Out of the past 4/3/03

10 years ago: April 3, 1993

Fire investigators are unsure what caused Thursday's blaze that extensively damages SEMO Heavy Industries, Cape Girardeau manufacturing firm in Town Plaza; but operator of business, Bill Evans, says cause likely was some type of electrical malfunction.

Thebes, Ill. -- More than 90 percent of earthwork is completed for four-and-a-half-mile road relocation project between Thebes and Olive Branch in Southern Illinois; highway is scheduled to be opened to traffic by fall of 1994; this is only few months past original projection of spring 1994.

25 years ago: April 3, 1978

Nearly ideal weather conditions are predicted for tomorrow as Cape Girardeau voters head to polls to select one councilman and two members of board of education; no major issues have surfaced in either race; candidates for city council are John M. Isbell and incumbent Paul W. Stehr; candidates for school board are incumbent Dr. C. John Ritter, Michael L. Richey, Richard Ryan, David W. Fouss and Larry Payne.

Officials with Marquette Cement Mfg. Co. say ground-breaking ceremony will be held April 12 for $90 million plant firm will construct on its property off South Sprigg Street; number of officials from company offices in Nashville, Tenn., as well as representatives of parent owner, Gulf and Western Corp., will be present.

50 years ago: April 3, 1953

Mayor Manning P. Greer says he has sent letters to almost 30 civic-minded organizations inviting them to attend meeting at Common Pleas Courthouse April 14 at which question of garbage and trash collection will be discussed; among those to receive invitations to meet with city officers are parent-teacher units, labor and veteran organizations, rose, garden and service clubs, Chamber of Commerce and professional associations.

Two Hornersville high school youngsters sweep both boy and girl divisions of State Highway driving contests at Cape Girardeau; winners are Roberta Jacko, 18, and Paul Penn, 17; both agree their instructor, Marvin Kinsey, taught them careful driving habits.

75 years ago: April 3, 1928

Southeast Missouri Hospital School of Nursing, first school of its kind south of St. Louis, opened its course of instruction yesterday with three nurses; those admitted for training were Zelma Huhn and Norma Noland, both of Cape Girardeau, and Bertha Eifert of Fornfelt.

Polling less than normal vote, Cape Girardeau at its biennial election returns Mayor James Barks to office for his fourth consecutive term and elects A.P. Behrens and Martin Krueger as commissioners to serve two-year terms; running unopposed for school board are Mrs. C.A. Vandivort and Waldo W. Watkins.

-- Sharon K. Sanders