After being locked in the starting gate for several years, the issue of trackside gambling on horse-racing and dog-racing in Kansas had finally broken free and was moving down the track. State legislators had managed to run the issue through the Senate, clearing the hurdles by a 29-11 vote, two more than needed, to put the issue on the ballot the coming year. There was doubt it could be addressed finally before the 1985 legislature closed.

Local voters-taxpayers were being asked to pick up a $600,000 tab to partially fund a needed new recreational complex in Holcom Park. Carl Knox, retired school superintendent, had been heading up the steering committee working to promote a positive vote and he stressed: “It’s something badly needed and I feel confident the voters will approve the issue.”

A dispute was flaring at the Lawrence Indian Center after there were charges of abusive verbal encounters at the centere. There were charges of sexual harassment and mismanagement. A hearing was to be held to determine future policies at the center.