Out of the past 3/16/02

10 years ago: March 16, 1992

Jackson - Jackson craft store and adjoining apartment were heavily damaged in fire yesterday morning; cause of blaze isn't known, but state fire marshal's office is investigating; fire began in stairwell in basement of building and spread throughout; The Craft Gallery and Country Store, 110 West Mary, was heavily damaged by fire and smoke.

In speech Sunday announcing his candidacy for Missouri Senate, Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau pledged to wage aggressive campaign against big government

25 years ago: March 16, 1977

Developers of Westborough Mall have requested special meeting with city council to go over plans for regional shopping center they plan to construct off Route K; meeting will be held March 29 at City Hall; about 90 stores are expected to be in 711,000-square-foot mall.

Trinity Lutheran Church congregation has named new senior pastor to replace the Rev. Oscar A. Gerken, who served church 13 years; the Rev. Paul H. Jilg, who became associate pastor of Trinity on June 6, 1976, was selected unanimously at voters meeting to serve as senior pastor.

50 years ago: March 16, 1952

W.A. McClain, 101 N. Boulevard, sustained fractures of both ankles yesterday morning, when scaffold on which he was working collapsed and he fell 16 feet; McClain was plastering elevator shaft in home under construction near Jackson.

Puxico's hard-driving forward, Grady Smith, amid din of approval of more than 2,800 fans in packed Houck Field House, received The Missourian's trophy as Most Valuable Player Award at conclusion of Class B basketball tournament.

75 years ago: March 16, 1927

With annual school election, at which two members of Board of Education are to be elected, only three weeks away, candidates for these places are conspicuous by their absence; George L. Meyer, president of board, and John F. Neal, both of whom have been members for 10 years, have definitely announced that they won't be candidates for re-election; no one has filed for open spots.

More than 100 lumber dealers of Southeast Missouri register for annual convention, which opens in afternoon at Hotel Idan-Ha.

- Sharon K. Sanders