Out of the past 7/28/12

1987

Construction work on the Cape LaCroix Creek channel improvement project could get underway within two weeks, if the Army Corps of Engineers approves some minor design changes and proper funding is secured; the design changes were needed because of the inability to secure the necessary easements from several property owners.

Heat and humidity have a firm hold on the Cape Girardeau area, and forecasters are saying that's not likely to change in the near future; still, area hospitals haven't received any reports of heat-related illnesses.

1962

Concrete box seats are being built in front of the grandstand at Arena Park to augment those already in place; an effort is being made to get them completed in time for use during the SEMO District Fair; about 400 such seats will be added, if all planned are built.

Cong. Paul C. Jones, reacting to yesterday's report that the government planned to vacate the Federal Building here, says it would take an act of Congress to move Federal District Court from Cape Girardeau and that he doesn't think this will ever be done.

1937

Robert H. Whitelaw, a prominent Girardean for a half-century, died of pneumonia yesterday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joe Parker, in Blytheville, Ark.; Whitelaw, who was 83, practiced law here for 63 years; he also served as county prosecuting attorney, representative in the State Legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Following a proposal made by Mayor Charles G. Wilson, the City Council moves toward placing the city police and fire departments under the civil service system.

1912

Fred Dormeyer, formerly of Jackson, but who is now living in Arkansas, passed through Cape Girardeau yesterday on his way to the county seat to visit his parents.

Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Stone and daughter, Lillian, of St. Louis, who have been visiting Mrs. P.J. Greer at Cape Girardeau, returned to their home last night on the steamer Cape Girardeau; they drove down in their automobile, but took the boat back because the roads are so bad.

-- Sharon K. Sanders