Out of the past 12/23/03

10 years ago: Dec. 23, 1993

Virus grinch may spoil Christmas; Cape Girardeau County Health Department says major increases occurred past week in several reported illnesses, including gastro-intestinal, upper respiratory illness, strep throat, pink eye and chicken pox.

Craftsman Independent Union made 400 food baskets for less fortunate people this Christmas and distributed them Wednesday at corner of Good Hope and Sprigg.

25 years ago: Dec. 23, 1978

County court has agreed to increase by $25,000 annually subsidy it pays Cape County Private Ambulance Service Inc. to provide ambulance service in county; new, two-year contract raises annual subsidy to company to $105,000.

Scott City residents will vote Feb. 6 on $2 million in bonds for water and sewage system improvements and construction of new municipal building.

50 years ago: Dec. 23, 1953

Marquette Cement Mfg. Co. announces outright purchase of Superior Cement Division of New York Coal Co., which includes plant at Superior, Ohio, and of Southern States Portland Cement Co., with its plant at Rockmart, Ga.

Ground-breaking ceremonies for Oak Ridge's new gymnasium and classroom unit to grade school and high school are conducted in afternoon.

75 years ago: Dec. 23, 1928

Christmas is appropriately celebrated by churches of Cape Girardeau with cantatas, musical programs and special services; auditorium of First Baptist Church is elaborately decorated for Christmas services.

All business houses, banks and factories will close Christmas day; Cape Girardeau won't have "white Christmas," predict weather forecasters, but day will likely be cloudy with moderate temperatures.

-- Sharon K. Sanders