Out of the past 2/15/03

10 years ago: Feb. 15, 1993

Construction continues on building that will house Sanders Enterprises Inc., plastics recycling center on Nash Road; Harry Sanders, president of new firm, hopes plant will be operating by March 1; Sanders says he initially will employ 30 people.

Surprise, Presidents Day snowstorm dumps 12.2 inches of snow on Cape Girardeau and similar amounts elsewhere in area, disrupting business, travel and school.

25 years ago: Feb. 15, 1978

Effects of longest coal strike in nation's history are reaching from mine fields into Southeast Missouri in form of industrial curtailment and, if settlement doesn't come soon, higher electric costs to some consumers; Noranda Aluminum Inc., near Marston in New Madrid County, announces layoff of some 300 workers because strike has forced curtailment of production at plant.

Decision two weeks ago to grant special use permit to developer for construction of housing for elderly on South Boulevard has no legal standing, says city attorney Robert C. Fick; in memorandum to city council, Fick reported that special use permit can't be granted for such development with present R-1 zoning; it would have to be zoned R-3 for two-family houses.

50 years ago: Feb. 15, 1953

Bold thief snatched purse from hand of Madge Rose Boswell of Cape Girardeau in broad daylight yesterday as she walked in 100 block of South Lorimier; robber ran into Happy Hollow, wooded basin west of the street, and disappeared.

Sikeston -- Sikeston voters will ballot Tuesday on proposed school bond issue of $370,000 to expand classroom accommodations in district; school board plans to build 18 elementary classrooms, hoping to have units finished by opening of fall term of school, if issue passes.

75 years ago: Feb. 15, 1928

Cape Girardeau County Court at its meeting in March will appoint members of county highway commission, which will recommend location of county highways; each major political party will be represented by two members, and each of two county districts will be equally represented.

Wearing hip boots and riding for part of time in wagon, three judges of county court yesterday inspected portion of road between Gordonville and Allenville, route of which it is proposed to change; Judges James A. Kinder, W. J. Kies and Charles Sievers donned their rubber boots and took to wagon at Gordonville, from where they inspected that portion of road they found accessible.

-- Sharon K. Sanders