Word was received of the death of Allen Crafton, Kansas University professor emeritus of speech and drama and one of Mount Oread’s best-known and best-liked faculty members. He had died at the family summer home near Glen Haven, Colo., at the age of 75.

The Journal-World learned that an explosion at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant had caused $80,000 damage to a production building. There were no injuries. Army and Hercules Powder Co. officials had not informed the public of the blast, saying it had no effect on operations and had not harmed any personnel.

The Lawrence city budget submitted by City Manager Ray Wells included a 1.5-mill rate drop for the coming year.