Out of the past 4/4/03

10 years ago: April 4, 1993

The Rev. Ann Sherer, consecrated as bishop of Missouri Area in 1992, preaches during morning worship service at Centenary United Methodist Church; her topic is "Eager Every Morning."

Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel begins Holy Week with festival Palm Sunday service in morning; children of congregation participate in procession of palms, and the Rev. William A. Matzat, pastor of Good Shepherd, delivers sermon on "God's Passion for Us!"; choir sings under direction of Jim Wunderlich.

25 years ago: April 4, 1978

Gary W. Rust, 156th District state representative, announces he won't seek fourth term in Missouri House of Representatives; Rust says he is making his announcement at this time because April 30 is last date to file, and he wants all potential candidates to know he isn't seeking re-election; Rust was first elected to General Assembly in November 1972.

Doug Hartis of Dutchtown has filed as Democratic candidate for August primary for associate judge of 1st District on Cape Girardeau County Court; among problems Hargis says are in need of attention are bridge-replacement program, better roads and expansion of sheriff's department.

50 years ago: April 4, 1953

First applications have been received for new auxiliary fire department being organized, says Fire Chief Dewey Hinton; force of 60 auxiliary firemen is planned for mobilization in case of war bombing, tornado or other disaster; volunteers will receive basic training in such subjects as care and handling of hose and ladders, and will then move into first aid and more technical subjects.

Only three candidates will be in race for two three-year positions as directors of Cape Girardeau school district at annual school election Tuesday; those seeking office are Dr. A.C. Magill and Walter H. Oberheid, incumbents, and Jesse Sterling, contractor and cement finisher.

75 years ago: April 4, 1928

Cape Girardeau Board of Education met last night at Central High School, discussing some important measures for promoting general efficiency of school system of city; it was voted to improve front of school campus at Franklin School from foot of terrace to sidewalk; heavy rains have caused considerable damage to grounds; board also voted to prohibit solicitors from going into school buildings during regular class hours.

Cape Girardeau County Court has ordered appropriation of $1,550 to aid in work of county farm bureau; court last year, for first time in several years, voted appropriation after hundreds of farmers and business men had petitioned for county aid.

-- Sharon K. Sanders