From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Sept. 5, 1974:

Thomas Gorton, dean of Kansas University’s School of Fine Arts, declined comment today on a recent report of dissension about KU’s fall production of the musical “Godspell.” No fine arts faculty members were participating in the production, which was directed by William Keeler, assistant professor of theater and speech and drama, with musical direction by a new faculty member, Charles Elliott, assistant professor of music education. Asked whether he objected to the show or whether he had advised fine arts faculty members to stay clear of involvement in the show, Gorton said only “no comment.” Director Keeler said that the dean had made comments indicating that he didn’t care for the show and didn’t believe its music was worth the investment of effort necessary to produce a musical.

The Douglas County Commission this morning signed a contract with B. A. Green Construction Co., Lawrence for construction of the new county-city judicial and law enforcement building. The contract amount was for $3.893 million, compared with the original base bid of $3.963 million. The contract was to go into effect Sept. 16, with completion set for 700 calendar days ending Aug. 16, 1976. Commissioners indicated a groundbreaking ceremony would be planned for some time before the end of this month.

A bystander had been injured the previous night when a fight had broken out at the Free State Opera House, 642 Massachusetts Street. Daniel Mueller, assistant manager, said a disturbance had arisen between two individuals and that he had succeeded in separating them when someone had poured beer on the combatants and people in the immediate area. About 20 persons were fighting by the time police arrived and quelled the disturbance. Responders were unable to learn why the fight had broken out or who the original participants were.

Enrollment in Lawrence School District 497 was down 26 students compared to the previous year, according to figures compiled just after the Labor Day holiday. The district had 7,862 students enrolled, compared with the previous year’s total of 7,678. Both elementary and junior high enrollment had declined, with Lawrence High School reporting the only major increase.