News - Benton County Enterprise

Lincoln Swears In Hammond, Fisher To Newly Elected Terms

Following the swift handling of routine business, the Lincoln Council heard BCED, JoAnn Lane’s report on new business happenings in Lincoln. Lane stated Lindsey Decker is moving ahead with Zone … more

Dianne Peck | 4/16/25

READY FOR RETIREMENT, Lucy Bell will teach her at last Pre-K class on May 22.

After 29 Years, Bell Calls It A Day At Warsaw R-IX

“I will miss their smiling faces,” said Warsaw R-9 pre-school teacher Lucy Bell as she prepares for retirement after the 2025 school year ends. After 29 years in public education, … more

Anita Campbell | 4/16/25

OUT AND ABOUT, newly appointed Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dee Dee Hunter has been meeting with members including Alex Young at Redwing Coffee & Sweet Treats.

Warsaw Area Chamber Of Commerce Ushers In New Era With Executive Director

New Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Dee Dee Hunter has big plans for the coming year. “I am presently visiting all the present Chamber members and getting to know them … more

Anita Campbell | 4/16/25

STEERING THE TOURISM SHIP, Director Lynette Stokes looks for a busy year with multiple events throughout Benton County that will draw thousands of visitors from around the country.

Tourism Director Sees Stellar Season On The Horizon For Twin-Lakes Area

Benton County residents and tourists alike have much to look forward to in the way of events, particularly those sponsored by Benton County Tourism. The Benton County ArtsFest takes place on … more

Judy Kramer | 4/16/25

City Of Warsaw Approves Spike In Pool Use Fees, Extends Hours

Warsaw Mayor Eddie Simons called the meeting of the Warsaw City Board to order at 6:00 PM on Monday, April 7, in the council chambers of the Warsaw Community Building. Alderpersons present … more

Anita Campbell | 4/9/25

BACK IN TIME, Merlin Henry and his horse Queen carried the mail in Lincoln during the early 1900’s.

Sights And Sounds Are Transport To The Past

In 1975, fifty years ago, Benton County Enterprise Publisher and Editor, Jab White, said he wanted to hear about his readers memories of sights and sounds in Benton County. He had many responses, but … more

Dianne Peck | 4/9/25

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION, election worker Jacqueline Farr placed an "I Voted" sticker on the shirt of Gregory Stacherski at the Warsaw Community Building on Tuesday where turnout appeared to be lite.

Results Are In! Benton County Voters Mark Their Preferences On The Ballot

Upon the closing of the polls from the April 8 election, the following unofficial results were informally furnished to the Benton County Enterprise by Benton County Clerk Susan Porterfield at … more

Benton County Enterprise Staff | 4/9/25

A DYNAMIC DUO, Phillip Yoder and Rusty Johnson were masters of ceremony for the auction during Thursday evening’s annual Benton County Historical Society banquet.

History Never Goes Out Of Style As Patrons Attend Gala Museum Dinner

Over 200 people attended the 52nd annual Benton County Historical Society Banquet held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Warsaw on the evening of Thursday, April 3. BCHS President Leroy Whitaker … more

Anita Campbell | 4/9/25

Salvation Army Updates Benton County Commission

Presiding Commissioner Steve Daleske called the meeting of the Benton County Commission to order at 9:00 AM on March 24 in the Board Room of the courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Larry Berry, … more

Anita Campbell | 4/2/25

Lincoln-Reagan Dinner Serves Up Impact And Legacy

Join us on Saturday, April 5, for an evening of patriotism, inspiration, and community spirit at the Warsaw Community Building, located at 181 W. Harrison in Warsaw for the 2025 Lincoln-Reagan … more

Kim Fugate | 4/2/25

STRUTTING THEIR STUFF on the campus of the University of Missouri, members of the WHS newspaper staff celebrated the publication's Best of Show award.

The Wildcat Takes First-Ever Best Of Show At Mizzou's J-Day

The Warsaw High School student newspaper, The Wildcat, received the Best of Show award at the annual J-Day held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia on March 26. The Wildcat, written … more

Anita Campbell | 4/2/25

A MAJOR ANNOUNCMENT came from Warsaw High School with the appointment of Drake Murrell to the United States Naval Academy and Jaxson Deckard to the United States Air Force Academy. The two were recognized during a ceremony at the school that included 1996 WHS graduate and current USAF MSG Nathan Parks who was the keynote speaker.

Murrell & Deckard Make WHS History With Military Academy Appointments

Warsaw High School seniors Drake Murrell and Jaxson Deckard were honored with a school assembly on March 26 as they were presented with their appointments to the United States Naval Academy and the … more

Anita Campbell | 4/2/25

ON THE APRIL 8 BALLOT are a host of candidates for area City Coard races that include Lincoln, Cole Camp and Warsaw. They are, Lincoln: Phil Fisher, Barbara Hammond, Trey Brown; from Cole Camp: David Locke, Bob Meuschke, Steve Knox, Sandy Schlesselman; and in Warsaw: Kimberly Pearcy, Francis Gatlin, Jennifer Flores, Eric Flores.

The Race Is On! Benton County Voters Set To Decide Multiple Municipal Races

All three communities in the Benton County; Lincoln, Cole Camp and Warsaw have candidates seeking seats on their respective city councils. In Lincoln, incumbents Phil Fisher and Barbara Hammond … more

Dianne Peck | 4/2/25

The Shriner's Story: A Legacy Of Compassion, Community Service

The Shriners are renowned for their iconic presence in parades, driving miniature cars, but their impact extends far beyond these festive displays. Warsaw Shrine Club and Ararat Shrine Temple, … more

Kim Fugate | 3/26/25

Benton County Half-Cent Sales Tax Renewal On Upcoming Ballot

Benton County Half-Cent Sales Tax Renewal April 8, 2025 Election On April 8, 2025, Benton County voters will go to the polls to decide whether to extend the existing one-half of one percent … more

Submitted | 3/26/25

City Of Cole Camp Hears Rally From School Board

The regular monthly meeting of the Cole Camp City Council was called to order at 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 20. Following the routine payment of bills, the council heard from Marty Doogs of the Cole … more

Dianne Peck | 3/26/25

FOLLOWING A LENGHTY SEARCH, the body of Christopher David Salmons was found after the kayaker was reported missing since March 14.

Body Found On Truman Lake Identified As Missing Kayaker

The body of 40-year old kayaker Christopher David Salmons, of Warsaw, was found by Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) at around 1:30 PM on Sunday afternoon, March 23 near Clear Creek Cove on Truman … more

Judy Kramer | 3/26/25

THE UPCOMING ELECTION will feature a host of candidates, including those vying for spots on Warsaw and Lincoln board's of education. They include (L to R, top): Lincoln's Derek Casey, Clifford Yearout, Matthew Rutherford and Brandon Siercks, and (bottom) Warsaw's LaMonte Yoder, Charlotte Beck and Marsha Bergman.

Warsaw & Lincoln School Board Races Come Down To The Wire

Election Day is just around the corner and all the three of the local school districts will be selecting people to serve on the various boards. In last week's issue of the Benton County … more

Anita Campbell | 3/26/25

WARSAW HIGH SCHOOL is saying goodbye to longtime mathematics instructor Amy Spunaugle as she makes her exit this spring to retirement. Spunaugle helped fourth hour calculus students Brayden Henderson, Ashlynn Adams and Wesley Jackson with a review on Tuesday morning.

Era Ends As Amy Spunaugle Puts Down The Chalk At WHS

When the school year ends, veteran Warsaw High School instructor Amy Spunaugle will walk out of her math classroom for the last time to pursue other interests. “I have mixed emotions … more

Anita Campbell | 3/26/25

Historic Buildings In Cole Camp Up For Grants

A March update of the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant was released by Kaysinger Regional Planning. The news release states Kaysinger is awaiting input and review of the application and … more

Dianne Peck | 3/19/25

Boutique Crawl Kicks Off Spring Shopping

Benton County merchants banded together for their second annual boutique crawl on Saturday, March 14. Shops from Warsaw, Lincoln and Cole Camp participated. Shoppers have a shopping card and the … more

Dianne Peck | 3/19/25

Commission Accepts Bids For Fuel And Cold Mix

Presiding Commissioner Steve Daleske called the Benton County Commission meeting to order at 9:00 AM on March 10 in the Board Room of the Benton County Courthouse. Those present included District 1 … more

Anita Campbell | 3/19/25

City Of Warsaw Improves Benefits For Employees

The March 17 meeting of the Warsaw City Council was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Eddie Simons. City Alderpersons present included: James White, Eric Flores, Lou Breshears and Adam Howe. … more

Anita Campbell | 3/19/25

Cole Camp School Board Candidates Sound Off On Important Topics

The Cole Camp R-1 School District has three candidates running for two open seats on their School Board. Each seat will be for a three-year term. Incumbents Marty Doogs and Zach Lutjen have … more

Dianne Peck | 3/19/25

A REALITY CHECK, as part of the FCCLA's mock crash last week, Cole Camp junior Grant Rodriguez came to terms with the consequences of drunk driving.

Tragedy Comes Alive With Mock Drunk Driving Crash

Cole Camp High School FCCLA members organized a mock crash in the CCHS parking lot to focus on the danger of drunk driving. CCHS junior Madison Paxson was in charge as part of her FFCLA STAR event. … more

Anita Campbell | 3/19/25