News

County Health Department Weighs In On Delta Variant

Published by admin on Fri, 08/06/2021 - 8:43am
Three weeks ago the Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  described COVID-19 as “a pandemic of the unvaccinated.”  Separate news reports include Missouri among five states with the greatest numbers of people testing positive for the Delta strain of COVID-19. 

Sheriff Sounds Alarm On Staffing Shortages

Published by admin on Fri, 08/06/2021 - 8:43am
The hospitality industry is suffering a shortage in staffing now that they have reopened and customers are returning. After employee layoffs during COVID, businesses are not able to get enough staff to come back to work. Staffing at the Warsaw Pool, and other businesses in the county, state and nation has also had a setback. And, the problem has hit hard at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and Jail.

Smart Start Gives Area Kids A Boost

Published by admin on Fri, 07/30/2021 - 12:51pm
Summer days seem endless; however, members of the Smart Start Health Fair are already busy planning for the beginning of the 2021-22 school year in Benton County.
"We were looking for a way to collect school supplies for our students," said Pastor Larry Johnston, chairman of the Smart Start Health Fair.  "Because of COVID restrictions we can't set up collection sites in front of Wal-Mart or Country Mart so we came up with the idea to have a competition between the communities of Warsaw, Lincoln and Cole Camp to see which site could collect the most school supplies."

A Summer Of Shortages: Trucks, Cars And Boats

Published by admin on Fri, 07/30/2021 - 12:49pm
Boat and car dealers in Warsaw are not immune to the domino effect from COVID. A shortage of parts are holding up delivery of their products and leaving sales lots with a low inventory. But,local dealers seem to be staying busy selling products that will be delivered late, and servicing vehicles that customers already own.

Warsaw Man Shot, Killed In Altercation

Published by admin on Wed, 07/21/2021 - 7:34am
A party near the water turned deadly, when a Warsaw man was shot on Sunday, July 18, on Clearwater Road in Benton County.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation after one man was fatally shot near Warsaw.  At approximately 4:50 AM on Sunday, July 18, 2021, the Benton County Central Dispatch received a call from a male stating a man entered the rear seat of his truck and yelled to the driver that he was shot and to drive. The assailant continued to fire at the vehicle, striking it as it left the scene. 

Drake Harbor Set For Super New Playground

Published by admin on Wed, 07/21/2021 - 7:33am
“It’s time for the old playground to be replaced due to age and wear and tear,” Warsaw Mayor Eddie Simons said. 
The 2020 COVID outbreak last year disrupted but did not run aground plans for the new playground. This year the City is able to match funds with a $68,341 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Land, Water and Conservation Fund. 
“The new playground will have an innovative design to appeal to a wider age range, and be able to handle more children,” Simons added. 

Federal Detainees Arrive In Benton County Jail

Published by admin on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 1:05pm
Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox met with the Benton County Commissioners on June 14 at their regular meeting to give the jail/sheriff’s office report.  Federal detainees are now present at the county jail.  Their transition for placement was without incident.  A contract was presented to upgrade necessary equipment for the new jail facility.  This contract will provide for the purchase and maintenance of tasers for jail staff.
Nick Johnson met with the Commissioners to discuss traffic conditions on Rotermund Avenue.

Expansion Is A Bang For Local Fireworks Business

Published by admin on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:51pm
Becky Thomas, owner of Kovac Fireworks, located at 31487 Wildcat Dr, has recently expanded her facility and is eager to provide the community with plenty of fireworks to celebrate July 4th. Her store is open 9 AM to 11 PM daily until July 4th. This is her 16th year in business in Warsaw and her third time to improve the size and quality of her building.

Battling Blazes And Volunteer Shortages

Published by admin on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:50pm
Common to volunteer fire districts is a roster each keeps of men and women who have signed up to serve when emergencies arise. Unfortunately, fire chiefs including Ryan Metscher, Lake View Fire Protection District (LVFPD), and Chad Hammond, Deer Creek Fire Protection District (DCFPD), share a common problem—only a few of their volunteers respond to calls.

Lots Of Razzmatazz For The 4th Of July

Published by admin on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:48pm
Area residents will be able to celebrate the birth of our nation at the many celebrations being hosted around Benton County.  Fireworks can be viewed from Drake Harbor and the downtown Warsaw Area, Lake of the Ozarks, M. K White Park and levee trails on July 3.   Food and drinks will be available at many downtown areas.  Fireworks start at dusk.  Should be a great show.
The American Legion Post 217 will have a Fireworks Display on July 4 as well starting at 8:45 PM.