Out of the past 1/26/09

25 years ago: Jan. 26, 1984

Dense fog, which has blanketed Southeast Missouri since yesterday, makes traveling hazardous; numerous minor accidents have been reported in the region, and no planes are landing at the municipal airport.

A construction worker is critically injured when scaffolding gives way inside an empty petroleum tank and he falls 35 feet; the accident occurs while he is sandblasting the inside of the tank at the BioKyowa Corp. Mississippi River site.

50 years ago: Jan. 26, 1959

The upsurge in the Ohio River, which resulted in higher stages all the way to its mouth at Cairo, Ill., brought a foot rise in the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau over the weekend.

A near-capacity crowd attended the installation service for the Rev. Donald Pelsue at First Christian Church yesterday; Earl R. Schultz, chairman of the board, was in charge of the service, and Dr. A.C. Magill extended a welcome to Pelsue from the Ministerial Alliance and all Protestant churches in Cape Girardeau.

75 years ago: Jan. 26, 1934

The Federal Surplus Relief Corp. has approved the purchase of 1.25 million pounds of beef from Missouri farmers each month for distribution to the state's needy; Missouri packers have agreed to process the beef in exchange for byproducts; Miles Packing Co. in Cape Girardeau has been designated as one of the meat packers.

A change in the plans for improvement of South Sprigg Street will reduce its width from 36 feet to 30 feet from Hackberry Street to the Cape LaCroix Creek bridge; the change will eliminate the need for expensive right of way.

100 years ago: Jan. 26, 1909

The Cape Girardeau Court of Common Pleas began its January term yesterday, Judge R.G. Ranney presiding for the first time; the morning was consumed in court organization; Sheriff William F. Schade and his deputy, W.A. Summers, were sworn in, and Alfred Frederick was appointed court stenographer.

A local chapter of the American Woman's League has been formed in Cape Girardeau; the members met at the home of Mrs. E.S. Lilly on Saturday and elected Mrs. H.C. Wasem president.

— Sharon K. Sanders