Out of the past 1/19/07

25 years ago: Jan. 19, 1982

Expectations of converting nearly 80 acres of land near Dutchtown into a sanitary landfill for Cape Girardeau have dimmed as a result of an opinion from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources that the proposed site is not economically feasible.

The recent stretch of inclement weather gets a parting shot early in the morning as Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois residents are greeted by icy roads and dense fog; at least two flights into Cape Girardeau Municipal Airport are canceled.

50 years ago: Jan. 19, 1957

Low stage of the Mississippi River and the presence of too much ice has hobbled river shipping north and south of Cape Girardeau; traffic between here and St. Louis is nearing a standstill, with 12 out of 14 tows either grounded or "tied-in."

Cape Girardeau park commissioner J.W. McBride, Mrs. E.R. Roberts, president of the Council of Garden Clubs, and local nurseryman James C. Logan express interest in preserving the big magnolia tree on the former Dempsey property at 406 Themis St.; the house is being razed, and the tree's future is uncertain.

75 years ago: Jan. 19, 1932

The Gerhardt Construction Co. of Cape Girardeau submitted the low bid for the construction of an annex to the Federal Building here, according to word received from Washington, D.C., where bids were opened Monday.

Test pilings are being driven by a crew of workers for Cohen Construction Co. of Blytheville, Ark., for the bridge to be built over the Diversion Channel south of Dutchtown; soundings indicate pilings may have to be driven down 55 feet.

100 years ago: Jan. 19, 1907

The heirs of the Schlueter, Vasterling and Schrader estates will likely fight efforts by the city of Cape Girardeau and the Commercial Club to acquire rights of way for the proposed boulevard bordering their land; most property owners have agreed to the land acquisition without compensation.

A telegram received from Carbondale, Ill., reports that both Cape Girardeau Normal School basketball teams were trampled yesterday by the local Normal School.

-- Sharon K. Sanders