10 years ago: Oct. 21, 1992

Southeast Missouri State University's College of Education has received national re-accreditation for five years, its first under new, tougher standards; re-accreditation was approved by Unit Accreditation Board of National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Sikeston -- Sikeston junior- and senior-high school students got unexpected vacation this week when schools were heavily damaged by fire early Tuesday morning; fires apparently were started by vandals after they broke through interior concrete walls at both locations near schools' vaults; theft was apparent motive.

25 years ago: Oct. 21, 1977

Completion of two large lots that are major steps toward solving Southeast Missouri State University student parking problem is well within sight, says Dr. A.R. Meyer, vice president for administrative services; already 200 to 300 student cars are being parked on lot at Sprigg and New Madrid and ultimately lot will handle 600 to 700 cars.

Two men will receive awards from Army Corps of Engineers Sunday aboard Motor Vessel Mississippi; C.W. Rushing, president of Missouri Barge Lines, Inc., and his son, Michael, will be cited for their work in preventing damage to corps vessels during ice jam on Mississippi River last winter.

50 years ago: Oct. 21, 1952

Greeted by friendly, cheering crowd upon his arrival and getting ear-splitting reception at Houck Field House as he launches into attack on Truman administration, Sen. Richard Nixon, Republican vice presidential nominee, brings national political campaign to Southeast Missouri in afternoon; around 4,000 people crowd into Houck to hear Nixon speak; from Cape Girardeau, Nixon flies to Springfield to continue his Missouri campaign swing.

City council yesterday approved new City Planning and Zoning Commission, replacing prior one which submitted its resignation; appointed to new board on recommendation of Mayor Manning P. Greer were William G. Maier, Martin Hecht, Thomas L. Meyer, Wayne Rust, Paul R. Williams, Barrett Walker, Charles Cofer and Anderson Jones; ninth member is E.L. Sailer, city engineer.

75 years ago: Oct. 21, 1927

Discussion of flood control for parts of Southeast Missouri took place last night when Rep. Frank R. Reid of Illinois, chairman of House flood-control committee, met with local residents at Chamber of Commerce rooms; Reid is on extensive tour of Mississippi River valley, learning particular plans each community would like to see adopted for curbing river.

With enrollment nearing 1,200 mark, second day's session of annual meeting of Southeast Missouri Teachers Association continues with addresses by prominent educators of state on program.

-- Sharon K. Sanders