Out of the past 3/27/12

25 years ago: March 27, 1987

A two-day conference on sexual abuse opens at Southeast Missouri State University's University Center; FBI special agent Robert Roblee of St. Louis says "kiddie porn" is the common threat that ties child abusers across the world together.

Ruth Waldon has been named as the new juvenile officer/administrator to replace Wally Allstun as the director of the Cape Girardeau County Juvenile Detention Center.

50 years ago: March 27, 1962

WOLF LAKE, Ill. -- An explosion at the Trojan Powder Co. at Wolf Lake shortly after 8 a.m. kills a 25-year-old Anna, Ill., man; the building is partially damaged by the explosion and resulting fire.

Five independent boat owners of the Cape Girardeau area have joined about 100 members of Honkers Boat Club in indicating they would use a boat harbor at Trail of Tears State Park, if one is established; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is gathering information on use of the proposed marina.

75 years ago: March 27, 1937

Excavation begins at 221 N. Fountain St. for the basement and foundation for a new two-story addition to the Rueseler Motor Co. building; the structure will more than double the amount of floor space and will cost about $26,000.

Louis Weiss, pitcher for the Capahas' baseball team, will try out for a berth on the pitching staff of the Jackson, Miss., club.

100 years ago: March 27, 1912

The business men and residents of the towns and territory living along the Current River division and the Hunter Branch division of the Frisco Railroad are asking for a through train service from Willow Springs, Mo., into Cape Girardeau; they have asked the cooperation of the Cape Girardeau Commercial Club in bring this about.

Charles Boutin, the popular telephone official, has contracted with his father, Sam Boutin, to build him a five-room brick bungalow on North Street.

-- Sharon K. Sanders