Out of the past 1/21/05

25 years ago: Jan. 21, 1980

The Cape Girardeau County government will operate this year on a budget of $3.4 million which is approved by the county court following a public hearing attended only by members of the news media; the budget is about 21 percent higher than last year.

A Perry County Circuit Court jury awards Nip Kelley Equipment Co. Inc., $30,000 as payment for dirt hauled for Southeast Missouri State University in 1978; at dispute in the case was the amount of dirt hauled from a borrow pit near North Sprigg and New Madrid to the northeast corner of Sprigg and Normal, which was being filled.

50 years ago: Jan. 21, 1955

Superior Concretors Inc. is awarded the contract for construction of the Golladay subdivision sewers; the winning bid of four submitted is $14,653 for the trunk line and $11,639.80 for the lateral lines.

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- In an effort to "clean up" Pemiscot County, Prosecuting Attorney James A. Vickrey this week issued an order banning the sale of any kind of beer or intoxicating liquors on Sunday within the county.

75 years ago: Jan. 21, 1930

Cape Girardeau digs out from under a four-inch snow to hear the weather bureau forecast more snow and colder weather; an indication of temperatures to come tonight is given when the mercury slumps to 18 degrees in the early afternoon.

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- A report of the success of a brief campaign to raise $4,000 in cash by today to prevent the closing of Will Mayfield College is to be made this afternoon at a meeting of the executive committee of the board of trustees.

100 years ago: Jan. 21, 1905

A woodsman from Scott County is in Cape Girardeau with a wagon load of rabbits, which he sells to a local merchant; he says Scott County is overrun with "cotton tails," and the markets close to his home are flooded.

Prospective clerks and carriers for the local post office take the examination in the Commercial College rooms in the morning; applicants are John C. Stoll, John J. Winkelman, Walter H. Cobbs, Marvin L. Flanery, Sidney G. Rowan, John M. Rutledge, Charles M. Stout, Alonzo R. Hussey and Richard A. Giboney.

-- Sharon K. Sanders