Out of the past 9/5/04

10 years ago: Sept. 5, 1994

Labor Day. Morning rains aren't enough to ruin everyone's holiday activities; for most people, rains just delay barbecue until afternoon.

KFVS-TV raises $305,247 -- $6,790 more than last year -- during its annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon.

25 years ago: Sept. 5, 1979

Air Illinois, which began passenger service in Cape Girardeau eight years ago, has restructured its system by eliminating all but eight cities, which it defines as "primary targets" and includes Cape Girardeau; other cities in restructured plan are Carbondale, Chicago, Quincy and Springfield in Illinois; Memphis, Tenn.; Paducah, Ky., and St. Louis.

Spokesman for Cape Girardeau Cable TV tells city council a $2.07 increase in monthly service charge is necessary to offset cost overrun brought about by inflation; monthly rate would go to $7.95, if council approves increase.

50 years ago: Sept. 5, 1954

General Baptist Church of Arbor celebrates its 12th anniversary; church, organized in 1942, has increased its membership from 17 charter members to 80, in building constructed almost entirely by members themselves.

Large number of costumed youngsters participate in parade, part of Labor Day festivities; boys are dressed as cowboys, and girls bring along their dolls.

75 years ago: Sept. 5, 1929

Mississippi River begins to fall again early in day, after holding stationary throughout yesterday; stage at Cape Girardeau is 10 feet, lowest it has been this season.

Bringing relief to drought-stricken section, rain of more than half-inch falls on Cape Girardeau and district; rain is culmination of more than three weeks of warm, dry weather.

-- Sharon K. Sanders