The Benton County Economic Development group met in Lincoln’s City Hall on Wednesday, August 28 at 4:15 p.m. First on the Agenda was Broadband. JoAnn Lane, Economic Development Director, with the assistance of Benton County Presiding Commissioner, Steve Daleske displayed a map of the county where fiber optic is still not available.
The far corner of northeast Benton County is one of the areas but Co-Mo has decided to provide the service to that area. Huge segments north of Lincoln and west are without and an area west of Warsaw also. The latter areas will be put out to bid for service.
Ms. Lane reported “The Vault”, a future venue on Warsaw’s Main Street, is moving along slowly toward finally being open. She stated she is still working with some possible new businesses, one in Lincoln and two for Warsaw. She announced there had been a ribbon cutting for the new location of Hope 5 one, a facility that works to prevent human trafficking.
The RFSI grant she and Amie Breshears have worked diligently on is forthcoming for a local business and it is sizeable but she cannot announce details just yet.
She reminded the group about the very important Credit Workshop to be held on October 9 in Lincoln’s City Hall. It is being sponsored by Community Bank and Equity Bank. Since it is an early evening event there will be a meal provided and even a gas card if needed. Space is limited and registration is required.
She noted the Women’s Business Center is now in Warsaw once per month for assistance in starting new businesses. It is open to males as well as females.
JoAnn shared she had received a response letter back from the new Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, Jason Sumner, about the possibility of re-opening the Visitor’s Center. The request has once more been turned down.
Amie Breshears, Benton County Extension, announced Tammy Culpepper is teaching a “Healthy Change” Nutrition program at the Warsaw Senior Center from 10-11 a.m. every Friday. The class began August 30 and will run through September 27. There is no charge and registration is not required.
The Benton County Grazing School will take place from September 10-12 in Lincoln. This brings Ag people from all over the area and is important information educating landowners on Conservation and protection of their land.
Amie reminded everyone to spread the word about the Strongman Competition at the Lincoln Fall Market/Balloon Glow on Saturday, September 14 from 3-5 p.m. It is for ages 3-18 years old. On the same thought of the County’s youth, Amie announced the new 4-H year begins October 1, 2024.
Extension will offer an Ag Safety Day at the Lincoln R-2 School on October 11. This is an effort to talk to the youth and prevent farm accidents. This event is not just for Farm kids. In closing Amie shared she would be kicking off her “On my own” farm management classes on October 15th. She hopes to target women struggling to manage an Agricultural operation on their own.
Lynette Stokes, Benton County Tourism, gave a run down on the progress of the Barn Quilt Trail program and the success of the Harborfest. She stated the Water Ski show in the Harbor was very well received and it is again planned for 2025.
She has been working on her marketing study. It was taken by a panel of people within 300 miles of the area. She commented the digital billboard ads in Sedalia seem effective but are costly. It was suggested that perhaps tourism needs to purchase their own digital ad board and then not only promote Benton County but sell ads to make it pay its way. Ms. Stokes is currently working on the Tourism budget for 2025.
JoAnn Lane updated the group on the Rock Island Trails hearing in Cole Camp. She noted she had once more hosted a Mayor/Clerk meeting and that seems to have growing interest. It has expanded from Benton and Henry Counties to include St Clair and Johnson Counties also.
There will not be a September meeting but the group will reconvene at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 in Lincoln’s City Hall.
