Out of the past 4/2/03

10 years ago: April 2, 1993

Fire that broke out in warehouse at 2153 Independence yesterday extensively damaged building and its contests; warehouse, leased by several businesses, is located in Town Plaza near Plaza Galleria; fire was reported at 3:38 p.m. by patrolling police officer who saw smoke coming from structure; firefighters, arriving two minutes later, attacked blaze on two fronts, on west side facing SEMO Heavy Industries, and on east side, along strip of businesses where they hoped blaze wouldn't spread.

Students from Sikeston and Leopold high schools will advance to International Science and Engineering Fair after capturing top senior-division displays at 37th annual Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair; Drew Kiesling, sophomore at Sikeston Senior High, and Melissa Engelen, junior at Leopold, won honors.

25 years ago: April 2, 1978

Surveillance last night by Cape Girardeau County authorities at number of Cape Girardeau and out-county liquor establishments resulted in arrests of five people, two of whom were charged with unlawful sale of intoxicants to minors.

Fisk, Mo. -- Opponents of controversial Corps of Engineers plan to radically alter nine-mile stretch of St. Francis River apparently have won major concessions which basically will leave river in its natural state; latest Corps' proposal completely eliminates any channelization and provides for snagging and clearing operation that will be done from barge, preserving river banks.

50 years ago: April 2, 1953

Cost estimates for Rodney Vista and Galladay Addition sanitary sewer system are being prepared, and there is expectation by city engineer's office that two jobs can be placed under contract during summer months; these two major construction items head list of projects ahead of engineering department as it moves into its busy season.

Number of business men, acting on informal basis and without any concrete organization, are circulating petitions asking city council to call election to determine if Cape Girardeau should adopt council-manager form of municipal government.

75 years ago: April 2, 1928

Lake at quarry of Hely Stone Co. in South Cape Girardeau, known as "Blue Hole" because of clarity of water, is to be drained and, if it proves practicable, will be used as quarry; pump has been rigged up on bank of picturesque lake, and water is being piped to Mississippi River, about one-quarter of mile away; water is being lowered at rate of 13 inches a day.

Plans are being completed for union Good Friday services, to be held under auspices of Ministerial Alliance, and arrangements call for noon service and afternoon service at two churches; noon service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, while 2 p.m. service will be at Grace Methodist Church.

-- Sharon K. Sanders