Out of the past 7/1/02

10 years ago: July 1, 1992

Cape Girardeau Board of Education is looking for trouble; at early-morning meeting Tuesday at L.J. Schultz School, board directed Supt. Neyland Clark to hire structural engineer or someone to assess condition of Schultz, May Greene, Washington and Franklin schools; move comes after roof of cafeteria at Schultz partially collapsed and west wall began to buckle.

Federal authorities Monday filed lawsuit to recover costs spent on Missouri Electric Works Superfund site; site is 6.4 acre tract at 824 S. Kingshighway that became contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls and other hazardous substances; named as defendants in suit are cities, companies and others which used company for disposal, repair, storage and treatment of transformers and other electrical equipment.

25 years ago: July 1, 1977

Cape Girardeau woman, National Guard Lt. Mary Ann James, was found stabbed to death yesterday in her apartment near Ft. Rucker, Ala., where she had been undergoing flight training; James, 36, was wife of Joe D. James Jr., Cape Girardeau business man.

Dark clouds that gathered to west and southwest of Cape Girardeau late Thursday afternoon, threatening severe weather, dumped from one to four inches of rain throughout area, but left little storm damage; street crews, called out at 7:30 p.m., worked until about 9 p.m. to clear fallen tree limbs blocking traffic in several parts of city.

50 years ago: July 1, 1952

It seemed to rain all around Cape Girardeau yesterday afternoon, but nary a drop fell here; yet, town got next best result - some relief from stifling heat that just before clouds rolled in had sent mercury to 102 degrees, second highest for torrid season; break isn't permanent, however, as weather forecasters say readings will return to high 90s or around 100-degree mark again today.

J.W. McBride, commissioner of parks, says the Revs. Lawrence Parker and George F. Bell have agreed to accept in behalf of black population of city a proposal that black people have use of swimming pool at Capaha Park one day a week; under agreement with Cape Girardeau ministers, black children will have use of pool for first time tomorrow.

75 years ago: July 1, 1927

At meeting last night of stockholders in new hotel proposition, it was announced by Charles L. Harrison, chairman of hotel committee of Chamber of Commerce, that total sale of stock is $82,515; full $100,000 necessary for project to proceed is expected to be easily attained; it was also decided to name new hotel the Marquette, honoring Marquette Cement Mfg. Co.

Some relief from intense heat which has gripped Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri for past three days is promised by Weather Bureau; thunder storms, followed by cooler temperatures, are predicted for tonight and tomorrow.

-- Sharon K. Sanders