Out of the past 3/7/04

10 years ago: March 7, 1993

About 100 Naval reservists at Cape Girardeau Naval Reserve Center received Kuwait Liberation Medals yesterday; former Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft spoke at ceremony.

After year's wait, Cape Girardeau City Council endorses Boyd Gaming Corp.'s proposal for riverboat casino in Cape Girardeau; officials with Lady Luck Gaming say they'll continue efforts to secure gaming license here; Missouri Gaming Commission has final say on who is granted gaming license.

25 years ago: March 7, 1979

Winter weather has played havoc with classroom attendance requirements for area school districts; number of days missed because of weather vary from nine to 30 and a half; days off will likely mean delays in summer vacation.

In unexpected vote last night, city council approved motion from Councilman Howard C. Tooke to proceed with development of disaster warning system for Cape Girardeau; his motion stipulates cost of equipment cannot exceed $125,000.

50 years ago: March 7, 1954

Paul Stehr, dependable guard on Central High School championship basketball team, received fourth annual trophy presented by The Southeast Missourian to most valuable player in state basketball tournament last night.

The Rev. Jack Cathcart is new pastor of Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Jackson; he was formerly pastor of Apostolic Faith Church in Taylorville, Ill.

75 years ago: March 7, 1929

Spring is chased away by tumbling temperatures; mercury falls 35 degrees in less than 24 hours, from high yesterday of 64 to 29 this morning.

BENTON, Mo. -- Bank of Benton, organized two years ago, will liquidate its affairs, pay all depositors in full and cease business; bank isn't making sufficient revenue, says member of board of directors.-- Sharon K. Sanders