Out of the past 8/1/03

10 years ago: Aug. 1, 1993

Ste. Genevieve, Mo. -- Hours after residents in southern section of town clear out under emergency evacuation order, flood relief workers scramble to contain first serious levee breach in this town's long-running battle against Mississippi River; breach occurs about 1:30 p.m. in Valle Spring levee, interior levee that protects historic town from sudden rises in Valle Spring Branch.

Floodwaters from Mississippi River are causing congregation of Red Star Baptist Church to hold church services in different location for next several weeks; worship is being held at vacant church at 2912 Bloomfield Road, formerly West Park Baptist Church; the Rev. Mike Parry, interim pastor, says congregation will likely continue meeting there through August, and maybe even longer.

25 years ago: Aug. 1, 1978

Bids on projects to improve athletic facilities at Southeast Missouri State University all came in higher than estimated yesterday, leading Board of Regents to pick and chose what will be developed at present; board chooses to go ahead on new track located off Bertling Street near old Sprigg Road, but it delays making commitment for improvements at Houck Stadium.

Another glowing enrollment forecast for this fall and alternative strategies for investing Southeast Missouri State University's funds are topics discussed by Board of Regents; John A. Behrens, director of admissions, reports total fall enrollment could reach 8,600, historic new high for university which in four successive years has hit new peaks.

50 years ago: Aug. 1, 1953

Thermometer climbed to 99 degrees again yesterday, and there is no indication of relief from blistering heat wave that has clung like lint on serge for eight consecutive days; in that eight-day period, maximum temperature has been in excess of 90 degrees.

Temporary restraining order enjoying International Ladies Garment Workers Union, Local 439, from picketing properties of J. & S. Clothing Mfg. Co. of Jackson has been issued by Judge J. Henry Caruthers in Common Pleas Court in petition of plant owner, Eugene P. Schrenzel; Schrenzel sought order after disturbance at plant this week in which he reportedly was attacked by pickets and his shirt torn off him.

75 years ago: Aug. 1, 1928

Candidates for nomination for county offices center their 11th-hour attack on Cape Girardeau, usual last-minute battle ground of campaigns in Cape Girardeau County; virtually all candidates are in city or will be here during closing days of drive for votes.

Two tractor outfits start work in Illinois grading for road to connect approach of Cape Girardeau traffic bridge with McClure; work is being done under supervision of C.A. Vandivort, secretary of Cape Girardeau Bridge Co., who says road will be made and placed in good repair for formal opening of bridge, Sept. 3.

-- Sharon K. Sanders