The city of Lecompton was gearing up for a big dedication celebration for the new Perry-Lecompton Bridge. Three hundred pounds of boned beef were being seasoned, wrapped, and buried in a pit to simmer in preparation for a barbecue. The bridge dedication, traditional ribbon-cutting, and benediction would take place mid-bridge, followed by a parade with floats illustrating the theme of “Transportation.”

Cold weather was expected to arrive in the Lawrence area, with lows in the 40s in northeast Kansas and even into the 20s in the northwestern tip of the state.

No decision had yet been made on whether to prosecute a group of young persons who had heckled President Nixon during his recent appearance at Kansas State University. About 20 people, sitting together in a balcony, had shouted at the President and unfurled banners during the address. Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents had taken pictures of the group, and some identifications had been made, but the Riley County attorney had not yet received a report from the KBI.