Out of the past 2/2/04

10 years ago: Feb. 2, 1994

Scott City Council gathered for unannounced meeting Monday night and, without news media present, discussed its plan of action regarding riverboat gambling; result of meeting was decision to put forth city ordinance at regular council meeting that would allow voters to decide whether they want riverboat gambling in Scott City.

Jack Sterrett, marketing professor, has joined race for two seats on Cape Girardeau Board of Education.

25 years ago: Feb. 2, 1979

Residents of Brookwood Subdivision are having to put up with inconvenience of unfinished road construction project; work began early in December on culvert project at intersection of Brookwood Drive and Masters Drive, making Brookwood inaccessible from Masters.

Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Director Russ Sloan terms yesterday's disclosure of investigation into recruiting activities in school's athletic department as "backhanded" and "grossly unfair."

50 years ago: Feb. 2, 1954

Three Cape Girardeau firemen -- Henry "Peck" Eaker, Raymond Glueck and Wilburn Morgan -- all of whom contend they were discharged from force by Commissioner Roy Smith, won public hearing in course of long and heated session of city council yesterday.

Mississippi River towboat Ferdinand and its two barges get under way again, after 24-hour delay caused when barges went aground on underwater sandbar off Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Feb. 2, 1929

It is reported that Missouri Pacific Railroad has reached agreement with Frisco to use portion of Gulf line in extending its branch into Cape Girardeau; construction work will start immediately on building connecting line near Illmo.

Groundhog, awaking from his winter slumbers, sees his shadow and rushes back to his den, predicting six more weeks of cold weather.

-- Sharon K. Sanders