OUT OF HTE PAST

10 years ago: Dec. 17, 1989

LaCroix United Methodist Church receives its charter in special service; chartering conference is held in morning, with District Superintendent Kenneth Johnston presiding; that service is followed by worship service, with Bishop W.T. Handy Jr. of St. Louis preaching sermon; first service of church was held Oct. 2, 1988, with 210 attending; services are temporarily being held at West Park 4 Cine at West Park Mall; eventually, group plans to build church on Route W, near where Lexington Street is proposed to come through.

Holiday service of music and praise entitled, "Christmas Is the Season of the Heart!" is presented in evening in sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church; program features Libby Estes, soprano; Mike Dumey, tenor, and Scott Bierschwal, pianist; also featured is choral ensemble of Tammy West, Rodney and Dimple Bridges, Janice McClelland, Betsy Dumey and Bob Antill.

25 years ago: Dec. 17, 1974

Recent federal study of drinking water in two metropolitan areas, which said that interaction of chlorine with water pollutants forms organic chemicals which may cause cancer, has resulted in little reaction locally after touching off nationwide inquiry; Missouri Utilities Co. officials say they won't install any new equipment at water plant here to test treated water for heretofore unmeasured chemicals suspected of causing cancer.

Sikeston Voters overwhelmingly approve bond issues totaling almost $2 million to bring major new industry to Sikeston; $750,000 general obligation bond issue is approved 1,096 to 67, and industrial revenue bond issue of $1.2 million is approved 1,089 to 50; bond issues will finance move by Triangle Conduit and Cable Co. into building at Sikeston Industrial Tract on East Malone, formerly occupied by Anchor Toy Co.

50 years ago: Dec. 17, 1949

Relocation of signboards in 1700 block of West Broadway, long focal point of protests of nearby residents, has brought renewal of complaints that boards detract from general appearance of area and are damaging to value of nearby property; after two of boards were relocated this week, property owners complained to city officials, but were told that nothing could be done, that owner of boards erected them years ago and that city couldn't order them razed; similar complaints were heard last spring when boards, blown down in May 21 tornado, were restored.

Street Commissioner Louis Brune says installation is about 50 percent completed on new corner traffic signals at intersection of Independence and Boulevard, which will replace present overhead stop-go light.

75 years ago: Dec. 17, 1924

Leading attorneys of Southeast Missouri at banquet last night at Hotel Idan-Ha paid tribute to 13 years of service of Judge John A. Snider in Common Pleas Court, and welcomed judge-elect, Oscar A. Knehans; practically every county in district was represented at gathering of 52 lawyers.

Community Christmas program, planned under auspices of businessmen of Good Hope Street, will be given on Tuesday, it is announced by committee in charge of arrangements; consent of city officials to close Good Hope to traffic from Frederick to Sprigg has been obtained, and it is planned to erect large Christmas tree at some convenient spot in block; presents, which will be given to every child who attends program, have been purchased, enough for 2,000 youngsters.