Out of the past 3/1/02

10 years ago: March 1, 1992

Centenary United Methodist Church observes its annual Mission Education Weekend, which helps educate congregation about variety of mission projects supported by church; guest missionary is the Rev. Lee Whiteside of Columbia, director of Office of Creative Ministries for United Methodist Church in Missouri.

Pamela and Charles Felter, parents of Cape Girardeau second-grader, are suing Cape Girardeau Public Schools over district's alleged refusal to transport their daughter between her parochial school and public school where she receives special education services.

25 years ago: March 1, 1977

It is announced that retired Army Gen. William C. Westmoreland, controversial Army chief of staff during much of Vietnam War, will be featured speaker at Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce annual meeting on April 20.

Three-day musical and artistic extravaganza, transported by self-propelled barge, could play Cape Girardeau next year if patrons can be found to underwrite the performance; members of SEMO Council for Arts, representatives of service clubs, business groups, city government and public schools learn that American Wind Symphony Orchestra of Western Pennsylvania is planning return trip to Cape Girardeau in June 1978, if $7,500 can be raised.

50 years ago: March 1, 1952

At least 14 Cape Girardeans observed their birthday yesterday, Feb. 29, but won't see another until 1956; add to that list twin sons born Friday morning to Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Hobbs of Cape Girardeau Route 1 at St. Francis Hospital.

Bengal Tiger, symbol of Central High School athletic team for many years, is undoubtedly content over exploits of latest group to bear its name, a basketball team that rose to new heights last night to win place in next week's state Class A tournament at Columbia.

75 years ago: March 1, 1927

Plans for new storm water sewer in downtown Cape Girardeau are approved by city council; contract for system will be awarded March 28; City Engineer Ed Sailer estimates sewer will cost more than $114,425 to complete.

Salary increases for members of Cape Girardeau police and fire departments are voted by city council; pay of Chief of Police W.F. Wickham is raised from $125 to $150 per month, and that of Capt. W.C. Kelpe from $125 to $135 per month; patrolmen are given $10 per month increase, from $100 to $110; firemen are also given increase of $10 per month, making pay of Fire Chief George French $115 and that of firemen $110 per month.

- Sharon K. Sanders