Out of the past 1/7/03

10 years ago: Jan. 7, 1993

Progress on Lexington Avenue arterial project in Cape Girardeau is inching closer to major stage that is expected to open large tract of land in northern edge of city for development; it is expected that route will be connected to Old Sprigg Street Road at Melody Lane this spring; Melody Lane, now gravel road, will essentially be corridor for extension of Lexington to Highway 177.

Perryville -- Perry County Sheriff's deputy who was investigating damage to fences was shot twice Wednesday afternoon near private lake south of city; 21-year-old deputy, Keith Tarrillion, was treated at Perry County Memorial Hospital for shotgun wounds to hand, back, back of head and right side of his face; shooter has been arrested.

25 years ago: Jan. 7, 1978

One physician says influenza outbreak in area has reached "epidemic proportions," but emergency room doctors from both Cape Girardeau hospitals say disease is near its peak or may possibly have already peaked; although neither hospital is considering restricting visitors, both are heavily populated with flu patients.

Groundbreaking ceremonies are set for tomorrow afternoon at site of new permanent shelter for Humane Society of Southeast Missouri; shelter is in Cape LaCroix Industrial Park on Boutin Drive; Dr. Frank Nickell, society president, says footings will likely be dug in week at site, which is about 34,000 square feet.

50 years ago: Jan. 7, 1953

Warning that freezing rain, described as continuous and heavy, will reach this section this evening is issued by weather bureau at St. Louis in morning; forecast is specifically issued for Southern Illinois, but is expected to extend into Southeast Missouri; center of freeze is expected to be heart of fruit belt in Illinois.

Golden Troopers have voted against participating in inaugural parade for Gov.-elect Phil M. Donnelly in Jefferson City on Monday; action was taken reluctantly last night because of combination of factors; among these was roll call that showed only 30 of 48 members would be able to make trip.

75 years ago: Jan. 7, 1928

Southeast Missouri Hospital will be formally opened tomorrow afternoon for inspection by public; it will begin receiving its first patients next Tuesday; Dr. B.A. Wilkes of St. Louis will be principal speaker at Sunday's ceremonies; he is noted medical and surgical authority.

Local Carp and Co. store, 17 N. Main, has secured 20-year lease on People's Store building, 27 N. Main, and Vandivort Dry Goods Co. building, 25 N. Main; beginning Feb. 1, these buildings will be remodeled into one room, which store will then occupy.

-- Sharon K. Sanders