Persistent rainfall in the Lawrence area had caused the Kansas River to rise 12.4 feet in a 12-hour period. It was expected to rise by nightfall to at least 15 feet, which was three feet below flood stage. The Wakarusa River was less than a foot below its flood stage of 27 feet.

The Douglas County Commission delayed action on the acceptance of two housing plats. The areas affected were Shank Hill, south of Lawrence on Highway 59, and Pine-Ne-Wa, about four miles west of Lawrence. The lack of subdivision planning regulations, as well as the length of the discussion, contributed to the decision to postpone.

After a dip in April, Lawrence building activity picked up in May with a resurgence in single-family and duplex residents. Additionally, the largest permit issued during May went to Reed Construction to build the McDonalds Restaurant on 23rd Street for $60,000.

In the interests of decreasing pollution, USD 497 was investigating the use of glass and other reusable materials instead of disposable materials currently used in school cafeteria supplies.