Out of the past 8/8/04

10 years ago: Aug. 8, 1994

ST. LOUIS - School Superintendent Neyland Clark should expect more specific directions from school board in future; board, conducting its annual evaluation of superintendent Saturday, found that Clark had been following board's directions; board members said it is time to improve their own performance.

Workers with Shappert Engineering Co. finish pouring concrete along Kingshighway at Themis Street bridge; new span, part of Cape LaCroix-Walker Branch Flood Control Project, is expected to open next week.

25 years ago: Aug. 8, 1979

By overwhelming majority yesterday, voters in Illmo-Scott City School District approved district's practice of providing bus transportation for pupils living within one mile of school; unlike last spring when issue failed, busing proposition passed Tuesday by 380 to 18 vote.

It may appear to be progressing slowly, but City Engineer Guy Lowes says paving of Cape Rock Drive from Perryville Road to city limits is on schedule; actual paving is awaiting completion of all drainage structures and earth excavation.

50 years ago: Aug. 8, 1954

Another old custom -- church bell ringing by hand -- has been replaced by motor-driven device at St. Mary's Church; instead of maintenance director ringing bells by hand with help of rope, priest, prior to each Mass, merely presses button and bells ring.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Biggest picnic in its history concludes at St. Mary's Seminary; it is 53rd picnic and most successful as far as attendance and amount of money made; between 5,000 and 6,000 chicken dinners are served during two days and many additional thousands were on grounds.

75 years ago: Aug. 8, 1929

City council adopts and approves report of Mayor James A. Barks dealing with two proposals of Missouri Utilities Co., regarding water service and street lighting; report doesn't make any recommendations as to rejection or acceptance of proposals.

George E. Congdon Jr., of Curtiss Flying Service of St. Louis visits Cape Girardeau and interviews number of businessmen and officials of Chamber of Commerce relative to establishment of airport here.

-- Sharon K. Sanders