Out of the past 2/28/02

10 years ago: Feb. 28, 1992

Charleston - Former Missouri First Lady Betty Hearnes has decided to seek seat in state Senate being vacated by retiring Sen. John Dennis; Hearnes, former member of Missouri House and one-time candidate for governor, says she will base her candidacy on her legislative experience, background in education, efforts to promote economic development and long record of service in Missouri.

Cape Girardeau police are grappling with string of burglaries they say is worst they have seen in seven to 10 years; more than 60 commercial burglaries have occurred in city since late December.

25 years ago: Feb. 28, 1977

Marble Hill - Status of three Bollinger County deputy sheriffs hangs in limbo pending decision by circuit judges who ordered their hiring last month; Circuit Judges Stanley A. Grimm and A.J. Seier, both of Cape Girardeau, ordered hiring of three additional deputies to provide round-the-clock staffing of Bollinger County Jail.

Two special guests will speak this year when Southeast Missouri Teachers Association convenes for 101st annual session on campus of Southeast Missouri State University; meeting scheduled for next Thursday and Friday will feature Orson Bean, nationally known television favorite, and Grady Nutt, humorist.

50 years ago: Feb. 28, 1952

Invitation will be extended by Cape County Bar Association to Patrick J. Hurley, former secretary of war, to speak at meeting this spring to which lawyers from district will be invited.

Cattle buyers from six states paid total of $19,045 for 47 head of purebred Shorthorn cattle at second annual MAKIT Shorthorn show and sale at F.F.A. Building at Arena Park yesterday.

75 years ago: Feb. 28, 1927

House of Representatives at Jefferson City, in considering educational appropriations measure, takes scissors to request for Cape Girardeau Teachers College; lawmakers approve appropriation of $392,600 for local college, reduction of $28,049 over recommendations of appropriations committee.

M.D. Thacker, local contractor, breaks his left leg just above ankle when piece of iron, a motor block, which he is attempting to load into truck, falls on him.

- Sharon K. Sanders