Out of the past 5/24/04

10 years ago: May 24, 1994

BENTON, Mo. -- Thomas Kelly High School principal Earnie Lawson has been hired as high school principal at Chaffee schools for 1994-1995 school year; high school boys basketball coach, Greg Dunigan, is also leaving; he will be teacher and head boys basketball coach at Union High School in Union, Mo.

Since coming to Southeast Missouri State University four years ago, president Kala Stroup has overseen pay raises designed to make faculty salaries more comparable to those at other public, regional universities nationwide; since 1991, average salary of professor at Southeast has climbed from $44,100 to more than $50,600.

25 years ago: May 24, 1979

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Three Perry County sheriff's deputies have resigned, citing dissatisfaction over way Sheriff Gerald Pingle operates office and pressure sheriff has put them under; resignations leave Pingle with only a chief deputy and secretary.

Southeast Missouri State University Faculty Senate, asking for stronger voice in university decisions, is seeking special meeting with board of regents to discuss recent developments, including board's refusal to renegotiate contract with university president, Dr. Robert E. Leestamper.

50 years ago: May 24, 1954

John R. Walther, city engineer for 18 years until his resignation almost two years ago when city declined to give him increase in pay, has been employed by city council to serve on consulting basis and has already started work.

Public golf course will be built this summer by Cape Girardeau Jaycees, if finance drive goal of $15,000 is met; club votes unanimously to sponsor project.

75 years ago: May 24, 1929

Falling nearly a foot during past 24-hour period, Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is rapidly receding from crest reached this week; stage at 8 a.m. is 36.4 feet as compared to 37.3 feet at corresponding time yesterday.

Petitions, directed to county courts of Bollinger and Cape Girardeau counties and Missouri Highway Commission, are put in circulation asking for designation and construction of all-weather highway from Leopold and Laflin communities to Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders