Out of the past 8/7/03

10 years ago: Aug. 7, 1993

Predicted crest of 49 feet of Mississippi River fails to arrive, leaving weary river warriors to continue battle against water's assault; river stands at 47.9 feet at 6 p.m.; workers strengthen sandbag levee around Red Star Baptist Church in north Cape Girardeau, and in southwest part of town rising waters begin to threaten more homes in Meadowbrook area along South Kingshighway.

Renovation of Towers West residence hall at Southeast Missouri State University is in full swing, and project is being expanded to improve "chilled" water system on north side of campus; board of regents last week approved plans to construct centralized cooling facility on north side of Towers parking lot, including connecting utility tunnel.

25 years ago: Aug. 7, 1978

Candidates are getting in their last hurrahs, blitzing media with advertising as they campaign down to wire for tomorrow's primary election in Missouri; typically, final days of campaign have seen most vigorous efforts expended by candidates; appeals for voter support have been mailed by some and telephone soliciting by volunteers is taking place.

Driver of tractor trailer narrowly misses being injured when his rig runs over several logs that tumble off P and K sawmill truck of Jackson on Illinois side of Mississippi River bridge; one of tractor trailer's diesel fuel tanks is ruptured, leaking fuel on bridge, which is closed for about 1 1/2 hours.

50 years ago: Aug. 7, 1953

Mrs. Anna Jenkins of Cape Girardeau receives telegram from Department of Army saying her son, Pfc. William R. Jenkins, 22, was wounded in Korea on July 24, three days before armistice; Jenkins, who attended John S. Cobb School, has been in service since October 1952 and was sent to Korea three months ago.

Charleston, Mo. -- Mississippi County treasurer is holding federal check for $25,888.25 until county court can find out for what it may be used; money was paid county from federal flood-control lease funds; new law provides that court may use money for any purpose, but Mississippi County Court has written attorney general requesting ruling on what limit on county purposes is.

75 years ago: Aug. 7, 1928

Voters of Cape Girardeau County at primary election, except in one instance, follow remainder of state in giving pluralities to leading gubernatorial and senatorial candidates; Judge Henry S. Caulfield and Francis M. Wilson appear to have captured Republican and Democratic gubernatorial nominations, respectively.

Concrete for roadway of traffic bridge across Mississippi River is being poured on second small span, the amount of slab laid on floor now being more than half of that required for entire roadway.

-- Sharon K. Sanders