10 years ago: March 30, 1993

Although members of new Cape Girardeau Charter Review committee feared they were treading on precarious ground, they agreed to proceed warily with plan to analyze city's constitution; 13-member committee, appointed earlier this month by city council, held its first meeting last night; members were uncertain as to their charge.

Delta -- Voters in Delta R-V School District face quandary in April 6 election; their deteriorating high school needs replacing, but no one knows whether students will even be attending high school in Delta within few years; questions arise because of new minimum-size regulations being deliberated at state level that may force small districts such as 360-student Delta to consolidate.

25 years ago: March 30, 1978

Slight drop in Mississippi River's level since yesterday has buoyed spirits slightly, but experts warn that river remains far above margin of safety needed for heavy rains expected in April; river level crest passed Cape Girardeau on Tuesday, and stage this morning is 38.2 feet, drop of .2 feet from Wednesday.

Warning that survival of intercollegiate athletics could be at stake for Missouri's regional state universities is sounded by Southeast Missouri State University president, Dr. Robert E. Leestamper; he tells board of regents that staff members with Department of Higher Education is preparing funding formula for fiscal 1980 that would eliminate state aid supporting intercollegiate athletic program.

50 years ago: March 30, 1953

Body of Pvt. Billy E McManus will arrive tomorrow at Jackson; funeral will be Sunday at Delta school gymnasium; McManus, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frenton McManus of Delta, lost his life on Jan. 22 during patrol action in Korea; he was machine gunner in 32nd Regiment of 7th Division.

Chaffee, Mo. -- City council decides to submit bond issue of $240,000 to provide new sewer and water system to Chaffee voters; after considerable discussion as to how much of improvements already planned should be included in proposal, council votes to include entire plan, including $135,000 sewage disposal plant, $23,000 water storage tank, extensions of both water and sewage lines and pump house improvements.

75 years ago: March 30, 1928

Fire of unknown origin causes about $1,000 damage to Jackson High School building; flames originated in paper chute at entrance to home economic classroom on second floor; timely discovery of it by William A. Illers, who was delivering milk to residents near school, probably prevents serious conflagration.

Bloomfield, Mo. -- Dedication of new, $75,000 Bloomfield High School building takes place in evening with crowd of 900 attending ceremony; although building is practically finished, and classes have been held in it since Nov. 1, dedication was delayed until number of details could be finished.

-- Sharon K. Sanders