Out of the past 5/1/03

10 years ago: May 1, 1993

Southeast Missouri State University plans to take over operation of gymnastics program for youths under plan approved by board of regents; Regent Ann Dombrowski of Cape Girardeau cast lone dissenting vote, arguing that university was, in effect, acquiring private business operated by university gymnastics coach Bill Hopkins and competing with private gymnastics ventures in Perryville and Sikeston.

Two newest members of Southeast Missouri State University's Board of Regents were sworn in Friday, before start of regents' meeting; new regents are Cape Girardeau attorney Don Dickerson, 61, and St. Louis newspaper editor Patricia Washington, 32.

25 years ago: May 1, 1978

Cape Girardeau police corporal whose interview with two local burglary suspects provided authorities with information leading to arrest of two Oran men in January abduction and slaying of Poplar Bluff service station attendant is awarded Cape Girardeau Breakfast Optimist Police Officer of Year Award; cpl. Carl L. Eakins is presented award by chief Henry H. Gerecke.

Absence of defendant in Circuit Court prompts 2nd Division Circuit Judge A.J. Seier to request assurances from Sheriff James J. Below's office that in future defendants are present when they are scheduled to appear in court.

50 years ago: May 1, 1953

City council yesterday passed resolution extending rent controls in Cape Girardeau to July 31; action was taken in secret session in office of Mayor Manning P. Greer; while meeting was in progress, President Eisenhower in Washington signed bill into law, extending rent controls on 5,500,000 housing units in 32 states.

Wind blowing steadily at 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 60, is measured at noon on Ozark Airlines wind gauge at municipal airport; whipped by winds of gale force, dust lays like pall over area, shrouding the sun; Cape Central Airways reports visibility at 1 1/2 miles; dust blanket extends above 6,000 feet into air.

75 years ago: May 1, 1928

Seven girls enter beauty contest and will compete Wednesday and Thursday nights when "Miss Cape Girardeau" is selected to represent city in statewide contest at St. Louis May 17; girls taking part in competition are Mary Ellen Hart, Dorothy Seabaugh, Gwen Winningham, Gladys Neal, Marie Landis, Carrie Bray and Mary Best.

Superintendent John A. Whiteford and 94 teachers of Cape Girardeau public school system are re-elected for another year by school board; six new teachers are also selected, but number of vacancies are yet to be filled; athletic coach for Central High School, to succeed Jerry Lewis, who will go to Teachers College as athletic director, isn't chosen, but several applicants are being considered.

-- Sharon K. Sanders