Out of the past 8/9/03

10 years ago: Aug. 9, 1993

Area relief organizations have pooled their efforts to create "grocery store," where people don't need money to take home plenty of food for their families; in old IGA building, 80 Plaza Way, aisle after aisle is stocked with food, clothing and cleaning supplies to be distributed to flood victims; center is result of efforts of Salvation Army, American Red Cross, FISH, Church Word Services and East Missouri Action Agency.

Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau begins what officials and flood sufferers hope is steady and prolonged drop after cresting yesterday at 48 feet; crest was below predicted peak of 48.5 to 49 feet; today's stage is 47.7 feet, still 15.7 feet above flood stage.

25 years ago: Aug. 9, 1978

Five terms in Congress for U.S. Rep. Bill D. Burlison, 10th District incumbent, were too much for challengers to overcome as he swept to victory in Democratic primary yesterday with 63 percent of vote; his victory over fellow Girardean "Pat" McKee and Roy Bean of DeSoto, pits Burlison against James A. Wier of Jefferson County, who narrowly defeated Robert J. VanRegenmorter of Cape Girardeau in Republican primary.

Former Cape Girardeau school board president Jerry Ford won Democratic nomination for state representative in 156th District in yesterday's primary; he will face Republican Vernon H. Landgraf in November general election, winner to succeed Rep. Gary Rust, who didn't seek re-election in Cape Girardeau district.

50 years ago: Aug. 9, 1953

The Rev. Dale Porter, pastor of General Baptist Church, will leave Wednesday to assume his duties, effective at end of month, as pastor of Benton Park General Baptist Church in St. Louis; the Rev. and Mrs. Fred Latch and their small son are scheduled to arrive in Cape Girardeau from Winslow, Ind., about Aug. 19; Latch, who has been at Winslow church two years, accepted local pastorate some time ago.

Fornfelt, Mo. -- Considerable damage was done to crops and property of Graysboro and neighboring farms in Friday night's wind and hail storm; homes of Mrs. Allie May Owens, Jack Woods, William Keesee, Francis and Barney Cassout, George Keesee, Charley Gray and William Habum were badly damaged.

75 years ago: Aug. 9, 1923

Official count of votes in Tuesday's primary election will be made tomorrow, and this will determine winner in close race for Republican nomination of sheriff between Albert Illers and J.W. Miller, both of Jackson; according to unofficial tabulation, Illers secured majority of one vote over Miller.

Mayors of 82 towns in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois will be official guests of Cape Girardeau Bridge Co. at luncheon Sept. 3, when new traffic bridge across Mississippi River is dedicated; invitation is extended to mayors in letter from C.L. Harrison, president of bridge company.

-- Sharon K. Sanders