Benton County Economic Development

08/23/2026

Keep watching…..👀

There is now a new sign on Hwy 65 in Lincoln, MO. It is getting closer!!!!

08/20/2026

To Begin Construction Week of August 31

Missouri Route 7 Corridor Upgrades in Benton and Henry Counties

Warsaw, Benton County – A project to build a roundabout at Missouri Route 7 and Cold Spring Avenue in Warsaw, is scheduled to start the week of August 31, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The MoDOT held two public meetings—in July 2025 and February 2026—to share project information and solicit public feedback.

Project Summary:
Build a roundabout at Route 7 and Cold Springs Ave. in Warsaw
Install a pedestrian signal at Route 7 and Main St. in Warsaw
Add safety signing along Route 7 at various locations from Henry Co. Route C to U.S. Route 65 in Warsaw
Add safety signing along Route 7 at various locations from Route 65 to Benton Co. Route AA

Traffic Impacts:

Route 7 will not be closed except for short periods to move materials and equipment
Cold Spring Avenue CLOSED during phase 2 of the project. A news release will be sent prior to the road closure to alert the public.
Dam Access Road CLOSED during phase 3 of the project. A news release will be sent prior to the road closure to alert the public.
Traffic will experience traffic shifts and narrowed 10-foot lanes
No signed detour; however, there will be occasional short-term lane closures with traffic controlled by flaggers
Drivers should expect delays and are urged to use alternate routes during construction to avoid the work zone
Access to businesses will be provided at all times
Electronic message boards and news releases will warn the public of closures

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closures/traffic impacts

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Contractor: Hartman & Company Inc., Springfield

The estimated project construction cost is $3.8 million.

The project is scheduled for completion in June 2027.

08/19/2026

There is still time to submit a survey and share your opinion. Take the survey today!

📣We need your input!
Kaysinger Basin RPC is working on a 7-county Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan.
If you live or work in Bates, Benton, Cedar, Henry, Hickory, St. Clair, or Vernon County, use the QR code below or follow the link provided to take the survey and let us know about unsafe travel routes in your community.

If your organization would like a presentation on how the Kaysinger Basin RPC Regional SS4A Planning can help with travel routes in your community, please call 660-885-3393 and get scheduled today.
Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeHSmIW4CxPTkab6QPlViZ9PGRGI3tq07r2u4OsyWi3xlUdQ/viewform

08/13/2026

📣 Benton County makers and small businesses—here’s a great opportunity to get your products in front of a new audience!

Applications are now open for Maker Fair booths at Global Entrepreneurship Week – KC, November 17–19, 2026.

If you make it, create it, or craft it, this is your chance to showcase your work, tell your story, sell your products, and connect with hundreds of attendees and fellow entrepreneurs.

🛍️ Handmade goods • Art • Apparel • Ceramics • Candles & more!

The application deadline is October 16, 2026.

Check out the flyer below.

08/11/2026

What a wonderful evening celebrating Lincoln Council for Community Betterment and the ribbon cutting of the beautiful mural in the green space! 🎉✂️
This mural is such a wonderful addition to our community and a great way to bring people together and celebrate our history and community spirit. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible and to all who came out to celebrate! ❤️

08/10/2026

📣 Benton County Businesses—this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!

One of the things I love about working in economic development is connecting our local businesses with resources that can help them grow. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to receive FREE, one-on-one digital marketing assistance through the Missouri SBDC at State Fair Community College.

Whether you want to improve your website, strengthen your social media presence, better understand SEO and analytics, or develop a stronger overall digital marketing strategy, this program can provide valuable insight and fresh ideas.

And it’s a win-win—our local businesses get valuable marketing assistance at no cost, while SFCC students gain real-world experience working with local businesses.

If your business meets the requirements, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity! FREE resources like this can make a real difference for a small business.

Check out Kelly’s infomration below for all the details and how to register. 👇
💲 There is no cost to participate!
📅 Now accepting businesses for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or using the registration link: https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/?home=77
Questions? Contact:
📧 Kelly Asbury – [email protected]
📞 660-596-7350

08/10/2026

🎉🏓 A Great Day for Warsaw! 🏓🎉

Today we officially celebrated the ribbon cutting for Warsaw’s brand-new pickleball courts! ✂️🎀

It was wonderful to see such a great group come out to celebrate this exciting addition to our community. These courts are more than just a place to play—they’re a place to get active, have fun, meet new people, and build community.

A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped bring this project from an idea to reality. Projects like this take vision, planning, funding, hard work, and a lot of community support—and today we get to celebrate the result!

We’re excited to see these courts filled with players of all ages and skill levels in the days, months, and years ahead. ❤️

Congratulations, Warsaw! Now… LET THE GAMES BEGIN! 🏓🎉

08/10/2026

🎨✂️ You’re Invited! Official Mural Ribbon Cutting in Lincoln! ✂️🎨

Come celebrate a beautiful new addition to Lincoln’s downtown community! We’re excited to invite everyone to the official ribbon cutting for the new mural, located in the Green Space right next to Lincoln City Hall.

This incredible artwork completed by Ray Harvey Art is a wonderful reflection of our community and the pride we have in Lincoln. Lincoln Council for Community Betterment can’t wait to officially celebrate the completed mural and the people and organizations who helped bring this project to life!

📅 Monday, August 10-7:00 PM
📍 Lincoln Green Space — next to City Hall

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and help us celebrate this special addition to Lincoln! 💙

We hope to see you there! 🎉

08/07/2026

🏓 You're Invited to the Grand Opening of the Newly Refinished Pickleball Courts at M.K. White Park! 🎉

Join us as we celebrate the completion of Warsaw's pickleball courts with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!

📅 Monday, August 10, 2026
🕦 11:30 AM
📍 M.K. White Park

This exciting upgrade to our community provides another great way to stay active, have fun, and connect with friends and neighbors. Whether you're an experienced pickleball player or curious to give the sport a try, everyone is welcome to come celebrate with us!
We look forward to seeing you there as we officially open these new courts and mark this exciting milestone for our community.

08/07/2026

Route W CLOSED between Route H and Route B south of 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, August 10-17. MoDOT crews making pavement repairs on Route W. https://www.modot.org/node/94158