10 years ago: March 14, 1992

Youngsters wielding shovels and rakes and wheelbarrows transform pile of gravel and sand into beginnings of small desert plot at Nell Holcomb School; rock and cactus garden is part of Nell Holcomb's outdoor classroom, which, when completed, will include at least 20 different learning stations, amphitheater and nature trail.

Panel of retired judges should sit in judgment of Congress rather than in-house ethics committee, says U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond; speaking to reporter prior to annual Cape Girardeau County Republican Lincoln Day banquet, Bond calls for reform of Congress.

25 years ago: March 14, 1977

Elmer A. Strom, 73, Cape Girardeau lawyer who practiced here for nearly 50 years, died yesterday in Agra, India; Strom and his wife had left Cape Girardeau Feb. 28 for five-week Asian tour; Strom, who was active in civic affairs, was retired Army colonel and served as Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney during two periods of 1930s.

Marble Hill - Circuit Judges Stanley A. Grimm and A.J. Seier file their answer to Bollinger County judges' suit and charges county court acted improperly when it removed three deputy sheriffs from budget; they also ask state Supreme Court to dismiss county court's suit against them.

50 years ago: March 14, 1952

Burglars break into Buckner-Ragsdale Co. store, Broadway and Water street, probably just before daylight, taking men's clothing and luggage estimated at $1,000; thieves entered building by breaking out glass in entrance door at northeast corner of basement store.

Puxico High Indians and Shelbyville Pirates survive semi-final round of Class B basketball tournament at Houck Field House and will meet tomorrow in championship game, while Wheaton Bulldogs and Branson Pirates play for consolation title.

75 years ago: March 14, 1927

Randolph F. Smith, son of the Rev. and Mrs. O.L. Smith of Cape Girardeau, is opening office in H.-H. Building for practice of law; Smith graduated from law school of Kansas University last June and from that time up to several weeks ago was employed in credit department of Hart-Parr Manufacturing Co., traveling through Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

Arnold Weiss, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weiss, who live about nine miles out on Perryville Road, suffers injury to his ankle in basketball game, breaking bone in two places; Weiss is senior at Teachers College and was playing guard in game between seniors and Training School team.

- Sharon K. Sanders