25 years ago: May 22, 1981

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- A number of Alexander County residents are beginning to realize the effects of a countywide reassessment started two years ago, and they don't like it; a group of county residents has met weekly since May 5, including a meeting of about 60 property owners last night, trying to organize a protest of their 1981 tax bills.

Kim Seelbrede, a 20-year-old modeling instructor from Germantown, Ohio, who won the swimsuit competition and the title of Miss USA, will be in Cape Girardeau June 10.

50 years ago: May 22, 1956

Frank J. Sparks, 51, owner and operator of the Sparks Funeral Home of Cape Girardeau, Charleston, Mo., and Sikeston, Mo., died unexpectedly last night while en route from Wyatt, Mo., to a hospital in Cairo, Ill.; he and an assistant had been transporting a person who had been injured in a shooting, when Sparks suffered a fatal heart ailment.

New police chief Percy R. Little is making some changes in the organization of the Cape Girardeau Police Department; Marshall F. Morton, previously the desk sergeant, has been promoted to captain in charge of operations and training; Capt. F.L. Schneider continues as captain in charge of administration and supply.

75 years ago: May 22, 1931

The congregation of Jackson's black Methodist church, which burned three weeks ago, has resolved to rebuild the edifice and add a full basement to it; the walls are intact and will again be used with minor alterations; the insurance company settled without argument, paying full face value of the policy, $1,200.

The Capahas, playing in their first night baseball game at Fairground Park, defeats the California Owls 10-6; the visiting team travels with temporary lights that are strung at the ball field and then taken down when the team moves on to its next game.

100 years ago: May 22, 1906

The annual oratorical contest for the regents' medal was held at the Normal School auditorium last night; Jean A. Hibbard is awarded the medal; second and third choices were Bessie Baker and Frank Kinder.

Benjamin Juden has been elected second lieutenant by members of Company K, National Guard of Missouri; the company is putting in some hard work in preparation for their showing at the encampment this summer; the soldiers are drilling twice a week at the armory.

-- Sharon K. Sanders