Out of the past 1/22/02

10 years ago: Jan. 22, 1992

Cape Girardeau County and other parts of Southeast Missouri are included in four-state, 7,500-square-mile region that has wealth of untapped mineral resources, new study shows; study is designed to spark more exploration and use of mineral resources, something that would aid region's economy.

After lengthy debate, City Council votes unanimously to further study feasibility of building Shawnee Park sports complex with city tourism dollars.

25 years ago: Jan. 22, 1977

Respite from bitter cold which has clung to area with icy grip past two weeks attracts literally hundreds of spectators to Mississippi River to take first-hand look at huge chunks of ice which have put halt to river traffic.

American flag outside Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 is lowered by David Barks, chairman of post's Americanism committee, and Larry DeClue, post commander, during morning ceremony; it will fly at half staff next 30 days in protest of President Jimmy Carter's blanket pardon of Vietnam draft evaders.

50 years ago: Jan. 22, 1952

History-steeped Old Lorimier Cemetery, city's ancient burial ground, will be renovated and tombs of Don Louis Lorimier and his Indian wife repaired under program approved Monday by City Council; Associated Committees of Historic Cape Girardeau have collected enough money to pay for restoration of Lorimier tomb; council appropriated $400 to help with work.

Albert M. Spradling Jr., former city attorney, who was elected state senator at special election Jan. 8 and who was formally sworn in at Jefferson City yesterday, files for re-election for new term beginning next Jan. 1.

75 years ago: Jan. 22, 1927

Roaring out of Rockies, delayed cold wave, bringing with it rain, sleet and snow, strikes Cape Girardeau early in morning, sheeting buildings, vegetation and wires with thick coating of ice, and making streets and highways dangerous for traffic; greater fury of storm, according to reports reaching here over crippled wire communication, misses Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri, but sweeps across northern section of state.

Missionary Baptist Church for black community in Cape Girardeau, to be known as St. Paul's Chapel, has been organized with the Rev. S.M. Arthur as pastor; services are being held each Sunday at 315 N. Fountain.

- Sharon K. Sanders