STATE SITE WON'T BE GIVEN AWAY

The Missouri Highway Commission said Friday it did not have the authority to give away land where a cross stands off North Kingshighway near Mount Auburn Road.

The Cape La Croix cross gained statewide attention two weeks ago when the Wisconsin-based group Freedom From Religion demanded that the cross, dedicated to French missionaries, be removed because it violates the separation of church and state.

Cape Girardeau lawyer John Oliver Jr., who is vice chairman of the commission, said unless the department needs the land later there is no need to move the cross.

Dr. Chris Jung, who owns the property adjacent to the cross, agreed to take a 9-foot parcel of land from the highway department after an attorney for the department said the cross was on excessive right-of-way and that the commission could ratify the transfer of property at its Friday meeting in Jefferson City.

Jung said Friday night he hoped the historical marker could be saved.