Out of the past 5/23/04

10 years ago: May 23, 1994

Downtown Neighborhood Association meets to discuss safety concerns of those living near Indian Park; but meeting, designed to focus on community effort to rid area of crime and drugs, quickly turns into finger-pointing match between black and white residents.

Unanimous decision handed down by U.S. Supreme Court will allow most cities and counties in state to spend and continue receiving 1.5 percent local-use tax that has been in effect since 1992.

25 years ago: May 23, 1979

Five Southeast Missouri State University athletes are thought to be on list of track and basketball athletes at school whose post-season eligibility may be in jeopardy as result of recently concluded National Collegiate Athletic Association investigation.

Faculty members at Southeast Missouri State University, in statement prepared for presentation to Faculty Senate, express belief that split among members of board of regents is one affecting not just fate of one man, but very future of Southeast.

50 years ago: May 23, 1954

Prompted by 100th anniversary of Trinity Lutheran Church, special centennial committee has compiled souvenir booklet which goes on sale to members and friends of Trinity congregation; 32-page booklet presents in as few words as possible, and in as many pictures as possible, some of memorable events and accomplishments of Trinity congregation in past century.

What may well be last graduation at John S. Cobb School opens with baccalaureate service in Cobb gymnasium in afternoon; commencement will be Wednesday night; preaching baccalaureate sermon is the Rev. D.O. Meadows, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church.

75 years ago: May 23, 1929

Successful in their efforts to stop projected work on floodway in Mississippi and New Madrid counties, residents of these two counties hope that investigation of plan promised by secretary of war will result in presentation of new scheme for harnessing floodwaters of Mississippi River.

If appropriation recommended by Senate is adopted by House conference committee, State Teachers College at Cape Girardeau will receive $448,500 for operating expenses for next biennial period.- Sharon K. Sanders