Out of the past 5/17/04

10 years ago: May 17, 1994

Circuit Judge William L. Syler yesterday sent seven of 15 cases against Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members to St. Louis for resolution; seven are charged with involuntary manslaughter in Feb. 15 death of fraternity pledge Michael Davis, 25.

Woman delivering homebound meal to Cape Girardeau woman finds elderly woman dead in her home; Lois J. Middlebrook, 76, died Monday of "traumatic shock due to second and third degree burns on most of her body."

25 years ago: May 17, 1979

President Robert E. Leestamper of Southeast Missouri State University challenges validity of 3 to 3 vote by which board of regents refused to negotiate new contract with him, contending that majority vote was needed.

Ceremonial tree planting, inspired by community beautification effort launched this spring by Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce, yesterday marked beginning of construction at West Park Mall.

50 years ago: May 17, 1954

U.S. Supreme Court rules unanimously that segregation of black and white students in public schools is unconstitutional; Cape Girardeau school superintendent L.J. Schultz says board of education will meet tomorrow night to discuss ruling.

Dr. Rees H. Hughes, president of Kansas State Teachers College, speaks at commencement exercises at State College; degrees are presented to 204 graduates.

75 years ago: May 17, 1929

Despite rain during past few weeks and prevailing high water in lowland south of Cape Girardeau, much progress has been made by McGeorge Construction Co., in building of new $750,000 Missouri Pacific Railroad into Cape Girardeau from Illmo.

Rising virtually 11 inches during past 24-hour period, Mississippi River is on its second great flood of 1929, river is at 35.9 feet at Cape Girardeau.

-- Sharon K. Sanders