Fair to offer books and parenting tips

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2104 W. 15th St., will conduct a Christian book fair and two parenting workshops from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today.

More than 600 books for readers of all ages will be available for sale.

The workshops will give information about developing children’s cognitive and spiritual development, and about the No Child Left Behind Act.

Child care will be provided.

Call helps officials stop toxic leak

Because of a call from a concerned citizen, Douglas County officials were able to stop an anhydrous ammonia leak before it caused much damage.

About 8:45 p.m. Friday, Douglas County sheriff’s officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of North 200 Road, about 1-1/2 miles east of Baldwin on U.S. Highway 56.

“Anhydrous” means without water. If the chemical combines with moisture, the two rapidly combine. Skin and eyes become quickly parched and severely burned upon contact.

Maj. Ken McGovern, a spokesman for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, said the landowner was able to shut off the leaking tank before any injuries or major damages resulted.

KU names nominees for Udall scholarships

Kansas University officials have selected four nominees for Morris K. Udall Scholarships.

The scholarships, named after a longtime Arizona congressman and former interior secretary, provide $5,000 for students pursuing careers related to the environment and for American Indian and Alaska natives seeking careers in fields related to health care or tribal policy.

This year’s nominees are Trisha Shrum, Overland Park junior; Ruth Anne French, Partridge junior; Ashleigh Klingman, Wichita junior; and Richard Mulhern,Colorado Springs, Colo., junior.

Event to raise funds for Topeka mural

Topeka — The Central Topeka TurnAround Team will try to gain public support for a mural by Aaron Douglas at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave.

“Aspects of Negro Life: From Slavery through Reconstruction” will be on a 10-foot by 23-foot arched wall at 12th and Lane streets; the wall was donated by Dillons stores and cost approximately $70,000.

Aaron Douglas was a Topeka native and graduated from Topeka High School in 1917. He painted a series of murals for the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library.