Out of the past 3/16/04

10 years ago: March 16, 1994

SIKESTON, Mo. -- After serving seven terms in Missouri House of Representatives, Dennis Ziegenhorn has decided not to seek re-election this year; Sikeston Democrat serves 160th District, which includes Benton, New Hamburg, Kelso and part of Scott City.

In midst of blue flames and flying sparks, pieces of 19 guns fall to ground in back lot of B & B Auto Salvage in Jackson, as weapons seized by Cape Girar-deau Sheriff's Department in course of criminal investigations or during arrest of suspects are destroyed.

25 years ago: March 16, 1979

Area legislators are critical of Gov. Joseph P. Teasdale for issuing state funds to help settle St. Louis teachers' strike and applaud State Treasurer James Spainhower's action in stopping payment on check; Teasdale released $1.3 million check to St. Louis Board of Education earlier this week, which was instrumental in ending 56-day strike.

Recent high, dry winds have turned Cape Girardeau into tinderbox, and city firemen are urging residents to be cautious with even small fires until substantial rain.

50 years ago: March 16, 1954

Registrars begin checking names on petitions asking for recall from office of Mayor Manning P. Greer and Commissioner Roy Smith after city council yesterday approved the examination and the two officials served notice they will challenge any signer not a resident of address or ward shown on his registration card.

City council has proclaimed next Monday as day for all residents of Cape Girardeau County to honor county's veterans of Korean War, urging attendance at American Legion ceremony commemorating their service in evening at Houck Field House.

75 years ago: March 16, 1929

Proposal to bring natural gas to Cape Girardeau, if it can be provided more cheaply than manufactured fuel and distributed more advantageously, will be considered by city council.

Electric power will be extended from Cape Girardeau to County Home, and farm homes between will be served by Missouri Utilities Co., plant here, says utilities manager H.B. Newman.

-- Sharon K. Sanders