Out of the past 3/2/04

10 years ago: March 2, 1994

Cape Girardeau City Council met Tuesday behind closed doors to iron out final details in city's process to endorse one of two riverboat gaming proposals; process will culminate Monday, when council will recommend either Boyd Gaming or Lady Luck Gaming be granted license to operate riverboat casino in Cape Girardeau.

JEFFERSON CITY -- State Rep. Mary Kasten of Cape Gir-ardeau is taking lead on Republican version of welfare reform that she says will increase responsibilities families on welfare have.

25 years ago: March 2, 1979

National Guard announces that all emergency operations in Southeast Missouri have been completed with exception of northern half of Bollinger County; all but 117 Guard troops have been released from active duty.

With filing deadline ended, 10 candidates are in races for three seats to be filled on Jackson Board of Education April 3; there had been 11 candidates, but J. Owen Cord, who was one of five seeking one-year term, withdrew from race Wednesday.

50 years ago: March 2, 1954

State College enrollment for spring term hits 1,000 mark in afternoon; yesterday, the day set aside for enrollment, 991 students registered for classes; total enrollment is expected to reach same as last term, 1,036 students.

BENTON, Mo. -- Four reorganized school districts making up a great part of Scott County are approved in special election; only one reorganization proposal fails; by narrow, 39-vote margin, districts of Oran, Perkins, Bryeans, Hooe and Bleda will remain separate.

75 years ago: March 2, 1929

City has reached agreement with three individuals for collection of garbage in Cape Girardeau this year; contracts will go to Charles Blattner, Torrence Kinder and Louise O'Howell.

Mayor James A. Barks says city council is considering plan to eliminate jog in North Frederick Street at North Street, thereby removing one of dangerous corners in city; while definite plans haven't been worked out, it is probable that some space will be taken from property on northwest and southeast corners of intersection, thus making it possible to widen street where jog is located.

-- Sharon K. Sanders