News Flash

Perry County reminds anglers that trout season officially opens on Sunday, February 1, and residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy fishing at Legion Lake located in Veterans Memorial Park.

Perry County and the Perry County Sportsman Club have once again partnered to ensure Legion Lake has been properly stocked in advance of opening day, continuing a long-standing tradition of providing quality recreational opportunities for the community.

Anglers are urged to use extra caution while fishing, as cold temperatures and recent snowfall have created slick and slippery conditions along the lake banks. Proper footwear and awareness of surroundings are strongly recommended to help prevent accidents.

All anglers are reminded to follow Missouri Department of Conservation regulations, including rules related to catch limits, permitted fishing methods, and licensing requirements.

Perry County appreciates the continued cooperation of the Perry County Sportsman Club and encourages everyone to enjoy a safe and successful start to trout season.

For more information on fishing regulations, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website.

The Perry County Commission has determined that in observance of the Christmas holiday, Perry County Administration offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24; Thursday, December 25; and Friday, December 26. This closure aligns with the State of Missouri and the federal government, as state staff and federal workers have been granted time off for the holiday.

While the Collector’s Office will be closed during this time, taxpayers are reminded that Perry County property taxes are due by December 31, and several convenient payment options remain available:

By MailPayments may be mailed to:321 N. Main Street, Suite 4Perryville, MO

A receipt will be mailed once payment is received. Payments must be officially postmarked by the post office no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 31.

After-Hours Drop BoxTwo secure, 24-hour night deposit boxes are available on the north and south sides of the Perry County Administration Building.

Online Payments

Payments may be made online at www.perrycountymo.us under the Collector’s tab.Convenience fees apply.

By PhoneTaxpayers may pay by credit or with debit card by calling 1-877-690-3729 and using Jurisdiction Code 3502.

 Receipts for these transactions will be mailed after processing

The Perry County Commission issued the following statement. “The Perry County Commission thanks our residents for their continued cooperation and support throughout the year. We are grateful for our community and wish everyone a safe, happy, and blessed holiday season.”

The Perry County Solid Waste Board is announcing an adjustment to service rates at the Perry County Transfer Station, effective January 1, 2026. The rate changes were made necessary after the Board opened bids for waste hauling and disposal services on November 13 and saw significant cost increases in both areas.

Beginning in 2026, the following rates will apply:

• $71 per ton for all solid waste
• A flat rate of $15 for all loads weighing 420 pounds or less
• Non-residents will pay $112 per ton with a $50 minimum charge for 420 pounds or less. 

These adjustments were unanimously approved by the Perry County Solid Waste Board after careful review of operational costs and future budget needs. To ensure the most cost-effective long-term solution for Perry County customers, the Board conducted a competitive bidding process for waste hauling and disposal services. As a result, Perry County has entered into new three-year contracts with Rollet Bros. Trucking for waste hauling and Waste Management of Illinois for waste disposal.

“The Board remains committed to providing reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible solid waste services,” the statement reads. “These rate changes reflect the increasing costs associated with transporting and disposing of waste while ensuring the Transfer Station continues to operate efficiently for the residents of Perry County.”

Perry County Collector Dena Preston is reminding all taxpayers that annual county tax payments are due no later than December 31 to avoid late penalties and interest.

Any Resident who chooses to wait until December 31 to mail their tax payments will need to physically take it into the Perryville Post Office by 5 p.m. They will need to ask for their envelopes to be officially hand postmarked. Any payments dropped off after the 5 p.m. deadline will not receive a December 31 postmark and will therefore be considered late.

“For those who prefer the convenience of mailing their payment, it’s important to plan ahead,” Preston said. 

Taxpayers may also take advantage of two secure, after-hours drop boxes located on both sides of the Perry County Administration Building at 321 N. Main Street, Perryville. Payments placed in either drop box before midnight on December 31 will be recorded on time.

You can also take advantage of the online payment options at www.perrycountymo.us and over the phone payment option. Call 1-877-690-3729, and use Jurisdiction Code 3502. 

Preston encourages residents to contact the Collector’s Office with any questions regarding their bill or payment options.

For more information, please call the Perry County Collector’s Office at 573-547-4422 or visit www.perrycountymo.us.

Due to Missouri House Bill 199 that was signed into law August 28, 2025, all lodging establishments in Perry County will be required to collect and remit a 6% tourism tax to Perry County. 

This tax applies to:

• Hotels and motels
• Campground Cabins
• Short-term rentals (including Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms)

What this means for you:

• Beginning December 1, 2025, you are required to add a 6% tourism tax to the cost of lodging provided to your guests.
•  The collected tax must be remitted to the Perry County Treasurer Office monthly using the form available in a link below. 

TRANSIENT LODGING TAX REPORT AND INSTRUCTIONS ON COMPLETING CAN BE FOUND HERE

The purpose of the tourism tax is to support and promote tourism-related projects and initiatives in Perry County. These efforts will enhance the visitor experience, attract new guests to our area, and ultimately benefit all lodging providers.

Perry County encourages all business owners impacted by the transient tax to review their booking systems, point-of-sale processes, and online listing platforms to ensure they are prepared to implement this change on the effective date. 

Thank you for your cooperation and for your continued role in making Perry County a welcoming destination for visitors. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring a smooth transition with this new requirement. If you have questions, please contact Trish Erzfeld at Heritage Tourism 573-517-2069. 

PERRYVILLE, Mo. – The Perry County Clerk’s Office and the Perry County Commission will officially relocate to the Historic Perry County Courthouse located at 15 W. St. Marie Street, Suite 2, Perryville, Missouri 63775, effective October 20, 2025.

Both offices, along with the Commission Chambers, will now be housed on the first floor of the Courthouse. This move marks a return to the historic heart of Perry County government and continues the County’s commitment to serving citizens efficiently and conveniently.

The Perry County Commission will continue to hold its regularly scheduled meetings at this new location — Mondays at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m., unless the date falls on a county-observed holiday or has been otherwise posted.

The Perry County Commission released the following statement:

“This move allows us to better utilize county-owned facilities while maintaining easy public access to both the Clerk’s Office and Commission meetings. This will also allow larger spaces to hold public meetings and will ensure the Courthouse remains a vital part of our downtown.” 

Citizens are encouraged to note the new address for correspondence and in-person visits:

Perry County Clerk’s Office & Perry County Commission 15 W. St. Marie Street, Suite 2 Perryville, MO 63775

For more information, please contact the Perry County Clerk’s Office at (573) 547-4242 or visit www.perrycountymo.us. 

Find information to recovery and volunteer efforts related to the March 14, 2025 Perry County tornado here:

https://perrycountymo.us/587/March-14-2025-Tornado-Recovery-Resource-

Perry County’s Legion Lake welcomed a truckload of trout Wednesday morning, marking the beginning of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) annual winter trout program. Legion Lake was just one of four southeast Missouri locations to share the more than 9,000 fish, including Jackson’s Rotary Lake, Farmington’s Giessing Lake, and the Sikeston Recreation Complex Pond.

Perry County Commissioners Mike Sauer and Keith Hoehn were joined by clerk Jared Kutz and collector Dena Preston at the shoreline for the delivery.

The program is funded locally by Perry County, Perry County Sportsman Club and the City of Perryville.

Through the winter months, the MDC says fishing enthusiasts can participate on a catch-and-release basis for the trout and may harvest trout beginning Feb. 1, 2024.

“All trout must be immediately released unharmed Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2024. During this time, anglers may only use flies, artificial lures, and unscented plastic baits. Only one fishing rod may be used at a time, and chum is not permitted. Beginning Feb. 1, 2024, any bait may be used, and four trout may be kept regardless of size,” the MDC said in a release.  

All anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 must retain a valid Missouri fishing permit and any angler harvesting trout must also possess a trout permit. 

This is the eighth year Perry County has participated in the trout-stocking program.

Perry County Presiding Commissioner, Mike Sauer said there has been positive feedback on the fish-stocking program from the community.

“We have a lot of folks who appreciate being able to participate in trout fishing right here in Perry County,” he said. “Eventually, the trout should be able to populate the lake on their own, and we look forward to that time.”

The Perry County Solid Waste Department, along with the Solid Waste Committee are reaching out to inform you that effective November 1, 2023, in accordance with Missouri Revised Statutes 307.010, all loads brought to the Perry County Transfer Station, and the Perry County Recycling Center must be covered and secured. 

Trailers without sides must be completely covered by tarps, truck tailgates must be up, and the disposal items cannot be hanging off the vehicle in any way. Any vehicle without its load completely covered will be assessed a $25 Unsecured Load Fee in addition to the general disposal rate. 

Missouri Revised Statute 307.010 states loads which might become dislodged to be secured — failure, penalty. — 1.  All motor vehicles, and every trailer and semitrailer operating upon the public highways of this state and carrying goods or material or farm products which may reasonably be expected to become dislodged and fall from the vehicle, trailer or semitrailer as a result of wind pressure or air pressure and/or by the movement of the vehicle, trailer or semitrailer shall have a protective cover or be sufficiently secured so that no portion of such goods or material can become dislodged and fall from the vehicle, trailer or semitrailer while being transported or carried.

2.  Operation of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer in violation of this section shall be a class C misdemeanor, and any person convicted thereof shall be punished as provided by law.

In addition to being in compliance with state law, this rule will be enforced to reduce the amount of unsecured debris that breaks loose during transport that litters roadways, ditches and the property of residents.

Effective immediately,  October 31, 2022, 

On October 31, 2022, the Perry County Commission lifted the NO BURN ADVISORY put in place earlier in the month. 

The Perry County Recycling Center will be closed beginning October 10 due to the facility undergoing infrastructure improvements that include the installation of a concrete pad inside the drive-through facility.

Perry County Solid Waste Management Supervisor Sheila Jett said the project is expected to be completed within a week.  

“We anticipate that it will be able to reopen the week of October 17,” Jett said, adding the project would enhance day-to-day operations at the facility. “This upgrade will make it easier for our equipment to move in and around the building and will also provide a cleaner and safer experience for those who utilize the recycling center.”

After October 10, Jett encouraged residents to delay bringing their recycling to the facility until after October 17.

“If that is not an option, recyclables will need to be disposed of with regular household trash,” she said.

The concrete project is partially funded with a grant from Semo Regional Planning.

In additional news from Perry County Solid Waste Management, residents are reminded that transfer station tonnage fees will increase to $59 effective October 1, with a minimum of $15 per load up to 500 lbs. of waste.

“We have absorbed a lot of transportation and fuel surcharges over the last two years, so the waste management board agreed the increase is necessary to maintain operations,” Jett said.

Hours of operation at the Perry County Transfer Station are Monday-Friday 8 am -4 pm, and the fourth Saturday of every month, 8 am -11 am. The Perry County Recycling Center hours are Monday-Friday 7 am - 4 pm, and 8 am -11 Saturday. This is also reminder that the transfer station accepts cash or check only as a form of payment.

The Perry County Commission and administration office are currently reviewing the processes and procedures to be followed to fill the sheriff seat that will be vacated at the end of the month by Gary Schaaf.

 Schaaf’s resignation is effective at 11:59 pm, September 30. His current term of office is set to conclude on December 31, 2024.

Commissioners Mike Sauer, Jay Wengert and Keith Hoehn met in regular session on Monday with Perry County Clerk Jared Kutz to discuss the task of ensuring continuity of leadership in the sheriff’s office.

As it stands, the commission intends to appoint an interim sheriff, prior to Schaaf’s vacating the position at the end of the month. The commission-appointed individual will not assume the role of acting sheriff until 12 am on October 1.

“To ensure there are no lapses in leadership, we want to have an individual lined up to take over immediately following Gary’s retirement,” Sauer said. “As a commission, we have decided the best course of action for the department is to select a person who currently serves the sheriff’s department in order to maintain a smooth-running operation until a more permanent appointment can be made.”

In the absence of a sitting sheriff, state statute requires a county’s corner fulfills the duties of sheriff. William Bohnert is the current elected coroner for Perry County. Bohnert first took office in 2017 after a lengthy career in law enforcement.

“Coroner Bohnert said he would serve in the capacity of sheriff if needed,” Sauer said, “However we feel it best to go the route of filling the role from within the department.”

Clerk Kutz said the governing statute to replace an elected sheriff previously required a special county-wide election be called within ten weeks of the seat’s vacancy. However, it was determined that the governing statute changed in August of 2018.

“When we experience uncharted territory as a county, it is my practice to consult with other counties who have experience in similar matters,” Kutz said. “The most recent occurrence of a sheriff’s vacancy occurred that I was initially aware of was in Cape Girardeau County in 2018, but statute changed.”

According to Missouri statute Sec. 105.030.2, “when any vacancy, occurs or exists in any county office, the county commission shall no later than 14 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, fill the vacancy by appointment.”

Kutz said, “For the majority of county-elected offices, the governor makes the appointment to fill the remainder of an office holder’s term, with the exception of the county sheriff.”

Sauer said the interim appointment to be announced prior to Schaaf’s retirement would be a temporary solution until the commission could accept letters of interest and resumes from qualified Perry County residents who want to serve as county sheriff for the remainder of the current term.

“An interim appointment gives us time to vet qualified candidates to serve as sheriff through 2024,” Sauer said. “We are also seeking the recommendations from both the Republican and Democratic Central Committees of Perry County on who they would like to see fill the role.”

From now, until Monday, October 10, the commission will be taking letters of interest and resumes of those wanting to serve as county sheriff until the end of the current term in 2024. Applicant submittals must be delivered in person to the Perry County Clerk’s Office located at 321 N Main St. Ste 2, Perryville during regular business hours. Those interested in the position of sheriff need to be available for an in-person interview with the commission on October 13 during regular business hours. Telephone interviews will not be conducted.

To serve as sheriff, an individual must be able to meet the following requirements:

• Has a valid peace office license at the time of filing for office
• No felony convictions
• Resident taxpayer and Registered Voter of the county
• Resident of the county for more than 1 year before filing for office
• Capable of efficient law enforcement
• Citizen of the United States
• Resident of the state 1 year next preceding election
• Is not delinquent in the payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, municipal taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence as stated in the declaration of candidacy
• Is not a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state

Perry County Sheriff Gary Schaaf announced on Tuesday he would be retiring his post prior to the end of his elected term of office. The Perry County Commission accepted the sheriff’s resignation on Monday, September 19 during their regular scheduled meeting.

Schaaf’s resignation is effective at 11:59 pm, September 30. Schaaf’s current term of office would conclude on December 31, 2024.

Perry County Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer praised Sheriff Schaaf for his dedicated service to the community as a law enforcement agent.

“On behalf of the commission, we want to thank Gary for years of service to Perry County,” Sauer said. “We appreciate the sacrifices he and his family have made for the department over the last 30 years as sheriff, and we wish him well in his retirement.”

Beginning his law enforcement career in 1982, Schaaf first took office January of 1993 after serving three terms as City Marshal for the City of Perryville, and over the next three decades, went on to handily win eight terms as sheriff.

Sheriff Schaaf used the Perry County Sheriff’s Office official social media page to announce his departure. Sauer said the commission would offer little comment on the matter of Schaaf’s resignation, or the lawsuit the sheriff brought against Perry County in 2018.

“Although his official resignation was signed on Monday, out of respect for Sheriff Schaaf, it was the intention of the commission to allow Gary the first opportunity to announce his departure,” Sauer said. “He has faithfully served his post as a law enforcement agent and earned the right to tell the public in the way he saw fit that he was stepping down. We are aware of the narrative Gary has painted regarding his resignation, but in an effort to protect his privacy, we offer no further comment on the terms of his resignation.”

Sauer went on to say the county was moving on to the next chapter.

“The county is grateful to put the last four years of court proceedings to rest,” he said. “We have done what we felt was in the best interest of the community, and we are looking towards the future and striving for a positive outcome for Perry County as well as Gary Schaaf.”

The Perry County Commission will appoint an individual to serve as interim sheriff to serve in Schaaf’s vacancy. Sauer said the commission is taking advisement from multiple agencies and internal law enforcement sources on what individual would best serve the role temporarily, while they investigate the most recent state law on how the next sheriff is selected.  

Should the appointment of an interim sheriff not occur immediately following the midnight deadline on September 30, per Missouri State Statute, the county coroner assumes the responsibilities of the sheriff until a commission-appointed individual is sworn in as acting sheriff. William Bohnert is the current coroner for Perry County. Bohnert was first elected in 2016 after a lengthy career in law enforcement.

“It is our intention to fill the vacancy as soon we can feasibly and legally do so,” Commissioner Sauer said. “We can’t appoint someone new until the current sheriff is officially no longer serving.”

To serve as sheriff, an individual must be able to meet the following requirements:

• No felony convictions
• Resident taxpayer and Registered Voter of the county
• Resident of the county for more than 1 year before filing for office
• Capable of efficient law enforcement
• Has a valid peace office license at the time of filing for office
• Citizen of the United States
• Resident of the state 1 year next preceding election 
• Is not delinquent in the payment of any state income taxes, personal property taxes, municipal taxes, real property taxes on the place of residence as stated in the declaration of candidacy 
• Is not a past or present corporate officer of any fee office that owes any taxes to the state 

Voters in western Perry County will utilize a new polling location beginning with the November 8 General Election. The Perry County Clerk and Election Authority is combining the precincts located in the St Marys township which include individuals who previously cast their ballots in Silver Lake or Yount. The new voting location, known as the Lake Perry Office, is the brown building located outside the entrance of the gated community. The address is 14901 Highway T.

Voters impacted by the change should expect to receive a post card from the clerk’s office this month, along with a new voter registration card with the Lake Perry Office name and address listed as their updated polling location. 

Perry County Clerk Jared Kutz said there are a variety of reasons for the consolidation 

“This merger creates additional efficiencies in the delivery of elections that are critical to best serve the voters,” Kutz said. “The Lake Perry location is the most centrally located for the largest portion of voters in the St Marys township.” 

Voters who previously cast their ballots in Silver Lake at St Rose of  Lima Church Hall, or in Yount, at Whitewater Christian Church will now utilize the Lake Perry Office as their polling location. Kutz said this change will be permanent. 

Kutz said those unable to make it to their polling location do have the opportunity to vote absentee in person in his office located at 321 N Main St. in Perryville. Absentee voting for the November 8 Election opens on September 27. 

On August 28, new election laws pertaining to House Bill 1878 went into effect. Missouri Secretary of State John Ashcroft is on a media campaign to educate the public on what the change means. “The new legislation has many components, including a Voter ID requirement. On Election Day, a voter is required to show a valid, unexpired government-issued ID or cast a provisional ballot.  Examples of valid photo ID include a Missouri driver license, U.S. passport or military ID. Other changes in the law will allow for two weeks of no-excuse in-person absentee voting and allow the secretary of state to audit voter rolls. 

“This law increases election security and transparency and instills confidence that a vote will count if cast,” said Ashcroft in the release. “This is about being proactive rather than reactive - we want to look at coming elections and make sure it is hard to cheat but easy to vote.”

If a registered voter in Missouri does not have a government-issued ID, the secretary of state’s office will help the individual acquire documents needed to obtain a nondriver license for voting purposes at no charge. Additional information regarding this can be found on the secretary’s website at https://www.sos.mo.gov/voterid. 

The new voting law is being challenged by both the Missouri League of Women Voters and the state NAACP who allege the law unconstitutionally restricted voting rights by limiting which IDs may be used at polling place. 

Questions regarding elections should be directed to the Perry County Clerk's Office at 573-547-4242. Remaining 2022 elections include: Tuesday, November 8, General Election. 2023 Elections include: Tuesday, April 4, General Municipal. Individuals interested in serving as an election judge are encouraged to contact the clerk’s office.