Out of the past 12/3/03

10 years ago: Dec. 3, 1993

After nearly two years of wrangling over minimum property standard for Cape Girardeau, city's board of appeals yesterday turned matter over to city council; but following two-hour meeting of council and board, it's still unclear what action council will take.

County commission has voted to reduce surcharge on basic telephone bills that covers costs of 911 emergency telephone system from 15 to 8 percent.

25 years ago: Dec. 3, 1978

Trinity Lutheran Church begins series of special worship services, marking beginning of year-long celebration in observance of church's 125th anniversary; the Rev. Dr. Paul Spitz, president of Missouri District of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is guest speaker.

St. Joseph Catholic Church holds cornerstone laying ceremony for its new parish center and school.

50 years ago: Dec. 3, 1953

Letter to The Missourian from Public Buildings Service Division of General Services Administration in Kansas City says office there has no indication of any change in plans for transfer of new post office site from Common Pleas Courthouse Park.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Fire destroys Hahs Machine Shop on Highway 61 South, and William Hahs, partner in business, estimates loss is in excess of $100,000.

75 years ago: Dec. 3, 1928

New retail store of Montgomery Ward and Co. will open on Broadway about Dec. 28; new store, which is nearing completion, will be eighth such outlet placed by company in Missouri.

Two-hundred-acre island in Mississippi River, just off Marquette Cement Co. property in South Cape Girardeau, is sold by county court to company at price of $1.25 per acre.

-- Sharon K. Sanders