Recent law graduate dies of brain cancer

A Kansas University law student who received his diploma early died Monday.

Andrew Keenan, 26, Ness City, had been battling brain cancer but was scheduled to complete law school in May. Law school faculty last month voted to award his juris doctorate early, and his diploma was delivered Friday.

“Andy Keenan was stricken with brain cancer midway through his law career,” said Webb Hecker, associate dean of the School of Law.

“But he never gave up his fight against his disease or his struggle to earn his law degree. His faith, courage and determination over the past 22 months have been an inspiration to all who witnessed his fight.”

Funeral services are pending.

• KU law professor Mike Hoeflich wrote a tribute to Keenan for the Jan. 19 edition of the Journal-World. Read the commentary at www.ljworld.com/section/citynews/story/193593.

Crime

Langford-style tux taken from store

Somebody smashed a window of a downtown formal-wear shop and swiped a tuxedo-clad mannequin during the weekend.

The incident happened about 5:30 a.m. Saturday at Randall’s Formal Wear, 815 Mass.

This wasn’t just any tux, manager Karen Baker said. It was one she called a “very hot item”: the same style of tuxedo that Kansas University men’s basketball forward Keith Langford wore in a poster commemorating the 2004-2005 season.

The mannequin had been part of a window display designed to show support for KU basketball and to showcase the tuxedos Langford and his fellow seniors wore for the poster, Baker said.

“I guess it was just too good of a display,” she said.

The store’s window will cost $1,000 to replace. The tuxedo was worth $420, and the mannequin was worth $100.

Courts

Hearing date set in theft case

Evidence against a caregiver suspected of scamming a retired Douglas County judge and his wife for more than $115,000 will be presented in court Feb. 28.

Prosecutors and the attorney for Jolene J. Harrell, 45, set the date for her preliminary hearing during a brief appearance Monday in District Court.

Harrell is charged with stealing from Charles and Polly Rankin between April 2003 and June 2004. The couple had hired her to help manage their finances.

Gasoline Prices

Patrol seeks fuel deals

The Journal-World has found a gasoline price as low as $1.83 a gallon at the Citgo station at Ninth and Iowa streets. If you find a lower price, please call 832-7154.