Out of the past 2/8/13

1988

U.S. Sen. John Danforth, speaking to a group of 150 supporters at the Holiday Inn in Cape Girardeau, declares he will wage an aggressive re-election campaign focusing on the federal budget deficit, international trade and foreign policy.

Raymond Pensel, coordinator of federal projects for the Cape Girardeau School District, has announced plans to retire at the end of this school year, paving the way for the district to hire a new director of elementary education.

1963

The Missouri Conservation Commission gives its final approval to the Crump lake project in west Cape Girardeau County; all indications are that the state will buy the needed land and go ahead this year with construction of the proposed fishing and recreation lake; this development apparently means a new county election won't be necessary to provide bond money for the purchase of the land.

Mississippi River boat traffic continues to be blocked between Cape Girardeau and Cairo, Ill., despite the heavy disintegration of ice Wednesday and yesterday; the gorge from Cape Rock north broke up yesterday afternoon.

1938

Reconsideration of a proposed city ordinance that would put the police and fire departments under civil service rule -- with merit to determine whether an employee remains -- is being asked of the city council by the Cape Girardeau League of Women Voters.

Robert R. Bedwell has been appointed county highway engineer by the Cape Girardeau County Court; he will succeed the late Norbert Sewing at the same salary; Bedwell isn't new to this office, having held it several years in the past.

1913

Members of the commercial club last night approved a resolution that calls for the city of Cape Girardeau to acquire the fairgrounds for a city park; it is believed the 38 acres can be purchased by the city for $35,000, including all the buildings and improvements made by the fair association; the latter has been unable to run the fair in the city at a profit.

An examiner for the federal white slave department at Washington completed a thorough inspection of Cape Girardeau yesterday and appointed Edward L. Drum, attorney, the local agent to watch conditions.

-- Sharon K. Sanders