Out of the past 2/21/08

25 years ago: Feb. 21, 1983

The amount of a proposed bond issue to repair city streets, sewers and water-supplying equipment has been set at $1.5 million by the Scott City Council.

The Knights of Columbus Council 1111 of Cape Girardeau presented its annual Knight of the Year and Outstanding Woman of the Year awards Saturday to Charles Felter and Judy Griffaw, respectively.

50 years ago: Feb. 21, 1958

Towboats battling the ice pack in the Mississippi River downstream from Cape Girardeau appear to be making some headway, and contrary to expectation the gorge near the Thebes, Ill., bridge showed little change overnight; three towboats are within 100 yards of each other battling the ice in trying to open a channel at a point 15 miles north of Cairo, Ill.

Voters in a special election in the Oak Ridge School District defeat a proposal to issue bonds of $100,000 for a new school; it was the third failure of the bond issue.

75 years ago: Feb. 21, 1933

At the city council meeting last night a proposal to construct a storm sewer from the Pacific and Independence streets intersection west to Hanover Street to drain surface water from the intersection and eliminate overflows that have resulted in judgments against the city for damage to property at 20 S. Pacific St., met with defeat; commissioners Louis Wittmore and Edward Willer said they were against the measure, and Mayor Edward Drum and commissioner E.P. Ellis indicated they were for it, although no formal vote was called.

Plans are being made by the Cape Special Road District commission to build another section of the Outer Drive, from near Juden Creek on North Sprigg Street to U.S. 61.

100 years ago: Feb. 21, 1908

Mayor W.C. Patton issues orders suspending the city treasurer and city clerk; the order follows the recent investigation of they city's finances; Harry Machen, assistant cashier of Sturdivant Bank, is appointed to fill the post of city treasurer for the present; Joseph Goldbaum will service as interim city clerk.

While much of the country is suffering from storms and blizzards, Cape Girardeau is basking in sunshine, just as though it were a health resort.

-- Sharon K. Sanders