Out of the past 12/12/09

25 years ago: Dec. 12, 1984

Harry L. and Rosemary Crisp II of Marion, Ill., present a major financial gift to the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation, which will be used for an expansion and renovation of the university's Nursing Building.

Hugh "Bud" Ledure of Jackson has been installed as commander of the Cape Girardeau County chapter of the Disabled American Veterans.

50 years ago: Dec. 12, 1959

Burglars, working in a near professional manner, ripped open a metal safe at the Semo Body & Salvage Co., 2003 Independence St., last night, walking away with between $500 and $700 in cash and checks; the thieves failed in their attempt to open a larger safe in the main storeroom next to the street.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Scissors snipped a white ribbon yesterday afternoon to officially open the first section of interstate highway in Southeast Missouri and one of the first in the state; R.B. Potashnick Construction Co. turned over to the State Highway Department a 9 1/2-mile stretch of divided, four-lane highway built entirely since April from a point south of Sikeston eastward to Bertrand, Mo.

75 years ago: Dec. 12, 1934

A gasket, blowing out on the intake of Cape Girardeau's 2-year-old fire truck, handicapped firemen in fighting a blaze which late yesterday badly damaged the dwelling of Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Bartels, 227 N. Middle St.; the damaged gasket permitted the pump to take air when it was connected with the hydrant, and forced down the pressure necessary to deliver sufficient water to fight the fire.

Formal notice of his appointment as a member of the Judicial Council in Missouri, announced yesterday by the Supreme Court, is received by Rush H. Limbaugh.

100 years ago: Dec. 12, 1909

CAIRO, Ill. -- A new drainage district, which will join the East Cape Girardeau and Clear Creek drainage districts, filed its first papers in the county court last week, being in the nature of a petition to build a levee and protect their farms; the district is to be known as the North Alexander County Drainage District.

Percy Kimmel, who is with the U.S. Geological Survey, arrives in Cape Girardeau to spend the holiday with relatives and friends.

-- Sharon K. Sanders