Out of the past: July 21

1990

The U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Edward J. Derwinski, who is in Cape Girardeau to speak at the state convention of the American Legion, takes the opportunity to put some rumors to rest; he stresses to the Legionnaires that the Veterans Administration budget isn't being cut, that benefits aren't being taken away, and that all veterans are treated alike.

As the result of an inquiry requested by 8th District U.S. Rep. Bill Emerson, the John J. Pershing Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, will be receiving five additional physicians next month, and nursing problems at the hospital will be reviewed.

1965

By a vote of 2,487 to 2,170, Cape Girardeau voters yesterday approved the switch to the city-manager form of municipal government; the vote ends the city's 47-year-old commission type of government.

The Cape Girardeau United Fund board approves a 1966 budget and sets the fund-raising goal for this year at $90,210; chairman Francis F. Lewis says the figure should be considered a "minimum goal."

1940

The Rev. J.H.C. Sieck of Jackson has charge of the Trinity Lutheran congregation in Cape Girardeau while its pastor, the Rev. F.H. Melzer, is on his annual month's vacation; Sieck is temporarily residing at 609 Themis St.

The Rev. and Mrs. Warren Johnson of Los Angeles begin at two-week revival at the tent of the Foursquare Gospel Church, South Pacific and College streets; both have had 11 years' experience in gospel work.

1915

The Jackson municipal water and light plant is furnishing water to the Iron Mountain locomotive at Jackson under a contract between the city and the railroad; it was considered expedient to pump the water for these engines from the west creek instead of the deep well, and in order that a sufficient supply be on hand in the creek, it was deemed necessary to put a dam across the creek near the Sawyer-LaPierre handle factory.

The downtown district will have a new business; Nick Harness is moving his pool room from the Woods building, one of the most prominent locations in the city, to the basement of the Elks building.

-- Sharon K. Sanders