Out of the past 9/9/03

10 years ago: Sept. 9, 1993

Despite annual increases in city's crime rate, there has been no corresponding rise in number of police officers, concerned Cape Girardeau Regional Fraternal Order of Police wants rectified; representatives of group have asked that city council boost local police force from 59 to 66 officers.

Southeast Missouri State University's new shuttle bus system is cruising along, school officials say; university has instituted system in attempt to increase usage of its perimeter parking areas and easing parking problems closer to campus.

25 years ago: Sept. 9, 1978

Eighth-grade Cape Girardeau pupils performed well on trial run of Missouri's Basic Essential Skills Test administered last April, scores made public show; but if test had been for real, as it will be this school year, anyone who failed to demonstrate competency in any of three areas examined would find himself doing remedial work until such time as passing score is made.

Pair of World War II planes -- medium patrol torpedo bomber and pilot trainer -- are on display at Municipal Airport during Aviation Day observance; other crafts are also on display in afternoon.

50 years ago: Sept. 9, 1953

Substantial tract of land, bordering east side of Arena Park and extending from near Gordonville road northward to dead end of Broadview, won approval of city council yesterday for rezoning for development of heavy industry; tract lies just west of Highway 61 from Gordonville road to point behind Colonial Tavern and extends westward to Arena Park property line; it is generally flat area intersected diagonally by right of way of old Cape Girardeau Northern Railroad.

Tents have begun to rise like balloons in Arena Park, scene of District Fair to be held Monday through Saturday next week; accommodations for hundreds of horses, hogs, cattle, sheep and poultry will be provided under big canvas sheets in addition to that provided by permanent FFA barn and horse barn.

75 years ago: Sept. 9, 1928

Members of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, in executive session following morning services, vote 173 to 14 against accepting resignation of their pastor, the Rev. George S. Ellyson; after vote of confidence in pastor, congregation also votes to accept resignation of nine members of Board of Deacons.

Members of First Presbyterian Church vote unanimously to erect new Sunday School building on present site of Broadway Garage, adjacent on east to present church structure; included with proposition to construct new building is order authorizing church board of congregation to immediately purchase garage property, secure final plans for new building and arrange for finances.

-- Sharon K. Sanders