Out of the past 12/26/03

10 years ago: Dec. 26, 1993

The Rev. Simon Perkins, native of Evansville, Ind., is new pastor at St. James A.M.E. Church; Perkins has served 40 years as pastor in African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Ohio and New York.

Seven Southeast Missouri State University students will serve legislative internships in Jefferson City next semester: Dylan Dunavan, Angel Woodruff, Shelia Higgs, Karen Golden, Tonya Scherer, Kimberly Green and Nathan Green.

25 years ago: Dec. 26, 1978

Thirty-fourth annual University High Classic tips off in morning at Houck Field House.

Charleston, Mo. -- Former Missouri Gov. Warren E. Hearnes, in compromise with Internal Revenue Service, agrees to pay $3,087 in back federal income taxes; IRS had originally sought $15,500.

50 years ago: Dec. 26, 1953

Hard freeze made ice surface of lagoon at Capaha Park just right for skating yesterday.

Frisco Railroad, with bow to nostalgic souls who miss steam whistles, is replacing raucous horns on its diesel engines with mechanical whistles designed to give them pleasing sound of old steam device.

75 years ago: Dec. 26, 1928

With fair weather and temperature far above seasonal average, Christmas observance in Cape Girardeau this year lacked some of zest naturally occasioned by colder weather, but celebrations in churches, homes and at social functions were carried out successfully.

George W. Cross, who was largely responsible for sale of one section of Cape Girardeau Northern Railroad to Missouri Pacific, was allowed $10,000 for his services as receiver of road by Judge O.A. Knehans in Common Pleas Court Monday.

-- Sharon K. Sanders