Approximately 240 residents of Western Hills were scheduled to become unwilling residents of the city of Lawrence. The 120-acre Western Hills area, an island of land surrounded on three sides by Lawrence city limits, was to be annexed, according to a 4-1 city commission vote. Residents of the area, which was located north of West 15th Street and west of Monterey Way, had been opposing the annexation for several reasons, including the high special assessments expected – up to $300 per month for an average house – to pay for street construction and extension of water and sewer lines.

Strong support was forming on both sides of the issue of local handgun regulation. City commissioners were scheduled to discuss Commissioner David Longhurst’s proposal to establish a 72-hour waiting period between the application for and purchase of a handgun.

The local United Fund drive had reached 75 percent of its $500,000 goal. The drive was set to conclude on Nov. 15.