Out of the past 6/15/02

10 years ago: June 15, 1992

Video store owners in county who rent pornographic videos shouldn't be prosecuted, public survey has found; Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle has released results of last month's survey on topic of pornography; Presiding Circuit Judge A.J. Seier and Presiding County Commissioner Gene Huckstep criticized Swingle for expending county labor and money on survey.

It is case of deja vu, as split city council gives final approval to $1.64 per month trash-fee hike; council members David Limbaugh, Al Spradling III, Mary Wulfers and Mary Kasten vote for increase; but Mayor Gene Rhodes and Councilmen Doug Richards and Melvin Gateley ask that fee be delayed until after citizens task force could further study solid waste and recycling issues; same split council gave initial approval to measure June 1.

25 years ago: June 15, 1977

Striking members of Local 513, Operating Engineers Union, has voted against accepting offer from Associated General Contractors of Missouri; engineers have been on strike about six weeks, closing down several road jobs; biggest one in this area is widening of Highway 61 to four lanes from Wedekind Park to Cape LaCroix Creek.

Building permit in declared amount of $12 million was issued Monday to Westborough Mall Associated for construction of "one and two-story shopping center" on 70-acre site in city's west end; permit stipulates that all plans and specifications are subject to approval of city building inspector.

50 years ago: June 15, 1952

The Rev. C.E. Fleshman, pastor of Nazarene Church, says first step in congregation's building program has been completed; new garage has been built; cottage at 1215 Merriwether has been razed, and ground prepared for a lawn; next step will be to build educational unit to church building; part of material is on ground and other material has been ordered.

Cape Girardeau is a hit with 2,250 Veterans of Foreign Wars convention delegates; in closing minutes of 32nd annual state encampment, veterans organization passes resolution expressing its appreciation for city's hospitality.

75 years ago: June 15, 1927

Half the goal for new hotel has been reached, says Charles L. Harrison, chairman of Chamber of Commerce Committee; Harrison believes there will be no trouble selling full issue of $100,000 of preferred stock; hotel will have about 80 rooms, so addition may be added if more rooms are found to be necessary; building will be modern in every way, but on very plain basis, and no money will be used for extravagant embellishments.

Number of Cape Girardeans stayed up late last night to watch total eclipse of moon; sky was cloudless most of night, so that when eclipse finally appeared, it was easily seen; as shadow advanced and retreated from face of moon, it only seemed to enhance brightness of unshadowed portions and was a beautiful sight, according to many.

-- Sharon K. Sanders