Out of the past 4/5/04

10 years ago: April 5, 1994

In effort to eliminate further delay of law to establish minimum property standards, city council Monday elected to bypass recommendation by city manager J. Ronald Fischer and put matter on agenda for vote at next meeting; Fischer had suggested that city manager appoint city officials to draft minimum property maintenance code for council's consideration.

Scott City voters give their city council green light to move ahead with annexation process and casino proposals when they approve riverboat gambling at polls.

25 years ago: April 5, 1979

Unannounced meeting to discuss sheriff's department and other issues was held in Jackson Monday among three members of county court, two county circuit judges, sheriff and prosecuting attorney; certain aspects of meeting violated Missouri Open Meetings Law, it is acknowledged by Prosecuting Attorney Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr., when asked about legality of holding special county court meeting without prior public notification.

By one-vote margin, city council last night gave go-ahead to Southland Corp. to construct self-service gasoline station in conjunction with 7-11 convenience store at Bellevue and Frederick; approval ended six-month battle between area residents and facility's supporters.

50 years ago: April 5, 1954

Amending petitions asking recall from municipal office of Mayor Manning P. Greer and Fire and Health Commissioner Roy Smith are accepted by city council; petitions supplement others filed previously, but found then to be lacking in required number of legal voters.

Continuing custom initiated at outset of its term, three ministers each offer prayer at city council meeting to inaugurate administration's third year in office; asking divine guidance for administration is the Rev. Laurence W. Cleland, pastor of First Baptist Church.

75 years ago: April 5, 1929

Application for permission to purchase 23 telephone exchanges and practically all long-distance lines in Southeast Missouri is filed with Missouri Public Service Commission by Cape Girardeau Bell Telephone Co.; Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. is the selling company, and sale price is approximately $1.35 million.

Final plans for construction of milk condensery of Barnes Products Co. in west Cape Girardeau will be submitted to contractors for bids Monday; plant will be built at intersection of Gordonville Road and Highway 61.

-- Sharon K. Sanders