Out of the past 6/13/08

25 years ago: June 13, 1983

The Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority at Scott City has been designated as a U.S. Department of Agriculture port, a status that is expected to increase significantly the developing port's volume of business.

A Perryville, Mo., man and a Cape Girardeau woman are being held in Cape Girardeau County Jail on charges stemming from the theft of about 125 radiators from B&B Auto Salvage in Jackson over the weekend.

50 years ago: June 13, 1958

A cloudburst brought 1.8 inches of rain in a 20-minute period late yesterday, making rivers of Cape Girardeau streets and for the second time in a 42-hour period sent Cape LaCroix Creek rampaging out of its banks and into business buildings along U.S. 61.

Part of Jackson, particularly the west half of town and the farming areas nearby, was swamped again by water late yesterday in a repeat performance by Hubble Creek; the 45-minute rainfall amounted to 2.5 inches.

75 years ago: June 13, 1933

It has been announced that the right of way for the farm-to-market road from the Cape Girardeau city limits to Egypt Mills has been secured, and this section is sure to be built yet this year; a parcel or two have yet to be deeded to the state, but with all the others secured, these can be had through condemnation if necessary.

G.D. Blechle, who lives near Longtown, Mo., is recovering after being bitten yesterday by a copperhead snake at his farm home.

100 years ago: June 13, 1908

Commencement exercises were held last night at St. Vincent's College, with the Rev. Ryan delivering the keynote address; he assured the local friends of the institution that it would be a great pleasure for him to see the college again built up to its former prominent position in educational circles.

Alex Vasterling, the chairman of Cape Girardeau's fire board, is directing the work of buying the department's equipment; he estimates a team of horses to draw the heavy combination hose and chemical wagon will cost the city $300; it is known, however, that not much of a team can be bought nowadays for $300.

-- Sharon K. Sanders