Out of the past 8/6/09

25 years ago: Aug. 6, 1984

Although Secretary of State James Kirkpatrick is predicting a near-record turnout statewide, Cape Girardeau County probably won't have a particularly high number of voters in tomorrow's primary election, says County Clerk Rodney Miller.

A new intercom system, aimed at preventing escape incidents such as the one last month at the Cape Girardeau County juvenile center, is approved for installation by the County Court.

50 years ago: Aug. 6, 1959

The approach of the SEMO District Fair -- only six weeks away -- was emphasized at the board of directors meeting last night, with announcement that catalogs are being distributed and that the Exchange Club is disbursing booster tickets.

BENTON, Mo. -- A change of venue from the court is granted Mayor C.E. Felker of Sikeston in his effort to overcome an alternate writ of mandamus issued in Circuit Court here; under the mandamus action, Felker must show cause why he shouldn't call an election for councilmen under the council-manager form of government as directed by the suit.

75 years ago: Aug. 6, 1934

Cape Girardeau's building code must either be enforced or fire insurance rates will be raised, says city commissioner Harry L. Coffman following a conference with an official of the Missouri Inspection Bureau, which makes fire insurance ratings in the state.

All the living past and present presidents of the State Teachers College attend the Rotary Club meeting: President W.W. Parker, and past Presidents W.S. Dearmont and Joseph A. Serena.

100 years ago: Aug. 6, 1909

The Cape Girardeau City Council last night voted to award the contract for paving Main Street and adjoining streets to Kettle River Quarries Co. of Minnesota; the road will be paved with wood blocks, a mixture of pitch and asphalt being used to cement the blocks together.

During a severe electrical storm, lightning strikes the large barn of Martin Helwege, two miles southwest of Gordonville; Helwege discovers the fire in time to get the stock out, as well as a buggy and wagon; the barn is filled with hay and some grain.

-- Sharon K. Sanders