The Environmental Protection Agency was to investigate a demolition project at Kansas University that involved the removal of asbestos-laced mortar. Several were questioning KU’s policies in regard to such ventures. A boiler teardown had triggered the call for a probe.

Mother Nature threw some cold water in local faces after a brief mellowing period that saw daytime highs hit 70 degrees. Cold temperatures and freezing rain were the unwelcome followup as the New Year approached.

Douglas County District Judge James Paddock decided to get tough on prospective jurors who didn’t show up for jury duty when called. Summonses were planned to call into court the errant souls.

Gov. John Carlin said his new budget would include definite boosts for education, including provisions for teacher salary hikes.