Out of the past 8/2/04

10 years ago: Aug. 2, 1994

Missouri voters narrowly pass $250 million statewide bond issue; bonds will finance construction of new prisons and university facilities, including College of Business building at Southeast Missouri State University.

After hard-fought campaign with Mike Kasten and Howard Tooke for Republican nomination for presiding county commissioner, Gerald Jones walks away with nomination with 387-vote victory; win assures Jones the commission seat, as no Democrats filed.

25 years ago: Aug. 2, 1979

Tuesday's Illmo-Scott City consolidation election is overshadowing another matter that voters will be asked to decide that day -- whether Illmo-Scott City School District will be allowed to continue providing bus service for pupils living within one mile of school.

Bid price considerably lower than architect's estimate is among four proposals submitted to city council for construction of new Cape Girardeau fire headquarters building; Kiefner Brothers Inc. of Perryville has submitted total bid of $872,866, figure that's $63,779 less than architect's estimate.

50 years ago: Aug. 2, 1954

Purchase of Steimle Business School and selection of new name, Cape Girardeau Office Training School, is announced by Mrs. Cathryn McCollum and Mrs. Louis Ferguson.

Plans of school board to dispose of John S. Cobb property are disclosed at city council meeting in request that tract of ground be rezoned from apartment house classification to commercial district; board intends to advertise property, including gymnasium, for sale.

75 years ago: Aug. 2, 1929

One hundred-sixty students of State Teachers College receive degrees and certificates at summer commencement exercises; degree of bachelor of science in education is given to 38, elementary teachers certificates to 78 and regents' certificates to 44.

Cooler weather, probably accompanied by thundershowers which would bring relief to drought-stricken and heat-razed areas in Southeast Missouri, is promised by weather forecasters.

-- Sharon K. Sanders