Out of the past 3/8/05

25 years ago: March 8, 1980

Confusion over maintenance of a short section of road in Dutchtown has led area residents to take matters into their own hands and make temporary repairs; frustrated area residents repaired a short section of road leading from Highway 25 at Route A east into Dutchtown, when no local agency would take responsibility for it.

Kent Cargle, president of the Cape Girardeau Board of Education, and Mayor Paul W. Stehr share in ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the new $1.1 million city-school swimming pool on the campus of Central High School.

50 years ago: March 8, 1955

The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday passed three ordinances entering the city into an interchange of fire service on a cooperative basis with Chaffee, Mo., Illmo and Jackson fire departments.

The city council, at its regular meeting yesterday, heard a delegation of black residents who asked for representation of black residents on the city's payroll and for their appointment as judges and clerks of elections; it was noted that an understanding had been reached regarding use of the municipal swimming pool in Capaha Park, which will be integrated this summer.

75 years ago: March 8, 1930

Exceptions to the report of special commissioners appointed by federal Judge Charles B. Farris to assess damages on land taken in Mississippi County by the government for construction of a portion of the Birds Point-New Madrid setback levee were filed in federal court at St. Louis by John C. Dyott, special assistant attorney general.

Farmers in the vicinity of Egypt Mills and Neelys Landing intend to make a determined effort to secure a farm-to-market road for their section of Cape Girardeau County.

100 years ago: March 8, 1905

The steamer Grey Eagle brings Edward Hely, of the quarries south of town, seven head of mules from St. Louis.

The local option election to be held in Scott County on St. Patrick's Day has aroused more interest than the campaign last fall; the temperance elements held a mass meeting in Benton, Mo., the county seat, yesterday; protracted meetings and revivals are being held in every Protestant church and most rural schoolhouses in the county.

-- Sharon K. Sanders