Explosives code deemed too vague

A proposed code to regulate the use of dynamite and other explosives in the construction industry still needs more work, Lawrence city commissioners said Tuesday.

Commissioners sent the proposed regulations back to the city’s Uniform Fire Code Board of Appeals for more review. Commissioners asked board members to consider requiring the city’s blasting industry to give more notice to neighbors in the immediate area, and creating a process that would allow neighbors to appeal the city’s decision to issue a blasting permit in an area.

The issue came to the City Commission after some neighbors in west Lawrence this spring complained of blasting activity near their homes.

Two arrested in beating over pit bull puppy

Lawrence Police arrested two men last Monday on suspicion of beating another man in a dispute about a pit bull puppy.

The 42-year-old victim told police he had been asked to keep one of the men’s pit bull puppies earlier this month but called the Humane Society after the owner refused to come pick up the dog.

The victim told police the dog’s 21-year-old owner grew angry and came to his home with another man, age 20, about 2:40 p.m. in the 100 block of North Michigan Street. He told police the men came into his home and began striking him.

Emergency workers treated him at the scene for cuts above both eyes. Officers later arrested the men on suspicion of battery and aggravated burglary.

Car donations encouraged before ’05

Officials at Kansas Public Radio and Kansas Audio-Reader Network have a message for anyone thinking about donating a car to the station: Do it soon to get the maximum tax deduction.

For several years, KPR and Audio-Reader have participated in a program that allows proceeds from donated vehicles and watercraft to be given to the station.

But a change in tax law that goes into effect Jan. 1 may reduce how much of the value is tax-deductible. Currently, the donor may deduct the fair market value of a car. Under the new law, the donor may deduct only how much the car sells for at auction after donated to charity.

For more information on the project, contact Phil Wilke at 864-5016 or Peg Sampson at 864-2686.