Out of the past 1/27/06

25 years ago: Jan. 27, 1981

A number of area highway construction projects are in severe jeopardy because of a lack of state highway funds; Lionel T. Murray, chief engineer of District 10 of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department, has recommended that the commission remove from its five-year plan: Continuing straightening, widening and repaving of Highway 177 between Fruitland and Neelys Landing.

Capt. Jack Little, son of the late former Cape Girardeau chief of police Percy R. Little, is reported among those being considered for superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

50 years ago: Jan. 27, 1956

An option on a 154.38-acre tract of land fronting on the Mississippi River east of Illmo as the site for a projected major oil storage tank installation is exercised by the Texas Eastern Transmission Corp. of Shreveport, La.

A 130-foot Douglas fir pole is a traffic-stopper in Cape Girardeau, as it is hauled through the city on a pole trailer to Coker Knob, reputedly the highest point in Cape Girardeau County, where it will hold the antenna for radio communications by the subdistrict office of the U.S. Engineers here.

75 years ago: Jan. 27, 1931

Harold H. Stephenson, 25, superintendent of schools at Oak Ridge for the past three years, announces he is candidate for superintendent of schools in Cape Girardeau County; others who have filed for the office are Otto Kiehne, the present superintendent.

County highway engineer R.R. Bedwell has the material ready to strengthen the historic covered bridge at Allenville, so it will be safe for the heavy loads which are being hauled over it; wet weather has delayed bridge work throughout the county.

100 years ago: Jan. 27, 1906

The rains of the last two weeks have resulted in the highest water for years in the swamps below Cape Girardeau; Capt. George E. Alt, who runs a commissary at Sharpsboro, down near Delta, reports that the water rose to a great height in his store; it crept into the high desk and filtered into the safe, depositing a layer of sediment; a fine rifle Alt brought from England was soaked; he brought it to this city and had it cleaned and dried.

Word is received that the India Givens, the packet which will start the local river season, won't be up until Sunday; the boat was supposed to leave Cairo, Ill., this morning and arrive here around noon.

-- Sharon K. Sanders