Out of the past 9/17/11

25 years ago: Sept. 17, 1986

A federal judge rules that Douglas Wayne Thompson, in prison for his conviction in the 1961 slaying of Cape Girardeau auxiliary police officer Herbert Goss, is being held illegally in the state penitentiary and orders his release; the judge stays the order for 30 days to give the state time to file an appeal.

If bids come in within budget, construction of a new veterans' nursing home in Cape Girardeau County will likely begin next spring.

50 years ago: Sept. 17, 1961

Member churches of the Presbytery of Potosi, Mo., gather at three churches here to commemorate the centennial of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; the various observances are held at the First Presbyterian Church, the General Baptist Church, and Christ Episcopal Church.

The SEMO District Fair comes to an end, with the highest attendance for a closing day on record; there are 5,178 persons on the grounds and 730 view the horse show at the grandstand.

75 years ago: Sept. 17, 1936

Foreclosure and sale under the hammer of the property of Centenary Methodist Church is averted by the announcement that a campaign to raise $60,000 to refund the bonded debt has been successfully completed.

Constitution Day is observed with appropriate exercises in Circuit Court at Jackson; patriotic music is provided by the Jackson High School band, and remarks are made by Judge Frank Kelly and Cape Girardeau attorney Rush H. Limbaugh.

100 years ago: Sept. 17, 1911

The Rev. G.E. Heidel, for the past three years pastor of the German Methodist church here, preaches his farewell sermon, as he is retiring from active work after a service of 33 years; he and his wife will be making their home at Durant, Miss.

John Remsburg says he will retire from the piano tuning business Jan. 1; he will probably devote his time to selling the instruments instead.

-- Sharon K. Sanders