Community spirit

Leaders in the city of Jackson have been talking about the need to build a community center for a number of years. Something -- primarily a way to fund the project -- has always stood in the way.

Now plans are in the works to build a new facility to be funded by the not-for-profit Southeast Missouri Medical Center Inc. and a bequest from the estate of longtime Jackson residents Shelby and Mildred Brown.

The building, to be located on SMMC-owned land off Route D and Broadridge Street in Jackson, is proposed to encompass 30,000 to 40,000 square feet and will cost $3.2 million to $4 million.

The plan addresses another long-standing need in Jackson: to consolidate Jackson Public Library and Riverside Regional Library. The center will place both under one roof and combine their budgets and operations. Tax rates for both library districts are expected to remain unchanged.

A group of Jackson residents seeking to bring medical professionals and a hospital to town formed the SMMC in 1965. They couldn't pull off the hospital but succeeded in luring medical people by building the Jackson Family Clinic and Jackson Manor. Since then the organization has sold Jackson Manor and its property on Broadridge, using the proceeds to help fund such community projects as the city's new soccer park, new storm warning sirens, the city's new senior center and a proposed baseball field.

The community center will include a historical display room to be maintained by the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society. The Browns, now deceased, left behind money to create a facility for historical uses.

The SMMC is continuing to play an important role in the development of the city of Jackson and the well-being of its citizens. We applaud the organization's work on behalf of the community.