Scott County courthouse open over lunch hour

Misinformation provided by a local political candidate led to the Southeast Missouri publishing inaccurate information about the hours for the Scott County recorder's office.

The newspaper published that Republican candidate for the office Alan Pendergrass would keep the office open over lunch after saying the office currently isn't open during that time. However, the office is open during that time, Scott County officials said Friday.

"We want to clear up any misconceptions about any office being closed during lunch," said Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger. All offices in the county courthouse are open during lunch, he said.

Pendergrass said he made the mistake based on an experience at the courthouse several years ago.

Pendergrass is going up against Democrat Tara Mason, who is the current treasurer, appointed in August 2011 to fill in after the death of former recorder Tom Dirnberger. The winner will fill the seat for a two-year term before an election is held for a full term in 2014.

Pertinent address:

Benton, Mo.