Out of the past 9/17/02

10 years ago: Sept. 17, 1992

In effort to bring different attractions to SEMO District Fair, officials yesterday introduced new event: The Big Bull Chute-Out; event features rodeo's most popular competition -- wild bull ride; large crowd attended first-time event; in past years, fair has scheduled musical acts for entertainment Wednesday through Saturday.

Local chapter of NAACP is working with state agency to implement community-based self-employment fund that will promote opportunities for entrepreneurship among low income people; plan, known as Good Faith Fund, has worked in state of Arkansas, as well as Bangladesh.

25 years ago: Sept. 17, 1977

Rosy sunset crowns closing events for perhaps record crowd at SEMO District Fair, as two rainy opening days gave way to three-day streak of sunshine; despite dismal debut Tuesday and Wednesday, attendance totals through Friday were scant 2,000 below 1976 fair's record total -- 44,515 -- for same period; that fair, however, escaped rain altogether.

They stop football game at Houck Stadium in evening with just 34 seconds left in first half; Dr. Robert E. Leestamper, president of Southeast Missouri State University, rushes onto field to present kicker Mike Wood with game ball after Kirkwood senior boots his 52nd career field goal; goal breaks two-year-old, four-year career record established by Dave Lawson of Air Force Academy in NCAA Division I play; Indians go on to trim Delta State 24-21.

50 years ago: Sept. 17, 1952

Contractors on new Central High School have been paid total of $486,304.48 since structure was placed under contract year ago this summer; still owed by school district for work remaining under contracts is sum of $373,252.47.

Armed robbers held up Humane Society officer George Reeves at animal shelter at Arena Park last night; they relieved him of $17 and forced him to enter one of dog cages; they wired cage shut and made their getaway; bandits failed to close door of building and eight dogs escaped; Reeves, 24, has been Humane Society officer just 11 days.

75 years ago: Sept. 17, 1927

While Girardeans watch approvingly, restaurant owners are engaged in what appears to be fight over mid-day luncheon patronage; establishment of number of smaller cafes, featuring low-priced plate lunches, has resulted in free-for-all scramble for business, and meals generally have hit new low price level; announcement of 35-cent luncheon only few months ago started battle, and it has been followed by further price reductions and more "eats" for the money.

Sikeston -- Canning plant of Aiken-Sikeston Packing Co., destroyed by fire recently, won't be rebuilt; only organization of new company could affect rebuilding of plant.

-- Sharon K. Sanders