Out of the past 2/9/04

10 years ago: Feb. 9, 1994

With turnout of only 9 percent of registered voters in wards 2 and 6, Tom Neumeyer yesterday secured most votes in Ward 2 and Richard "Butch" Eggimann led three-man field in Ward 6; those candidates who finished second in wards and will join Neumeyer and Eggimann in April 5 general election are Brenda Dohogne in Ward 2 and Jay Knudtson in Ward 6.

Marvin Sides, 13-year veteran of Jackson Police Department, has been appointed city's new police chief.

25 years ago: Feb. 9, 1979

Bitter cold in Southeast Missouri has caused steps to be taken by Missouri Utilities officials to conserve area's natural gas supply; yesterday, company began mixing propane and air with natural gas, and company's industrial customers have been using alternate fuels in place of natural gas.

Randy Ludlow, Jackson area farmer and member of group which recently expressed dissatisfaction with services of Byrd Special Road District, has been elected to Road District Commission.

50 years ago: Feb. 9, 1954

Validity of discharge of three Cape Girardeau firemen, each of whom had separate hearing before another crowded city council meeting yesterday, will be decided at special council session Wednesday.

Junior Chamber of Commerce has voted to drop idea of trying to purchase old Bollinger Mill at Burfordville; action was taken after it was reported the cost of such project would be too great.

75 years ago: Feb. 9, 1929

Snow, heaviest in four years, blankets Southeast Missouri, severely hampering transportation; in Cape Girardeau streets are covered to depth of six inches; more than 30 automobiles and one motor bus were stranded on Highway 61, seven miles northwest of Cape Girardeau last night, when bus stalled going up hill and then skidded into shallow ditch, blocking road.

Girardeans, young and old, take to their sleds as snow covers city; automobile traffic is suspended on Bellevue, from Lorimier to Frederick, for sledders' fun.

-- Sharon K. Sanders