25 years ago: Dec. 23, 1982

The Southeast Missourian announce it will be starting a new service tomorrow: Soundoff; a special telephone line will be open for callers to state questions or comments; publication of them, together with answers where appropriate, will begin Dec. 30.

An engineering study is expected to be made next week on the condition of the 114-year-old covered bridge at Burfordville, whose wooden supports were apparently damaged in the recent flooding.

50 years ago: Dec. 23, 1957

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- With the task of making emergency repairs behind, Chaffee begins planning for the rebuilding of structures destroyed or badly damaged by last week's tornado; because the economic loss, first community-wide attention is being given to the reconstruction of the building housing the No. 2 unit of the Sports Specialty Shoe plant, in which 100 persons were employed.

In companion orders entered in records of the circuit courts of Cape Girardeau, Scott and Mississippi counties and in the Court of Common Pleas at Cape Girardeau, judges Marshall Craig and Robert G. Brady formally create the office of juvenile officer to serve the circuit.

75 years ago: Dec. 23, 1932

Fog hangs in a cloud-like blanket over Southeast Missouri, bringing further distress to traffic and making the movement of motor vehicles along city streets and highways hazardous; during the night, temperatures rose to 54 degrees, the highest of the week.

Distribution of provisions to the needy of Cape Girardeau and toys to the poor children for Christmas starts in the afternoon by 20 Boy Scouts, under the direction of the Rev. R.L. Harrell, chairman of the Central Relief Organization; by noon, 141 families are on the list to receive Christmas baskets, and others are likely to be added.

100 years ago: Dec. 23, 1907

Will Bergman got home last night from St. Louis with a big lot of lettuce, radishes and cauliflower, for the late Christmas trade.

Tom Collins and Harry McLain leave in the morning on a hunting expedition near Oriole, Mo.; they will be joined Wednesday by Julien Friant, Ed Engelmann and Harry Minton.

-- Sharon K. Sanders