Museum plans special Kansas Day events

Topeka — Students can commemorate Kansas Day in a special program Jan. 29 at the Kansas History Center and Museum in Topeka.

The museum program will focus on the seven turbulent years of territorial Kansas, from 1854-1861, and feature a storyteller, crafts and living history presenters. All activities are free.

Groups planning to attend are urged to provide prior notification by calling (785) 272-8681, ext. 414.

Kansas Day commemorates Jan. 29, 1861, the day Kansas was admitted to the United States as the 34th state.

Former sheriff won’t have to pay restitution

Hutchinson — A former Reno County sheriff and a Hutchinson attorney imprisoned after pleading guilty to conflict of interest charges won’t have to pay $750,000 in restitution, a judge ruled.

Former Reno County Sheriff Larry Leslie will be released from jail Saturday and attorney Gerald Hertach at the end of the month after serving their yearlong sentences.

The state had filed a motion asking for restitution in the criminal case against Leslie and Hertach. Judge Michael Barbara denied the motion on Tuesday, saying the jail time fit the crime.

Leslie was accused of accepting close to $285,000 from Hertach in exchange for the former sheriff’s influence over the Reno County Commission’s decision to contract with MgtGp Inc., which operated a privately owned jail annex in Reno County for four years.

EPA seeks proposals for Earth Day grants

The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting proposals for a grant to help communities celebrate Earth Day.

EPA Region 7 will accept proposals from local agencies, environmental groups and not-for-profit organizations. Proposals should range between $1,000 and $5,000. Criteria for the proposal may be obtained by e-mail at morrison.denise@epa.gov. Deadlines for the proposals are Jan. 30.