Out of the past 5/11/02

10 years ago: May 11, 1992

It's no surprise that Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron was hit with spectators at Cape Aviation Days; but several of 25,000 to 30,000 people who attended show yesterday said they also were impressed with Stealth Fighter fly-by, hot-air balloon races and aerial acrobatics of Peterson-Krier Airshow.

Cape Girardeau Board of Education approve salary increase for teachers and administrators; new board member Kathy Swan abstains from vote, saying, "I have difficulty with the package because of the financial crisis we've been through... I have difficulty justifying this."

25 years ago: May 11, 1977

Adult book store which closed under pressure from city two weeks ago reopened Monday, and owner says he is prepared to go "all the way" to fight any obscenity charge that may be filed against store; City Attorney Thomas Utterback, informed of store's reopening, says, "If he wants his day in court, he shall have it."

Fast driving and perpetual problem with litter along streets and yards in neighborhoods adjacent to Central High School brought one resident before school board last night to complain; Gene Haenni, 1754 Whitener, says since school district allows open lunch hour, it should also have responsibility to see that mess is taken care of.

50 years ago: May 11, 1952

Elmer Huber resigned Friday as president of Cape Girardeau Humane Society; Dr. Dan Cotner, vice president, will become acting president; Huber says society will continue to operate and that he will continue to be member; Huber has been president of society since its organization and was instrumental in bringing about passage of present city ordinance which places "dog problem" in hands of society.

Two delegates definitely committed to Sen. Robert A. Taft were elected Saturday at 10th District Republican convention, but move to have them go to Chicago instructed was beaten down by two-to-one groundswell of opposition in decidedly pro-Taft atmosphere; delegates will be Clarence A. Powell of Dexter and Rex A. Henson of Poplar Bluff.

75 years ago: May 11, 1927

Poplar Bluff - Out of horror of worst catastrophe Southeast Missouri has ever known comes stories of heroism, bravery and of queer antics of death-dealing tornado which late Monday leveled once prosperous business section of Poplar Bluff; under strict martial law, with ruins of buildings guarded to prevent looting, and provisions dealt out only where needed, town settles down to take stock of disaster; 88 people were killed in tornado.

Louis Hecht, who hastened to Poplar Bluff Monday evening when news of tornado was received, returned late yesterday to Cape Girardeau; Hecht family owns much property in stricken town, and it is practically a total loss, according to Hecht.

-- Sharon K. Sanders