Out of the past 2/24/03

10 years ago: Feb. 24, 1993

Rising admission standards at Southeast Missouri State University are drawing mixed reactions, with some educators saying it will benefit students and others that it will limit access; some high school guidance counselors worry that tougher requirements will close door to college education, particularly for those in Cape Girardeau region where there is no community college within easy driving distance.

Jefferson City -- Four Missouri representatives have asked Division of Aging to conduct limited "Operational Management Review" of Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging office; request was made because of concerns several legislators have about operations of SEMO Area office.

25 years ago: Feb. 24, 1978

Norman H. Weiss, chairman of Cape Girardeau County Planning and Zoning Commission since its inception in 1973, resigned Thursday, saying he wants to devote time to other things; his resignation was submitted to county court, which asked him to make recommendation on successor to fill out four-year term to which he was re-appointed in December 1976.

It doesn't exactly call for shirtsleeves or dusting off old golf clubs, but today's weather breaks dismal trend and offers hope that winter may end after all; for first time in 47 days, official temperature at Cape Girardeau tops 40-degree mark; Municipal Airport reports reading of 44 degrees, warmest day community has experienced since Jan. 7, when mercury hit 47 degrees.

50 years ago: Feb. 24, 1953

A 2,400-foot solid stone dike in Mississippi River, which will save government about $130,000 dredging costs every year, should be completed by Army Corps of Engineers about March 15 in Devil's Island Reach of river at Kinney Point, about 6 7/10-miles upstream from Cape Girardeau traffic bridge; dike will divert flow of river during low-water stages from chute which river has carved on Missouri side opposite windy bar; flow will be steered into nine-foot navigational channel.

Oran, Mo. -- Oran City Council voted yesterday to instruct engineering firm to prepare final plans and specifications for municipal natural gas distribution system; vote was six to two on secret ballot and was latest development in two-year battle between advocates of municipally-owned system, headed by Mayor Abe Hirschowitz, and advocates of service by private utility firm.

75 years ago: Feb. 24, 1928

Twelve candidates are in race for office of city commission, record number; William A. Yount announces his intention to run for office; Yount has lived in Cape Girardeau for six years and has been resident of county 27 years; he is employed by Giboney Houck as collecting agent.

Cape Girardeau youngsters have their first chance to coast this winter, following yesterday's sleet and snowfall; many of hills in town are dotted with excited children on sleds.

-- Sharon K. Sanders