From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 3, 1970:

Five residents spoke at a recent Lawrence City Commission meeting, objecting to the construction of a high-rise low-rent housing unit for the elderly at 17th and Massachusetts. They said that while they were not opposed in principle to housing for the elderly, they thought it would create traffic problems and cause their houses to decrease in value. One resident said that the proposed seven-story structure would “stick out like a sore thumb” and that it was her opinion that Mass Street should not change in any way. In spite of these objections, commissioners voted 5-0 in favor of the construction.

Completion of Kansas Power & Light’s 430-megawatt generator was only a few weeks away. The firm’s electric power was expected to rise substantially with the new generator.

A mother wrote to Ann Landers, concerned that her son, who is already wearing an earring, wants to pierce his nose as well. Ann commented that “any kid who would go this far out is obviously frantic for attention.” She recommended that he get professional help.