Kansas City, Kan.

EPA offers grants

The Environmental Protection Agency will award grants to develop new environmental education programs in Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

The regional agency can award grants of up to $25,000, while EPA Headquarters in Washington can give $25,000 to $250,000. Educational or environmental agencies, colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations and noncommercial educational broadcasters are eligible for the grants. Programs should involve designing or developing educational tools that go beyond simply handing out information.

Proposals must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Jan. 6. More information is available at www.epa.gov/enviroed or by calling (800) 223-0425.

Geuda Springs

Mayor vetoes plan for gun ownership

Residents of Geuda Springs won’t have to stock up on arms and ammunition — at least until February.

At a City Council meeting Monday night, Mayor Edward Lacey vetoed an ordinance that would have required households to have firearms and ammunition or face a fine, City Clerk Peggy Terry said.

The City Council had voted 3-2 in November in favor of the ordinance — under which noncomplying residents would be fined $10 — because council members believed it was necessary for protection in a town with no local police force.

The measure would exempt people who suffer from physical or mental disabilities, paupers and people who conscientiously oppose firearms.

After the mayor’s veto, Councilman John Brewer introduced a motion that the city attorney revise the ordinance to conform to state and federal laws.

That motion passed, also on a 3-2 vote, and it will be considered at the Feb. 2 meeting.