The basic cost of mailing a first-class letter had risen from 20 cents to 22 cents in February of 1985. A Postal Service official announced that the current first-class rates for letters and packages would likely remain in effect until 1987.

Representatives of Kansas Public Service, Lawrence’s privately-owned natural gas utility, had reached an agreement with city officials on a requested rate increase which was slightly lower than the one originally sought by the utility.

The Lawrence Housing Authority was to receive a $1.37 million Department of Housing and Urban Development grant. The grant would fund construction of 25 three-, four-, and five-bedroom houses at “scattered sites” around the city where the LHA would be able to find and purchase vacant land.

“Back to the Future” was announced as the top-grossing film of the summer of 1985, edging out “Creator,” “Teen Wolf, and “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.”