Out of the past 2/12/02

10 years ago: Feb. 12, 1992

State Sen. John Dennis, vice chairman of Senate Transportation Committee that will consider House-passed bill increasing state's fuel tax by 6 cents, predicts bill will receive quick approval in Senate.

Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission approves developer David Gerlach's subdivision plans that include layout of street that was previously source of dispute; commission unanimously approves five record plats for Gerlach's Woodland Place and Randol Farms subdivisions, including one that shows Kent street.

25 years ago: Feb. 12, 1977

Towboats batter through last seven miles of ice gorge on Mississippi River, but Coast Guard says it is still uncertain when river will be reopened to traffic; channel is cut in afternoon, when towboats break through last seven miles of ice; final breakthrough occurs at Mile 34, about eight miles down river from Thebes, Ill.

Vernon Wayne Nenninger receives Knight of Year Award at 16th annual recognition banquet of Knights of Columbus Council 1111; other candidates for honor were Richard Ourth, James Kuss, Donald Ziegler and Harold Green.

50 years ago: Feb. 12, 1952

Teams of workers, going out in pairs, are taking United Evangelistic Mission of Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau District directly into homes of prospective members, seeking their transfer from Methodist Churches elsewhere or their dedication through profession of faith.

Residents in three areas of city will share in new multi-million dollar fire insurance reduction announced by Missouri Inspection bureau; most residents in area will have their rates reduced from Class 9 risks to Class 7, fire insurance rate effective in most of remainder of city.

75 years ago: Feb. 12, 1927

Plans for new $400,000 hotel building, to be built at Broadway and Fountain streets, are rapidly being completed, and it is expected contract for construction of building will be awarded within three or four weeks.

Cairo, Ill. - With its quota of $550,000 in preferred stock pledges at end of campaign, Cairo is looking forward to next step in proposal to construct traffic bridge across Mississippi River; preferred stock pledges represent about one-sixth of fund needed for bridge.

-- Sharon K. Sanders