Out of the past 1/3/02

10 years ago: Jan. 3, 1992

St. Louis - Fears that critical shortage of fresh produce might develop later this month because of whitefly infestation in California and Arizona were discounted this week by St. Louis produce distributor; in fact, produce brokers and distributors now say supplies and quality of produce in area food stores should improve as prices return to near-normal winter levels.

St. Francis Medical Center's new president is proposing joint planning committee between hospital and its cross-town counterpart, Southeast Missouri Hospital.

25 years ago: Jan. 3, 1977

Going back to work after big New Year's weekend is always hard, but it is especially rough for Girardeans who must battle slippery streets this morning; weekend weather was notable also for first sub-zero temperatures since 1973 and lowest Mississippi River stage since 1967; residents this morning awake to find first measurable snow of season, total of .7 of an inch.

Perryville - Bond referendum for this city's $170,000 matching funds for improvements to Perryville Municipal Airport is expected by early spring; on Friday, Gov. Christopher S. Bond announced that U.S. Department of Transportation grant of $1.7 million will be available for lengthening runway here.

50 years ago: Jan. 3, 1952

Ice-encrusted Southeast Missouri, two days of freezing rain behind it, begins hard trip toward recovery from most severe winter storm in many years, perhaps worst in history as report after report of damage filters in from isolated areas; localized storms have done comparable damage in past, but none has ever been so widespread.

East Prairie - Explosion of high octane gasoline that blows up four of five large storage tanks of Simpson Oil Co. in morning, fatally burns driver of gasoline transport truck and destroys four small frame dwellings, garage and tavern and dance hall; man killed is William J. Upton, 50, of New Madrid.

75 years ago: Jan. 3, 1927

Judge O.A. Knehans in Common Pleas Court upholds right of bank to pledge collateral for certificates of deposit issued to secure public money, in decision that has been awaited with wide interest in banking circles throughout state; under terms of ruling, state finance department will be unable to recover about $60,000 in collateral notes put up by now closed Bank of Oran to secure $50,000 certificate of deposit issued to Little River Drainage District five years ago.

City Council appoints H.F. Wickham, veteran member of Cape Girardeau police force and for some time serving as night captain, to position of chief.

- Sharon K. Sanders