25 years ago: Jan. 2, 1983

Fire last night heavily damaged a downtown Cape Girardeau building; a witness said he watched smoke pour out of the building at 416 Broadway, and then saw the entire front become engulfed in flames within 30 seconds; despite the show outside, a number of people still attended "The Toy," showing in the adjacent Rialto Theater.

HELENA, Ark. -- Crew members of a towboat that crashed into a pier of the Highway 49 bridge over the Mississippi River and sank yesterday are blaming strong currents and high water for the accident; the pilot of the towboat was Larry Orick of Cape Girardeau.

50 years ago: Jan. 2, 1958

First filings for the 1958 political campaign in Cape Girardeau County are reported; Lillian Stehr, completing her first term as clerk of Common Pleas Court, is the first to file for re-election; subsequently, Joe M. Lesem files for the office of county collector.

When the Puxico (Mo.) Indians captured the championship of the Preps' 13th annual Christmas tournament Tuesday night at Houck Field House with a 42-41 victory over the Dexter (Mo.) Bearcats, it was their first championship since the 1951 season, when they trounced Cape Girardeau Central Tigers, 70-48.

75 years ago: Jan. 2, 1933

Richard F. Baynes, prominent New Madrid, Mo., lawyer, indicates he will be an applicant for appointment as federal district attorney for the eastern district of Missouri.

Cape Girardeau in 1932 courageously carried on its building career, which each year has been one of the most important factors in the city's growth; during the year, 48 new buildings were erected in Cape Girardeau at a cost of $191,500.

100 years ago: Jan. 2, 1908

The Commercial Club of Jackson was brought to life after an extended trance Tuesday night, and the result will be a big homecoming celebration some time next summer; a committee composed of Ed Hays, Fred Kies and F.A. McGuire was appointed to draft a constitution and bylaws for a homecoming association.

All incoming trains yesterday were crowded with Normal School students returning to their studies after the holiday recess.

-- Sharon K. Sanders