Out of the past 1/2/11

25 years ago: Jan. 2, 1986

The Southeast Missourian has learned that Puxico, Mo., activist farmer Wayne Cryts has decided to seek the 8th District congressional seat now held by Cape Girardeau Republican Bill Emerson.

Confusion over a boundary description in East Cape County Volunteer Fire District's plan to incorporate forces the district to withdraw its court petition seeking incorporation; the fire district's attorney will file another petition for incorporation within a week in Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court.

50 years ago: Jan. 2, 1961

The College High Preps' 16th annual holiday tournament, which concluded Saturday night at Houck Field House, saw a new champion crowned when the Woodland Cardinals defeated the Advance Hornets 76-73 in overtime.

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- The Bernard L. Hotze family of Leopold has been chosen as "Family of the Year" among Catholic families of the United States; of Mr. and Mrs. Hotze's eight children, six have entered the religious life; three of their sons are missionaries, and three of their daughters are members of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

75 years ago: Jan. 2, 1936

Completely gorged for the first time in 11 years, the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau remains blocked with ice to all river traffic; the blockade, beginning Tuesday at Commerce, Mo., has extended past this city all the way to Grand Tower, Ill.

A stone plate showing the date of construction of old Lorimier School is taken down by Works Progress Administration workers and will be preserved by the school board; the stone has only "Public School of 1871" cut into its surface; the old school is being razed, but a cornerstone believed to be in the structure has yet to be found.

100 years ago: Jan. 2, 1911

The January term of the Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court opens for business, with Judge C.B. Faris presiding for the first time; also taking charge of their duties are the prosecuting attorney, J.H. Doris, and the new clerk, H.L. Hoffmeister.

Homer and Earl Williams of Jackson pass through Cape Girardeau on their way to Ann Arbor, Mich., where they are attending college.

-- Sharon K. Sanders