Adjacent property could affect county jail expansion

The Cape Girardeau County Commission approved preparing bids Monday to demolish a property at 315 N. High St. in Jackson.

The county purchased the home in early July because the land on which it sits is next door to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department.

"The way that property sits next to the jail, as commissioners, it's appropriate to look ahead to the future," said Associate Commissioner Paul Koeper.

There are no immediate plans for the property, but Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said acquiring it could benefit the county's long-term planning. Koeper also emphasized that no official decision has been made, but it's likely the sheriff's office and jail might have to be expanded in the near future, so the county carefully considers any opportunity to purchase surrounding properties.

At the Monday morning meeting, Koeper said he would begin preparing bids for contractors soon.

Other business

Doug Austin of Seniors and Lawmen Together updated commissioners on the memorial monument for late Cape Girardeau police officer Roger Fields. He said the date of the dedication ceremony at Cape County Park North was confirmed for Oct. 13, Fields' birthday. The memorial, which features a large engraved rock and a bench and will rest near the Southeast Missouri fallen officers memorial, also has been approved by park officials and by Fields' family, Austin said.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1 Barton Square, Jackson, Mo.

315 N. High St., Jackson, Mo.