Out of the past 2/3/04

10 years ago: Feb. 3, 1994

Towers renovation project at Southeast Missouri State University has hit snag over labor union official's complaints that there have been violations of prevailing wage law; complaints center around decision to expand renovation of Towers to include new chilled water cooling system at added cost of about $1.5 million.

Despite loss of week of rain in December and week of snow and subzero weather in January, construction of $805,000 addition to Lowell Jones building at Delta High School is slightly ahead of schedule.

25 years ago: Feb. 3, 1979

Effort at dissolving Byrd Special Road District through vote of district residents is still alive, despite assurance of road commission that it intends this year to replace Old Oak Ridge Road bridge which collapsed, prompting dissolvement consideration.

John R. Smith family, which was burned out of their mobile home last April, was burned out of their second home in 1200 block of South Sprigg yesterday; fire was work of arsonist.

50 years ago: Feb. 3, 1954

Missouri Pacific Railroad has agreed to put up 7 1/2-foot wire fence along Lorimier School property as safeguard against possible injury to children.

Orpheum Theater, after more than 40 years, closes "indefinitely"; movie house brought first color motion pictures and first "talkies" to Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Feb. 3, 1929

The Rev. W.O. Schulze, pastor of Grace Methodist Church, approves of plan of Methodist Episcopal Church of America and Presbyterian Church in United States to unite; definite agreement should be reached next week.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Dr. Elias J. Malone, 76, mayor of Sikeston for 25 years and leader of community, dies at St. Louis hospital.

-- Sharon K. Sanders