Hearing to determine if pit bull is dangerous

Proceedings have been initiated against the pit bull terrier suspected of roaming onto private property, attacking a 5-pound Chihuahua named “Peanut,” and carrying it off in its jaws, city prosecutor Jerry Little said.

The incident happened May 11 in the 700 block of Joseph Drive.

Initially, Little was uncertain whether he would file a dangerous-dog case because no one saw the attack firsthand and the body hadn’t been recovered. A neighbor saw the pit bull carrying a small animal in its mouth.

“I think there’s enough evidence to at least warrant a hearing,” Little said.

Under city code, Little can ask for a hearing if he believes a dog attacked another animal. If a judge finds the dog is dangerous, it must be kept in a locked enclosure and be tracked by an implanted microchip.

If it attacks again, it can be put to sleep.

The hearing will be June 2.

Peanut’s owners couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday. Little said that as far as he knew, the Chihuahua had not been found.

Kansas University

Meningitis patient to get stand-in for graduation

Andy Marso, the Kansas University journalism student fighting bacterial meningitis, won’t participate in KU’s graduation ceremonies.

But his brother will be there in his place.

As Marso recuperates at University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City, Kan., his younger brother, Dan, is coming to town this weekend to walk down Campanile Hill for his brother.

“His brother considers it a great honor,” said Malcolm Gibson, a KU journalism professor who’s serving as the Marso family’s spokesman.

Andy Marso, 22, was hospitalized in late April. His condition was upgraded earlier this week to serious from critical.

He’s off a respirator, and his breathing and oxygen levels are within normal range, Gibson said.

Andy Marso is graduating with the highest grade-point average in the journalism school, Gibson said.

Civil suit

Bar patron loses case against guards

Jon Gentry wanted $250,000. He got nothing.

After less than two hours of deliberation, jurors found Thursday there wasn’t enough evidence to prove security guards beat or kicked Gentry in October 2002 while he was in handcuffs outside Coyote’s Dance Hall, 1003 E. 23rd St.

Gentry, 42, Lawrence, had sued the bar’s operators and Mil-Spec Security Group, which supplied bouncers for the bar.

Photos of Gentry showed him with a swollen and bruised face. His attorney, Jerry Levy, tried to show the bouncers caused Gentry’s injuries.

But defense attorneys John Hampton and John Nitcher argued the injuries likely were caused inside the bar, where Gentry had been in a fight after hitting another patron with a beer bottle.

They contended Mil-Spec guard “behaved professionally and appropriately.”

Gentry is set to stand trial next month for battery in connection with the fight.

Gasoline prices

Pump Patrol seeks deals

The Journal-World has found Lawrence gasoline prices as low as $1.94 at Fast Lane Conoco, 1414 W. Sixth St., and Phillips 66, 1415 W. Sixth St.

If you find a lower price, call the Pump Patrol at 832-7154.