Out of the past 3/6/03

10 years ago: March 6, 1993

Two men are injured when north-bound Burlington Northern train jumps tracks near Lone Star cement plant; three engines pulling 100-car train derail along with seven cars, which pile together in twisted heap of metal, rocks and mud; Paul Buchheit, 43, of Scott City, train's conductor, is taken to hospital with minor injuries; train's engineer, W.R. Geiser, 28, of Dutchtown is treated at hospital for cuts on arms and head and then released.

Cape Girardeau Assistant Attorney John Treu has been hired by Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon to work in Jackson satellite office; Treu will handle state cases including consumer affairs and criminal prosecutions; he replaces Allen Moss, who has gone into private law practice in Cape Girardeau.

25 years ago: March 6, 1978

J. Ronald Fischer of Cape Girardeau files for re-election to sixth term as associate judge of Second County Court District; he took office Aug. 12, 1968, when he was appointed by former Gov. Warren E. Hearnes, after death of Associate Judge Walter H. Ford.

Area roads have been cleared of ice, revealing awesome task for maintenance crews who are faced with repairing what is believed to be most extensive winter damage sustained by streets and highways in recent years.

50 years ago: March 6, 1953

Pledged contributions to Greater Cape Girardeau Catholic High School have soared past $300,000 figure; with number of prospects still to be contacted, tally of additional pledges at last night's session advanced amount now pledged to $300,108.

Coming to sing just for love of singing under expert guidance, pupils from 37 high schools in Southeast Missouri are in Cape Girardeau for their annual choral festival, which includes morning and afternoon sessions and will wind up with giant mass concert this evening at Houck Field House.

75 years ago: March 6, 1928

Temporary arrangements for disposal of garbage were made Monday by city council; no contracts have been signed, but territory east of Fountain Street from Independence north will be taken care of by L.O. Howell and C.C. Kinder; remainder of city will be served by C.F. Blattner; no money is involved in contract, but collectors are assured a return for their service by using garbage as hog feed.

Cape Girardeau County Highway Commission, rural board with power to recommend location of highways within county, is created by county court with appointment of four men as members of board; they are: LA. Goodwin and J.E. Schmuke of Jackson, and C.A. Vandivort and H.H. Haas of Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders