TOP STORIES

Out with the old

On September 28, the historic Chester Bridge was demolished in front of a crowd of Illinois and Missouri residents of all ages, some of which were around for the opening of the bridge in 1942. …

More than a cup of coffee

There is a life-sized Chewbacca standing watch inside Villainous Grounds. Nearby, a BB-8 droid keeps company with Baby Yoda and Baby Groot. A sizable flock of novelty rubber ducks occupies its …

2026 ST. VINCENT HOMECOMING COURT

Local News

Perry County installs siren for Lake Perry

Residents and visitors at Lake Perry have an additional way to receive warning when severe weather or other emergencies threaten the area, thanks to the installation of a new outdoor emergency …

Court Docket

All individuals are innocent unless proven guilty. Full docket available at republicmonitor.com. State vs. Alexandreah Denyell Holmes. Filing Date: June 9, 2026. Charge(s): Failure to drive …

CHESTER BRIDGE

Sergeant Jeremy Tenney was honored with a life saving award for his involvement in saving a woman from drowning in August in Perryville.

Officers honored for saving life

Three Perryville police officers were honored by Police Chief Dustin Miller for their actions that saved a woman from drowning in August during the City of Perryville’s regular meeting on September …

Author bases new book in Fredericktown

An author with roots in southeast Missouri and life experience in Perry County has written a novel based on the region. “Blue Hydrangea”, written by Jim Harryman under the pen name “Allen …

Perryville Senior Center celebrates 50 years

Perryville’s Senior Center is celebrating an important milestone on Monday, October 5. The senior center, which opened in 1976, will be celebrating 50 years of providing hot meals to senior …
SPORTS

Busy week for cross country teams

Perryville and St. Vincent’s cross country squads had a busy week, competing in Perryville Tuesday and at Notre Dame Saturday. As hosts Tuesday, Perryville’s boys and girls teams both took …

Saxony Lutheran defense shines in road win

CHARLESTON — The up and down year for Saxony Lutheran football continued with a win Friday night, bringing the Crusaders record to 3-3. The Crusaders won 27-12 in what head coach OJ Turner …

Injuries slow Pirate offense

FESTUS — The Perryville Pirates fell to 3-3 after a 35-7 loss to Jefferson Friday night. The lone Perryville touchdown was scored when Lucas Buchheit connected with Xyzavier Wilson. While …
OBITUARIES

Irma Dreyer

Irma W. Dreyer, 89, of Perryville, Missouri passed away Wednesday, October 6, 2026 at her home. Friends may call 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, October 12, 2026 at Ford & Young Funeral Home …

Joe Giesler

Joe Giesler, age 67, of Arnolds Park, Iowa, passed away on September 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. The family warmly welcomes friends and relatives to a Celebration of Joe’s Life on …

Joshua Weith

Joshua Lee Weith, 43, of Perryville, Missouri passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Mercy Hospital Southeast. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at …

Delbert schmidt

Delbert Norman Schmidt, 98, of Altenburg, Missouri passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Visitation for “Grandad” as he was respectfully …
STATE NEWS
Senate Democrats demand apology after Eric Schmitt’s false accusations against Jack Smith
WASHINGTON — The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee is demanding his colleagues across the aisle apologize to former special counsel Jack Smith after Missouri Republican Sen. Eric …
Judge extends temporary access to White House for news organizations Trump banned
WASHINGTON — A federal judge will rule in the coming days on whether the Trump administration can legally rescind White House press passes for journalists at three news organizations, or if those …
Advocates blast Trump campaign against in-state tuition for immigrants
WASHINGTON — Leading immigration advocates and experts sounded the alarm Wednesday on the Trump administration’s sweeping efforts to undo state laws allowing some immigrants to pay in-state …
Documents show DHS probed nonprofits, obtained millions of records in hunt for noncitizen voters
The Department of Homeland Security obtained tens of millions of unspecified records as part of a sweeping nationwide effort to find voter fraud, according to internal DHS reports, and weighed using …
US Senate candidates in 9 key races quiet about Social Security benefits cliff
WASHINGTON — Nearly all of the U.S. senators elected this year will be in office when Congress debates how to restructure Social Security to prevent an automatic drop-off in retirement benefits in …
OPINION
Columnists
Nick Palisch
Corn Sweat: It’s a real thing
Every summer, it happens. You step outside expecting another warm July afternoon, but instead you’re greeted by air so thick it almost feels like you could wear it. You immediately start …
Nick Palisch
What is a backyard weather observer?
When most people think about weather observations, they picture massive radar sites, satellites orbiting Earth, television meteorologists standing in front of green screens, or government agencies …
Jim Martin
Cacophony of chaos
Sittin’ here under the River Tree this spring morning, especially with the cacophony of chaos around us, seemingly everywhere, the old codger can’t help thinking about what we call “faith”. …
Robin Garrison Leach
IDC about FOMO
Text Abbreviations and acronyms splotch the pages of our modern vocabulary. They wedge themselves into conversations and communications. I LOL when I read funny things. A few times, I’ve even …
Letters to the Editor
    • Song and dance

      To the editor: I see Jason Smith is still singing and dancing for Supreme Leader. Every week District 8’s Congressman picks up some …

    • Saddle Club deserves pat on the back

      To the editor: The Perry County Saddle Club needs a pat on the back for putting on such a great Mule Show on Saturday. If you missed …

    • MORALS AND PRINCIPLES

      Dear Editor In 1 Corinthians, Paul warns us gently but seriously to avoid influences that could lead us away from the truth. “Do not be …

    • RHETORICAL YING-YANG

       Dear Editor The rhetorical ying-yang between Paul Flentge and I reminds me of the class discussions I was lucky enough to monitor. In …

    • WALKING, TALKING CONTRADICTION

        Dear Editor Oh, for the love of God, Jason Smith. I had to wince at most of your April 9 contribution because if I pat myself on the …

    • DUMBER THAN BEFORE I READ IT

      Dear Editor Thank you, Congressman Jason Smith (R). Your March 26 column left me dumber than I was before I read it. I had to deny so many …

    • THE BIGGER PICTURE

       Dear Editor It seems controversy still continues with our local hospital to some degree. Frequently, the “bigger picture” can be …

    • WHEN THEY SPEAK, THEY REPRESENT US

      Dear Editor When we elect our government officials, from the local mayor to the president of the country, they represent us. Of course, we …

    • CHANGES WE WILL SEE IN THE FUTURE

      Dear Editor This letter is in support of Prop K.I.D.S. My life’s profession has largely been education. I could tell you a great deal …

    • SUPPORT PROP K.I.D.S.

      Dear Editor My name is Shadrick Shafer, and I have been a proud Perry County resident for 20 years. I am writing to ask for your support of …

WEB EXTRAS
What are typical mistakes homeowners make when refinishing hardwood floors?
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by …
17 therapist-approved tips for dealing with seasonal depression
Talkspace reports on 17 therapist-approved tips to cope with seasonal depression, including therapy, hydration, sunlight, and exercise, aiding in symptom relief.
5 common mistakes homeowners make refinishing hardwood floors
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," …
Rediscover the lost secrets of history, one mystery at a time
(BPT) - Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human …
5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year
(BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a …
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