Local Government

Winfield Mayor Nicole Hanson opens up about the Playoffs II incident, months of silence, rebuilding public trust and the challenges facing the city.

From judges and first responders to elected officials, local leaders shared their favorite Lincoln County Fair memories and traditions, highlighting the community spirit that brings neighbors together each summer.

Lincoln County road crews are advancing paving, drainage and maintenance projects while continuing cleanup following weekend storms that brought down trees across the county.

Moscow Mills leaders approved new regulations for free-roaming cat colonies while addressing Old Town property concerns, park plans, street improvements and major city infrastructure needs.

A strong crowd gathered in Hawk Point as MoDOT outlined construction phases, safety improvements, road closures and traffic impacts for the $18.8 million Route 47 project between Hawk Point and Troy.

Lincoln County residents will see a $2 increase in recording fees and marriage license costs beginning Aug. 28, according to the Recorder of Deeds Office.

The Lincoln County Fair, Route 47 widening plans and government meetings in Troy, Elsberry and Moscow Mills are among five things residents may want to follow this week.

Winfield aldermen addressed proposed public comment changes, a federal law enforcement agreement, city equipment repairs, water system updates and other municipal business during the July 9 meeting.

Lincoln County commissioners discussed the regional water project, emergency preparations for the county fair and the upcoming delinquent tax sale as more residents continue asking questions at public meetings.

Hawk Point aldermen discussed utility credits, pool billing changes, a local food pantry searching for a new home and an upcoming public meeting on the Route 47 widening project.

The Lincoln County Commission discussed data center concerns, a Sheriff's Office hiring freeze, road projects, opioid settlement funding and other county business during its July 7 meeting.

Lincoln CountyWatch examines public records, prosecutorial recusals and overlapping legal roles after the Winfield bar fight investigation was transferred to St. Charles County and ultimately declined.

Troy Mayor Quentin Laws has officially vetoed the newly approved city budget over disparities in employee pay raises. Read the full breakdown of his request to the Board of Aldermen.

The Troy Board of Aldermen approved the fiscal year 2027 budget in a 4-2 vote, establishing a split-tier wage increase for city personnel following citizen comments regarding police staffing and administrative procedures.

An inside look at the 150-page investigative file, administrative suspensions, and rapid public works personnel changes following the December 2025 bar brawl involving Winfield municipal leadership and off-duty police officers.

"Fu** being the mayor! I don't care!" What began as a celebratory city awards banquet ended with an off-duty police officer choking Winfield's mayor unconscious in a local bar parking lot. In Part 1 of this exclusive four-part investigative series, Lincoln CountyWatch uses official surveillance logs and witness accounts to deliver a minute-by-minute breakdown of the midnight melee at Playoffs II. Read the full unedited account—free for a limited time.

When the Lincoln County Commission expanded random drug testing across departments, state law left top courthouse officials completely exempt. We went on the record with our local leaders to see who is stepping up to take a voluntary test.

Lincoln County commissioners approved several policy changes this week involving travel reimbursements, employee drug testing, county vehicles and personnel policies as elected officials and department heads gathered for two commission meetings.

The Troy Board of Aldermen debated a proposed ICE partnership agreement, revisited the city’s failed use tax proposal, discussed rising asphalt costs, and approved several ordinances during Monday night’s 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