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Government & Elections
Local government and election coverage for Lincoln County, Missouri. Commission meetings, city councils, school boards, candidates, ballot measures and explanations of how local government works.


From Hawk Point To Winfield: What Lincoln County Residents Should Know About Local ICE Agreements
Lincoln CountyWatch reviewed public 287(g) ICE agreements involving the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Hawk Point, and Winfield after questions emerged surrounding what the federal program actually allows local agencies to do — and what it does not.

John Eads
May 164 min read


Standing-Room-Only Crowd, Multiple Removals And Heated Moments Highlight Winfield Board Meeting
A standing-room-only crowd filled Winfield City Hall Thursday night as tensions escalated throughout the Board of Aldermen meeting, leading to multiple residents being removed, repeated interruptions from the crowd, ongoing microphone concerns, and a closed session involving personnel discussions surrounding a longtime city employee.

John Eads
May 163 min read


Lincoln County Commissioners Approve New Pay Scale Structure, Hear Extension Updates During May 14 Meeting
Lincoln County Commissioners approved a new county employee pay scale structure, heard updates from University of Missouri Extension representatives, and discussed ongoing software concerns in the Collector’s Office during the May 14, 2026 meeting.

John Eads
May 152 min read


Public Comment Returns, Vacant Alderman Position Discussion Scheduled For Tonight’s Winfield Meeting
Public comment is scheduled to return during tonight’s Winfield Board of Aldermen meeting as officials are also expected to discuss the vacant Ward 2 alderman position.

John Eads
May 141 min read


Lincoln County Commissioners Discuss Highway 47 Closures, Dangerous Intersection Concerns & Major Equipment Upgrades
Lincoln County Commissioners discussed growing traffic concerns near Troy, Highway 47 closures, road projects, county equipment upgrades, and ongoing facility renovations during Tuesday’s meeting.

John Eads
May 132 min read


Water Bills, Arguments, and Then Smiles — A Different Night in Silex
What started as another tense Silex Board of Aldermen meeting ended with officials laughing, talking, and seemingly trying to move the city forward together again.

John Eads
May 123 min read


“We Definitely Need a Budget Meeting”: Silex Board Postpones Water Bill Payment Amid Ongoing Billing Concerns
The Silex Board of Aldermen postponed a water bill payment while discussing billing issues, leaks, and the need for a city budget during a May 6 meeting.

John Eads
May 74 min read


Hawk Point Board of Aldermen Approves ICE Reimbursement Agreement, Road Work Bid at May 4 Meeting
Hawk Point, Mo. — The Hawk Point Board of Aldermen moved through a full agenda Monday night with all four aldermen present, approving several key items including an agreement tied to federal immigration enforcement reimbursements and a nearly $100,000 road project. All four aldermen — Steven Fair, Tom Boling, Shawn Ellis, and Joe Cushing — were in attendance, along with Mayor Mark Seigler. The meeting was brief and moved efficiently through both old and new business. Coverage

John Eads
May 52 min read


Looking Ahead: Meetings, School Updates, and Local Sports Across Lincoln County (May 4–10, 2026)
A full look at what’s happening this week across Lincoln County, including local meetings, school schedules, and high school sports in Troy, Winfield, Silex, and Elsberry.

John Eads
May 33 min read


Troy Names Acting Police Chief as Questions Remain on Staffing and Department Conditions
Troy has named an acting police chief ahead of Chief Tienter’s deployment, but questions remain about staffing shortages, turnover, and the department’s current condition.

John Eads
Apr 304 min read


Silex Board Meets for First Time in Months — Funding Concerns, Water Shutoff Risk, and Heated Discussions
Silex aldermen meet for first time in months as city faces unpaid bills and risk of water shutoff by May 1.

John Eads
Apr 284 min read


Winfield Board of Aldermen Meeting Recap: Public Comment Returns, Street Repairs Debated, Policy Changes Approved
Winfield BOA meeting brings back public comment, debates road repairs, and addresses resident concerns after late-night letter issue.

John Eads
Apr 224 min read


Elsberry Police Chief Out, Interim Chief Named Following Closed Session Meeting
Elsberry police chief resigns, two officers leave, and interim chief named after closed session meeting.

John Eads
Apr 151 min read


Tied Silex Election Avoids Runoff After Candidate Steps Aside
Silex election ends in an 11–11 tie before one candidate withdraws, resolving the race without a runoff.

John Eads
Apr 142 min read


Elsberry Officials Respond to Police Department Rumors as Closed Meeting Draws Attention
Elsberry officials respond to police department rumors as a closed session meeting is scheduled tonight.

John Eads
Apr 141 min read


Silex Aldermen Involved in Roadside Fight; Both Sides Tell Different Stories
Silex aldermen involved in roadside fight on April 7; both sides give different accounts, no charges filed.

John Eads
Apr 82 min read


911 Call, Troy Alderman Detained After Late-Night Denny’s Dispute; State Investigation Underway
A late-night disturbance at a Troy Denny’s involving Ward 3 Alderman Rachel Dunard has led to a state investigation and an Internal Affairs

John Eads
Mar 155 min read


Silex Meeting Unravels After Gas Station Receipts Revealed, Ending in Alderman Resignation
A Silex Board of Aldermen meeting unraveled after gas station receipts tied to city spending surfaced, leaving members stunned and ending wi

John Eads
Feb 93 min read


This Week in Lincoln County: School Schedules, Ballot Measures, and Public Safety
School schedule changes, public meetings, ballot updates, and road closures — here’s what’s happening this week across Lincoln County.

John Eads
Feb 13 min read


City of Troy Names Major Dustyn Tienter as Next Police Chief
The City of Troy has named Major Dustyn Tienter as its next Chief of Police following approval by the Troy Board of Aldermen.

John Eads
Jan 282 min read
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