Out of the past 9/30/08

25 years ago: Sept. 30, 1983

The Missouri and Illinois transportation departments have proposed that a uniform 40 mph speed limit be established on the Mississippi River bridge here in an effort to reduce accidents on the narrow structure; currently, the speed limit is 45 mph on the Illinois side and 30 mph on the Missouri side.

The Southeast Missouri Regional Port facility will receive a federal grant of $1 million to develop a public terminal dock and water system.

50 years ago: Sept. 30, 1958

The Cape Girardeau School Board has approved a contract for bread purchases for the school cafeterias at a price of 16 cents per loaf; the supply will come from the Bunny, Harts and Honey Crust companies; also the milk supply was contracted at 4.5 cents per bottle, with Pevely, Midwest and Sunny Hill dairies suppling the product.

The Mississippi River Commission will be in Cape Girardeau early Thursday to start its annual low-water inspection trip of the river to New Orleans.

75 years ago: Sept. 30, 1933

A municipal electric light plant and distribution system, designed to meet the present and future needs of Cape Girardeau, will cost $685,200; this figure is given in a report filed with the city council by Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. of Kansas City, Mo., which conducted a survey of the city.

The Jackson High School Indians ushered in their football season at home yesterday by blanking the Fornfelt High Bearcats 21-0.

100 years ago: Sept. 30, 1908

Last week's Jackson Homecomers proved to be an unquestioned success; visitors came long distances to greet old friends and visit the scenes of their former homes; thousands were attracted to the county seat every day of the celebration; they delighted in a program of national and state speakers, band concerts, dress parades by the Sixth Regiment, balloon ascensions and parachute leaps, the dedication of the new courthouse and the unveiling of a monument commemorating the deeds of a gallant soldier.

The sports are now going duck hunting every day, and some fine eating is to be had by the successful ones.

— Sharon K. Sanders