25 years ago: Aug. 14, 1986

BENTON, Mo. -- Democratic Sen. John Dennis has announced he plans to seek a fourth term in 1988 after hinting two years ago he would not seek re-election.

Country singer Merle Haggard has canceled his Sept. 11 performances at the SEMO District Fair along with his other scheduled appearances this season because of health problems; replacing him at the fair here will be country musician and singer Roy Clark.

50 years ago: Aug. 14, 1961

The federal government has approved a loan to permit housing construction at State College in Cape Girardeau; the $2,500,000 loan will build six dormitory units -- three for women and three for men -- on the College Farm property.

Thirteen members of the Retail Gasoline Dealers Association urge the Cape Girardeau City Council not to impose a projected one-cent gasoline tax increase; this method had been advocated by a special finance study committee to pay for proposed increases in employees' salaries.

75 years ago: Aug. 14, 1936

Construction work on the WPA downtown storm sewer system won't start Monday as had been tentatively scheduled; foremen haven't been named and no materials sent to the site.

Elam Vangilder and Carl Meyer, members of the pitching staff of the Capahas, have been negotiating with the Union City, Tenn., club of the Kitty League relative to the two joining that club for the remainder of the season.

100 years ago: Aug. 14, 1911

In accordance with a resolution of the Commercial Club at its last meeting, a committee has been appointed to attend to the furnishing and decorating of the club's new quarters in the Elks Building; committee members are Charles W. Stehr, William Vedder, Sam Boutin, Dr. C.G. Ruff, John Schuler and Mercer D. Wilson, president of the club.

Workers excavating for the new water main along Water Street uncover some square oak timbers at a depth of several feet that probably have been there for a half-century; years ago there was a derrick at this spot.

-- Sharon K. Sanders