25 years ago: Jan. 10, 1983

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, using a section of a federal law for the first time, has filed suit against the Ilada Energy Corp., to stop the company from burning or distributing oil being stored near here that is laced with toxic chemicals.

The spring semester enrollment at Southeast Missouri State University is expected to be in the neighborhood of last spring's record enrollment of 8,574; lines of enrolling students form around the University Center in the morning, the first day of the new semester after the Christmas break.

50 years ago: Jan. 10, 1958

A Cape Girardeau boy talks to his family from near the South Pole; using shortwave radio and long distance telephone, A-T3 Donald Pobst speaks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pobst, and a sister, Janet.

ORAN, Mo. -- Controlling interest of the Bank of Oran has been purchased by Dillon J. Ross of St. Louis and others.

75 years ago: Jan. 10, 1933

One hundred memberships have been secured for Old McKendree Chapel Memorial Association; the number was finally reached, which ensures the preservation of the oldest Protestant church building in Missouri; each member will contribute $10 toward the restoration of the chapel.

James Underwood, 75, one of the oldest residents in Jackson, dies at his home; he was born in slavery in Louisiana, Mo., but was brought to this county with his parents by Dr. Pace when he was 5 years old; he is survived by his wife, six children and a half brother.

100 years ago: Jan. 10, 1908

Unless plans go awry, the smelting plant that has been lying idle in the south suburbs of Cape Girardeau for two years will be sold; Judge Riley acts favorably on the petition of the trustees and orders that they sell the plant; officers of the factory don't show up at the Jackson courthouse to contest the petition.

W.T. Wilson was installed as president of the Cape Girardeau Commercial Club last night; professor B.G. Shackelford, who was elected first vice president, was the only other officer present for the installation.

-- Sharon K. Sanders