Perry County MO Government
PERRYVILLE – (On Saturday) Perry County was proud to join state and local leaders, community partners, and thousands of visitors in celebrating the official opening of the Don Welge Memorial Bridge—a once-in-a-generation milestone that will serve our region for decades to come.
Perry County Commissioners and other county representatives were honored to be in attendance as this remarkable project officially connected Missouri and Illinois in a new way. The bridge stands as a testament to what can be accomplished through strong partnerships, shared vision, and years of dedication on both sides of the Mississippi River.
A special word of appreciation to the family of Don Welge, who served as a champion and dedicated years of his life to seeing the construction of this bridge become a reality.
Congratulations to the incredible teams at Ames Construction, MoDOT, and IDOT for bringing this monumental project to completion. Your hard work has created more than a bridge—it has created new opportunities for commerce, economic growth, tourism, and regional prosperity.
Bridges do more than span rivers. They connect people, strengthen communities, support businesses, and remind us that working together makes us all stronger. Today’s celebration reflected that spirit of cooperation between Missouri and Illinois, demonstrating what is possible when communities work together toward a common goal.
A special congratulations goes to MidAmerica Rehab for hosting its largest-ever Race Across the River 5K. The tremendous turnout showcased the excitement surrounding this historic day and brought people together in a truly memorable way.
Thank you to the Perryville Area Chamber of Commerce for helping commemorate the occasion by offering official event T-shirts and commemorative coins, giving attendees a lasting keepsake from this historic celebration.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the many public safety professionals whose planning, coordination, and service helped make this event safe and successful. Thank you to the Perry County Sheriff’s Department, Perry County Emergency Management, the Perryville Police Department, Randolph County law enforcement, the City of Chester, and the dedicated Mercy Ambulance crews. Your professionalism and teamwork ensured that thousands of visitors could enjoy this historic celebration safely.
Finally, thank you to the thousands of residents and visitors who traveled from near and far to witness this extraordinary occasion. Your presence made this opening celebration one to remember, and we hope you’ll return often to experience everything Perry County and our neighboring communities have to offer.
Here’s to new connections, new opportunities, and a brighter future made possible by the Don Welge Memorial Bridge.
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this historic day a reality!
