Out of the past 4/3/02

10 years ago: April 3, 1992

Construction on next phase of $3 million Lexington avenue arterial project in Cape Girardeau is well under way; City Engineer J. Kinsey Russell says that if weather continues to cooperate, street should be completed from Kingshighway east to Perryville Road by middle of summer.

Lt. Gov. Mel Carnahan declares he has "vision, commitment, and experience" to lead Missouri into 21st century, as he officially launches his campaign for Democratic nomination for governor; his kickoff rally at Municipal Airport is attended by about 50 supporters.

25 years ago: April 3, 1977

Chaffee - New General Baptist Church at Helen and Fifth streets holds its first services, with afternoon services and Holy Communion following noon dinner at church; construction of $100,000 brick structure was begun last September with Harlan Sadler as chairman of building committee.

Lambert C. Drury, who founded family business that has grown into multiple enterprises throughout Southeast Missouri and Midwest, died last night at St. Francis Medical Center; he was 74 years old; Drury began plastering and construction business which his sons now operate; their enterprises also include motels and fast food outlets.

50 years ago: April 3, 1952

Outgoing city council, in special meeting yesterday, approved purchase of new street department truck and tractor and mower for parks and authorized buying of equipment to complete kitchen facilities in Arena Building; in total council approved expenditures amounting to $9,401.20.

Cape Girardeau's civil service ordinance, passed by city council last December, was implemented Wednesday by council approval of Mayor Walter H. Ford's appointment of two civil service commissioners; named to post were Norval A. Randol and Forrest H. Rose.

75 years ago: April 3, 1927

Confirmation class at Christ Evangelical Church appears before congregation to give testimony of religious truths which they have learned and which they accept; class, largest in history of church, consists of Mamie Ehrenschneider, Esther Geiser, Mildred Heuschober, Fay Heuschober, Agatha Heuschober, Curtis Ische, Elsbeth Kies, Wofram Kruse, Lorine Keller, Milburn Metje, John Morrison, Linda Pierce, Ruby Schwab, Walter Vasterling, Wilson Wachter, Martin Wendel, and Carl Wielpuetz.

William J. Kies, who for number of years was connected with Southeast Missouri Lumber Co., has assumed management of Riverside Lumber Co., on South Frederick street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders