Out of the past 12/30/02

10 years ago: Dec. 30, 1992

Search for new Cape Girardeau fire chief may be over; city has extended offer to one of three candidates who were here this month for interviews with fire chief selection review board; City Manager J. Ronald Fischer declines to release name of finalist and second candidate, because finalist hasn't accepted proposal.

Cape Girardeau County Commission has formally approved application for Community Development Block Grant to help new industry in county; commission unanimously approves grant request to Missouri Division of Community and Economic Development to provide assistance for plastics recycling plant that is being constructed by Sanders Enterprises Inc.

25 years ago: Dec. 30, 1977

Renovation will begin Tuesday to convert old Lorimier School on Independence Street into offices for new Cape Girardeau City Hall; it is expected to be occupied by August; Thomas C. Holshouser, architect for project, says he will meet with two carpenters Tuesday morning to discuss how they would proceed.

Benton -- State Sen. John Dennis says he is gathering legislative support for his proposal to remove state's prison system from control of Missouri Department of Social Services; Dennis instead wants establishment of separate cabinet-level Department of Corrections, whose director would be appointed by governor and subject to Senate confirmation.

50 years ago: Dec. 30, 1952

Sale of Square Deal Variety Store, 515 Broadway, to Roy B. Heise is announced by Capt. Narvol A. Randol, who has owned and operated business since shortly after his return from service in World War II.

Roof is being erected over 50-foot-long portion of unloading platform and offices are being redecorated at Missouri Pacific Railroad freight yards on South Frederick Street; Ernest L. Robison, general agent, says platform is being roofed as inducement for more prompt unloading of cars by consignees.

75 years ago: Dec. 30, 1927

Thirty passengers, including number of women, have narrow escape when southbound motor bus of Gregory bus lines overturns on curve on Highway 61, eight miles south of Cape Girardeau; C.L. Moore of Alamo, Tenn., is most seriously hurt of passengers, sustaining severe lacerations of his head, above eyes.

Remainder of concrete for new Marquette Hotel foundation is poured; two mixing machines have been kept on job since yesterday morning, and crew of men worked until 10 that evening completing concrete work on west and south walls.

-- Sharon K. Sanders