Out of the past 2/21/05

25 years ago: Feb. 21, 1980

In an unexpected move, Scott City Mayor H. Alvie Modglin has resigned from office, making it probable that Illmo Mayor Grover St. Clair will become mayor of the community after the March 4 consolidation transition election to join the two towns; Modglin said business demands were the reason for his resignation.

Former Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Ivan E. McLain is the third Republican in a field of eight candidates seeking the office of county sheriff; McLain filed yesterday against Republicans Chester A. McCain and George F. Rouse.

50 years ago: Feb. 21, 1955

Figures on the cost of operating police cars on a rental basis as compared to outright ownership are presented to the city council; action, however, is deferred pending compilation of more information and perhaps an invitation to more car dealers in the city to submit offers on a contract basis.

Lt. Gov. James T. Blair Jr. speaks to members and guests of the National Secretaries Association at the annual Boss Night Dinner in the Rose Room of the Idan-Ha Hotel.

75 years ago: Feb. 21, 1930

ORAN, Mo. -- Five families are under quarantine in Oran as the result of an outbreak of several cases of scarlet fever; only one case has resulted fatally; the cases first appeared a week ago, when a number of pupils contracted the disease; Dr. U.P. Haw of Benton, Mo., the Scott County health officer, is aiding local authorities in controlling the situation.

T.E. Yemm of St. Louis, representative of the Fox West Coast Theaters, is in Cape Girardeau receiving bids for remodeling of the projection booths of the Fox Orpheum and Fox Park theaters and for general redecoration and renovation of the two movie houses.

100 years ago: Feb. 21, 1905

Since the rainy weather set in, the crossings on Main Street, Broadway, and in fact every other street in the town are in a terrible condition, the mud being shoe-top deep.

The "Progressive Ticket," which has been presented to the voters in the shape of a petition, will likely be arrayed against itself; in a day or two another petition will be circulated for a ticket to be called the "People's Ticket."

-- Sharon K. Sanders