Kansans turned in more than 2.5 tons of unused medications during the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day last month, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.

Local law enforcement officials collected 5,334 pounds of drugs at 70 locations throughout the state on September 29. The semi-annual event was sponsored nationwide by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, which collects and safely destroys the medications. This was the second-highest amount collected during a take-back day. More than 12 tons of medications have been collected in Kansas since the program began in 2010.

Kansas communities will be safer thanks to new improvements to the state’s criminal offender registry, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced today.

The new system allows citizens to sign up for notification emails advising when an offender registers a home, work or school address near an address of interest. The new system also includes expanded search capabilities and maps showing offenders’ registered locations.

More than 300 Kansas homeowners received more than $8 million in mortgage assistance during the first four months the national mortgage settlement was in effect.

• Learn more about the mortgage settlement.

My office receives calls and complaints from consumers who have been told they have won a prize such as cash, or a cruise, television or electronic device. These folks have been surprised to learn this because they do not recall entering the sweepstakes. Sadly, they are likely being scammed. If you receive a letter, email or phone call saying you’ve won, be cautious. Scammers often use the lure of prizes to steal your money and your personal financial information.

Kansas consumers who purchased liquid-crystal display (LCD) panels incorporated in televisions, monitors and/or laptop computers between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2006, may be eligible for reimbursement from a class-action settlement.

• File a claim online.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced a new initiative to combat gang activity in Kansas.

“Gang Free Kansas is a new educational initiative led by the Kansas Attorney General's Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement officials from across the state to combat the growth of criminal gangs,” Schmidt said. “We need the support of parents, educators, young people and communities to help prevent youth from joining gangs and to report gang activity to law enforcement.”

Faith Duensing, a student at Rising Star Elementary in Lenexa, was named the winner of the statewide contest, coordinated by the Kansas Juvenile Officers Association. During the past year, Duensing participated in the Lenexa Police Department’s D.A.R.E. program, which culminated in writing an essay about the things they learned in the program.

Read Faith's winning essay.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Kansas children will be safer from violent predators because of the work of the 2012 Kansas Legislature.

Schmidt praised legislators for enacting the entire child-protection agenda he recommended in January, when the legislative session began.