The hallowed halls of Kansas University in many instances became the hollow halls of Kansas University for a while. A combination of icy roads, frozen car doors and the holiday break turned the trick, and thermostats had been turned down as low as possible to cut energy use and pare utility bills. The goal was to help KU adhere to state orders to cut expenses as much as possible. It was the second straight day for KU to lower its temperatures to cut costs.

Despite recessionary trends and tight budgets during the holiday season, many local merchants reported record or near-record years because of a booming December Christmas-buying season.