Out of the past 3/12/04

10 years ago: March 12, 1994

Cape Girardeau voters will likely face another contentious election over fate of riverboat gambling in city; city attorney Warren Wells says that although no plans for third city election on issue are solidified, it's a strong possibility.

First phase of 12th and largest-ever expansion project at Southeast Missouri Hospital -- $19 million Clinical Services Building -- will be showcased during series of special open house ceremonies.

25 years ago: March 12, 1979

Five reported cases of spinal meningitis in Cape Girardeau and Perry counties past two months have put public health officials on alert, but they emphasize there are no signs of disease reaching epidemic proportions.

Fifty members of National Guard's 135th Engineer Group, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, based in Cape Girardeau, will be airlifted to West Germany later this month for overseas training; unit will conduct minimum of 88 hours of training.

50 years ago: March 12, 1954

State lifts rabies quarantine in effect in Cape Girardeau County since Feb. 1, but orders that dogs and cats continue to bear tags as evidence of vaccination and that owner have certificate of vaccination on hand; quarantine had required that all dogs and cats be confined.

Cape Girardeau's general revenue fund perked up a bit in February, gaining $13,257.16 in its balance on hand over that registered on monthly financial statement for February 1953; increased balance came from three-cent raise given general revenue fund when tax rate was set last fall, two cents having been lopped off public library fund and penny from municipal band fund.

75 years ago: March 12, 1929

An appeal to Missouri Highway Commission to officially route and designate direct road between Cape Girardeau and Poplar Bluff as state highway is presented to commission at Jefferson City; commission is holding hearings this week to lay out additional 300 miles of state highways as provided under terms of $75 million bond issue adopted by voters last November.

- Sharon K. Sanders