CHRISMTAS DAY IN AREA JAILS WON'T BE DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER DAY

While most people gather with their families around a table decked with Christmas centerpieces and red table cloths, Christmas to hundreds of people in the area will be like any other day because they are in jail.

There aren't any decorations, presents or special edible treats delivered by family or friends; prisoners don't get those things because of security concerns.

"There's nothing special going on here," said Chief Deputy Ruth Ann Dickerson of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department. "It's business as usual for us."

Dickerson said the 70 or so inmates at the Cape Girardeau County Jail will be treated to ham and sweet potatoes on Christmas Day, but other than the menu, Sunday will be a typical day for the inmates.

"Sometimes families leave a little extra money for them at Christmas, but that's about all we can let through," she said.

Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell will be preparing a turkey dinner with pumpkin pie Saturday night for about 45 inmates of his jail. The meal will be served Sunday while Ferrell is at home with his family and friends.

"There aren't any decorations or things like that in the jail," he said. "It's jail."

Ferrell said Christmas at the Scott County Jail would be the same as any other day. "The same people are going to work the same shifts," he said.

Dickerson said an area minister will conduct a church service Sunday in the jail, but the service takes place every Sunday.

"They wouldn't even have that if Christmas hadn't been on a Sunday," she said.

Dickerson and Ferrell agreed that anyone who enjoys observing Christmas with some special celebration should stay out of jail.