Taxpayer-Funded Traffic Control? Questions Swirl Around 7 Brew Grand Opening

TROY, Mo. — Long before 7 Brew officially opened its doors Saturday morning, traffic was already backing up along North Lincoln Drive and Highway 47.

Troy Police officers direct traffic near 7 Brew during the business's grand opening event in Troy, Missouri.

Lincoln CountyWatch was on scene around 5:30 a.m. and observed a growing line of vehicles as customers waited for the business’s grand opening. By the time the event officially began at 7 a.m., traffic was stretching through the area as drivers attempted to access the new coffee shop.

Multiple Troy Police officers were also present directing traffic and helping motorists

navigate the congestion.

Coverage supported by Brian’s Towing & Recovery — Serving Lincoln County and surrounding areas.

As traffic continued to build throughout the morning, Lincoln CountyWatch spoke with Troy Police Lt. McCallister regarding concerns about traffic flow and whether the city anticipated continued backups.

McCallister said officers were on scene to assist with traffic control during the grand opening of a new business and encouraged motorists to use North Lincoln Drive rather than the Highway 47 entrance.

According to McCallister, utilizing North Lincoln Drive would help keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible and reduce backups onto Highway 47.

As photos and videos of the traffic and police presence began circulating online, some residents questioned whether taxpayer dollars were being used to provide traffic control for a private business event.

Lincoln CountyWatch reached out to Troy Police Interim Chief Ronkoski for clarification.

“Yes, 7 Brew is paying for the extra officers,” Ronkoski told Lincoln CountyWatch.

The officers are working the event through an extra-duty arrangement.

The grand opening is scheduled to run from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday.

Traffic delays were reported throughout the morning as customers continued arriving at the new business.

Coverage supported by Carter Family Chiropractic.

---

About Lincoln CountyWatch

Lincoln CountyWatch is part of the County Watch Network (CWN), an independent local news organization serving Lincoln County and surrounding communities.

If you have a correction, clarification, news tip, event submission or story idea, contact us at tips@lincolncountywatch.com.

Lincoln CountyWatch is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency, fire department, EMS agency, government entity, political organization or court system.

© County Watch Network (CWN). All rights reserved.

Author: John Eads

Sources: Troy Police Lt. McCallister, Troy Police Interim Chief Ronkoski, Lincoln CountyWatch staff observations.