Out of the past 12/31/07

25 years ago: Dec. 31, 1982

As the 1982 year ends, Cape Girardeau County residents line up to pay their tax bills by the New Year's Eve deadline; the county collector's offices in Cape Girardeau and Jackson remain open until 4:30 p.m. for the convenience of last-minute taxpayers.

Survey work is expected to begin soon at a number of residences in southeastern Cape Girardeau to determine whether they qualify for rehabilitation through a recently approved block grant; the $314,451 grant is the first block grant ever received by the city of Cape Girardeau.

50 years ago: Dec. 31, 1957

In observance of New Year's Day, there will be a general suspension of business in Cape Girardeau tomorrow; business and industry alike will resume operations on Thursday, with only one factory -- Davis Electric -- being closed for the remainder of the week.

Records of juveniles involved in traffic accidents, heretofore a privileged matter under the new juvenile code, are opened to the press and to other legitimate interests by Judge Robert G. Brady of Common Pleas Court; his special order also directs that peace officers' records be made available for those with a proper reason for using them.

75 years ago: Dec. 31, 1932

Following a rain which fell continuously for 24 hours, highways in Southeast Missouri are closed at several points, and district streams are flooded; climaxing the rainstorm, a cold wave sends the mercury tumbling to 22 degrees.

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Funeral services for Clayborn D. Richards, 97, a Union Army veteran of the Civil War, are conducted from the Baker Funeral Home; Richards, one of the oldest residents of Bollinger County, died Thursday at Glenallen, Mo.

100 years ago: Dec. 31, 1907

It is reported that the famous Sikeston, Mo., peonage case will be fought out before the U.S. Supreme Court; attorney R.B. Oliver recently returned from Washington, after asking the court to review the case.

The Armgardt Orchestra is receiving much commendation for the excellent music it furnishes for dances; the orchestra is composed of Charles Armgardt, cornet; John Whitmore, violin, and Mrs. Addie Sherwood, piano.

-- Sharon K. Sanders