Out of the past 1/2/02

10 years ago: Jan. 2, 1992

Preliminary construction associated with $89 million Cape Girardeau Mississippi Bridge and cross-city highway project is scheduled to begin late this year; work on highway will start where Highway 74 is to be located to form interchange with I-55.

Cape Girardeau Police Department closed out 1991 with increase of nearly 1,000 incident reports on year since police took 8,260 reports in 1985.

25 years ago: Jan. 2, 1977

Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Synod, presently worshipping at 421a Broadway, breaks ground for church and parsonage on Jean Ann drive; property, consisting of 2.6 acres, was purchased year ago from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Huebel.

Scott City -- The Rev. Maurice Eagan has been appointed to fill vacancy at Scott City United Methodist Church left by the Rev. Don Kuehle, who is pastoring church at Potosi; Eagan's last pastorate was in Williamsville, northwest of Poplar Bluff.

50 years ago: Jan. 2, 1952

First ice storm in almost two years grips Cape Girardeau, but danger is minor here compared to thick coating that covers every exposed object and disrupts communications lines farther south in district; ice began to form late yesterday afternoon; traffic has kept all highways clear, but there are some reports that gravel roads have ice on them.

Benton -- D.S. Gilmore, recent state senator from 27th District of Cape Girardeau, Scott and Mississippi counties, is sworn in as judge of 28th judicial circuit composed of same three counties; he is administered oath of office in morning in circuit courtroom by H.C. Watkins Jr., county clerk of Scott County.

75 years ago: Jan. 2, 1927

Prosecuting Attorney S.P. Dalton, who formally took office yesterday, tomorrow will begin disposition of heaviest criminal docket ever scheduled for trial in Cape Girardeau County; 91 criminal cases, from felonious assault to minor peace disturbance charges, are scheduled for trial at circuit court term which opens next week.

Without conflagration of serious nature during entire year, Cape Girardeau closed 1926 with enviable record of small losses from fire; fire department responded to only 114 fire alarms during year.

-- Sharon K. Sanders