From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for April 12, 1973:

• State highway officials this week were reviewing the plans for Lawrence’s highway U.S. 59 eastern bypass. Officials told an audience of about 60 interested citizens that the bypass, which was to link U.S. 24-40 on the north to K-10 on the south, was a priority item necessary for handling projected traffic volumes in the area. The eastern bypass, and a southern bypass to connect the eastern bypass to U.S. 59 south of Lawrence, were considered the first steps in alleviating future traffic problems. However, several attending the meeting argued that a bypass to the west was more important because of city growth in that direction. Another pressing need discussed at the meeting was another Kansas River Bridge to ease downtown traffic congestion.
• National defense cutbacks were leading to the permanent layoff of more than 100 employees of Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. The layoffs were affecting the maintenance staff, who worked on the building structures, roads and grounds, and equipment at the plant. The staff reduction was the largest since June 1971 when the plant had ceased ammunition production.