Juvenile facility a sensible upgrade for Cape County

Cape Girardeau County made a wise decision when years of planning culminated in purchasing a Rust Avenue building. The edifice, which will serve as a juvenile center, is a frugal way to fill a need and more efficiently provide a service to the community.

Now, juvenile operations will be housed in one location, rather than being held at both the Common Pleas Annex and 325 Merriwether Street in Cape. As the Southeast Missourian reported last July, this "will increase efficiency and lower costs," according to Randy Rhodes, chief juvenile officer.

A courtroom and two conference rooms will be in the building, as well as a children-friendly waiting room, with a section depicting a mural of jungle animals. That mural was painted by artist Emily Priddy, who is a copy editor here at the Southeast Missourian.

The county also thought about how best to secure the facility. Metal detectors inspect those entering the waiting area, and 18 cameras guard the inside and outside of the juvenile center. Add the judge's chamber and even a staff locker room and shower, and it's clear the county left no stone unturned.

Juveniles will not be held at the center overnight, but will continue to be sent to Mississippi and Stoddard counties.

Bollinger and Perry counties are partnering with Cape Girardeau County to cover the project's costs. With its ability to tend to so many needs, house 20 staff members, consolidate center locations and expend if necessary, it's hard to see any downside to this $505,000 purchase.

Rhodes praised the acquisition that will require about $200,00 in renovations, "The county has made a real good move here," he said.

Cape Girardeau County Second District Associate Commissioner Charlie Herbst, concurred. "It couldn't have been more perfect," he said, adding, "It is awesome."