Out of the past 8/14/03

10 years ago: Aug. 14, 1993

Emergency services officials and volunteer flood workers aren't only ones keeping eye on Mississippi River gauge at Cape Girardeau; on both sides of river, school administrators have one eye on calendar and other on gauge; they hope river will drop low enough so school buses can travel over roads and highways that are now submerged; river stage at Cape Girardeau is 44.9 feet.

Students at Franklin School will receive visual lesson in Missouri history when they walk through halls this fall; lesson is in form of mural just completed in school's north-end stairs; Craig Thomas' mural is compendium of Missouri scenes and important contributions.

25 years ago: Aug. 14, 1978

Perryville, Mo. -- State Auditor Tom Keyes has reported finding some apparent violations of state law and has recommended 13 changes or improvements in operation of Perry County School District; audit, performed after residents petitioned for review of school system's finances, is released by state auditor's office.

Cape Girardeau County Presiding Judge Ervin Hobbs withdraws as candidate for reelection less than one week after winning nomination as Democratic candidate in November general election; Hobbs says he is getting out of race because of his health.

50 years ago: Aug. 14, 1953

Tipton's Whiteline Laundry at 35 S. Louisiana was broken into last night, and clothes were strewn on floor, papers were cluttered up, adding machine was damaged and one candy bar was stolen; Bill Tipton, proprietor, discovers the vandalism this morning.

Thebes, Ill. -- Construction on new high school in Thebes is expected to be started within next two weeks, principal James Williams says; few legal technicalities remain to be attended to before work begins; Bar Mac Construction Co. of Chester, Ill., is general contractor for $247,000 building; it will replace school building that burned after being struck by lighting on Aug. 11, 1952.

75 years ago: Aug. 14, 1928

Agatha Mumma of Gideon will preside as "queen" at dedication ceremonies incident to formal opening of Mississippi River traffic bridge at Cape Girardeau Sept. 3; she was selected from 11 candidates by drawing of names.

Practically all of paving of first block of Morgan Oak street on approach to new bridge will be completed today; paving will begin immediately on second block west from bridge; work is also going forward on ornamental entrance to St. Vincent's College campus, and workers are building steps ascending grade into campus at east end of grounds; long wall along south side of street, bordering campus, has been completed, and top will be adorned with ornamental iron fence.

-- Sharon K. Sanders