The Kansas Department of Health and Environment again moved to shut down the Samaritan Lodge, 205 N. Mich., but owners said they intended to keep the facility open. Dick Morrissey, director of the heatlh department’s adult and child care facilities program, confirmed that the department had issued a “close order” on Jan. 10.

A survey showed that two out of three Kansans were willing to pay higher state taxes to maintain government service or to pay for needed new programs. Kansans were most willing to see taxes on liquor and cigarettes boosted and were least willing to accept new gasolne levies.

Kansas turned 124 years old and a wide variety of state celebrations were planned. Locally, many school children took part in celebrations.

Local farmers were being surveyed by legislative leaders on ways to improve the plight of the Kansas agriculture economy.

The local school district was preparing a package of eight items from the district’s current master agreement to negotiate wih the Lawrence Education Assn. at a coming meeting.