Out of the past 3/24/08

25 years ago: March 24, 1983

First Federal Savings and Loan of Southeast Missouri announces it is merging with First Federal Heritage Savings and Loan, with offices in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, and Bonne Terre Federal Savings and Loan.

A settling gymnasium is brought to the attention of the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents; the southeast corner of the north gymnasium in the Parker Physical Education building has "sagged about three inches since it was built in the early 1960s," says Dr. A.R. Meyer, the school's vice president of administrative services.

50 years ago: March 24, 1958

A broad spread of scientific endeavors in many fields is set to go on display tomorrow at the second annual Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair at Houck Field House; around 250 junior high and high school pupils will take part in the competition.

The Bollinger County prosecuting attorney receives a state attorney general opinion stating that school district boundary lines can be voted on at any regular election; prosecutor Eugene S. Heitman requested the opinion in an effort to settle a difference between the Lutesville, Mo., and Jackson consolidated districts.

75 years ago: March 24, 1933

Means of deriving revenue from the sale of beer after it is legalized April 7 is being considered by Cape Girardeau officials; since the city cannot, under state law, levy a tax on beer, other means of reaching those who sell it are getting attention; each restaurant that sells beer can be assessed a $15 annual license.

With bids to be opened Tuesday at Illmo city hall for construction and equipment for the town's deep well, work on the improvement is expected to get underway within 10 days.

100 years ago: March 24, 1908

The Caldwell Trading Co. takes over the entire stock of the Wilson Dry Goods Co.; it is said this is one of the biggest cash transactions ever made in Cape Girardeau.

Mrs. Allen R. Williams and her little daughter have returned to Cape Girardeau from a three-year stay in the Philippines; Williams was formerly Miss Mathilda Whitelaw; her husband, Lt. Williams, is on his way to report at a New York port; Mrs. Williams will remain here a month.

— Sharon K. Sanders