Out of the past 2/2/03

10 years ago: Feb. 2, 1993

Cape Girardeau residents who lock themselves out of vehicles will no longer be able to summon help of police department; at last night's meeting, city council unanimously voted to approve contract with Seabaugh's Auto Repair to provide city vehicle lockout service for $15 per vehicle in lieu of past policy of free police department service.

About half the 20 members of Colonial Cape Girardeau Task Force spent yesterday afternoon at St. Vincent's Seminary on information-gathering tour; task force, holding only its second meeting, is charged with finding money to buy seminary and long-term funding needed to maintain it as museum and Civil War interpretive center.

25 years ago: Feb. 2, 1978

Approval was granted last night by city council for private construction of housing complex for elderly residents whose income would qualify them for federal subsidies; development, at 609 S. Boulevard, was opposed by neighborhood residents, some of whom were concerned it might become public housing project; developer for project is Vernon Landgraf.

Richard Ryan, insurance representative and resident of Cape Girardeau for 35 years, is the second person to file as candidate for school board; first person to file his candidacy for board was Michael L. Richey, attorney with firm of Rader, Richey and Price.

50 years ago: Feb. 2, 1953

National Guard units throughout Missouri have their eyes on Co. E of Jackson, after observing monthly reports of drill attendance; company went through all four drill sessions in January without a single absence by officers or men, feat that regimental officers say hasn't happened in regiment since end of World War II.

William Matthews, 20, of Cape Girardeau sustains severe burns on his hands, forearms and chest in evening, when can of cleaning fluid explodes in his hand; Matthews is using cleaning fluid to remove spot from shirt; noticing gas stove is on, he goes to turn it off, still holding can in his hand; as he reaches stove, can explodes, throwing flaming fluid on his chest and arms; his hands are burned as he beats out fire.

75 years ago: Feb. 2, 1928

Although primary election at which Cape Girardeau will select candidates for municipal offices is little more than two months away, voters are showing no great interest in what political movements, if any, are under way; in municipal election, only three offices are to be filled: Mayor and two commissioners; at regular April election, whoever, two members of board of education and tax for operation of schools will be come up.

When Johnny Groundhog emerges from his den early in morning, he blinks dazedly at smiling sun, and true to tradition, he returns to his winter quarters to await passing of six more weeks of bad weather.

-- Sharon K. Sanders