Out of the past: Oct. 24

1991

The Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau is forecast to drop next month to levels not seen since the record low-water conditions in December 1989. Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers officials are scheduled to meet in St. Louis next week to make plans for keeping the river open to commerce.

More than 250 students from 11 high schools represent 50 countries at the Mock United Nations meeting held at Southeast Missouri State University.

1966

The Cape Girardeau County Court said it wants traffic hazards on county roads in the Shawneetown area corrected or marked "right away," or the county will do the work and charge Cape County Public Water Supply District No. 1 for it; the main hazards result from dirt piled in the roadway where trenches have been opened to lay water mains.

Kenneth L. Steinhoff, Missourian State College correspondent, wins top photographic honors in Class B spot news competition in The Associated Press news-photo contest for Kansas and Missouri newspapers in Kansas City. The winning picture shows Phillip O. Clark as he emerged from the basement of a Cape Girardeau residence with a pistol pointed at the head of a Missourian newspaper carrier.

1941

CAIRO, Ill. -- After a long dry spell that started with the forced cessation of gambling activities at some night spots in Alexander County, more taverns are winning back their liquor licenses. The Board of Commissioners recently lifted the limit on the number of taverns that can be operated in the county.

ORAN, Mo. -- Excavation has begun for construction of a $14,043 city hall. The building, to be of native limestone, will have a full basement, in which will be located the jail and heating plant. City office and conference rooms will be on the first floor. National Youth Administration employees are furnishing the labor.

1916

The Sturdivant Bank in Cape Girardeau observes its golden anniversary. During regular banking hours, it keeps an open house, and hundreds of friends and patrons drop in to greet the officers and directors. While the bank is celebrating its 50th anniversary, it is actually 73 years old, having begun in Jackson in 1843 as the Third Branch Bank of the state of Missouri. Col. Robert Sturdivant acquired all the assets and properties of the bank in 1866, establishing the Bank of R. Sturdivant.

The Cape Girardeau City Council voted through two motions last evening, which will open Main Street from Independence Street to William Street. This will give the future railroad-passenger station a paved road on its west side.

-- Sharon K. Sanders