Out of the past 7/26/04

10 years ago: July 26, 1994

Students returning to Nell Holcomb Elementary School north of Cape Girardeau in fall might have trouble recognizing place; that's because they'll be greeted with renovated classrooms that are air-conditioned and newly lighted.

Area Wide United Way officials have set goal of $520,000 for this year's fund drive; Ron Hopkins is general chairman of drive, which will kick off Aug. 31.

25 years ago: July 26, 1979

One-story home of Larry Russell family in Dutchtown is destroyed by fire; assistant Gordonville fire chief Roy D. Brown contends destruction might have been prevented had there not been 14-minute delay in transmission of fire call by Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department to Gordonville Volunteer Fire Department.

City of Cape Girardeau hopes next week to seek bids on long-considered disaster-warning system to become operational by start of tornado season next year.

50 years ago: July 26, 1954

Tempo of primary election campaign is expected to step up this week as candidates make their last appeal to voters before balloting next Tuesday; listless at first, campaign appears to have gained momentum during past few days, especially on Republican side where contests of eight county offices indicate there will be more than passing interest at polls.

CAMP McCOY, Wis. -- The 35th Infantry Division, made up of 9,000 National Guardsmen from Missouri and Kansas, continues its two-week training program after weekend devoted to visitors.

75 years ago: July 26, 1929

Definite location of two portions of Highway 61 between Ancell and Sikeston have been determined, and efforts will be made to secure right of way and let grading contracts this fall; location of route between Sikeston and Morley will be as nearly as possible along existing route, known as Kingshighway, variations being made where it is deemed advisable to straighten road.

Playground in Red Star suburb, obtained by Optimist Club for children of that area, has been completed and opened; playground is on vacant lot on high hill in north part of suburb.

-- Sharon K. Sanders