Lawrence, home of the hedgehog

Posted by Chad Lawhorn

January 6, 2009 at 11:35 a.m.

There’s all sorts of minutiae that a man can ride to fame. But who would have ever thought a hedgehog would carry an 11-year-old Lawrence boy to national prominence?But a recent story in the Journal-World — and on 6News and our sister Topeka station KTKA 49 ABC News — about the efforts of Judson King to make hedgehogs legal in Lawrence has created a surge of national attention. The television story was displayed prominently on CNN’s Web site, driving about 40,000 visitors to the KTKA Web site to view the piece. That in turn has caused Judson to become a bit of a media personality. A radio station in Davenport, Iowa, of all places, had him on the air Monday. WIBW radio in Topeka is expected to have him on today. SEGA, the video game giant that introduced the world to the character Sonic the Hedgehog, also has been in touch and wants to send Judson a package of goodies for his efforts to promote hedgehogs. A real life hedgehog rescue organization also has been in touch to make Judson an honorary member of its society. But the big exposure may come later. Judson’s mother, Rebecca Weeks, said two nationally televised afternoon talk shows have called to discuss having Judson — and his hedgehog, Little Luke — on their shows. At the request of the shows, Weeks declined to name the programs. Weeks said she has been “flabbergasted” by the attention the story has drawn. Little Luke, though, hasn’t been impressed thus far. “Little Luke has been nonplussed,” Weeks said. “He was just happy that Judson gave him a piece of turkey the other day.”

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BigPrune 8 years, 8 months ago

...and Chad got national exposure too!

mom_of_three 8 years, 8 months ago

I think this is a really cool story. Not too many afternoon talk shows out there - that's really neat, too. Hope I can catch it.

Leslie Swearingen 8 years, 8 months ago

This is especially great in an era when the adults are busy killing off all the animals they can.Being a Harry Potter fan I read everything I can about England where they have a national group supporting them. Who knows, maybe they will contact Judson next?I think the real lesson here is for the adults. It is, listen to the children and don't let your pride get the best of you and think you are too good to learn from a child.Praise also to Judson's mom for raising such a son and being there to support him, mentally as well as financially.

Terry Bush 8 years, 8 months ago

Watched Judson at the city commission meeting and he was awesome. If the meeting's video is still archived, I recommend it be watched by all persons who rail against city hall etc. Judson showed how to get things done, with poise and dignity. He was organized, articulate, and polite. Great story, great people. Nice to see some positive news once in awhile! I just hope they all enjoy this attention, and then go back to being good happy normal folks with an unusual animal in their midst! LOL.