25 years ago: Dec. 10, 1982

Prompted by reports of looting in the flood-stricken areas of Cape Girardeau and Allenville, the County Court has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in two areas of Cape Girardeau bordering the Mississippi River, in the Egypt Mills-Neelys Landing and the Dutchtown-Allenville areas; the river crests early this morning at 43.5 feet at Cape Girardeau.

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- Toxic chemicals in concentrations higher than federal standards allow have been found at Ilada Energy Corp. waste oil plant near here.

50 years ago: Dec. 10, 1957

Three other judicial circuits in Southeast Missouri, making up a nine-county area, will be asked to join with the Cape-Scott-Mississippi County circuit in converting the Cape Girardeau County Poor Farm residence into a juvenile home.

The congregation of Centenary Methodist Church has purchased two lots on North Ellis Street immediately west of the church; they were purchased from the Leming Lumber Co. and Gladys Portlock.

75 years ago: Dec. 10, 1932

Winter tightens its hold on Cape Gir-ardeau and the district after a sleet and rain storm swept down on the city overnight; two inches of sleet, ice and snow cover the ground, and the temperature drops to 19 degrees.

Mayor Edward L. Drum, in a proclamation this morning, designates three Cape Girardeau streets to be used by children for coasting while the present snow and sleet remain; streets designated are: Normal Avenue from in front of Academic Hall to Fairground Park, Lorimier Street from Themis to Merriwether streets, and William Street from Pacific Street to West End Boulevard.

100 years ago: Dec. 10, 1907

Ned Blanchard, the genial night watchman, is said to be giving excellent protection to the merchants on Main Street, the levee and side streets in this district.

Construction of the new courthouse at Jackson should resume soon; after a lapse of a few weeks, a large force of men will be placed on the building to complete it in the earliest possible time; the County Court met with contractors yesterday and threshed out their differences.

-- Sharon K. Sanders