Out of the past 3/27/04

10 years ago: March 27, 1994

Cape Girardeau County Commission has hired law firm to clarify legal issues regarding Scott City's attempts to annex part of Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority in order to bring in gambling boat.

Three Democrats and one Libertarian filed to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson by Friday; Democrats are Thad Bullock, Gene Curtis and Don Hager; Greg Tlapek filed on Libertarian ticket; potential challengers include Russ Carnahan and state Rep. Dennis Ziegenhorn.

25 years ago: March 27, 1979

City and Cape Girardeau County authorities are continuing their investigation of fire at Ludlow Corp. plant on Nash Road yesterday in which firemen discovered that fuel oil or diesel fuel had been put in two fire hydrants; firefighters were called to factory, where workers have been on strike several weeks, shortly after 1 p.m. Monday, to battle burning rubber padding for carpeting; fire wasn't deliberately set.

Continued delay in completion of Cape Girardeau County Jail has resulted in letters being sent to three contractors threatening legal action if job isn't completed reasonably soon; project should have been completed year ago.

50 years ago: March 27, 1954

Twenty-year effort to obtain right of way for construction of farm-to-market road from Whitewater westward was concluded yesterday, when county court authorized issuance of checks in amount of $9,680 to pay landowners for land route will follow.

Inadequate facilities for pupils in John S. Cobb School and what can be done to overcome situation were discussed last night at meeting of school board and executive committee of Cape Girardeau Chapter of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; board acknowledged that black residents are entitled to better high school facilities.

75 years ago: March 27, 1929

Petitions are being circulated in Jackson asking city council to place on ballot for election this spring the proposition of voting for creation of "band fund," under provisions of law passed in 1927; if approved by voters, tax of two-fifths of a mill will be levied on all property within city.

One hundred and fifty-seven shrubs and trees, consisting of pine, sumac, wild honeysuckle and dogwood, were planted in Cape Girardeau parks Tuesday.

-- Sharon K. Sanders