Out of the past 1/20/04

10 years ago: Jan. 20, 1994

Southeast Missouri State University provost Charles Kupchella wants to eliminate across-the-board pay raises for faculty and move strictly to merit-pay system.

Frigid weather that set consecutive record-low temperatures in Cape Girardeau is moving eastward, allowing warmup to begin; forecasters say weekend's highs could reach into 40s and mid-50s after sinking to minus 10 degrees Tuesday and minus 11 degrees Wednesday.

25 years ago: Jan. 20, 1979

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. -- National Guard troops in northern Missouri push last of past weekend's snowfall off major roads and make plans to complete their mission.

Coast Guard has suspended towboat traffic along 126-mile channel on Mississippi River pending ice-breaking operations above Cairo, Ill.

50 years ago: Jan. 20, 1954

Storm clouds dumped more than 1 1/2 inches of rain on Cape Girardeau overnight, bringing also thunder, lightning and warm temperatures; lightning struck home of Lindle Crites, 1410 Perry Ave., about midnight, but no fire resulted.

In first 20 days of this election year, candidates have filed for all but one of county offices to be filled next November.

75 years ago: Jan. 20, 1929

City officials plan to establish clubhouse at Fairground Park as community center to be given over to Cape Girardeau organizations without charge; in connection, clubhouse will no longer be leased for public dances, as has been done for several years.

Contract for razing of building formerly occupied by Broadway Garage, 227 Broadway, has been let to Samuel Boutin; when site is cleared, erection of new Sunday school building for First Presbyterian Church will begin.

-- Sharon K. Sanders