Locally, the construction industry was singing the blues as the new year got under way. There had been a decided slowdown at the end of 1981, and high costs and interest rates were due to force some to pull back on building in the first half of 1982.

The local board of education was beginning to discuss the potential closing of some schools in the year ahead. On the list for the time being were the Grant, Riverside, India and Kaw Valley schools. Strong opposition was expected from patrons in the targeted regions.

Local farmers said they had finished a reasonably good year here, but they were not too optimistic about 1982 because the heavy rains of autumn had prevented so much work that needed to be done in the fields. High costs and high interest rates were also farming problems of major proportions.

A 20-foot section of a natural gas pipeline ruptured and exploded in eastern Kansas, sharply affecting Ottawa. The damage was quickly repaired, however, and there were no heating emergencies reported. There had been no disruptions of consequence in the immediate Lawrence area.