Candidates seek post on Court of Appeals

Topeka — Twenty-eight people, including five from Lawrence, have applied to fill a vacancy on the Kansas Court of Appeals.

The Supreme Court Nominating Commission will interview applicants later this month and submit the names of three nominees to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who will then have 60 days to make an appointment.

The vacancy is being created by the retirement of Judge David Knudson.

The five from Lawrence applying for the job are Martha Coffman, Calvin Karlin, Rick Kittel, Jonathan Paretsky and Jeffrey Southard. All are lawyers.

Rally encourages public breast-feeding

ProMoM, a nonprofit organization that focuses on breast-feeding issues, has set a rally at 5 p.m. today in South Park. The organization will hand out information on breast-feeding and encourage mothers to breast-feed children.

The rally will kick off the organization’s “Nurse Out.” The group encourages mothers to breast-feed their children in public through Aug. 10 to increase public awareness and acceptance of the issue. Organizer Sarah Heironimus-Bishop said by encouraging mothers as a group, they would be less likely to feel embarrassed or awkward.

“In America, breast-feeding is seen as something unusual,” she said. “This is to gain awareness that it’s not something to be embarrassed about.”

Golden Eagle released from zoo captivity

Topeka — Topeka Zoological Park has successfully released a captive bred golden eagle into the wild.

The eagle came to Topeka from Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo, Colo.

American golden eagles are a protected species with a declining population in the Midwest. The bird was released in the Flint Hills.

Lawrence organization receives federal grant

Rape-Victim Survivor Service, a Lawrence organization for rape victims, has been awarded the Federal Rape Prevention and Education grant to educate against rape and other sexual assault.

The grant, worth $42,500, will help to provide education for children ages 11-18.

National United Way adds Franklin County

Franklin County United Way has been accepted as an official affiliate of the national organization, Larry Felix, chairman of the Franklin County United Way board has announced.

Felix said benefits of being in the national group included publicity and support from the national organization, networking with groups across the country and increased credibility and stability.