Out of the past 1/16/12

25 years ago: Jan. 16, 1987

Over the past year, vandalism in Cape Girardeau has increased by almost one-third; the latest example of vandalism can be found at the Cape Girardeau Public Library, where bathroom walls have been defaced; books have been torn and marked up, and the quiet of the library has at times turned into battle zones between disruptive youths and library employees.

A 191-acre tract of land, north and south of Highway 74 and east of South Kingshighway, will be developed as an industrial park by investors of 630 Inc.; investors include Ernest Beussink, Jim Drury and Joe Mirgeaux.

50 years ago: Jan. 16, 1962

The Cape Girardeau City Council, subject to final approval, has conveyed right of way along the frontage of Arena Park to the state for the widening of U.S. 61.

The persistent ice gorge from Cairo, Ill., to about 30 miles north that has tied up Mississippi River traffic for five days is having its effect on both boatmen and those who depend on their cargo; southbound barges are still waiting at Cape Girardeau to go through, and those waiting to come north are stalled below Cairo; much of the cargo is badly needed fuel oil.

75 years ago: Jan. 16, 1937

Five major highways in Southeast Missouri remain closed to traffic as floodwaters in the St. Francis and Black rivers near their crests; the strategic point is on U.S. 60 from Dudley, Mo., to Poplar Bluff, Mo., where 6 feet of water is over the road.

Concrete walls for the building being constructed at historic Fort D are completed, and most of the forms are in place for the concrete reinforced first floor; the building will be of brick and stone and will be 40 feet by 42 feet; WPA workers are supplying the labor.

100 years ago: Jan. 16, 1912

Hold onto your kittens! Charles Gelven, the florist, has all he wants; an appeal in The Republican newspaper recently for a mouser to rid his greenhouses of rodents has brought him cat offers by the dozens.

An Iron Mountain freight train strikes a Cotton Belt passenger train at the siding at Kelso, Mo., pushing it into a C. & E.I. freight train; Guy L. Stewart, agricultural agent for the Cotton Belt, is killed and his porter badly injured; a number of passengers are hurt as well.

-- Sharon K. Sanders