25 years ago: Nov. 20, 1981

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A ruptured valve on a 30,000-gallon LP gas tank last night forced evacuation of two wings of Missouri Delta Community Hospital as well as several apartments near the hospital; no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, which began about 7:30 p.m. when a strong gust of wind broke off a tree top, which in turn fell on the fuel tank, damaging a valve.

Cape Girardeau County City Councilman Donald R. Strohmeyer, whose first term in office will end one year early because of the change-over to a charter form of government, files for re-election to another term.

50 years ago: Nov. 20, 1956

The Cape Girardeau City Council, in a short session yesterday, rejected a controversial petition to rezone property on College Hill; the council voted unanimously to reject the petition from Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity requesting the Fred A. Groves property, 916 College Hill, be rezoned from Class A and B private and two-family classification to a Class C apartment status.

The Cape Girardeau County Court yesterday directed the issuance of the county's $150,000 in bonds that will be used to acquire a 3,000-acre tract which will form Missouri's newest state park, Trail of Tears.

75 years ago: Nov. 20, 1931

A driving rain that started late yesterday brings Cape Girardeau the heaviest precipitation in nearly four years; a downpour dumps a total of 3.14 inches on the city by 8 a.m. and continues through the morning.

Scoutmaster John Grossman has completed plans for a Boy Scout cabin to be erected on the bluff above the abandoned stone quarry on lands of Maurice Short on the west prong of Hubble Creek.

100 years ago: Nov. 20, 1906

The meeting of the Cape Girardeau City Council last night promised further action in regard to obtaining a sewer in the heart of the city; a new ordinance was adopted, the second and third reading and the final passage being accomplished after the ordinance had laid over three months from its first reading in August.

The sewer pipe on the north side of Broadway becomes clogged near the riverfront, and when it rains, the water backs up and shoots out of the manhole near the Riverview Hotel like a geyser.

-- Sharon K. Sanders