25 years ago: Aug. 13, 1985

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Details of a consolidation plan for the merger of Marble Hill and Lutesville, Mo., are being hammered out on an "issue by issue basis" with members of a reorganization committee working toward a self-imposed deadline early next month.

Despite funding problems, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hasn't dropped its plans for a $24 million flood protection project along Cape LaCroix and Walker creeks, says U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson; he met with city and business leaders Monday and said the project is still on the Corps' list.

50 years ago: Aug. 13, 1960

After 4 1/2 years of construction covering a length of Mississippi River from Sloan's Creek to the traffic bridge, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers yesterday said the last outstanding contract on floodwall construction is completed; a gap still remains in the protection area from a point opposite the shoe factory to the Sinclair Oil Co. bulk plant.

The Army Reserve Unit of Cape Girardeau departs by chartered bus for two weeks of engineer training at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin; in charge of the unit is 1st Lt. M.J. Rickard.

75 years ago: Aug. 13, 1935

Mary Pruente, who is soon to leave Cape Girardeau to make her home in St. Louis, has made a gift of $5,000 to St. Mary's Catholic Church, the parish her brother, the Rev. Eberhardt Pruente, pastored for more than 50 years; the gift will be applied to the parish debt, which stands at around $12,000.

A Kroger store, which has been in the Kilgore Building at 1133 Broadway for the past 10 years, is moved into a new location at 1205 Broadway.

100 years ago: Aug. 13, 1910

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A big force of men is employed here readying the fairgrounds for the first annual Tri-County Fair, which will be held Sept. 28 to Oct. 1; a track has been made, a large amphitheater is rapidly taking form, and a grandstand will be started at once.

The Rev. Allan D. Rankin of Illmo is in Cape Girardeau on game warden business; he was recently appointed a deputy and is said to be after several illegal fishermen, who are supposed to be catching too many eels out of the river at the foot of Broadway.

Featured in "Men of Affairs" is J.W. Stausing.

-- Sharon K. Sanders