Out of the past 1/21/10

25 years ago: Jan. 21, 1985

The weather the last three days has been frightful; most residents find little comfort as winter's worst storm, the Alberta Clipper, howled through the area Saturday and Sunday; the storm sent temperatures plunging to negative numbers, left motorists frustrated by minor accidents and dead batteries, closed schools and made the weekend less than super, despite Super Bowl festivities.

The Cape Girardeau County Commission officially adopts the county's 1985 budget after an unattended public hearing; the $5.5 million budget is 3.8 percent greater than last year's budget.

50 years ago: Jan. 21, 1960

Wrecking crews are demolishing Albert Hall, a women's dormitory on the State College campus; the dorm is being removed for construction of another new unit of the Dearmont Quadrangle.

Sgt. John A. Hayden, a member of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, has filed his petition with the city clerk for nomination in the forthcoming city primary election; he is the third candidate to file, and the first "new" man seeking office; the other two petitions were filed by incumbents, Mayor Walter H. Ford and Commissioner U.G. Pettigrew; Hayden filed for the office of commissioner.

75 years ago: Jan. 21, 1935

Late by hours, a predicted northwest blizzard roars into Cape Girardeau, bringing the most severe winter weather of the season; the temperature reaches a low of 9 degrees at noon; snow and sleet leave streets coated with ice.

Cape Girardeau, like other communities, will have the opportunity to share in the next Public Works Administration program which will make government funds available for construction projects and provide work for a large number of men; PWA officials are soliciting suggestions for projects.

100 years ago: Jan. 21, 1910

The Jackson City Council recently passed an ordinance, to take effect the first of May, that every owner of a dog must have a license.

Oliver Alexander and Charles Oliver of Fruitland leave for Caruthersville, Mo., where they will visit Sen. A.L. Oliver; afterward, they will go to Blytheville, Ark., to visit Alexander's son, Ed Alexander.

-- Sharon K. Sanders