The Lawrence Christmas Bureau reported record contributions in food and goods for the local needy population. Officials said it appeared they would be able to “meet all requests.”

Lawrence firefighters were cold and tired after battling two overnight fires, one of which caused more than $20,000 in damage to a Vermont Street apartment house. The other fire involved chemicals at FMC Corp., but damage ran less than $1,000.

Computer payroll foul-ups at the state level continued to plague well over 1,000 Kansas University faculty and staff members. Some had even had to borrow funds to meet holiday budgeting needs. The problem had been ongoing since before Dec. 1 in the new Kansas Integrated Personnel Payroll System operation.

Holiday travel was hindered by area snowfall that had measured up to 13 inches over a recent three-day period. Record low temperatures were common.