Out of the past 1/13/07

25 years ago: Jan. 13, 1982

A proposal that would at least temporarily ease financial burdens in the Cape Girardeau Public Schools has been advanced; the proposal will send district voters to the polls this spring to decide a referendum that would allow the school system to transfer 31 cents of the debt service tax levy to the Incidental Fund; if the issue is approved, secondary class scheduling will remain the same, at least for another year.

Other than a flurry of minor accidents and a number of school closings, the three- to four-inch snow that hit Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois overnight caused few serious problems.

50 years ago: Jan. 13, 1957

Weir M. Barcus, secretary-manager of the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce for 12 years, died unexpectedly yesterday at the family home, 915 W. Cape Rock Dr.; Barcus started with the local chamber in November 1944 and retired the past Dec. 31.

The 46 members of the Cape Girardeau Central High School winter graduating class, their parents and friends hear the Rev. Guy L. Steele, pastor of the First Christian Church, deliver the baccalaureate sermon in the evening at the school auditorium; commencement exercises will take place Thursday night.

75 years ago: Jan. 13, 1932

A windstorm of near tornado proportions swept through Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois last night, causing extensive property damage to buildings and trees; no loss of human life or injuries has been reported.

As one of its contributions for the new year, The Southeast Missourian, beginning Saturday, will start publication of an interesting historical series entitled "Stories of Cape Girardeau"; the articles will run daily and will be penned by Allan H. Hinchey, author and historian.

100 years ago: Jan. 13, 1907

The Rev. E.T. Adams discusses the condition of the Cape Girardeau municipal government, speaking on "The Responsibility of City Rulers" during his evening sermon at the Methodist Church.

Jack Pelzer and family have moved back to Cape Girardeau from Illmo, where his printing plant was recently destroyed by fire.

-- Sharon K. Sanders