Out of the past 1/14/03

10 years ago: Jan. 14, 1993

Although Cape Girardeau officials have joined with local citizens group to draft minimum property maintenance code, not everyone thinks measure is good idea; they'll have chance to voice their opinions Thursday at public hearing.

Lower gas prices, which people across state have enjoyed for some time, finally reach Cape Girardeau; prices have fallen from $1.06 per gallon to 94 and 95 cents per gallon.

25 years ago: Jan. 14, 1978

Grandmother who refused to be intimidated by would-be bank robber so frustrated nervous bandit yesterday that he gave up his attempt and walked away, empty-handed; Bessie L. Crawford, assistant cashier and manager of Cape Mercantile Bank's branch facility at U.S. 61 and Kurre Lane, is credited by authorities with foiling robbery.

The Women's Information Service (WISER) is hoping to provide shelter for battered women in Cape Girardeau; shelter, to be called Southeast Missouri Safe House, will be funded by Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, if, by Jan. 30, enough community support for such program is found.

50 years ago: Jan. 14, 1953

Colonel F.E. Ressegieu, U.S. district engineer in St. Louis, says President Harry Truman, in his budget message last week, asked Congress to appropriate $989,000 for initial flood protection work at Cape Girardeau; recommendation must go to House appropriations committee for approval; plans for Cape Girardeau improvement, presumably that section from Sloan's Creek to traffic bridge, are reported being made.

Beginning of tree-planting program in city parks was started this week, when 15 hard maple, oak and walnut trees were set in various places in Capaha Park; in other work park department is clearing substantial area in south end of Arena Park that will be converted into recreational area in spring; trees that were blown over by 1949 tornado, others that were damaged and some that have died are being removed.

75 years ago: Jan. 14, 1928

Fire, believed to have originated from defective wiring, is discovered in private rail car of Division Superintendent J.A. Moran of Frisco Railway; fire does little damage, but forces Moran and his assistants to leave their quarters; car was parked on switch on Water Street, when fire ignited.

Favorable weather during past week has made possible rapid progress on construction of new Hotel Marquette; forms on basement walls have been removed, and carpenters have been busy constructing forms for lower piers and first floor; additional crew is excavating for foundation at rear of building, which will be put in during coming weeks, if weather permits.

-- Sharon K. Sanders