Out of the past 4/20/03

10 years ago: April 20, 1993

Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is expected to crest today at 40.3 feet, 8.3 feet above flood stage and its highest level in almost seven years; in addition to closing several streets in unprotected areas of north and south side of city, high water has also disrupted other activities.

After 14 years on city's Airport Advisory Board -- past three as chairman -- Jerry McClanahan was bumped from board Monday; city council reappointed Steve Nesler to board and named newcomer Michael Wandrick to it.

25 years ago: April 20, 1978

Additional expressions of concern over cost of proposed city-school swimming pool and exploration of proposal to pave Hawthorn Road were principal actions taken last night by city council; Councilman Howard C. Tooke suggested that pool venture may be doomed.

Prosecuting Attorney Bradshaw Smith announces he is stepping out of race for re-election to that office and instead will be candidate for Cape Girardeau County magistrate; Smith, Republican, explains that another Republican candidate will file for prosecutor's job.

50 years ago: April 20, 1953

Two consecutive nights of subfreezing temperatures, perhaps record for so late in season, brought damage to tender garden produce, killed portion of Cape Girardeau County's peach crop, but paradoxically did only slight damage to apples; temperature dropped to frigid 28 degrees Saturday night, then fell to 30 degrees Sunday night.

Opening move toward adoption of sanitary restaurant ordinance is taken by city council, when it instructs City Attorney Jack O. Knehans to draft grading code patterned after those in effect elsewhere; another matter of public health is also endorsed when Marvin Campbell, county sanitarian, urges council to amend sanitary milk ordinance by adding section calling for dust-tight containers on trucks for milk transport to processing plants here.

75 years ago: April 20, 1928

Proposal for complete remodeling of Trinity Lutheran Church, at cost expected to reach $53,000, will be presented to congregation at special meeting tomorrow; building will be completely changed in appearance, interior will be remodeled and redecorated, and seating capacity increased.

Thieves who broke into Central High School Thursday night, chopped their way into vault in office of Superintendent J.A. Whiteford but secured only $10 in loot; vault was heavily damaged, while door was battered by thieves, who sought to force it open by hammering off combination lock.

-- Sharon K. Sanders