Out of the past 3/29/04

10 years ago: March 29, 1994

Bomb threat early yesterday forced evacuation of Cape Girardeau County Courthouse and county administrative building in Jackson; both buildings were searched for 1 1/2 hours by law enforcement officers and firefighters without finding anything suspicious.

Missouri State Highway Patrol used first of series of "town meetings" in Jackson Monday to discuss effects of riverboat gambling; 15 troopers have been assigned full time to Missouri Gaming Commission, to conduct background investigations on all licensees and employees.

25 years ago: March 29, 1979

When Southeast Missouri State University resumes classes next fall, Student Credit Union will be in operation; credit union, one of only four operated by students across the country, will allow students to cash checks, have savings accounts and receive loans.

County Clerk Rodney Miller says he plans to make absentee ballots available to voters in Cape Girardeau in future elections to avoid inconvenience of voters having to go to Jackson to vote absentee.

50 years ago: March 29, 1954

City council of Fornfelt has passed ordinance establishing curfew of 10 p.m. for all youngsters under 16; fine of not less than $5 or imprisonment of not less than one day is provided for parents who permit their children to violate ordinance.

Rock and soil borings are being made by St. Louis District of U.S. Engineers along Reach 2 of proposed Cape Girardeau floodwall to obtain additional data necessary for construction when funds are approved by Congress.

75 years ago: March 29, 1929

Julien Friant says Cape Girardeau County's quota has virtually been subscribed to fund credit bank; he believes money will be in hand before day is over; likewise, Mississippi, Stoddard and New Madrid counties have raised their quotas.

Owner of southwest part of George Peterman farm, west of Jackson, is clearing some of land along Highway 61; among trees cut down was certain black oak which earned place in county history; over limb projecting southward from leaning tree was thrown rope used in last lynching in county in October 1894, when young man was taken from Sheriff J.M. Randol and hanged.

-- Sharon K. Sanders