PATRIOT Act spurs renewal of area ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union is back in Douglas County after several years of dormancy, and more than 20 people attended a general membership meeting Sunday night.

Renewed interest in the group is due at least in part to the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, established by Congress last October, chapter president Mary Davidson said.

The act’s acronym stands for “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act,” but opponents say it leads to government infringement on liberties.

The group is one of few active ACLU chapters in Kansas. A chapter exists for the greater Kansas City area, and students at Kansas University are trying to renew interest in a chapter as well.

For more information on the Douglas County ACLU, write to P.O. Box 442160, Lawrence 66044.

Election 2002: Political candidates plan to attend Baldwin forum

Attendees of a forum set for 7 p.m. Sept. 23 in Baldwin will be able to speak with political candidates and learn about their platforms.

Candidates who have already accepted an invitation to the forum in the American Legion Hall:

U.S. Senate Reform candidate George Cook

U.S. Second District representative candidate Dan Lykins

Gubernatorial candidate Dennis Hawver

Gubernatorial candidate Ted Pettibone

Atty. Gen. candidate Phill Kline, represented by his wife, Deborah Kline

Insurance commissioner candidate Sandy Praeger

Treasurer candidate Lynn Jenkins

10th District representative candidate Ralph Tanner

10th District representative candidate Tom Holland

The forum is sponsored by the Baldwin branch of the American Association of University Women, the Baldwin Business and Professional Women, and the Douglas County Town and Country Republican Women.

American Thunder: Kansans attend air show

Spectators came out for the annual McConnell Air Force Base airshow this weekend, called American Thunder 2002. Events included aerial shows, a 5K run, aircraft tours and live music.

Above, Spencer Waldrip, 4, holds on tightly to his father, Greg Waldrip, as they watch the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachute team on Sunday.

Health: Kansas earns funding to fight West Nile virus

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant should help Kansas communities better deal with West Nile virus.

The center has awarded Kansas a $200,000 grant to help combat the virus, which reached the state this summer.

The grant money will be used to provide technical and scientific resources to communities in need of assistance.