Out of the past 7/28/04

10 years ago: July 28, 1994

Water is safe to drink, at least in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, say officials with both towns; there isn't cause for any public alarm over environmental group's report that one in five Americans drink water that isn't adequately treated for toxic chemicals, bacteria, parasites and other pollutants.

At dinner in his honor, retiring Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Norman Copeland is praised as man of character and integrity; after serving 30 years in Missouri State Highway Patrol, Copeland was sheriff of county eight years.

25 years ago: July 28, 1979

Letters have gone out from First National Bank to business firms in metro business area -- Main Street and Broadway sections -- explaining that, while main offices will be moved to building to be constructed adjacent to new West Park Mall, bank will maintain branch at its 100 Broadway location.

ILLMO-SCOTT CITY, Mo. -- For voters here, next week's consolidation election is all-or-nothing proposition; that is, voters in this recently consolidated community will either approve all eight of proposals on Aug. 7 ballot, or they will all fail.

50 years ago: July 28, 1954

ILLMO, Mo. -- Two small brothers drowned yesterday in gravel pit near their farm home after going to rescue of cousin who had gotten in trouble in water; they were James Edward Hillman, 11, and Charles Arthur Hillman, 6, sons of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Hillman, who live on farm on Benton-Commerce road.

Purple Heart is presented posthumously to Capt. Archie P. Trantham, who has been missing in action since June 5, 1952, and is presumed dead; his wife accepts medal at her home from Capt. Robert Goon, personnel officer at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

75 years ago: July 28, 1929

Six officers of Service Company 140th Infantry of Missouri National Guard, forming advance detail, leave Cape Girardeau early in day for Nevada, Mo., where they will make preliminary preparations for laying out and setting up equipment for annual encampment; other members of company will follow Wednesday.

The Rev. J.A. Bertram, pastor of Maple Avenue Methodist Church, preaches at evening union service at Common Pleas Courthouse Park; members of church conduct all features of service, including music.

-- Sharon K. Sanders