From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for March 2, 1974:

• A Lawrence resident let off some steam this week in a letter to the editor “to all restaurant managers.” “Did you know that non-smokers are in the majority?” queried the letter-writer. “Nothing spoils the taste of good food like cigarette smoke. And nothing is more aggravating to a non-smoker than to have an evening ruined by a smoker polluting the air…. I propose that restaurants institute no-smoking areas in their establishments wherever possible. Most restaurants are designed with two or more sections already. One of these areas could be designated for no-smokers. A simple sign on a rope or stand, or on the dividing wall or post, could notify person that smoking is not permitted in that area…. I assure you that the first restaurant to institute a non-smokers area will get my patronage and the patronage of may others in Lawrence.”
• The city’s new $93,000 aerial fire department ladder truck was to be officially put into service this week, according to Fire Chief F. C. Sanders. The vehicle had been driven from Elmira, N.Y., arriving in Lawrence on Feb. 8 with a representative from the sales firm to help city firefighters familiarize themselves with the new equipment. The new aerial truck was to be housed in Fire State No. 1, Eighth and Vermont, and the snorkel truck formerly at No. 1 was to be moved to Station 3, 3708 W. Sixth. The aerial, which could reach the tops of all the buildings in town, was to be run to all downtown fires and to all fires in dormitories or other tall buildings on the Kansas University campus, Sanders said.