Out of the past 3/4/03

10 years ago: March 4, 1993

Convention and Visitors Bureau will reconsider whether city should sponsor "town hall" meeting regarding riverboat gambling in Cape Girardeau; CVB Advisory Board last week voted to hold three informational meetings to discuss riverboat casino, cost of which wasn't to exceed $1,500; however, group will reconsider its actions because of public concerns over expenditure of city funds for what might be considered promotion of riverboat gambling in city.

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors voted last week to endorse city school's $25 million bond issue; endorsement from business community comes one month before April 6 election.

25 years ago: March 4, 1978

Extensive flooding along Mississippi River from Cape Girardeau south to Cairo, Ill., isn't expected this spring, according to both Army Corps of Engineers and National Weather Service.

Bids were opened yesterday on two contracts for city-school swimming pool to be built just west of Central High School; two contracts were supplemental contracts for pool itself, and prime contract, for bathhouse, pool cover and site work; while supplementary contract bids came within estimates, prime contract was substantially above engineer's estimate and will have to be adjusted or re-bid.

50 years ago: March 4, 1953

Heavy rains during past three days have soaked through to dry subsoil and improved Cape Girardeau County's chances for good farm crops this year, says County Agent A.D. Arnhart; his office in Jackson has received reports that creeks throughout county are full, indicating earth is soaked and water has filled all streams.

Sikeston -- Three Scott County cities -- Oran, Benton and Sikeston -- have sanctioned restaurant inspection program to be conducted on county-wide basis by State Division of Health.

75 years ago: March 4, 1928

The Rev. A.P. Hamrick, pastor of Baptist church at Fredericktown, preaches at morning and evening services of First Baptist Church; Hamrick, who has been pastor of Fredericktown church for two years, has assisted greatly in development of young people's work there.

Law enforcement officers raid Rest-a-Bit Inn on South Kingshighway, near Frisco railway tracks, finding 105 bottles of home-brew beer and small quantity of whiskey; one of proprietors of place is lodged in jail on charge of possession of intoxicating liquor.

-- Sharon K. Sanders