From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for July 18, 1913:

• “A representative of the Journal-World this morning asked Prof. H. A. Rice, professor of mathematics and structural engineering of the University of Kansas, regarding the condition of the old bridge across the Kaw here and as to the need of a new structure. Prof. Rice replied that in his opinion it is time that Douglas County was remedying the conditions that exist here. He added that the county might some day find itself without a means of crossing the river here unless some action is taken very soon. ‘I believe that if the old bridge is examined by some competent authority that it will be condemned. I believe that if the state highway engineer should make an examination of this bridge that he would find it unsafe and would order it closed to traffic. This bridge has been in a long time and is nearing its last stage of usefulness. I would not be surprised to see the old structure fall at any time…. In that case there would be a heavy loss to the county and human lives might be lost and the county laid liable to damage.’ Prof. Rice is an authority on bridges. He has examined many of the larger bridges of the country and has taught bridge structure at the University here for eight years. When he says that the old bridge is not safe it should be a warning to the people of the serious condition that exists here. It is the advice of an expert and given for the benefit of the community.”
• “The grocerymen of Lawrence yesterday obtained revenge for two successive defeats at the hands of the meat cutters of the city. The Grocery side of the annual ball game at Woodland park yesterday afternoon was declared victorious at the conclusion of seven innings of a questionable exhibition termed baseball. The official count was rather uncertain, but following the game a compromise was reached and it was declared that the score should be 24 to 22 in favor of the grocery men. That is about all there was to that ball game — the score. To be sure the comedy element was not lacking, in fact the vacationating sausage grinders and cracker merchants were able to inject about as much of the humorous element into the going as were the newspapermen and ministers on the occasion of their meeting a couple of moons ago. The session was one continual round of hilarity for the grandstand and the visitors to the park obtained much amusement for their trouble and their carfare parkward…. That was only one of the features of the annual picnic. The Tug-of-War was another event that was equally amusing, and it was entered into by the picnickers with as much pep. The Butchers carried away the honors in this contest and somewhat evened up the events of the day.”
• “This weather is mighty hard on all babies. The little things are suffering much. One reason for starting the visiting nurse to work at this time of the year was to provide especial care for the babies. Miss Adams is doing all of this work that is offered, but there must be many cases she isn’t reaching. It must be that her services are needed in many homes…. Those having babies who are ill these hot days should feel entirely free to call upon Miss Adams. Those who know of babies needing attention should report to her. Tell the mothers of the town that this visiting nurse is theirs, that her work is to assist them in a kind and neighborly way and that there is no charge in any way for this service.”
• “The wheat record for Douglas county probably is held this year by H. C. Patterson, who lives on the old Geo. Derby farm near Clinton. Mr. Patterson reports that he had eleven acres of wheat which yielded 40 bushels per acre. This is the best yield that has been heard from thus far this season.”