Out of the past 11/23/02

10 years ago: Nov. 23, 1992

Cape Girardeau officials have started comprehensive program to evaluate condition of every block of city street; City Manager J. Ronald Fischer says new "Payment Management Program" will enable city to set priorities for street repairs and replacements.

Former Cape Girardeau City Councilman who last month filed formal complaint against proponents of ward-style city elections issue says he believes voters were deceived into supporting measure Nov. 3; Curt Smith, who served on council from 1982-87, filed complaint with Campaign Reporting Division of Missouri secretary of state's office; state has yet to rule on complaint, which asks that election results be nullified.

25 years ago: Nov. 23, 1977

Scott City -- An 89-year-old semi-invalid woman burned to death in her home Tuesday, when her clothing was ignited by burning dish towel; body of Mrs. Cora Bell Musbach was found by her daughter, Mrs. Ruby Crabtree, in kitchen of their residence when Crabtree returned home from work in afternoon.

Perryville -- Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission has designated itself official solid waste planning and management agency for area; designation will enable agency to plan for solid waste disposal under new Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.

50 years ago: Nov. 23, 1952

The Rev. T.W. Gaines, newly appointed pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church, delivers his first sermon, although he and his family won't move to Cape Girardeau for several days; Gaines succeeds the Rev. Lawrence Parker, pastor of St. James past two years, who has been assigned to Jefferson City church.

Before large audience in Red Star Baptist Church, Charles Creibaum is ordained into ministry by ordaining council; composing council are deacons and ministers of Cape Girardeau Baptist Association; Creibaum has been called by Bethlehem Baptist Church.

75 years ago: Nov. 23, 1927

Fight between Frisco and Illinois Central railroads for passenger service between St. Louis and Memphis will develop into three-cornered affair, with Missouri Pacific as last entrant beginning Sunday night; Mo-Pac is set to inaugurate passenger service leaving St. Louis and Memphis at approximately same time as Frisco and Illinois Central fast trains.

Harland Bartholomew, who has prepared city plan for Cape Girardeau, will be in town next Tuesday and will speak that night at joint meeting of Rotary, Lions and Optimist clubs; Bartholomew will explain in detail his city plan and what it will mean for Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders