Out of the past 9/12/04

10 years ago: Sept. 12, 1994

With crash of roaring motors and crashing cars, about 3,500 fans fill grandstand at Arena Park for demolition derby at 139th SEMO District Fair; fair officially started that evening with parade from Capaha Park to fairgrounds.

As pressure increases on Secretary of State Judith Moriarty to resign, speculation grows about possible success; among names mentioned for job are Joe Driskell, director of Department of Economic Development, state Rep. Gracia Baker of New Madrid, Mo., and state Rep. May Scheve of Affton, Mo.

25 years ago: Sept. 12, 1979

Second day of SEMO District Fair attracted more people than ever in its 124-year history; more than 16,000 packed Arena Park fairgrounds yesterday, largest single day attendance recorded; about 4,000 people filled grandstand for tractor pull; this evening, grandstand attraction is demolition derby.

Talks between teachers and school boards in Anna-Jonesboro and Meridian school districts in Illinois broke off last night with indications in both cases that no further progress is in sight on 1979-1980 teacher contracts in two districts.

50 years ago: Sept. 12, 1954

Carney Fesler of Cape Girardeau, employee of Missouri Utilities Co., sustains slight fracture of skull while working with other Jaycees on new golf course on Perryville Road; Fesler is struck full in forehead by railroad tie.

Preparations continue at Arena Park for opening of SEMO District Fair tomorrow; steady stream of entries Saturday and today prompts Mrs. Clarence Suedekum, entry clerk, to suggest that this year's fair may shatter all records for number of exhibitors.

75 years ago: Sept. 12, 1929

Cape Girardeau police throw guard around highways leading into this city in effort to trap man and woman bandits, who are reported to be speeding this way after stealing automobile from man this morning seven miles north of Puxico; bandits, at point of guns, force R.L. Goforth, 28, a farmer, to get out of his Durant coach and, after shooting at him, take car and speed northward.

Remonstrance to paving of North Boulevard from Normal Avenue to Dunklin Avenue has been filed with city council.

-- Sharon K. Sanders