Resident pitches idea for man-made lake at county commission meeting

A Jackson man thinks a man-made lake where the Diversion Channel now exists could provide a boost to Cape Girardeau County's tourism. As he did in previous meetings, Tom Gleeson again presented the idea to the Cape Girardeau County commissioners during a meeting Monday morning.

Gleeson proposes building four levees near the Diversion Channel between Interstate 55 and Dutchtown, which would create a lake. He said a lake would draw tourists and could spur other attractions such as a train to St. Louis' Union Station or a gambling boat.

The commissioners told Gleeson his idea had not fallen on deaf ears. Second District Commissioner Jay Purcell said such a proposal may be better considered by forming an advisory committee to discuss "big picture ideas."

The commission also received bids for the purchase of portable 911 satellite phones from Wireless USA and JCS Wireless and heard a request from Phyllis Brunke of the Cash-Book Journal regarding an ad congratulating Procter & Gamble on its 40th year in the county.