Out of the past 1/26/04

10 years ago: Jan. 26, 1994

JEFFERSON CITY -- Voters will be asked to amend Missouri Constitution to legalize riverboat gambling, after state Supreme Court said Tuesday that some proposed games are flatly unconstitutional and others are questionable.

New housing and commercial-industrial construction in Jackson in 1993 was at near record level; total number of new single-family housing starts was 86, at cost of $7,273,000.

25 years ago: Jan. 26, 1979

Ice-breaking flotilla on Mississippi River prepares to batter its way through last major ice gorge between St. Louis and Chester, Ill.

Second of three Jackson Board of Education members, who are up for election April 3, has filed for seat on board; Dorothy Phillips, who is serving unexpired term resulting from resignation last year of John H. Crites, filed Wedensday for one of two three-year terms.

50 years ago: Jan. 26, 1954

Elderly deckhand, first cousin of U.S. Sen. Allen J. Ellender of Louisiana, drowned yesterday when he fell into Mississippi River from Jimmy Colle towboat at Mile 62, just south of the Bainbridge light; he was Warner B. Ellenger, 62, of Bourg, La.

Dr. A.C. Magil, Cape Girardeau County representative in legislature, files as candidate for second two-year term; he is a Democrat.

75 years ago: Jan. 26, 1929

Announcement of formation of Mississippi River Fuel Corp., which proposes to build line to pipe natural gas from Louisiana fields to St. Louis industrial area, is of interest locally; line will be single one, until it reaches Cape Girardeau.

Petition asking removal of ban on all-night vehicular parking on Fountain Street, near Broadway, is filed with city clerk; petition is presented by Walter D. Black, proprietor of Hotel Idan-Ha.

-- Sharon K. Sanders