Out of the past 4/29/04

10 years ago: April 29, 1994

For second day in row, severe thunderstorms packing high winds, hail and heavy rain lashed parts of Southeast Missouri yesterday evening; there were isolated reports of funnel clouds in area.

Senior vice president with Boyd Gaming Corp., Maunty Collins, says even if there is no riverboat gambling vote to bring games of chance into Missouri casinos in near future, Boyd Gaming will proceed with its original plan for floating casino in Cape Girardeau, featuring games of skill.

25 years ago: April 29, 1979

Chateau Girardeau, retirement community in final stages of construction, isn't slated to open until summer, but manager is already at work; Carl L. Wilkins, who for six years was administrator of Chaffee General Hospital, is manager at Chateau Girardeau.

Citing Missouri Blue Laws prohibiting Sunday retail sales of many items, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. warns sponsors of monthly flea market at Cape Girardeau that further Sunday sale violations may result in arrests and fines.

50 years ago: April 29, 1954

Cape Girardeau Exchange Club was formally organized last night with election of officers and naming of committees to plan membership and activities; president is Charles E. Knote, Herman Todt is secretary, and W.C. Wade Jr. is treasurer.

HAYTI, Mo. -- Hoped for turnout failed to materialize, but Missouri's first polio field trials are underway in Pemiscot County; five clinics began giving Salk vaccine shots yesterday to 785 children who were signed up for test by their parents.

75 years ago: April 29, 1929

Pouring of concrete for pavement on Highway 61 west of Cape Girardeau begins at 5 a.m. at Williams Creek bridge; this is first 20-foot pavement to be built in Southeast Missouri highway system; Rouse Construction Co. is contractor for work.

As quickly as flooded Mississippi River subsides, Frisco Railroad will cooperate in removing debris from park near passenger station and will aid in replacing shrubs and flowers ruined by water, says railroad division superintendent J.A. Moran.

-- Sharon K. Sanders