Out of the past 1/9/12

25 years ago: Jan. 9, 1987

The Missouri Supreme Court has overturned a ruling by Circuit Judge A.J. Seier of Cape Girardeau that would have had the practical effect of taxing all apartment property in Missouri, even huge complexes, at residential rates; the court ruled the Missouri Legislature has the constitutional power to tax some apartment property at residential rates and other apartment property at commercial rates.

Wet snow falls over Missouri, making travel hazardous and forcing schools to close in rural areas; Cape Girardeau is expected to remain on the southern edge of the storm, which is projected to dump six inches on St. Louis.

50 years ago: Jan. 9, 1962

Although Cape Girardeau residents are shivering in the coldest weather since last January, they count themselves lucky; in other parts of the state it is much colder and, again, this region has escaped snow.

Arnold Roth, a Cape Girardeau insurance agent, files as a candidate for county judge of the second district, a post held for five terms by Dr. A.C. Magill; Magill has announced he won't seek re-election.

75 years ago: Jan. 9, 1937

John Tlapek, 90, president of Southeast Missouri Telephone Co., is in a serious condition with a fractured hip at a St. Louis hospital, following a fall at his home in St. Marys, Mo., yesterday.

Winter, with ice, sleet, snow and subfreezing temperatures, is back in the district as a severe storm reaches this part of the state; the forecast is for still more sleet and ice, threatening communications and utility systems.

100 years ago: Jan. 9, 1912

For the first time in several years, pedestrians are able to cross the Mississippi River on ice; in the morning, Jim Denny, George Allen and another man make the hike to East Cape Girardeau, Ill., their progress watched apprehensively by a number of people here.

ST. LOUIS -- Henry Leyhe, general manager of the Eagle Packet Co., announced yesterday the construction of a new steel-hulled packet boat, costing $100,000, which will be used in the St. Louis-Cape Girardeau trade.

-- Sharon K. Sanders