10 years ago: Sept. 3, 1992

City council Tuesday unanimously approved placing on Nov. 3 election ballot issue of whether to switch from at-large council elections to zone representation; there was no discussion by council members on ordinance to place issue - prompted by citywide petition drive - on ballot.

Chester, Ill. - Yearlong effort to repaint and renovate Chester, Ill., bridge over Mississippi River is expected to begin in January; while work is in progress, traffic over two-lane bridge will be reduced to single lane.

25 years ago: Sept. 3, 1977

Dexter - Weight of public sentiment expressed yesterday at hearing on proposed Corps of Engineers' plan for channelizing portion of St. Francis River near Fisk was strongly against it; previously unheard support of plan did emerge, along with new opposition from downstream Dunklin County landowners and one farmer who came from Rector, Ark.

If final agreement is reached on municipal operation of Jaycee Public Golf course, city officials say they will make extensive effort to upgrade facility; city council members yesterday unanimously agreed to lease course; that places question in hands of rank-and-file members of Jaycee organization, who will vote Sept. 12.

50 years ago: Sept. 3, 1952

Big tents are going up in Arena Park, and construction is begun of 500-foot oak fence in front of grandstand to protect spectators from high-powered racing cars; both activities are part of preparations for opening of District Fair Monday; in addition, telephones are being installed, few stretches of road not paved are being oiled, and one-mile racing track is being put into condition.

Preparing for winter season and inauguration soon of evening hours three nights a week, Public Library is having new roof and new heating system installed; roof and new flashing are being placed by Otto Deimund & Sons, while Likens Heating Co. is installing dual gas-oil heating unit in former furnace; combined jobs will cost about $1,300.

75 years ago: Sept. 3, 1927

Organization of fife and drum corps by members of American Legion post is being contemplated, and it is hoped to have plans under way for band within few days; while such organization could be used for state convention of Legion here next year, it is being formed primarily for civic purposes and to be used at all celebrations of public character.

Total purses offered for horse races at this year's Cape County Fair beginning Sept. 28 will be $3,300, with $300 purses and added money for each races; speed ring will be under supervision of Ben Green.

- Sharon K. Sanders