Out of the past 2/18/02

10 years ago: Feb. 18, 1992

Three state senators from Southeast Missouri say they'll vote for House-passed version of increase in Missouri fuel tax when it comes before Senate today; senators - John Dennis, D-Benton, Jerry Howard, D-Dexter, and Danny Staples, D-Emmindence - say they are committed to voting for measure.

Marble Hill - Bollinger County Sheriff's Department will add third deputy to its force next month; after operating with sheriff and two deputies for several years, hiring third deputy was approved by county commissioners earlier this year.

25 years ago: Feb. 18, 1977

Stephen C. Herbst has purchased controlling interest in Missourian Litho and Printing Co., 500 William Street, and has become president of firm; Herbst, who held interest in firm owned by his mother, the late Mrs. Lambert Drury, acquired interests held by Mrs. Virginia Johnson and by William F. Stehr.

Field of candidates running for city council expands to seven with filing of Mrs. Loretta Fuerth Schneider; other candidates for March 22 primary are Gary Koch, Judith Dzur, Bob White, Max James, Fred Kaempfer and Randy Morse.

50 years ago: Feb. 18, 1952

Issue of city manager government versus commission form will be decided by Cape Girardeau voters tomorrow, when they go to polls to ballot on adoption of manager plan to replace the latter, which has been in service since aldermanic system was abandoned in 1918; it will take majority vote to carry issue.

Fire destroys residence at 617 Independence and renders homeless family of three adults and nine children which had lost another home in fire only three months ago; six-room dwelling was owned by G.W. Tines and was occupied by Mrs. Lora Bledsoe, her two children, and her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. James Hunt, and their seven children.

75 years ago: Feb. 18, 1927

Electrical and wind storm, which in some sections of Southeast Missouri assumed threatening proportions, swept over this district last night, causing damage in some localities; lightning caused fire which destroyed New Madrid Gin Co., plant at New Madrid, with loss estimated in excess of $50,000.

New gas plant, being constructed by Missouri Utilities Co., in North Cape Girardeau, is rapidly nearing completion and will be in operation by early March; plant will greatly increase present gas facilities, says Manager H.B. Newman.

-- Sharon K. Sanders