Out of the past 4/7/04

10 years ago: April 7, 1994

In aftermath of stunning defeat of constitutional amendment that jeopardizes viability of riverboat gambling in Missouri, state officials are going back to drawing board trying to decide next step.

Former Cape Girardeau County assessor, John L. Wescoat, 88, died April 5 at local hospital; Wescoat served on committee that secured Trail of Tears State Park and secured options on land for that park.

25 years ago: April 7, 1979

Starting plans for Westfield Shopptingtown West Park Mall won't be changed as result of lawsuit filed against members of Cape Girardeau City Council by developers of second proposed mall, says Charles L. Drury, president of Drury Industries Inc., which plans to erect West Park at Mount Auburn Road, Route K.

Central High School pupil Mike Longwell and Oak Ridge pupil Mary Ann Kirchner took top honors yesterday at 23rd Annual Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair.

50 years ago: April 7, 1954

Bids for construction of fourth and final unit of new Central High School -- auditorium to project in the recess of front of building -- will be opened by school board in two weeks; board has made some changes in originally drawn plans to bring cost of auditorium downward, including lowering floor to ground level instead of being raised and elimination of projection booth.

Soil Conservation Service, subject of some bitter debate when abandonment of its regional offices was announced, is still in business, its national administrator tells key group of county business and farm leaders at luncheon.

75 years ago: April 7, 1929

Several Cape Girardeau parties drive to Van Buren to get early view of Ozarks; they report highway in good condition, the worst part being between Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

Nellie Cunningham, Ruby Watson, Harry Doerr and Jack Barrier motor to Cape Girardeau from St. Louis and spend day at home of Cunningham's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tellis Bridges; Cunningham and Watson are student nurses in Christian Hospital in St. Louis.

-- Sharon K. Sanders