Out of the past 1/12/04

10 years ago: Jan. 12, 1994

Southeast Missouri State University has 7,396 students enrolled this spring semester, down 44, or 1 percent, from this time year ago, according to school officials.

Mike Kasten, Jackson area rancher and businessman, says he will file as Republican candidate for presiding commissioner of Cape Girardeau County.

25 years ago: Jan. 12, 1979

Cape Girardeau Public Library officials were all smiles yesterday after bids for new library were opened and totaled much less than architect's estimated cost for project; architect's estimate was more than $800,000, but low bids totaled $746,349.

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- This normally quiet town looks like armed camp, as officers from Southeast Missouri law enforcement agencies comb area for three escapees from Stoddard County jail, one of whom is charged with capital murder.

50 years ago: Jan. 12, 1954

Coldest weather of season settled on Cape Girardeau district overnight, preventing thawing of snow and ice coat now in its third day; mercury fell to 4 degrees above zero at State College.

Reports submitted to school board show Cape Girardeau public school enrollment is 3,281, record figure and increase of 206 over corresponding date last year.

75 years ago: Jan. 12, 1929

Public schools of Cape Girardeau County will receive $228,219.15 of total amount of $388,966.46 of tax money paid into office of county collector during month of December; this amount will be apportioned among 80 public school districts in county.

Missouri Pacific has instructed contractors to start work Monday rehabilitating Cape Girardeau Northern line from terminals at Cape Girardeau to cement plant.

-- Sharon K. Sanders