Out of the past 4/15/03

10 years ago: April 15, 1993

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle says he won't file charges against treasurer of Elect-A-Neighbor Committee for alleged violations of state disclosure laws; in four-page explanation, Swingle says he doesn't believe Mary Ann "Miki" Gudermuth had any criminal intentions when her committee omitted proper disclaimer on its yard signs and newspaper advertisements; in October, former city councilman Curtis Smith filed complaint against committee.

Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is on rise again; National Weather Service says river should crest Monday at 37.5 feet, 4.5 feet above flood stage; that would be third flood crest here in 35 days.

25 years ago: April 15, 1978

A $10,000 gift to St. Francis Medical Center has been presented by Wetterau Corp. for use in completing portion of North Wing that will house conference center, education department and cardiac rehabilitation treatment area.

SEMO District Fair Association, never far from planning and working for next annual exposition at Arena Park, has announced headliner entertainment and dates for this Fall; scheduled for Sept. 12 through 16, top name entertainment this year will be Mickey Gilley and Red Rose Express on Friday night of Fair week, and Oak Ridge Boys on Saturday night; other grandstand entertainment includes Joey Chitwood Thrill Show and demolition derby.

50 years ago: April 15, 1953

Curbside collection of garbage and refuse under any new plan adopted was ruled out, and six-member citizens committee was appointed to map out some satisfactory pick-up program at conference of city officials and organization representatives in Common Pleas Courthouse last night; appointed to meet with city council were J.J. Russell as chairman, Dr. J.H Cochran, Al Trapf, Mrs. L.F. Strunk, Mrs. D.J. Rush and Mrs. H.B. Newman.

Jefferson City, Mo. -- Major General A.D. Sheppard, adjutant general, announces federal government has approved contracts for construction of new Missouri National Guard armories at Maryville, Mexico, Jackson and Independence.

75 years ago: April 15, 1928

Number of Catholics from Cape Girardeau are attending centennial celebration of Apple Creek parish in southern end of Perry County during coming week; celebration, which begins today and continues until April 25, will be marked by Masses in remembrance of deceased members of church, priests and nuns, whose work has contributed to development of parish over period of 100 years.

Delva Austin, 12 years old, preaches his first sermon in morning at Blodgett Baptist church; youth was recently called to preach, according to pastor, the Rev. G.A. Crocker.

-- Sharon K. Sanders