Out of the past 12/17/01

10 years ago: Dec. 17, 1991

Cape Girardeau officials hope new composting operation that will start next year will be better received by residents than city-wide recycling program implemented this year; at Monday's City Council study session, Public Works Director Doug Leslie explained new program, which will be instituted in order to comply with state law that will prohibit yard waste in landfills after Jan. 1.

Counselor has been hired to coordinate drug-abuse prevention efforts in Cape Girardeau public schools; William J. Askew Jr. will begin work as district's new substance-abuse counselor Jan. 2; he is currently counselor at St. Vincent's High School in Perryville.

25 years ago: Dec. 17, 1976

Fire that could have spread as far as city block had it not been spotted by Cape Girardeau's No. 1 firemen is confined to portion of old Rigdon Building at 22 N. Sprigg early in morning; Fire Chief Charles Mills notices smoke coming from building about 8 a.m., while he is standing on steps of Fire Station No. 1, block to south; fire is contained to basement of what is now Bargain Hound Furniture Store, but dense, black smoke from burning rolls of tar paper fills the upstairs.

First 1,000 copies of book containing 59 Bicentennial stories published in Sunday edition of The Missourian have been printed by City Bicentennial Commission; proceeds from sale of 72-page book will go toward establishment of SEMO Museum on Water street.

50 years ago: Dec. 17, 1951

New Madrid - Mrs. Bessie Preuitt Riley, 71, wife of probate Judge Harry Riley of New Madrid County, was burned to death Sunday morning in fire which destroyed couple's home; she was trapped in blaze when she tried to save some valuables from burning house.

Susanne Harbison was crowned queen at annual Sagamore Christmas ball held in Memorial Hall Saturday evening; one of four candidates, Harbison, representing Benton and Clio societies, was selected by student vote and will be featured in 1952 Sagamore.

75 years ago: Dec. 17, 1926

Professor John H. Gehrs of Teachers College agriculture department and William McElreath, college farm manager, go to Fredericktown to establish pig club in high school there; 20 registered Poland China gilts are to be turned over to club; this is eighth pig club established in eighth county in this district.

Cape Girardeau Baptists are assured real gift for Christmas; outright gift of $600 and loan of $10,000 to be used in completion of handsome new First Baptist Church edifice on West Broadway is announced by Missouri Baptist Board.

- Sharon K. Sanders