Out of the past 2/3/02

10 years ago: Feb. 3, 1992

Cape Girardeau Public Works Department defends its solid-waste and recycling efforts against criticism launched against program since its inception last fall; Councilman Doug Richards questions whether state solid waste law actually mandates efforts to reduce wastes, or merely "suggests" them.

City Council rescinds action it took last month and votes unanimously to forward to Convention and Visitors Advisory Board eight proposals for use of excess tourism funds; at its Jan. 22 meeting, council approved motion directing city staff to determine if tourism funds could finance city's Convention and Visitors Bureau and construction of sports complex at Shawnee Park, while allowing year's Show Me Center bond payment in reserve.

25 years ago: Feb. 3, 1977

Major crime reported in Cape Girardeau declined last year from 1975 by 8 percent, but array of less serious offenses reported to police increased by 15 percent, Cape Girardeau Police Department's annual report shows; net effect was 5 percent increase in all reported crime in city in 1976.

Cape Girardeau observes an anniversary - its fourth week with snow still on ground; but with warmer temperatures past two days, there is glimmer of spring around corner; today is warmest day since Dec. 27, when it was comfortable 60 degrees; at 11 a.m., official reading at airport is 41 degrees, although thermometers on Broadway read 48 degrees at same time.

50 years ago: Feb. 3, 1952

Robbery suspect forced revolver against body of State Highway Patrol Trooper J.W. Wright last night at Sikeston and pulled trigger several times; pistol failed to fire; incident was part of search for man believed to have staged three daring holdups in Sikeston area same night.

John Burroughs High Bombers, only undefeated high school team in state prior to last night, had its string of 15 victories broken at Houck Field House by Puxico Indians, 69-58, before packed house, with many having only standing room; victory was Puxico's 23rd against two defeats; Bombers played without services of their 6 foot 2 center, Bill McCarthy, who scored 24 points in previous defeat of Puxico; but, too, Indians played without regular guard, Carroll Cookson; both were out with injuries.

75 years ago: Feb. 3, 1927

Traffic on Highway 61 in immediate vicinity of Cape Girardeau is heavier than on any other highway in Southeast Missouri, according to survey made by State Highway Commission during summer months; survey shows that during two summer months average of 1,952 cars traveled on this highway in Cape Girardeau vicinity in 24-hour period.

Students at Cape Girardeau Teachers College would be required to pay annual tuition fees amounting to $100, if bill, presented at General Assembly by Sen. W.R. Painter, is adopted; tuition is now about $60 per year.

- Sharon K. Sanders