25 years ago: May 15, 1980

The old paper ballot voting system is a thing of the past, at least as far as most elections in Cape Girardeau County are concerned; the county court decides to purchase punch-card voting system equipment from Standard Printing Co. of Hannibal, Mo., at a cost of $45,997; the equipment includes 200 vote recorders, 48 demonstrator units, and the computer system necessary to tabulate the votes.

Negotiations have been completed for the J.C. Penney Co. to become a part of West Park Mall by building a huge department store facility as one of the anchor stores of the mall; the big store will have approximately 105,000 square feet of floor space.

50 years ago: May 15, 1955

The discovery of the wreckage of a C-45 twin engine airplane, piloted by Lt. Col. Francis J. Carlson of Dexter, Mo., which had been missing since Friday night, brings to an end an organized search which included 55 aircraft manned by 150 men and women operating out of headquarters set up at the Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport; Carlson was killed in the crash, northeast of St. Louis, Mo.

The Jaycee Public Golf Course is formally opened to the public in a ceremony at the starter house; about 500 people are on hand for the ceremony.

75 years ago: May 15, 1930

Establishment of a government rifle range in the immediate vicinity of Cape Girardeau for the use of the National Guard units in this area has been authorized by the federal government, and a site for the range will be selected at once; sites for the proposed range are being viewed on Gordonville and Bloomfield roads and on Highway 61, it is reported.

Burglars raided six homes last night in Cape Girardeau, securing a gold watch valued at $55 and about $40 in cash, all of the loot coming from the home of W.L. Nichols, 545 S. Middle St.; the other homes entered were on South Middle and South Lorimier streets.

100 years ago: May 15, 1905

A new hearse, perhaps the finest in the West, arrives and is placed in commission by the new undertaking firm of Hoch & Brinkopf on Main Street; the car is a beautiful piece of work; it was exhibited at the World's Fair and won the prize; an expensive set of harness and two splendid horses will complete the outfit.

Having finished publication of the souvenir edition for the big drummers' meeting, The Daily Republican is preparing to publish a city directory; Major D.B. Casteel will be in charge of the work.

-- Sharon K. Sanders