LONE STAR GETS A NEW OWNER

Abundant limestone along the Mississippi River has been the backbone of cement-making operations in Cape Girardeau since 1909. Today, Lone Star Industries Inc. is a well-known landmark. It's towering plant on South Sprigg Street is visible for miles in every direction. And, with plenty of limestone left, the company has a bright future.

A planned merger will turn ownership of the Lone Star plant here and others throughout the country over to a major German company. Both sides agree that the sale of Lone Star's assets to Dyckerhoff AG is a good move.

In 1909, Portland Cement Co. opened its cement plant on South Sprigg. For years, the plant operated under the Marquette Cement Co. banner. The operation was taken over by Lone Star in 1982. Under Lone Star's management, the plant has often been cited as an outstanding employer in Cape Girardeau.

The plant, which produces 1.3 million tons of cement a year and has an $8 million payroll and up to 200 employees, is expected to continue to be an important corporate citizen in Cape Girardeau.