Small statue reported missing to police

A small statue on display in the gallery at the Lawrence Arts Center went missing last week.

The 13-inch bronze statue, known as “Les Champs Fertile,” by Lawrence artist Stephanie Kitten, was reported missing earlier this week. Kitten reported to Lawrence Police that the piece was taken between Feb. 12 and Feb. 19.

The statue is valued at $500.

Public policy

House gives final OK to breast-feeding bill

Topeka — The Kansas House gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would allow mothers to breast-feed in public.

But Lawrence breast-feeding advocates, who were instrumental in getting the issue before the Legislature, are unhappy about a change made to the proposal in the House.

That change would require that mothers breast-feed “discreetly.”

The Lawrence mothers said the word “discreetly” was vague and open to different interpretations. They said they would try to get the word removed from the bill when it goes to the Senate for approval.

Missing lea funds

Decision on union dues case expected soon

A decision whether to charge a Lawrence teacher and former union president with stealing more than $97,000 from the Lawrence Education Assn. is expected “the first part of next week,” Douglas County Dist. Atty. Charles Branson said Thursday.

The case has been referred to the White Collar Crime Unit at the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office in Olathe.

“We’re letting them make the call,” Branson said.

Branson chose not to handle the case because the key suspect’s name appeared in newspaper ads last year endorsing his campaign for district attorney. Branson took office last month.

LEA and Kansas-National Education Assn. have said former LEA President Wayne Kruse was a key suspect in the case.

Law enforcement

Police recruits to graduate today

The Lawrence Police Department will celebrate the graduation of 10 new officers from the 25th Basic Recruit Academy at 7:45 p.m. today at Spring Hill Suites, 1 Riverfront Plaza.