Chester Police Department

07/14/2026

The Chester Police Dept would like to remind everyone that while the new bridge is smoother and wider to drive on, there still remains construction and a speed limit. Please for the safety of everyone be cautious and obey the 35 mph speed limit.

06/30/2026

Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The new Don Welge Memorial Bridge ribbon cutting ceremony will be on July 11, 2026 at 11 am. If you are planning on attending the ceremony there are only two ways to attend, you must either park at the Cohen Complex in Chester or park at the Perryville Airport (off of H Road) and be shuttled in, those are your only options. Shuttles will start running at 9 am at both locations.

THERE ARE NO ENTRANCES TO THE CEREMONY FROM THE ILLINOIS SIDE OF THE BRIDGE, THE ONLY WAY TO ENTER IS FROM THE MISSOURI SIDE, VIA A SHUTTLE. If it is your plan to walk up to the bridge or to be dropped off at the bridge, you will be turned away. If you plan on parking on the shoulder, your vehicle will be towed, there will be no foot traffic allowed whatsoever.

There is also a 5K run scheduled that morning at 7 am, unfortunately with the “old bridge” still being active there are no spectator viewing areas. Also, the Chester Welcome Center will be closed beginning at 4 pm on Friday the 10th and the parking lot will be closed, please make sure that all vehicles are moved by then or they will be towed.
If you have any questions regarding the above information contact the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT)

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05/20/2026

The Chester Police Department wants to remind everyone to lock your vehicles and to remove valuables from your vehicles, and as simple as it seems, don’t leave your keys in your vehicles. We have had several vehicles broken into, all of which were unlocked.

05/18/2026

For everyone that has been worried and posting about Jessica Hurst Belton being missing, she has been found safe and sound and was never in danger, thank all of you for your genuine concern.
Chief Bobby Helmers

04/30/2026

We are receiving a lot of reports of citizens receiving this either by mail, text or other electronic means. Rest assured this is a scam, police departments will never contact you by phone to tell you that you owe money or that you have a warrant, etc. if you receive this particular message, delete it immediately, thank you very much

04/07/2026

Outdoor Warning Sirens are tested at 10AM on the first Tuesday of each month unless there is a chance for severe weather. Please read the fact sheet below about Outdoor Warning Sirens.