Out of the past 8/23/04

10 years ago: Aug. 23, 1994

Southeast Missouri State University had 205 fewer students enrolled on first day of classes yesterday than on first day of classes a year ago; it continues downward trend that dates back several years; combined undergraduate and graduate head count Monday was 7,673.

After years of frustration and millions of dollars in damages, efforts to deal with flash flooding along Cape LaCroix and Walker creeks are moving forward; work along Cape LaCroix Creek is almost half finished, and first phase of work on Walker is scheduled for completion in October 1995.

25 years ago: Aug. 23, 1979

Dr. Sheila R. Caskey of Southeast Missouri State University Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department becomes first female academic dean at university, as board of regents appoints her to one-year term as dean of Southeast's graduate program; appointment fills vacancy left in office created when Dr. Bill Stacy was appointed interim president of school in July.

Mary C. Kasten takes her place at Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents meeting as first woman to serve on board in 50 years.

50 years ago: Aug. 23, 1954

Jackson school board will receive bids until noon Sept. 13 for purchase of schoolhouses in newly organized district; school sites and buildings will be sold at Schoenebeck, McFerron, Sandy Ridge, Poplar Grove, Stroder, Randol, Gravel Hill, Oak Hill and Shawneetown; purchasing Clippard and Helderman schools, buyer will get the building only.

Residents of Rodney Vista area are protesting location of proposed $400,000 National Guard armory at either of two sites in Arena Park suggested at conference last week.

75 years ago: Aug. 23, 1929

Installation of traffic signal light at intersection of Main and Independence streets is being discussed by city officials, while similar lights are to be installed within few days at Good Hope and Sprigg streets; first traffic lights in city were installed last year at Broadway and Sprigg Street.

It won't be long before fliers will be able to recognize Cape Girardeau from air; Fred A. Groves of Groves Motor Co., is having words "Cape Girardeau" painted in white letters on roof of his building at Sprigg and Themis streets.

-- Sharon K. Sanders