Out of the past 12/20/03

10 years ago: Dec. 20, 1993

Jeannie Hirsch Blaylock, television anchorwoman in Florida and formerly of Cape Girardeau, won three Emmys this year, bringing her career total to six.

For second time this month, Cape Girardeau City Council refuses to vote on proposed $1.46 per month trash-fee increase; council tables the measure until Jan. 3, when alternative funding methods and other related issues will be discussed.

25 years ago: Dec. 20, 1978

A group of about 40 city officials and residents by show of hands unanimously objected to a flood-insurance rate study and maps presented yesterday at public hearing; study would establish insurance rates within flood plain and describes floodway areas.

Cost estimates for proposed new Fire Station No. 1 are beginning to come more in line with what city had anticipated for project; total cost of proposed station at Sprigg and Independence is now between $700,000 and $800,000.

50 years ago: Dec. 20, 1953

Christmas cantata, "The Christ Child" by C.B. Hawley, is given in evening by choir of First Baptist Church at church auditorium.

East Prairie, Mo. -- Burglars get more than $9,000 in cash from safe in I.J. Falkoff department store early in morning, after using nitroglycerin to blow lock off safe; aside from $4,000 Falkoff had as reserve, funds were store receipts from Friday and Saturday, heavy days because of Christmas rush.

75 years ago: Dec. 20, 1928

Missouri Public Service Commission at Jefferson City issues order formally granting to Missouri Pacific Railroad authority to extend its line to Cape Girardeau.

U.S. government fleet of Mississippi River snagboats and barges is lying at anchor in its winter quarters in harbor in south Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders