Out of the past 8/5/05

25 years ago: Aug. 5, 1980

City officials conducted a full-scale test of the city's disaster warning system yesterday to determine if any recent modifications made by the system contractor, Alert Systems Inc. of Paducah, Ky., had improved the 14-siren system; however, a sound engineer found no measurable improvement in the decibel level when compared to tests done in late June.

Two candidates who unsuccessfully sought the Cape Girardeau County sheriff's office four years ago are selected by their respective parties to square off in the Nov. 4 general election; Herman "Bob" Gribler is the winning Democratic nominee, and George F. Rouse wins on the Republican ticket.

50 years ago: Aug. 5, 1955

The office of Gov. Phil M. Donnelly announces that bids will be taken Aug. 30 for the construction of a National Guard armory in Cape Girardeau to house regimental headquarters and two units of the 140th Infantry; cost of the armory, to be located in Arena Park, is estimated at $225,000.

After a dip downward early this week from the extremely hot temperatures of last week, the thermometer has been edging up again, until this afternoon at 1 p.m. it registers 95 degrees in Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Aug. 5, 1930

Earl D. Black, Teachers College senior, yesterday won the Southeast Missouri district radio audition contest held at Farmington, Mo.; this is the second consecutive year that Black's excellent baritone voice has placed first in the district contest, which is sponsored by the Atwater Kent Radio Corp.; he will go to St. Louis in the fall to compete against other district winners for the state title.

Golf courses, both miniature and standard large size courses, existing within the Cape Girardeau city limits, will be taxed $25 per year, it was ordered by the city council Monday; there are five miniature courses in the city.

100 years ago: Aug. 5, 1905

The continued hot weather is making the terrible sanitary condition of Cape Girardeau grow worse; if something isn't done soon to do away with the filth and stagnant water, the city will surely suffer an epidemic of disease.

A big crowd gathers at the Frisco station at noon to see Carrie Nation, but it is disappointed, as it meets the wrong train.

C.E. Brown has opened a machine repairing shop at 105 Independence St.

-- Sharon K. Sanders