly at you as a visitor."

Museum volunteers will also do recorded interviews with each of the subjects in the portraits. Those interviews will be available on the museum's YouTube channel. A 30-minute documentary will dive deeper into the impacts various cultures have made in the area. Another documentary in production features St. John's national champion marching band from the 1930s.

Michael Hathaway volunteers as director at the museum, and his nephew, Seth Hathaway is filming the interviews. The group tries to keep fresh exhibits in rotation, including a current "Death on the Prairie" exhibit that features artifacts from five generations of the Minnis family who have worked in the funeral home business. The "world-famous triple-T" exhibit features historic toilets.

The museum, located at 304 N. Main in St. John, will have a Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, and a Homecoming Festival in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683295088145.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe St. John Homecoming Hall and Museum is making strides to show all the history of Stafford County. Last month, the Lucille M. Hall Museum was awarded $10,000 by Humanities Kansas for a portrait project highlighting some of the county's lesser-known historical faces."We're just trying to tell more stories of diversity, while also telling the stories people are more familiar with," said Beccy Tanner, project director. "This year, we're focusing on Native Americans whose tribe would have been prominent in this area prior to the settlement of the first settlers."This is the second phase of a multi-year project. Two years ago, the museum invited descendants of African American Exodusters who arrived in the area in the late 1870s. Photographer Bo Rader, using 19th-century wet plate glass negative technology, took portraits of the visitors and donated his work to the museum. The photos are now part of the "Hall of Portraits: Documenting Our Diverse Legacy" exhibit at the museum."Hopefully, by the time it's all said and done, we'll have more than 100 portraits," Tanner said. "There's a wonderful song in the musical 'Hamilton' that 'History has its eyes on you.' I think this will be a chance for people to see that history does indeed have its eyes on you as you come into this portrait room, and you see all these people, and you see their portraits looking directly at you as a visitor."Museum volunteers will also do recorded interviews with each of the subjects in the portraits. Those interviews will be available on the museum's YouTube channel. A 30-minute documentary will dive deeper into the impacts various cultures have made in the area. Another documentary in production features St. John's national champion marching band from the 1930s.Michael Hathaway volunteers as director at the museum, and his nephew, Seth Hathaway is filming the interviews. The group tries to keep fresh exhibits in rotation, including a current "Death on the Prairie" exhibit that features artifacts from five generations of the Minnis family who have worked in the funeral home business. The "world-famous triple-T" exhibit features historic toilets.The museum, located at 304 N. Main in St. John, will have a Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, and a Homecoming Festival in October.

 Kansas museum using grant to tell a different history

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Kansas state representatives this spring voted for<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/22/theres-still-hope-kansas-house-advances-bills-to-help-save-ogallala-aquifer/">&nbsp;“historic” legislation spending more than $50 million a year on preserving groundwater</a>&nbsp;and restoring the state’s reservoirs.

By the time the Senate finished with the bill, it was “watered down” but “a good start.”

Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said when lawmakers and farm and environmental groups come together, sometimes the least common denominator is all everyone can agree on. She said the legislation didn’t accomplish everything she hoped.

“But I absolutely think they were things that we could all agree on and came together with a really strong compromise,” said Vaughn, who serves as ranking Democrat on the Kansas House Water Committee and introduced one of two major pieces of legislation on water passed this year.

For three years, the House has dedicated a committee to study the state’s many issues with water —&nbsp;disappearing groundwater in the west, reservoirs full of sediment and uranium contaminating drinking water, among others —&nbsp;and come up with legislation to help.

This year, they passed two bills&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/16/kansas-house-committee-advances-bills-to-conserve-water-in-ogallala-aquifer/">increasing funding for water conservation efforts and strengthening accountability</a>&nbsp;measures over local groundwater authorities managing use of the Ogallala Aquifer. But a number of amendments in the Senate weakened both pieces of legislation in the eyes of House proponents.

Still, proponents said, the legislation is a huge step forward for Kansas, which has watched its finite supply of water in the west dwindle for more than half a century.

“There’s the eternal battle between limited resources … and need,” said Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, who chairs the House Water Committee.

With Gov. Laura Kelly’s signature last month, Kansas dedicated $35 million a year toward the state water plan, which received $8 million in the last fiscal year. The funds will allow Kansas to restore storage in reservoirs that are filling with sediment, provide funds for farmers to acquire water-saving technology and improve research and modeling of the remaining aquifer waters.

At the time, Kelly said the state needs to conserve water as it has “powered our booming farming economy for generations.”

“I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to make progress on this pressing crisis, investing a historic level of resources into major water storage projects,” Kelly said in a news release.

Beyond that, she signed legislation that would require Kansas’ five groundwater management districts to identify priority areas within their territories and come up with plans to conserve water there. Three of the GMDs draw water from the Ogallala Aquifer and have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/audit-finds-western-kansas-keeps-losing-water-despite-local-efforts/">varied widely in their efforts to conserve it</a>.&nbsp;

But the bills didn’t do everything the House proponents hoped. The Senate version dedicated millions less to water priorities, and rather than dedicate a portion of the state’s sales tax for it, the Senate wanted to divert general fund dollars. Those funds are easier to redirect to other priorities. The House wanted a safer, more reliable funding source.

After they passed the Senate, the bills went to a conference committee of representatives and senators to work out the difference. Vaughn said the message from senators about their version of the legislation was essentially “take it or leave it.”

She suspected that came from the Senate leadership, not the three senators on the conference committee.

“That’s really frustrating when you’ve been working on something that’s bipartisan, that has a ton of support, that passed the House overwhelmingly — and then to come together with senators who maybe haven’t been spending quite as much time on it and having them drive the deal,” she said.&nbsp;

A spokesman for Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, did not return a request for comment.

Sen. Dan Kerschen, R-Garden Plain, said the general fund appropriation was more flexible, meaning the Legislature could also easily increase funding for water in the future.

He said the current drought is emphasizing the importance of doing something before the state runs out of water.&nbsp;

“We got to make it work,” Kerschen said. “We don’t get a second chance if this fails.”

Kansas began pumping water from the Ogallala Aquifer —&nbsp;a massive underground store of freshwater that spans much of the Great Plains —&nbsp;in the early 20th century.

After World War II, pumping picked up, and irrigation led to an agriculture boom out west.&nbsp;

But quickly, the state realized the water wouldn’t last forever. And despite knowing for decades that it needed to find a way to slow the decrease in the water supply, there are parts of western Kansas that have only 10 or 20 years of water left.

“We’re at kind of a linchpin point. … I think what’s being done now and the decisions that are being made now are … going to shape what the future looks like out here,” said Katie Durham, manager of Groundwater Management District 1, which encompasses parts of Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Lane counties.

Since the 1970s, the three groundwater management districts on the Ogallala have had the authority to collect taxes and implement programs to conserve the aquifer.

But while more recent legislation has allowed the GMDs to establish “local enhanced management areas,” or LEMAs, to enforce cutbacks on pumping, decades went by where the aquifer still declined.

GMDs 1 and 4 in west-central and northwest Kansas have had success with LEMAs while GMD 3 in southwest Kansas is the only one focused on a proposal to pump water from the Missouri River across the state.

Under the new legislation, all five GMDs will have to report annually on their income and assets, budgets, activities and efforts to reduce unsustainable use of the aquifer.

By July 2024, the GMDs have to identify priority areas where there is less than 50 years of water left or the water is declining rapidly. A year after that, they have to come up with plans to address those areas.

Shannon Kenyon, who manages GMD 4, said the legislation will force GMDs that haven’t done as much to conserve groundwater to start. GMD 4 was the first to implement a LEMA to restrict water usage.

“Now, this forces those —&nbsp;to an extent —&nbsp;to do something about it,” Kenyon said. “They’re going to be held accountable.”

When the House-Senate compromise came up for a vote on the House floor, Vaughn said she was disappointed with the “watered down” version of the legislation, especially the Senate’s insistence on using general funds for water rather than dedicating a portion of sales tax revenues.

“For the past 20 years,” Vaughn said, “we have been statutorily required to transfer $8 million a year to the water plan. And we consistently have not done it, so we are just setting ourself up for more failure into the future.”

But she said she was still hopeful and urged support. The amended version passed almost unanimously.

GMD leaders said the extra funding could help finance irrigation technology for farmers that can reduce their water use without sacrificing crop yields or help bring in irrigation experts to advise farmers in the district.

The funds will also help the state finance efforts to improve drinking water quality and remove sediment from the state’s reservoirs, which provide drinking water in the east. Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan is almost half full of sediment, reducing the capacity for fresh water.&nbsp;

“The state has struggled with trying to find a path for providing additional funding for water in Kansas, and this moved the ball forward,” said Mark Rude, manager of GMD 3. “There’s no question about it.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PC151679-1024x768.jpg" alt="A center-pivot irrigation system sits idle near Colby, Kansas, in December. Lawmakers this spring passed legislation meant to bring accountability to efforts to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer and provide funding for water needs. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A center-pivot irrigation system sits idle near Colby, Kansas, in December. Lawmakers this spring passed legislation meant to bring accountability to efforts to conserve the Ogallala Aquifer and provide funding for water needs. (Allison Kite/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/epa-estimates-more-than-54000-lead-pipes-remain-in-kansas/">Kansas Reflector</a>Kansas state representatives this spring voted for<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/22/theres-still-hope-kansas-house-advances-bills-to-help-save-ogallala-aquifer/">&nbsp;“historic” legislation spending more than $50 million a year on preserving groundwater</a>&nbsp;and restoring the state’s reservoirs.By the time the Senate finished with the bill, it was “watered down” but “a good start.”Rep. Lindsay Vaughn, D-Overland Park, said when lawmakers and farm and environmental groups come together, sometimes the least common denominator is all everyone can agree on. She said the legislation didn’t accomplish everything she hoped.“But I absolutely think they were things that we could all agree on and came together with a really strong compromise,” said Vaughn, who serves as ranking Democrat on the Kansas House Water Committee and introduced one of two major pieces of legislation on water passed this year.For three years, the House has dedicated a committee to study the state’s many issues with water —&nbsp;disappearing groundwater in the west, reservoirs full of sediment and uranium contaminating drinking water, among others —&nbsp;and come up with legislation to help.This year, they passed two bills&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/16/kansas-house-committee-advances-bills-to-conserve-water-in-ogallala-aquifer/">increasing funding for water conservation efforts and strengthening accountability</a>&nbsp;measures over local groundwater authorities managing use of the Ogallala Aquifer. But a number of amendments in the Senate weakened both pieces of legislation in the eyes of House proponents.Still, proponents said, the legislation is a huge step forward for Kansas, which has watched its finite supply of water in the west dwindle for more than half a century.“There’s the eternal battle between limited resources … and need,” said Rep. Jim Minnix, R-Scott City, who chairs the House Water Committee.With Gov. Laura Kelly’s signature last month, Kansas dedicated $35 million a year toward the state water plan, which received $8 million in the last fiscal year. The funds will allow Kansas to restore storage in reservoirs that are filling with sediment, provide funds for farmers to acquire water-saving technology and improve research and modeling of the remaining aquifer waters.At the time, Kelly said the state needs to conserve water as it has “powered our booming farming economy for generations.”“I’m proud that Republicans and Democrats were able to come together to make progress on this pressing crisis, investing a historic level of resources into major water storage projects,” Kelly said in a news release.Beyond that, she signed legislation that would require Kansas’ five groundwater management districts to identify priority areas within their territories and come up with plans to conserve water there. Three of the GMDs draw water from the Ogallala Aquifer and have&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/15/audit-finds-western-kansas-keeps-losing-water-despite-local-efforts/">varied widely in their efforts to conserve it</a>.&nbsp;But the bills didn’t do everything the House proponents hoped. The Senate version dedicated millions less to water priorities, and rather than dedicate a portion of the state’s sales tax for it, the Senate wanted to divert general fund dollars. Those funds are easier to redirect to other priorities. The House wanted a safer, more reliable funding source.After they passed the Senate, the bills went to a conference committee of representatives and senators to work out the difference. Vaughn said the message from senators about their version of the legislation was essentially “take it or leave it.”She suspected that came from the Senate leadership, not the three senators on the conference committee.“That’s really frustrating when you’ve been working on something that’s bipartisan, that has a ton of support, that passed the House overwhelmingly — and then to come together with senators who maybe haven’t been spending quite as much time on it and having them drive the deal,” she said.&nbsp;A spokesman for Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, did not return a request for comment.Sen. Dan Kerschen, R-Garden Plain, said the general fund appropriation was more flexible, meaning the Legislature could also easily increase funding for water in the future.He said the current drought is emphasizing the importance of doing something before the state runs out of water.&nbsp;“We got to make it work,” Kerschen said. “We don’t get a second chance if this fails.”<h2>Dwindling water supply</h2>Kansas began pumping water from the Ogallala Aquifer —&nbsp;a massive underground store of freshwater that spans much of the Great Plains —&nbsp;in the early 20th century.After World War II, pumping picked up, and irrigation led to an agriculture boom out west.&nbsp;But quickly, the state realized the water wouldn’t last forever. And despite knowing for decades that it needed to find a way to slow the decrease in the water supply, there are parts of western Kansas that have only 10 or 20 years of water left.“We’re at kind of a linchpin point. … I think what’s being done now and the decisions that are being made now are … going to shape what the future looks like out here,” said Katie Durham, manager of Groundwater Management District 1, which encompasses parts of Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott and Lane counties.Since the 1970s, the three groundwater management districts on the Ogallala have had the authority to collect taxes and implement programs to conserve the aquifer.But while more recent legislation has allowed the GMDs to establish “local enhanced management areas,” or LEMAs, to enforce cutbacks on pumping, decades went by where the aquifer still declined.GMDs 1 and 4 in west-central and northwest Kansas have had success with LEMAs while GMD 3 in southwest Kansas is the only one focused on a proposal to pump water from the Missouri River across the state.Under the new legislation, all five GMDs will have to report annually on their income and assets, budgets, activities and efforts to reduce unsustainable use of the aquifer.By July 2024, the GMDs have to identify priority areas where there is less than 50 years of water left or the water is declining rapidly. A year after that, they have to come up with plans to address those areas.Shannon Kenyon, who manages GMD 4, said the legislation will force GMDs that haven’t done as much to conserve groundwater to start. GMD 4 was the first to implement a LEMA to restrict water usage.“Now, this forces those —&nbsp;to an extent —&nbsp;to do something about it,” Kenyon said. “They’re going to be held accountable.”<h2>Funding for water</h2>When the House-Senate compromise came up for a vote on the House floor, Vaughn said she was disappointed with the “watered down” version of the legislation, especially the Senate’s insistence on using general funds for water rather than dedicating a portion of sales tax revenues.“For the past 20 years,” Vaughn said, “we have been statutorily required to transfer $8 million a year to the water plan. And we consistently have not done it, so we are just setting ourself up for more failure into the future.”But she said she was still hopeful and urged support. The amended version passed almost unanimously.GMD leaders said the extra funding could help finance irrigation technology for farmers that can reduce their water use without sacrificing crop yields or help bring in irrigation experts to advise farmers in the district.The funds will also help the state finance efforts to improve drinking water quality and remove sediment from the state’s reservoirs, which provide drinking water in the east. Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan is almost half full of sediment, reducing the capacity for fresh water.&nbsp;“The state has struggled with trying to find a path for providing additional funding for water in Kansas, and this moved the ball forward,” said Mark Rude, manager of GMD 3. “There’s no question about it.”

Kansas legislation got ‘watered down’ but will help aquifer conservation efforts

KANSAS CITY — Officials in Missouri's largest city approved a resolution Thursday to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, defying state lawmakers who voted a day earlier to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">ban such care for minors and restrict it for some adults</a>.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker agrees with Kansas City Council's actions:

In a statement from her office, Baker said, " All forms of government should firmly stand against discrimination. My office does. We will continue to take all legal and appropriate steps under Missouri law to protect trans people -- who are increasingly targeted for violence and exploitation. Rather than focusing on crimnalizing trans individuals, the criminal justice system should seek to protect them. Each person needs to know they can seek health care for their needs and that those needs will be addressed."

"Everyone should be encouraged to report to police harm by others or harassment. But you can also<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/FormCenter/Citizen-Complaints-about-Police-Miscondu-8/Citizen-Complaints-about-Police-Miscondu-51"> click here and </a>report to the prosecutor's office"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683848430198.png" alt="Mayor Quinton Lucas signs the resolution photo courtesy Justice Horn" />
 <figcaption>Mayor Quinton Lucas signs the resolution photo courtesy Justice Horn</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Officials in Missouri's largest city approved a resolution Thursday to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care, defying state lawmakers who voted a day earlier to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">ban such care for minors and restrict it for some adults</a>.Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker agrees with Kansas City Council's actions:In a statement from her office, Baker said, " All forms of government should firmly stand against discrimination. My office does. We will continue to take all legal and appropriate steps under Missouri law to protect trans people -- who are increasingly targeted for violence and exploitation. Rather than focusing on crimnalizing trans individuals, the criminal justice system should seek to protect them. Each person needs to know they can seek health care for their needs and that those needs will be addressed."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas City history made today: Safe Haven Resolution Passes! <a href="https://t.co/pYi4VMjuCV">https://t.co/pYi4VMjuCV</a> <a href="https://t.co/MXmMir4vMP">pic.twitter.com/MXmMir4vMP</a>&mdash; Kansas City (@KansasCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasCity/status/1656758654396166162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thanks to all those who helped make this moment possible. ♥️ <a href="https://t.co/zoonazlDnJ">pic.twitter.com/zoonazlDnJ</a>&mdash; Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusticeHorn_/status/1656787342739517440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HISTORY: In a move to defy the state, the Kansas City Council just pass a resolution making Kansas City a sanctuary city for gender-affirming healthcare! In an 11-1 vote, Kansas City sent a strong signal of which side we’re on in the fight for human rights. <a href="https://t.co/i53RYwnQaA">pic.twitter.com/i53RYwnQaA</a>&mdash; Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusticeHorn_/status/1656770596645257216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Everyone should be encouraged to report to police harm by others or harassment. But you can also<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/FormCenter/Citizen-Complaints-about-Police-Miscondu-8/Citizen-Complaints-about-Police-Miscondu-51"> click here and </a>report to the prosecutor's office"

County prosecutor supports Kansas City as LGBTQ+ sanctuary city

WALLACE COUNTY—A National Weather survey team rated the&nbsp; tornado that struck Weskan on Thursday as EF-1 with maximum winds of 110mph, according to the National Weather Service in Goodland.

At 4:45 p.m., the multi vortex tornado developed on the south side of Weskan and moved north through the community over the next four minutes. The tornado caused damage to the school, power lines, trees and other properties in town. There were no injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683887984526.png" alt="The tornado damaged USD 242 Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh" />
 <figcaption>The tornado damaged USD 242 Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure>WALLACE COUNTY—A National Weather survey team rated the&nbsp; tornado that struck Weskan on Thursday as EF-1 with maximum winds of 110mph, according to the National Weather Service in Goodland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683853273440.png" alt="Damage at Weskan USD 242 Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh" />
 <figcaption>Damage at Weskan USD 242 Photo courtesy Wallace County Sheriff Marshall Unruh</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683984747502.png" alt="Path of the storm-image NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Path of the storm-image NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>At 4:45 p.m., the multi vortex tornado developed on the south side of Weskan and moved north through the community over the next four minutes. The tornado caused damage to the school, power lines, trees and other properties in town. There were no injuries.

NWS: Wallace County tornado generated 110mph winds

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran renewed a bipartisan campaign to overhaul the U.S. government’s outdated, expensive system of handling sensitive information to strike a balance between what ought to be withheld and disclosed in the national interest.

Moran, the Republican senator from Kansas, said the federal classification system had to be changed to reduce zealous classification, prevent mishandling of secrets, promote better use of intelligence and enhance public trust. He was among sponsors of a pair of reform bills with U.S. Sens. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.

“We are overclassifying way too much information. We are under-declassifying information that perhaps should not have been classified in the first place,” Moran said. “We are moving this Congress and administration in the direction of a right-sized balance.”

Moran, who has collaborated with Wyden for several years on reform legislation, said the challenge was illustrated by President Donald Trump’s movement of classified material to Florida and the subsequent leak of classified U.S. intelligence allegedly by Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

Moran said deficiencies in the classification system made the country “more vulnerable.” The backlog of unnecessary classified material harmed the nation’s ability to shield what should be kept secret from “bad actors,” he said.

“When it comes to declassifying documents, our current declassification process costs $18 billion a year and is about as effective as using an eye dropper to drain a flood,” Moran said.

The bipartisan group of senators introduced the Classification Reform Act of 2023 to limit classification to materials only if harm to national security outweighed the public’s interest in disclosure. The maximum period of classification would be 25 years, but a president or agency head could extend that span.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673546739694.png" alt="Biden backing his Corvette into the garage next to stacks of boxes where classified documents were found-image from a 2020 Biden for President campaign ad" />
 <figcaption>Biden backing his Corvette into the garage next to stacks of boxes where classified documents were found-image from a 2020 Biden for President campaign ad</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran renewed a bipartisan campaign to overhaul the U.S. government’s outdated, expensive system of handling sensitive information to strike a balance between what ought to be withheld and disclosed in the national interest.Moran, the Republican senator from Kansas, said the federal classification system had to be changed to reduce zealous classification, prevent mishandling of secrets, promote better use of intelligence and enhance public trust. He was among sponsors of a pair of reform bills with U.S. Sens. Mark Warner, D-Virginia, John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon.“We are overclassifying way too much information. We are under-declassifying information that perhaps should not have been classified in the first place,” Moran said. “We are moving this Congress and administration in the direction of a right-sized balance.”Moran, who has collaborated with Wyden for several years on reform legislation, said the challenge was illustrated by President Donald Trump’s movement of classified material to Florida and the subsequent leak of classified U.S. intelligence allegedly by Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.<h2>‘Drain a flood’</h2>Moran said deficiencies in the classification system made the country “more vulnerable.” The backlog of unnecessary classified material harmed the nation’s ability to shield what should be kept secret from “bad actors,” he said.“When it comes to declassifying documents, our current declassification process costs $18 billion a year and is about as effective as using an eye dropper to drain a flood,” Moran said.The bipartisan group of senators introduced the Classification Reform Act of 2023 to limit classification to materials only if harm to national security outweighed the public’s interest in disclosure. The maximum period of classification would be 25 years, but a president or agency head could extend that span.The bill cosponsored by nine senators, but not U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas, would set minimum standards for insider threat programs in the executive branch. It would require security reviews of presidential and vice presidential records to make certain documents bearing classification markings weren’t improperly categorized as personal records and removed from secure facilities.<h2>‘No longer tenable’</h2>The second measure offered by Moran and eight Senate colleagues, known as the Sensible Classification Act of 2023, would clarify classification authority, streamline the process of declassification and invest in technology to speed classification reviews.It would authorize an evaluation of existing security clearances to identify potential areas of reform.“Given the explosion in digital records, the status quo is no longer tenable,” said Warner of Virginia. “We’ve got too many people with access to a system that is devoid of accountability and has grown increasingly byzantine, bureaucratic and outmoded.”Wyden of Oregon said public access to government information was vital to sustaining a democratic society.“Yet,&nbsp;as has been the case for many years, far too many records are classified,” he said. “And, because of obsolete technology, far too few of those records ever see the light of day, even after they no longer meet the requirements for classification.”