Out of the past 1/9/04

10 years ago: Jan. 9, 1994

Southeast Missouri State University English professor -- Theodore Hirschfield -- accused of sexual harassment has filed lawsuit against school, alleging that his civil rights of free speech and due process have been violated.

State officials estimate Cape Girardeau County grew by 1,685 people between 1990 and July 1992; 2.7 percent estimated growth ranks county 30th in growth rate among state's 115 counties and city of St. Louis.

25 years ago: Jan. 9, 1979

Near-zero temperatures and power outage that plunges 10 communities into chilly darkness socks unexpected winter blow to area residents early in morning; transformer explosion at Missouri Utilities Co. Viaduct Substation is blamed for outage.

Heavy ice, low water and even lower temperatures have forced near-closing of Mississippi River from St. Louis to Cairo, Ill., for third winter in a row.

50 years ago: Jan. 9, 1954

Charles H. Sander, retired hardware merchant, files as candidate for Republican nomination for presiding judge of county court; he is first to announce for the office.

The Rev. John Cowan of Potosi has accepted call to be pastor of Presbyterian Church in Jackson; he will officially take over pastorate on Feb. 1.

75 years ago: Jan. 9, 1929

BENTON, Mo. -- Farmers and Merchants Bank of Kelso, which when it closed two years ago was thought to have resources of $70,579, won't pay its depositors one cent and from its assets less than $8,000 realized.

J.H. Estes farm of several hundred acres, lying on west bank of Whitewater River at Burfordville, was sold at public auction in Jackson yesterday; St. Louis Joint Stock Land Bank, holder of mortgage, was highest bidder for sum of $14,000.

-- Sharon K. Sanders