25 years ago: Fear of AIDS transmission possible cause of low turnout at blood drive

Local Red Cross workers were disappointed by the low turnout at a recent blood drive. Only about half the usual number of students donated on the first day of the drive, which had been held at Kansas University. Workers heard many concerns from students about AIDS transmission. However, the local executive director of the Red Cross continued to inform potential donors that it was not possible to get AIDS from donating blood at a blood-bank facility.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation crews were already thinking ahead to the next summer. Since the grassy area that was on the east side of the pool was always difficult to maintain, especially since many people used that area for sunbathing, the department had decided to construct a redwood sunbathing deck there. Other work at the pool included the replacement of six old broken valves and some tiling for better drainage in the areas around the pool. An engineering study to discover leakage and other potential problems was on hold until after the completion of the projects.