Out of the past 2/14/04

10 years ago: Feb. 14, 1993

Whether Notre Dame High School expands or new facility is built, high school will remain strictly Catholic, says Bishop John Leibrecht; bishop says some change at school is on way, probably within two years.

Cape Girardeau school board approves way high school senior pictures are provided for yearbook, ending long-standing dispute between school and some photographers.

25 years ago: Feb. 14, 1979

Ongoing tree-planting program for Cape Girardeau covering eight-year plan of development is unveiled by Chamber of Commerce; plan involves private property and encouragement of residents to undertake comprehensive program of planting designated trees each year.

Day after day, residents of North Clark are finding it increasingly difficult to avoid bumps and potholes on their deteriorating street.

50 years ago: Feb. 14, 1954

Raging fire that burned over wide area of grass and underbrush in Cape Rock sector and seven other grass and weed fires fanned by high winds provided Cape Girardeau firefighters with harassing weekend; Cape Rock fire was reported just before noon Saturday and was set by resident of area to burn off small patch.

Robert F. Thomas, member of St. Louis Boy Scout staff, has accepted position with Southeast Missouri council as district executive for Pemiscot and South districts.

75 years ago: Feb. 14, 1929

Christian Stein, at 103 years old the oldest man in Cape Girardeau County and possibly all of Southeast Missouri, dies at his home in Jackson; Stein was born May 21, 1825, in Brockenem, Wurttemburg, Germany; he was weaver before coming to America at age 29, where he became a miller.

New coffee grinder, having capacity of 30 pounds per minute, has been installed by Dempsey Grocer Co.; machine stand more than six feet tall and is operated by electric motor.

-- Sharon K. Sanders