CAPE GIRARDEAU COUNTY JAIL OPEN HOUSE SET FOR MARCH 4

JACKSON, Mo. -- The public will have an opportunity to tour the new Cape Girardeau County jail at an open house on March 4.

The open house will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. It will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $8 million jail and sheriff's office, which will be called the Cape Girardeau County Justice Center. Sheriffs and county commissioners from throughout the region will be invited to attend, Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones said.

The new, three-story, 66,000-square-foot structure faces Missouri Street, but adjoins the old jail. It's designed to hold as many as 152 inmates.

Sheriff John Jordan said the open house will give the public a chance to see the inside of the building, including the cell areas.

"We want to be able to let the public see it," Jordan said.

Jordan said the prisoners will be moved from the old cells to the new jail on March 5.