Out of the past 2/17/08

25 years ago: Feb. 17, 1983

The Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning Commission, a body which for years has held closed-door votes, may be forced to move its decision-making process into the open as the result of a citizen's complaint; Mayor Howard C. Tooke says he will seek an opinion from City Attorney Fred Boeckmann on whether the zoning commission must abide by Missouri's open meetings law.

Anne R. Bradshaw of Cape Girardeau was confirmed Wednesday by the Missouri Senate to replace 159th District Rep. Mary C. Kasten on the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents.

50 years ago: Feb. 17, 1958

The coldest weather of the year hit the district yesterday, with the temperature dropping to 2 below zero as registered on the thermometer at State College; at 10 a.m. today, it had risen to 11 above.

Fire threatens the Junior High School building on Pacific Street during the noon hour, but the blaze is confined to the curtains on the stage in the auditorium on the third floor; male teachers, armed with fire extinguishers, put out the flaming drapes as firefighters arrive.

75 years ago: Feb. 17, 1933

A privately owned or leased electric plant to furnish current for lighting a number of buildings on Main Street is reportedly under construction; it is said a number of businessmen have discussed a proposal to operate a small electric plant which would supply current at a cost of not more than 3 cents per kilowatt hour.

Jesse J. Edmonds, 19, son of Mrs. Belle Edmonds of Cape Girardeau, dies at a local hospital after waging a three-month fight for his life; he was accidentally wounded in his right leg by a charge of shot while hunting rabbits near Kennett, Mo., on Nov. 12.

100 years ago: Feb. 17, 1908

While the railroads out of Cape Girardeau are getting their tracks in shape again after the trouble encountered Friday and Saturday, delays are still being encountered; most of the trouble now and for the next few days will be from the lower counties, where the floods are now reaching.

The Sherwood-Armgardt-Wittmore Orchestra, which has been furnishing music for most all the best dances this winter, will give a masquerade ball at the Masonic Hall Monday evening.

-- Sharon K. Sanders