Out of the past 5/2/02

10 years ago: May 2, 1992

Cape Girardeau native who is member of Los Angeles Police Department's SWAT team believes violence, prompted by decision in Rodney King beating trial, is lessening, but he's not sure it's over; Bob Kain, 31, has been member of team for year and half.

Supporters of independent presidential bid by H. Ross Perot hold petition drive kickoff in several counties in 8th Congressional District; Mike Ponder, district coordinator says he is optimistic that before day is over supporters would be close to 4,048 signatures needed in this district to have Perot's name placed on November ballot.

25 years ago: May 2, 1977

Jefferson City - Missouri Public Service Commissioner A. Robert Pierce, former commission chairman who vocally disputed contentions of Gov. Joseph P. Teasdale earlier this year, says he will resign from commission next month; Pierce says it is doubtful he will return to Cape Girardeau; he is former city attorney, city councilman and state legislator from this district.

Bus reported missing by Cape Transit Co. turns up parked by fire hydrant in 400 block of Broadway; St. Louis-Cape Girardeau bus had apparently been stolen late yesterday afternoon and parked before this morning, when Cape Transit discovered vehicle wasn't at terminal at 16 N. Frederick.

50 years ago: May 2, 1952

Dragline crew is destroying Happy Hollow Cave, manmade cavern police call hangout for vagrants and thieves, and parents call menace to children; Missouri Pacific Railroad brought its own dragline and crew here Thursday from Chester, Ill., to close ancient wine cellar south of railroad's yards on Independence Street.

Camp Desert Rock, Nev. - Marine Cpl. Raymond I. Mehner of Cape Girardeau yesterday witnessed atomic explosion, and then joined in mock assault on objective near center of atomic impact area; he was one of 2,000 Marines taking part in latest series of atomic tests at Atomic Energy Commission Proving Grounds.

75 years ago: May 2, 1927

Receding more than two feet in past 48 hours, Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau is still falling rapidly, with stage at 8 a.m. of 35.9 feet; force of 20 workers this morning begins removing mud and debris from Frisco passenger station, and it is hoped to move equipment back into building by Wednesday or Thursday.

Superintendent John A. Whiteford and 101 teachers for Cape Girardeau Public Schools are elected by school board at meeting at Central High School; seven new teachers are selected: Dennis Elrod, John Burford, Ernest Medcalf, Helen Uhl, Mary Rose English, Perl Gehrs and John M. Lewis; Lewis will be new high school athletic coach.

- Sharon K. Sanders