From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Feb. 19. 1974:

• A Kansas University virologist said today he was puzzled by the recent deaths of four Kansas teenagers attributed to the flu epidemic. Robert Bussell, professor of microbiology, said the deaths were “surprising” because influenza deaths usually occurred in people whose immune systems were compromised. Bussell suggested that the area was perhaps being hit by two types of flu viruses at the same time. Flu cases had kept about 10 percent of the student population at home the previous week, but the disease was not yet classed as being of epidemic proportions.
• About 700 people turned out for a special weekend performance by the Kansas University Symphonic Band which launched a series of fundraising events for the Lawrence High School marching band. The LHS band had been invited to the Portland Rose Festival, one of four “honor bands” from across the country chosen to participate in the June 15 festival in Portland, Oregon. All expenses for the trip, estimated at $30,000, were to be raised by band members. Among other projects, band members were planning a paper drive to collect old newspapers and magazines to sell for recycling.