Out of the past 5/21/04

10 years ago: May 21, 1994

Missouri Highway and Transportation Department has awarded $319,000 contract to Jackson contractor for bridge joint repair and overlay work on several Southeast Missouri bridges this summer.

BENTON, Mo. -- Ballots cast in Scott County in April 5 election on riverboat gambling were counted twice Friday as part of statewide recount; tally came out different each time, and both recounts varied from election-night vote totals.

25 years ago: May 21, 1979

Mississippi River is below flood stage -- two months to the day from time it first went above that level on March 21; river is at 31.9 feet in morning.

Work resumed Friday on Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co. expansion project, after unfair labor practices complaint was filed against one of trade unions which had been picketing contractor on project.

50 years ago: May 21, 1954

A 10-month-old contract with Cape Girardeau Rural Fire Protection Association, providing fire protection for individuals outside city limits, is terminated by city on advice of city attorney that many of provisions are without legal authority; contract had provided for sale of used fire engine for $2,500 to association.

CAIRO, Ill. -- Spectators by thousands are expected in Cairo Saturday to mark freeing of Mississippi River traffic bridge from tolls and to participate in round of festivities that will continue on into the evening.

75 years ago: May 21, 1929

Cape Girardeau Teachers College, represented by graduates, former students, present faculty and students, pay honor to 39 years of unbroken service rendered that institution by Winifred Johnson; testimonial dinner is held at Houck Field House, paying tribute to longtime educator.

ST. LOUIS -- Hearing on application for temporary order to restrain federal government from proceeding with proposed construction of floodway in Mississippi and New Madrid counties is set for late today before U.S. District Judge C.B. Farris; landowners assert government proposes to take their property without due process of law.

-- Sharon K. Sanders