25 years ago: March 7, 1985

Sam Walton, founder of the Wal-Mart chain of discount stores, yesterday received the Southeast Missouri State University's Marketing Achievement Award; Walton was the keynote speaker at the university's 1985 Marketing and Small Business Seminar.

Cape Girardeau police chief Ray Johnson, speaking to the City of Roses Chapter of the American Business Women's Association, calls the recently signed seat belt law a "weak bill"; while he says he's pleased Missouri became the fifth state to pass the law, he feels it should offer more stringent penalties for violators.

50 years ago: March 7, 1960

The towns of Fornfelt and Ancell go out of existence officially and are succeeded by a new community known as Scott City; the Scott County Court, meeting at Benton, Mo., formally approves the results of the recent election when the residents of the two towns voted to consolidate.

A light snow during the night put an icy coating on streets and highways in the Cape Girardeau area and brings a warning from the State Highway Patrol that driving is dangerous.

75 years ago: March 7, 1935

The Cape Girardeau City Council is seeking to obtain rights of way for the extension and construction of North Main Street from its present terminus in the Red Star suburb to Cape Rock Drive; after right of way is secured, the construction work will be done with Federal Emergency Relief Administration labor.

The Upchurch Paint & Wallpaper Co., a wholesale and retail concern, will open its store at 116 N. Main St., on March 17; the building, owned by John H. Vogelsanger, is being remodeled; John C. Upchurch has come here from Harrisburg, Ill., to manage the store.

100 years ago: March 7, 1910

Ben Shackelford, son of Normal School Professor B.G. Shackelford, went to Poplar Bluff, Mo., yesterday, where he has accepted a position as teacher of science in the public high school.

E.M. Hobbs' new gasoline boat is riding the water of the Mississippi River and waiting for its machinery, when it will be a thing of beauty.

-- Sharon K. Sanders