Out of the past 12/24/03

10 years ago: Dec. 24, 1993

Only about a third of $18.5 million Cape Girardeau County collector's office is charged with receiving in 1993 taxes has been taken in, which means final days of year will be busy ones for office staff.

Despite law requiring rapid cable television hookup in newly annexed areas, residents of Stonebridge subdivision are still without service; Robert Penrod, developer, has hired attorney to get city of Cape Girardeau to force TCI Cablevision of Missouri Inc. to extend service to area.

25 years ago: Dec. 24, 1978

Southeast Missouri Hospital trustees are searching for cost-saving alternatives after bids for Cancer Treatment Center were considerably higher than architect's estimate.

Funds from Protestant Chapel Fund at Naval Reserve Center have again been distributed to four organizations: Salvation Army, Teen Challenge, Christian Children's Fund and Operation Schoolhouse.

50 years ago: Dec. 24, 1953

Flames sweep through Slaner Furniture Mfg. Co., 604 Independence, in morning, destroying entire second floor and badly damaging first; John Slaner, operator of firm, estimates damage at $18,000 to $20,000; building, old Maurer Carriage and Auto repair shop, is owned by Mrs. Jake Pollack.

Golden Glove boxers are improving rapidly with approach of tournament to be held at Arena Building in January.

75 years ago: Dec. 24, 1928

Formal order of Interstate Commerce Commission, granting Missouri Pacific Railroad authority to extend its lines from Illmo to Cape Girardeau, becomes effective.

Fire of unknown origin destroys rear portion of two-story frame building occupied by College Inn, 825 Broadway, causing damage estimated at $2,000; inn was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Bushnell.

-- Sharon K. Sanders