PERRYVILLE, MO — Perry County is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Missouri Association of Counties (MAC) County Achievement Award, one of only four counties statewide to receive this honor.
Pictured are (from left) Perry County Treasurer Katie Schemel, District 2 Commissioner Keith Hoehn, Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer, District 1 Commissioner Jay Wengert and Collector Dena Preston.
The award was presented on November 24 during the 2023 MAC Annual Conference in Osage Beach, Missouri.
The MAC County Achievement Awards recognize innovative, unique, and highly replicable county programs that demonstrate strong problem-solving, collaboration, responsible budgeting, and measurable results. Applicants are required to outline the challenges their county faced, the solutions implemented, financial considerations, and the overall outcomes achieved.
Perry County earned this distinguished recognition for its submission highlighting the construction of the Perry County Joint Justice Center (PCJJC). The MAC Award Committee commended the project for exemplifying exceptional cooperation between Perry County and the City of Perryville, as well as a high level of coordination among multiple county departments. The Joint Justice Center consolidates several independent agencies under one roof, serving as the community’s unified hub for law enforcement, judicial services, emergency management, and public safety.
Embodying its slogan, “Stronger Together,” the PCJJC brings all arms of justice into neighboring, shared space, creating operational, logistical, and public-safety efficiencies not previously achievable. The MAC Committee noted that this collaboration significantly enhances service to the community and strengthens the long-term effectiveness of the county’s justice and emergency systems. The facility is expected to benefit residents and agencies for generations to come.
Accepting the award on behalf of Perry County were Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer, District 1 Associate Commissioner Jay Wengert, District 2 Associate Commissioner Keith Hoehn, Treasurer Katie Schemel, and Collector Dena Preston.