Out of the past 2/9/03

10 years ago: Feb. 9, 1993

It's official; Cape Girardeau Board of Education voted last night to take to voters $25 million bond package that includes two new school buildings, addition to Jefferson Elementary School, earthquake resistance, air conditioning and electrical updates for existing buildings; school officials say tax increase of 72 cents would retire bonds.

A $1 million capital fund drive now complete, Salvation Army will begin construction of its new headquarters in May or June; campaign, which began in March 1992, was headed by co-chairmen Fred R. and Judy Wilferth.

25 years ago: Feb. 9, 1978

Charges of felonious stealing against four members of what is believed to be gypsy clan have been dismissed after Chicago attorney arranged to make restitution to three Missouri businesses they allegedly took money from Sunday; Prosecuting Attorney Bradshaw Smith dismissed charges yesterday after attorney, who said he represented the "King of the Gypsies," arranged to pay $4,827 to businesses -- two in Cape Girardeau county and one in Jefferson County.

Wolf Lake, Ill. -- Shawnee School District officials present their case for support of referendum increasing district's tax levy by 18 percent to gathering of about 45 people, who voice no opposition to proposal.

50 years ago: Feb. 9, 1953

Chief of police Irvin Richmond is appointed to three-year term as commissioner of Cape Special Road District, replacing Fred A. Groves, veteran of 20 years service and its chairman for number of years, at joint meeting of Cape Girardeau City Council and county court at Jackson.

Luther Hahs, science teacher at Central High School, is elected president of Jaycees at organization's regular meeting; he succeeds Earl Kirchhoff, operator of bakery and doughnut business; Dr. Francis Rigdon is chosen vice president.

75 years ago: Feb. 9, 1928

R.R. Bedwell of Oak Ridge was appointed county highway engineer by county court at executive session in Jackson yesterday; he succeeds John Lucht, who was both county engineer and surveyor during past year; Bedwell was chosen from group of 10 applicants and was selected entirely on basis of qualifications.

W.F. Bergmann of Cape Girardeau has been reappointed by county court as member of Cape Girardeau Special Road District commission, to serve term of three years; H.W. Bohnstedt of Delta has also been selected as commissioner for that road district.

-- Sharon K. Sanders