IN 1977 – Two deaths and an estimated $250,000 in damage occurred in an early morning explosion and fire that destroyed one business and apartment building and heavily damaged another structure in downtown Lawrence. The bodies of Mike Colley and Gordon Moorman, both about 30, were found in the rubble of an apartment-business structure at 741 Mass. at the northwest corner of Eighth and Massachusetts. Investigators theorized that a natural gas problem had caused the blast. The explosion occurred about 1:20 a.m.

The laborious Lawrence United Fund drive officially closed its books about 2.5 percent shy of the goal of $254,500.

A 50-cent monthly increase in the rate for trash collection here was also proposed and due to go into effect soon.

The president of the Kansas Hospital Assn. said an increase in the federally mandated minimum wage on Jan. 1 would boost individuals’ hospital costs in the state about $8 a day. The minimum wage was to go from $2.30 to $2.65 an hour as of Jan. 1.

Karsten “Colt” Knutson was to be the new city of Lawrence prosecutor. He was 30 years old and had been petitioner and chief probation officer in the Douglas County Juvenile Service.

The Bowersock Dam was to be inspected and possibly repaired and a nearby warehouse was to be purchased for $126,000, the city commission announced.

IN 1962 – Seven bells for Kansas University’s World War II Memorial Carillon had been purchased by individuals or organizations. Efforts were being made to close the drive as soon as possible so work could begin on the project, which later became a campus landmark.

A new flasher light system was installed at Baldwin Junction, south of Lawrence, where many serious motor vehicle accidents had occurred in recent times.

IN 1902 – From the Lawrence Daily World of Dec. 16, 1902: “Frank Peairs has settled down to the coal business and hopes to supply the town with his Comet Coal Co. . . . Over 1,500 tons of coal have been hauled up to the university since September. One-fourth of this was used for light and power in the shops and the rest for the heating plant.”