Out of the past 6/18/12

25 years ago: June 18, 1987

Developers are proposing the construction of a generation plant that would be fueled partially by burning of solid wastes; a portion of its initial 80,000 kilowatts of electricity could be linked to the huge Southwest Power Administration's hydroelectric distribution system, assuring adequate future supplies of electricity in Cape Girardeau.

While the Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended the city council grant a special use permit for a proposed residential development for the mentally handicapped at New Madrid and Haddock streets, neighborhood residents are strongly opposed to the move.

50 years ago: June 18, 1962

An estimated 265 district pupils have enrolled for a Junior High Band Camp at State College, the third music camp of the summer; the musicians have been divided into two bands, and their leaders are Ed Carson of Sikeston, Mo., and Joe Smith of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

This is the hottest day of the year in Cape Girardeau, the temperature topping out at 96 searing degrees; the heat is so intense the concrete pavement on Independence Street, near Minnesota Avenue, buckles.

75 years ago: June 18, 1937

Paul B. McNeely, for nine years a member of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, is to be appointed assistant chief of police; Herbert F. Wickham will continue as chief, and all other officers will remain on the force.

Linus Penzel, a building contractor of Jackson, is awarded the contract to build the Marquette Natatorium on the grounds of the Marquette Cement Mfg. Co. in South Cape Girardeau.

100 years ago: June 18, 1912

Cape Girardeau will have a safe and sane Fourth of July; that much was assured last night, when the city council passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale, giving away, securing, having or even wishing for any of those things called giant crackers, cap pistols, or any other piece of artillery ordinarily used to make a loud noise.

E.E. Morrison, a mail clerk running on the Frisco out of Cape Girardeau, has bought a beautiful lot in Lorimier Place and will build a house thereon.

-- Sharon K. Sanders