Out of the past 8/20/04

10 years ago: Aug. 20, 1994

Former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft walked door to door in Jackson yesterday, dropping off literature during his latest campaign trip to gain support in his bid for U.S. Senate.

About 200 to 300 fewer students will be enrolled at Southeast Missouri State University this fall than last year; enrollment is expected to be about 7,800 this year, compared to almost 8,100 last year.

25 years ago: Aug. 20, 1979

Southeast Missouri State University will have to make do this year with lot of its present equipment instead of new acquisitions it had hoped for, thanks to budget vetoes by Gov. Joseph P. Teasdale; equipment allocation for 1979-1980 fiscal year is only about half amount available previous fiscal year and less than one-third amount sought by various school departments.

WARE, Ill. -- Shawnee District No. 84 teachers association has approved two-year contract, just in time for start of classes Wednesday.

50 years ago: Aug. 20, 1954

Two good, gentle showers last night and spotty rainfall this morning nets 0.23 inches for Cape Girardeau; wind gusts up to 40 mph over steady, 20-mile wind accompanies rain.

Two possible Arena Park sites for proposed $400,000 National Guard armory emerge from conference attended by Guard officials, and members of city council, Chamber of Commerce and District Fair Board; first choice is wedge-shaped strip of land between Maria Louise Lane and drive leading to Arena Building; second choice is area immediately across from and west of front of Arena, where grove of trees now stands.

75 years ago: Aug. 20, 1929

Missouri Highway Commission is prepared to start immediately the completion of primary and secondary road system of Missouri with revenue from $75 million bond issue, says Col. C.D. Matthews of Sikeston, Mo., chairman of commission; his statement is made after receiving word that Missouri Supreme Court has held bond election valid.

City officials say traffic signal lights to be installed at intersection of Good Hope and Sprigg streets have been ordered and should be here within two weeks; lights will cost $325.

-- Sharon K. Sanders