Out of the past 11/12/07

25 years ago: Nov. 12, 1982

The first shipment of containerized cargo -- carpet cushioning headed for England -- leaves the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority port near Scott City.

Cape Girardeau's Multipurpose Building Committee, studying the feasibility of a new sports and convention facility, will be given a clearer idea of what such a facility might look like next week; consultants will meet with the committee Wednesday to present concept drawings of the proposed structure.

50 years ago: Nov. 12, 1957

Prosecuting Attorney Stephen N. Limbaugh says the office of county collector of revenue, left vacant by the death of Bob Kirkpatrick, will remain closed until a successor is appointed and a required audit is made; taxes cannot be paid during this period.

Brothers W.J. and Noah Niswonger of Cape Girardeau are hunting rabbits just south of the cement plant when their beagle gives a sharp yelp and calls off the hunt; investigating, they find a big bobcat crouched in a tangle and promptly dispatch him with a shotgun; the cat, about 4 1/2 feet long, weighs a shade over 20 pounds.

75 years ago: Nov. 12, 1932

B. Hugh Smith, an attorney of Cape Girardeau, is seeking appointment as an assistant attorney general of Missouri; he has secured the personal endorsement of a number of county chairmen in Southeast Missouri and of lawyers.

Five saddle horses are bought for Cape Girardeau County at a sale conducted at the farm of Fred Holekamp near Hillsboro, Mo.; among those purchasing animals are Dr. O.L Seabaugh and Harold Reiker of Cape Girardeau and Lester Bowers of Oak Ridge.

100 years ago: Nov. 12, 1907

The first snow of the season falls in the afternoon; while it is very light, it is easily noticed; last fall, the first snow fell on Nov. 13.

ST. LOUIS -- The U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld the convictions and sentences of seven Sikeston, Mo., men who were tried at Cape Girardeau a year ago in a special session of the federal court; the men were accused of depriving black laborers of their civil rights; the appeals court found the defendants forced the laborers into involuntary servitude.

-- Sharon K. Sanders