Out of the past 2/10/06

25 years ago: Feb. 10, 1981

A Cape Girardeau lawyer has become the sixth candidate to file for the school board; Timothy F. Ruddy files for one of two seats to be decided in April's election; both seats are for three-year terms.

Two rural Jackson residents have filed as candidates for the Jackson R-2 Board of Education, bringing to three the total number of filings; hopefuls are Connie Schaper of Jackson Route 3 and Darrel A. Seabaugh of Jackson Route 2; school board president Bertha Hoffmeister previously filed for re-election.

50 years ago: Feb. 10, 1956

Unless weather during the day prevents workers from making final adjustments, Cape Girardeau's new mercury vapor lights on Highway 61 will be turned on for the first time tonight; there are 27 of the new lights, each projecting over the highway; they extend from Independence Street to Cape Rock Drive at the intersection of Arena Park.

After more than 50 years in business, the L.C. Rau store in Dutchtown will hold a going-out-of-business sale next week, because of the health of the owner; Rau established the store shortly after the turn of the century and continued to operate it until last July, when he became ill; his wife has been in charge since that time.

75 years ago: Feb. 10, 1931

Another indication that spring is near is revealed in complaints to the police department about stray chickens and dogs, according to chief Jesse Crafton; Crafton warns that poultry of all kind, and dogs, must be kept on their owners' premises.

A new steel bridge will be built on Highway 25 over Apple Creek at Appleton just as soon as right of way for a slightly relocated route in that vicinity has been secured in Cape Girardeau County; right of way for Perry County's portion of the approach to the new bridge has already been secured.

100 years ago: Feb. 10, 1906

The Democratic state committee will meet in Kansas City, Mo., on Feb. 22 to decide upon a date and place for holding the coming state conventions; Cape Girardeau is among the applicants for the convention; no convention will be held to nominate a candidate to succeed Judge Bland, and the other will nominate candidates for railroad and warehouse commissioner and state superintendent of schools.

Realizing Cape Girardeau's frequent need of such an organization, J.W. Phillips, the lumberman, has undertaken the task of establishing a band that will furnish music for all public occasions.

- Sharon K. Sanders