Out of the past 5/18/02

10 years ago: May 18, 1992

Contrary to popular opinion, government doesn't always expand; through number of personnel changes and reduced capital improvement plan, Cape Girardeau's proposed budget for 1992-93 fiscal year is 3 percent smaller than current budget; city council will study budget tonight, but won't take any action on document until next month.

Pledging to work to "eliminate waste, streamline operations and increase the productivity" of state government, Hugh White of Cape Girardeau yesterday launched his campaign for Missouri Senate; White, 44, is one of four candidates - three Democrats and a Republican - to file for 27th district Senate seat vacated by retiring John Dennis of Benton.

25 years ago: May 18, 1977

Cairo, Ill. - Authorities say that arson is suspected in two fires on successive nights which damaged Interstate 57 bridge under construction here, but no motive has been established; construction superintendent rules out labor problems as factor; while damage from Tuesday night's fire is minimal, Monday night's blaze caused estimated $200,000 damage and resulted in loss of air compressor.

Illmo - Illmo man died from injuries received in logging accident about one mile north of Scott City yesterday afternoon; Tom Hale, 48, member of Hale Brothers Co., which operates sawmill near Commerce, was fatally injured when log skidder, a tractor which moves timber, he was operating hit stump and overturned, pinning him beneath machine.

50 years ago: May 18, 1952

Weather is damp, but not enough so to dampen enthusiasm of those participating in Garden Pilgrimage, which began yesterday; although touring visitors are many fewer than in fair weather, Allied Garden Clubs, sponsors, report more than 100 tourists made rounds yesterday and again today.

At baccalaureate service at State College auditorium, 145 graduating seniors of Central High School hear inspirational sermon from the Rev. R.C. Holliday, pastor of Centenary Methodist Church; under direction of Frances Gillett, special music is rendered by Central Mixed Chorus and Central Choir.

75 years ago: May 18, 1927

Settlements are reached with two more of contesting property owners west of Cape Girardeau through whose property Highway 61 will pass; Commissioner W.F. Bergmann of Cape Girardeau Special Road District announces that road district has reached agreement with Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Blomeyer and Mrs. Haunschield.

Poplar Bluff - Among reconstruction problems facing tornado-stricken Poplar Bluff is construction of new bridge over Black River in central section of town; City Engineer E.C. Nickey has reported to council that bridge was severely damaged by storm and that stringent traffic restrictions should be put in place to prevent accidents.

-- Sharon K. Sanders