Out of the past: May 31

1990

GALE, Ill. -- Work continues on the removal of between 300,000 and 400,000 gallons of contaminated and hazardous waste oil from the now-defunct Ilada Energy Co. site near here; five tanker-truck loads of the hazardous waste oil have been shipped to a disposal site in Pauldig, Ohio, since May 24.

The Cape Girardeau Jaycees announce they are dropping their annual Fourth of July Doin's, citing high insurance costs and slack attendance for the decision.

1965

The Memorial Day holiday continues today, Monday, with a general suspension of business in Cape Girardeau and the area; an exception to the rule is State College, where final examinations begin.

Several firsts were features of the 91st State College commencement exercises yesterday; for the first time spring commencement was held outdoors, in Houck Stadium, and degrees were conferred en masse, rather than individually; also for the first time, two degrees -- bachelor of music education and bachelor of science in nursing -- were added to the baccalaureates; and for the first time a woman student, Audrey Reynolds, was graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

1940

Stephen Barton of Benton, Missouri, files with the secretary of state at Jefferson City his formal candidacy for the Republican nomination for circuit court judge in the 28th Circuit of Cape Girardeau, Scott and Mississippi counties; Barton was the Republican nominee six years ago, but was defeated by the incumbent, Judge Frank Kelly.

First Lt. Herbert L. Wickham of Sikeston, Missouri, formerly of Cape Girardeau, has been made a captain in the National Guard and will become regimental supply officer; he also is a trooper in the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

1915

SIKESTON, Mo. -- In a memorable game yesterday, the Cape Girardeau Capahas fell to the Sikeston team, 5-4, in 16 innings.

Farmers living in the lowlands along the Mississippi River are beginning to fear their crops will be washed out again this year, as the river continues to rise; the Frisco Railroad is preparing to fight the flood; great piles of sand sacks have been piled near the depot to be sent out on short notice; the only bright spot in the forecast is the fact the Ohio and Tennessee rivers aren't up at present and aren't expected to rise very much.

-- Sharon K. Sanders