Out of the past 1/26/12

25 years ago: Jan. 26, 1987

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is concerned that a site proposed for the construction of a 1,250-acre recreational lake that would help alleviate flood problems in Cape Girardeau County doesn't have an adequate watershed; the corps suggested members of the county lake committee and officers of the Cape LaCroix/Walker Creek levy district look at other sites or a smaller lake.

The county commission notified 10 property owners near the Kem-Pest waste site by letter that test results of their wells showed no contamination; the commission sent each land owner a copy of the lab report and pointed out, "There does not appear to be any contamination of your well on the chemicals named by the Environmental Protection Agency."

50 years ago: Jan. 26, 1962

The Mississippi River ice gorge, which for two weeks has kept river traffic at a standstill, apparently withstood the mild temperatures of recent days; the gorge extends 31 miles, from north of Cairo, Ill., to near Commerce, Mo.

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- There's a mammoth scavenger hunt underway in New Madrid County whenever the weather permits; Herschel Lott, one of those engaged in planning the forthcoming re-enactment of the Battle for Island No. 10, says a search for relics from the crucial Civil War engagement is proving successful.

75 years ago: Jan. 26, 1937

SIKESTON, Mo. -- With the setback levee holding against the pressure of the greatest flood in the district's history, the only emergency this afternoon is on the levee north of Charleston, Mo.; even there, no serious danger is anticipated.

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Voluntary evacuation of New Madrid, in part at least, is underway; about one-third of the town's population of something more than 2,000 people has been moved out.

100 years ago: Jan. 26, 1912

The Broadway Plumbing Co. has been reorganized, with C. McClatchey as president, Gustav Pollack as secretary and Charles Hundertmark as treasurer.

S.J. McMinn, the Marble Hill, Mo., banker, is in Cape Girardeau attending to business; his bank is preparing to build a fine new building this spring; Cape Girardeau architect Walter Slifer drew the plans.

-- Sharon K. Sanders