Out of the past 8/13/04

10 years ago: Aug. 13, 1994

A $390,000 AmeriCorps grant has been awarded to Southeast Missouri Partners for Community Service; Johnny McGaha, professor of criminal justice at Southeast Missouri State University and AmeriCorps project director for region, hopes eight-county program will be ready to start by end of September.

NASA astronaut and Jackson native Linda Godwin returns to Cape Girardeau, speaking to East Missouri District Optimist Convention about her 11-day voyage in space.

25 years ago: Aug. 13, 1979

Work on Marquette Co.'s new $80 million plant in south Cape Girardeau has gained momentum over past month, following work slowdown by some construction trades; over past month, over 6,500 cubic yards of concrete and 600 tons of structural metal have been installed; project should be completed in fall of 1980.

Fifty-third edition of Jackson Homecomers begins, featuring talent shows, queen contest, band performance and carnival rides.

50 years ago: Aug. 13, 1954

If school superintendents in district aren't actually down on their knees begging for teachers, they are at least burning up long-distance telephone lines in their search for teaching personnel; with schools already open in many places and classes set to start in all others in less than a month, there are still scores of vacancies in both elementary and high schools of district.

Tract of 240 acres was sold this week at sheriff's sale at door of county courthouse in Jackson; Raymond Sides et al were purchasers, at $8,400; sale was to settle estate of Hirman Craft.

75 years ago: Aug. 13, 1929

In complaint to Missouri Public Service Commission, city of Cape Girardeau asks commission to direct Missouri Utilities Co., to improve its water, gas and light service in and to reduce rates on gas and lighting.

Resolution is approved by city council directing city engineer E.L. Sailer to issue permits to Pure Ice Co. of Cape Girardeau, Sinclair Refining Co. of Kansas City, and Phillips Petroleum Co. of Bartelsville, Okla., to occupy portions of Missouri Pacific Railroad Co. property here.

-- Sharon K. Sanders