An inquisition into the Aug. 11 murder of a Topeka woman in rural Douglas County was designed to call three witnesses to explain what they knew of the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. A 23-year-old Topeka woman, Gwyndolyn McNair, had been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the slaying, and officials said a man also appeared to be involved. Dist. Atty. Mike Malone charged that Terry Brown, 25, was killed by McNair and another suspect in an argument over an alleged burglary at the NcNair residence. The murder charge claimed premeditation in the case.

In a surprise move, a site plan for the controversial Bluffs development at Sixth and Iowa streets was deferred from discussion at the City Commission meeting. The deferral was for three weeks and it appeared a petition by surrounding property owners might set a final decision back even more.

Financial problems forced the closing of the Cherry Manor Convalescent Center at Fourth and Florida streets.

The City Commission had begun the selection process for a developer for a major downtown retail complex. The Robert Teska firm from Illinois was to help in the process.