Out of the past 2/20/04

10 years ago: Feb. 20, 1994

Carol Roth of Cape Girardeau presents slide program of mission work being conducted in Ghana, West Africa, at Hanover Lutheran Church; her son-in-law, the Rev. Carl Rockrohr, is serving as missionary of Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to Konkumba people.

Second District Cape Girardeau County Associate Commissioner E.C. Younghouse has decided not to seek re-election to another two-year term this year; Younghouse became associate commissioner in February 1987, when longtime Commissioner Ronnie Fischer resigned to become city manager of Cape Girardeau.

25 years ago: Feb. 20, 1979

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Board appointed by Perry County Circuit Court at request of Sheriff Gerald Pingle has issued report citing several prisoner complaints concerning operation of county jail; one member said he and two other members witnessed one incident that prompted complaint -- the chaining of 19-year-old prisoner to water heater.

Illmo Board of Aldermen is informed that proposal for zoning regulation is near completion and should be ready to go into effect in next few months.

50 years ago: Feb. 20, 1954

Rolling in on gusty gales, huge clouds of dust stirred up in Texas and Oklahoma yesterday by 80-mile-per-hour winds spreads dirty pall over Cape Girardeau in morning, abating as day progresses; filter-fine particles sting the nose and eyes and leave gritty taste in the mouth.

New trash dumping ground seems to be forming, and within stone's throw of Cape Girardeau County's pride and glory -- Ten Mile Garden; area is on that portion of Old Jackson Road leading to County Home, on east side of the Home.

75 years ago: Feb. 20, 1929

Gripped by cold weather, Girardeans have no relief from sleet and snow which blankets this entire section, but slight relief is promised by weather bureau for tomorrow; mercury, which started dropping late yesterday, falls to low of 8 degrees.

Steamer Cape Girardeau is due to arrive in Cairo, Ill., today on her return trip from Mardi Gras festivities at New Orleans and will remain there for several days until ice in river is sufficiently cleared to permit boat travel.

-- Sharon K. Sanders