Out of the past 4/9/11

25 years ago: April 9, 1986

Cape Girardeau city officials are considering taking legal action against the out-of-town owner of a vacant lot, located just west of Lorimier Street and south of William, to force the owner to clean up the illegal dump site; in addition, the city has requested the assistance of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

In a contest reminiscent of the 1984 primary election, Herman "Bob" Gribler yesterday defeated James E. Hobbs to win the Democratic nomination to run for Cape Girardeau County sheriff in November; more than 50 Democrats chose Gribler after hearing both men's views on the office.

50 years ago: April 9, 1961

Rain falls and a chill wind blows, but ceremonies go on for breaking ground for the new Grace Methodist Church structure; a large crowd watches as district and local church officials take turns moving the first earth for the new building.

The Municipal Court room at the police station was "Camp" Girardeau for eight hours last night and early today; a group of 21 Boy Scouts from Herculaneum, Mo., were washed out of a camping trip in Kentucky Saturday and were hesitant about driving home in the inclement weather; so, at the suggestion of police officers, the Scouts made camp at the station overnight.

75 years ago: April 9, 1936

Cape Girardeau Mayor-elect Charles G. Wilson sends his resignation as judge from the second district of the County Court to Gov. Guy B. Park; he asks that it take effect immediately in order that he might assume his new duties.

The Little River Drainage District files a petition in bankruptcy in Federal Court; the petition discloses that the district has outstanding bonds in the sum of $8,018,000; the action was necessary because of the refusal of the owners of 2.4 percent of the outstanding bonds to accept the plan of debt readjustment.

100 years ago: April 9, 1911

It being Palm Sunday, the ceremony of the blessing of palms is observed at Cape Girardeau's two Catholic churches.

Two classes of children are confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, one in German and the other in English.

-- Sharon K. Sanders