25 years ago: Sept. 12, 1985

The first of three "big name" entertainers takes the stage at the SEMO District Fair in the evening; Waylon Jennings and Jessie Colter appear in two shows; attendance was about 13,500 yesterday, down a bit from the same day at last year's fair.

Between $200 and $300 and 28 tickets for the Marine Band concert to help the Central High School Marching Band raise money to perform in the Fiesta Bowl were stolen from the school Monday as the band marched in the SEMO District Fair parade.

50 years ago: Sept. 12, 1960

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Highway patrol officers and all available lawmen are conducting an intensive search for a man who shot and killed chief deputy sheriff Cletis Phillips and seriously wounded Sheriff W.L. Ramsey Jr. in the morning as the two New Madrid officers were apparently attempting to make an arrest.

With the promise of blue skies and cool, comfortable weather at least for the early part of the week, the SEMO District Fair will inaugurate its one-week 1960 edition tomorrow; highlighting the day will be a talent show and beauty pageant.

75 years ago: Sept. 12, 1935

Members of the Cape Girardeau School Board disclose that the board is making an effort to secure a $45,000 grant from the Public Works Administration, which would open the way for early construction of a new building at the old Lorimier School site.

The corridors of the county courthouse in Jackson were jammed again yesterday with people 70 years or older who were applying for the old-age pension; proof of age is proving to be the biggest stumbling block for many applicants.

100 years ago: Sept. 12, 1910

H.B. Thearle, manager of the famous Pain's Fireworks Co. in Chicago, was in Cape Girardeau yesterday to consult with representatives of the fair association and a Commercial Club committee; the latter wants to have a great pyrotechnic spectacle here during fair week as a special incentive to bring people to Cape Girardeau.

Members of the First Christian Church hold their annual reception for Normal School students, and a large crowd attends; Kassel's orchestra provided the music.

-- Sharon K. Sanders