Out of the past: Dec. 12

1991

Ever since Cape Girardeau County enacted a half-cent sales tax for general revenue in March 1980, receipts have increased consistently every year, but in 1991, that growth ended. Records show receipts are flat, with just a .28 percent increase over 1990 receipts.

Traffic signals at the intersection of East Jackson Boulevard and Donna Drive in Jackson will be operational either tomorrow or Monday. Technicians from the Highway and Transportation Department officer at Sikeston, Missouri, installed the signal heads Tuesday; on Wednesday, traffic-actuated sensors were installed in the pavement on Donna Drive and at the Wal-Mart parking lot exit.

1966

The Cape Girardeau County Court draws a jury for circuit court, makes a short road-inspection trip and receives regular reports. The court meets in the absence of Presiding Judge Clarence W. Suedekum, who, with a number of other county officials, is touring St. Charles County offices. St. Charles is a second-class county, and Cape Girardeau County will go to this status Jan. 1.

The transfer of the Cape Girardeau School District central administrative offices from rented space on Broadway to school-owned property at 61 N. Clark Ave. is in progress. The school board is expected to meet in the new quarters this evening for the first time.

1941

Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Kaempher of Cape Girardeau received a cablegram yesterday from their son, Robert Kaempfer, a pilot in air forces in the Pacific, saying "Am okay"; likewise, Mrs. Anna Kipping of Cape Girardeau received word from her son, Raymond Kipping, that he is safe. Young Kipping has been in the Navy six years.

Because the country is at war and because news of what is transpiring in the Pacific battle zone, in Washington and in other places where U.S. forces are involved transcends everything else, The Missourian is making an effort to bring its readers all information that is made available. As a result of this effort, the newspaper finds it necessary to condense its local and district news.

1916

The inspection of the new motor fire engine scheduled for today with the mayor and city council sitting as judges on its working capabilities is called off. The official reason for such action is that the second fire truck hasn't yet arrived here. The inspection will take place some time next week.

Officials with the Normal School tell the junketing committee that visited the school last week it needs $283,000 to operate for two years, covered by the appropriations of the coming session of the Legislature.

-- Sharon K. Sanders