25 years ago: Dec. 22, 1982

The Cape Girardeau Ministerial Alliance begins distributing about 1,400 gifts to flood victims who arrived here yesterday from Waukesha, Wis.; the gifts are a result of that town's efforts to help victims of the recent Mississippi River flood here; among the gifts are 480 blankets and 100 teddy bears.

Danny Clubb, an officer in the Scott City Police Department, has been named interim chief by the city while applications for a new chief continue to be accepted.

50 years ago: Dec. 22, 1957

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Thousands of people visited this community Saturday and today to see the damage wrought by last week's tornado, creating unprecedented traffic jams.

The contract to build the McKendree Methodist education building has been let to Penzel Construction Co. of Jackson; the bid was $2,200 less than the estimate of $135,000; construction will start as soon as possible.

75 years ago: Dec. 22, 1932

The Cape Girardeau City Council is making plans to construct a 24-inch storm water sewer pipe leading from Pacific Street along Independence Street two blocks west of Hanover Street; the line will take care of storm water that overflows property along Pacific Street and which has resulted in Judge Frank Kelly, 20 S. Pacific St., securing judgments against the city for damages caused by the floodwater.

Scott County Sheriff Tom Scott has been endorsed by Democratic organizations and party leaders in Southeast Missouri in support of a move to secure his appointment by governor-elect Guy B. Park as warden of the state penitentiary.

100 years ago: Dec. 22, 1907

The Presbyterian church is the only Cape Girardeau church to hold a special Christmas service today; the others are apparently waiting until Wednesday before Christmas sermons and music are given; a Christmas tree is the chief feature of the Sunday school Christmas entertainment in the evening.

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- Experienced yeggmen blockade the doors leading from the Frisco Hotel and then use nitroglycerin to blow open the safe in the hotel saloon; they are able to make their escape while their would-be pursuers are trapped in the hotel.

-- Sharon K. Sanders