The Economic Development group met in Lincoln City Hall on Wednesday, July 24 at 4:15 p.m. Amie Breshears called the meeting to order and JoAnn Lane, Economic Development Director led off with an update on the Broadband progress in Benton County. CoMo is still working in Edwards on phases 1-4. There will be more federal Broadband dollars flowing through the state through the BEAD program, not sure of when or how. Allegedly the goal is to provide internet connectivity for all Missourians, regardless of where you live.
Up next were business reports and updates. The Vault plans to be open in October. Work continues on the brick features inside the building.
Goetze Brothers carpet is open for business and they report it is going well. JoAnn noted she is working with other possibilities such as a potential investor looking for a turn-key business. Also Blessed Roots Soaps needs a building in Warsaw.
Beyonder-Chompey’s Restaurant is not yet open but there is a new general manager at Beyonder and also a new restaurant manager. Drake Harbor Company is closing due to family issues.
Warsaw Adventures are still seeking a buyer and Statuary Gardens would close on July 27. In Cole Camp the Wine, Women and Song building is for sale. Crazy Roy’s has a new owner with extended hours. The business is now open 7days a week, 10am-10pm. The new owner has closed the fireworks and putting a DD Bar in its place and also adding Extreme Bingo one day a week.
JoAnn and Amie worked with a producer who has been notified that they are recipients of an RFSI grant and is submitting additional paperwork for the grant. Details to be announced later.
The Women’s Business Center (WBC) will have office hours in Warsaw Community Building on July 30 and August 27 from 8:30 am-4pm. The plan is to have them in Warsaw on the last Tuesday of the month as of now. They have the Micra Loan program and Credit Building programs and information. Their services are open to all, not just women. Walk-ins are welcome.
On October 9 the Community National Bank and Equity Bank are sponsoring a credit workshop conducted by the WBC. This is a great workshop and it includes a meal and gas card for participants. Located in Lincoln City Hall and begins at 5:30. Pre-registration is required.
Amie Breshears gave Extension updates on the Benton County 4-H & FFA Youth Fair. It was held June 20-22 at the 4-H grounds in Lincoln. Over 500 entries of livestock and non-livestock. Raised over $25,000 at the Premium sale to support the kids competing at the Missouri state Fair.
The first “Stay strong, Stay healthy/class” at the Warsaw Methodist church is full and begins on August 5. There is a Progressive Ag Safety Day at the Lincoln School on October 11.
Amie is conducting an “On my own-Ag leasing and What’s it Worth?” on August 6 in Warsaw from 10am-noon. There will be a Benton County Cattlemen Trade Show on November 7, Seeking Sponsors.
Casey and Stephanie Ledbetter, Zane and Pace, are the Benton County Farm Family of the year. They will represent Benton County at the Missouri State Fair in August.
Extension Council members and the office are offering a Strongman competition sponsorships at the Fall Market/Balloon Glow at Lincoln on September 14. Please reach out and take one.
To learn more about Beginning Farmer tax credits go to: “Beginning Farmer Tax Deduction Program (mo.gov)
Up next, Lynette Stokes with Benton County Tourism reported the Barn Quilt program is on-going and consistently adding new locations to the trail. The group welcomes new committee members.
Lynette shared the Marketing study report will be available in August. She is busy with Harborfest slated for Saturday, August 3 There will be a water ski show, Kids Zone, beer garden, food, music, and more Event begins at 11 am. Everyone was encouraged to partake in the Lions Club pancake breakfast from 7:30-10am.
The Benton County EEZ has new commission members. They are Seth Casey, Diana Burdick, and Scott Gemes. They will join existing members Tim Kreisel, Eddie Simons, William Smart and Steve Daleske.
Grants in Cole Camp are SS4A Safe streets for all, a planning grant now in year 2. Also LWCF Land Water Conservation Fund grant for a new playground in Butterfield Park. Just waiting on federal approval.
TAP They are combining 1 TAP grants for sidewalks on both sides of North Maple St. It is progressing but takes time.
RIT TAP grant. Land was donated to the city for a Rock Island trailhead but is outside city limits so Council is not yet comfortable spending city dollars/resources on the required grant match. They are still working on it to make a decision. DNR and others will be at Council meetings to give info and input. If the Council refuses the grant, that ends the grant funding opportunity.
JoLynn Turley, SFCC reported the new Ag Building is in the works, precision Ag and advanced Ag courses as well as auto and diesel mechanics, plus diesel and machinery repair courses will be held in the new building.
Lincoln’s Mayor Glen Nelson reported the building west of City Hall on Main Street will be restored to its early 1900's condition and 10-12 new homes will be built in Lincoln in the next few months.
Rich Chiles, the new Operations Project Manager for Truman Dam & Reservoir introduced himself to the group and stated he is available to talk to anyone.
Randall Sherman, owner of Main Street Fitness in Warsaw spoke to the group about his business. He says he truly has a program to fit anyone, no matter their age or condition.
Next Meeting: August 28, 4:15 PM at Lincoln City Hall. Everyone is welcome.
