Out of the past 5/19/04

10 years ago: May 19, 1994

Citing concerns with timing of payments and overall safety standards, city of Cape Girardeau has elected to send Cape Central Airways Inc., an eviction notice; city is seeking to end 12-year lease with company, which is fixed-base operator for airport.

Vote totals on riverboat gambling issue changed slightly yesterday following recount of ballots in Cape Girardeau County, but pro-casino forces were still dealt losing hand; gambling amendment was defeated in county by vote of 8,383 against to 6,468 for.

25 years ago: May 19, 1979

Military career that spanned parts of four decades comes to symbolic end in St. Louis; Brig. Gen. James R. Crites of Cape Girardeau, who will retire from Missouri National Guard on June 1 after 36-year career in both active military and Guard duty, turns over command of 35th Engineer Brigade to Col. Richard Dean of Sedalia.

Cape Girardeau County will have two new sheriff's cars as result of action taken by county court.

50 years ago: May 19, 1954

School board decided last night it will maintain status quo on segregation issue until definite, clear-cut ruling is received from state Department of Education; board members acknowledged problem facing school district in providing facilities for John S. Cobb High School pupils, who are being educated in converted gymnasium.

Expansion program for Southeast Missouri Hospital that will double its present capacity and modernize its facilities at cost of about $750,000, half of sum expected from federal matching basis, is announced by hospital's board of trustees.

75 years ago: May 19, 1929

Fifty-sixth annual commencement of Southeast Missouri Teachers College beings in morning with baccalaureate service at college auditorium, during which President Joseph A. Serene delivers sermon to 139 students who are candidates for degrees; graduation exercises will be Wednesday.

The 108th anniversary of historic Apple Creek Presbyterian Church is celebrated with all-day program.

-- Sharon K. Sanders