Out of the past 10/10/05

25 years ago: Oct. 10, 1980

Flood-control planning for Cape Girardeau County is running ahead of schedule, but Army Corps of Engineers officials told a gathering of area residents last night it will probably be at least 1990 before the implementation of any flood-control plan begins in the area; the study area encompasses 210 square miles of the county, from just north of Turkey Creek in Northern Cape Girardeau County to the Diversion Channel on the south edge of the county.

Saying his schedule is too tight, 10th District U.S. Rep. Bill D. Burlison turns down a Jonesboro, Ark., television station's request that he debate challenger Bill Emerson; he has offered an alternative date for a debate before the St. Louis Press Club.

50 years ago: Oct. 10, 1955

Bids are to be received later this month by the Missouri Highway Commission for construction of a new asphaltic concrete pavement, 20 feet wide, on Highway 25 in two sections southwesterly from the Diversion Channel bridge south of Dutchtown.

A request by Cape Girardeau veterans organizations that Nov. 11, Veterans Day, be made a school holiday is rejected by the school board; the board finds too many complications involved in the cancellation of the day of school, but asks that an earlier request be made next year so it could be considered for the list of holidays prepared in advance of the opening of school.

75 years ago: Oct. 10, 1930

Only a few qualified Cape Girardeans register to vote in the general election in November; by noon, no more than 200 people have registered at their various wards; registration will continue Saturday and Monday.

Burglars broke into Central High School and the Cape Girardeau Public Library last night, but after ransacking both places, they escaped with only $2.90 from the library and about $2 in small change and postage stamps from the school.

100 years ago: Oct. 10, 1905

The eighth annual Cape Girardeau Fair opens in the morning; president D.A. Glenn and secretary Engelmann, after looking over the entry books, declare there are more livestock and poultry and more exhibits in the halls than ever before, and entries are still coming in.

Word is received of the unexpected death of Col. Robert Sturdivant, a retired banker and one of the foremost residents of this city, at Tallipoosa, Fla.; Sturdivant was 83 years, six months and 10 days old.

-- Sharon K. Sanders