Out of the past 6/18/04

10 years ago: June 18, 1994

Former Corps of Engineers dredge, Ste. Genevieve, is resting on bottom of Mississippi River for second time in less than three years; this time it is on bottom of river at Cape Girardeau shipyard while legal battle continues to determine fate of former steam-powered paddlewheel vessel.

Carolyn Vandeven, principal of L.J. Schultz Middle School for eight years, has taken new position with Joplin public schools; she will be assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Joplin.

25 years ago: June 18, 1979

Key eyewitness in federal grand jury investigation into alleged murder plot escapes from Cape Girardeau city jail, leaving behind note of apology to police chief Henry H. Gerecke; it is first escape from jail since it was built three years ago; escapee is recaptured 10 hours later hiding under bed in house one block from jail.

County sales tax proposal that could greatly reduce or eliminate general county property tax levy has endorsement of county officials and may be headed for November ballot; bill passed last week by Missouri Legislature will, if signed by governor, allow counties to impose up to half-cent sales tax if voters of county approve.

50 years ago: June 18, 1954

In move to overcome growing deficit in city's general revenue fund and to put municipality back on sound financial footing, city council has authorized new 10-cent levy to be used for public health purposes; step will have effect of increasing city taxes five cents of $100 assessed valuation over amount paid this year.

Second automobile in week to cross lawn and smash into house strikes residence of Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Seyer, 1201 S. Sprigg St.; hole is driven into front of house, and plaster is knocked from living room wall.

75 years ago: June 18, 1929

Construction work on new $90,000 home of Southeast Missouri Telephone Co. is begun at northwest corner of Broadway and North Ellis Street; A.H. Gerhardt and Son, local contracts, are building structure; building will be one of largest commercial buildings in that section of city.

George Fagan, 26, employee of Missouri Utilities Co., dies at Southeast Missouri Hospital from electrical shock he sustained yesterday morning, when iron pruning instrument he was using to trim trees at 134 S. Lorimier St. came in contact with 13,000-volt power line.

-- Sharon K. Sanders