Out of the past 12/18/03

10 years ago: Dec. 18, 1993

A bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson would provide for complete economic deregulation of the trucking industry at the state level, which proponents say could save consumers $5 billion to $12 billion annually.

Talk show host and Cape Girardeau native Rush Limbaugh appeared on last night's "Late Show with David Letterman" in New York City.

25 years ago: Dec. 18, 1978

About 50 members of the National Guard's 135th Engineering Division based in Cape Girardeau will be training in Europe next spring; it is part of a Department of Defense strategy to train U.S. reserve troops to fight in Europe in the event of war between North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries and Communist bloc nations.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- A fire sweeps through the mobile home of a Perryville couple, killing their 3-year-old son and hospitalizing the mother; dead is Fred Zickuhr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Zickuhr.

50 years ago: Dec. 18, 1953

Moving to exercise options for the purchase of ground in the west part of the city for use by new industries, letters are placed in the mail by A.W. Zimmer Jr., chairman of a recent industrial campaign, requesting firms and individuals to redeem pledges to make payments before end of year; money will be used to acquire land adjacent to Arena Park.

75 years ago: Dec. 18, 1928

Charles L. Harrison of Cape Girardeau has been elected vice-president of the Automobile Club of Missouri, filling a vacancy caused by a recent resignation.

Lighted Christmas trees on lawns in front of buildings and private homes are to be seen in Cape Girardeau this year.

-- Sharon K. Sanders