Independence, Kan. ? Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole returns to Kansas next month for the latest of several planned trips to his home state this year.

The 91-year-old Russell native lives in Washington, D.C., and is making the homecoming tour to greet longtime friends and supporters throughout the state. He spends an hour at each stop, chatting with fans and old acquaintances.

The schedule for the first week of September will take Dole to 10 communities in southeastern and south-central Kansas, beginning Sept. 4 in Independence. He’ll be in Howard, Sedan, Winfield and Wellington the following day.

On Sept. 6, Dole is to make stops in Kingman, Pratt, Coldwater, Medicine Lodge and Anthony. He’ll spend the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 7, greeting visitors to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.