It was a monumental battle between urban and rural lawmakers that lasted more than 15 hours on the final day of the 1982 Kansas legislative session. But after haggling over millions of dollars in property tax exemptions, a deal was finally wrapped up shortly after midnight that would repeal the state’s intangibles tax and give Kansas farmers, ranchers and business aircraft owners a $40 million property tax break in the coming year.

In an effort to equalize classified and faculty pay raises at state universities, the Kansas Legislature approved a 7.75 percent salary hike for the state’s 30,000 classified employees. KU had about 1,800 classified workers.

The outlook for the coming Art in the Park show here was for sunny, mild weather with little wind. Jerree Catlin was in charge of the 1982 show.

Whether Douglas County remained in the state’s 3rd Congressional District seemed almost certain to be settled in court rather than by the Kansas Legislature. Two plans had been vetoed by Gov. John Carlin and a third plan had failed to get legislative backing. A 2nd District status seemed likely for Douglas County after actions in court.