KIRX News

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Hy-Vee over a recently revealed data breach. The security incident involved the payment processing systems at its drive-through coffee shops, restaurants, and fuel pumps – including the Pay at the Pump in Kirksville on North Baltimore. That location was affected from December 17th, 2018 through July 29th, 2019. The lawsuit claims the data breach was caused by tHy-Vee’s “inadequate data security measures.” It states more than 5 million of HyVee’s customer’s credit card and debit card information is being, or once was, sold on the dark web.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released 2019 test score data yesterday. It shows that 49% of students in the state’s public and charter schools are proficient or advanced in English and 42% in math. That means less than half of the state’s students are performing at grade level in those two subjects.

Truman State University will host a series of events throughout the weekend in celebration of Homecoming, starting today. Students, alumni and other Bulldog fans can look forward to most events tomorrow including a 5k run/walk at 8 a.m., Homecoming parade at 9 a.m., the Sandra K Giachino Reavey Sesquicentennial Plaza Ribbon Cutting at 10:30 a.m. on the University Mall, Bulldog Forever Tailgate from 11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. at the parking lots on the southwest corner of Franklin and Patterson streets, a pep rally to crown Homecoming royalty at 12 p.m. in the tailgating parking lot and the Homecoming football game against Missouri S&T at 2 p.m. at Stokes Stadium.

The Kirksville Police Department wants residents and visitors to have fun, and stay safe, during the homecoming festivities. They recommend that you dress for the weather, have a plan for your family or group should you get separated, and make sure children stay out of the way of parade floats.

The man accused of causing a disabled woman’s death during summer flooding, is being sued. Michael Meyer, the father of Alicia Meyer, filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Chariton County Circuit Court against James Pleasant. On May 31st, Troopers say Pleasant drove onto a barricaded road. His vehicle became submerged in flood water. Pleasant escaped, but Meyer, who was confined to a wheel chair, did not. Pleasant was arrested and charged with first degree involuntary manslaughter.

The statewide “ShakeOut” earthquake drill is this morning. More than half a million Missourians have registered to participate in this year’s ShakeOut. which reminds people how to protect themselves during an earthquake. Missouri is one of 14 participating central U.S. states that could be impacted by a New Madrid Seismic Zone earthquake.

State Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Walker, says because earthquakes occur without warning, it is especially important that everyone participate in the ShakeOut drill and practice now, so you know exactly what to do when the shaking starts.

At exactly 10:17 a.m., participants will practice the “Drop, Cover, Hold On” technique: DROP to your hands and knees; COVER your head and neck with your hands and arms under a table or desk if you can; and HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

Experts advise that the “Drop, Cover and Hold On” technique is the best way to protect yourself and others from falling debris. Learn more at: shakeout.org

The Linn County Health Department is offering a flu vaccine clinic for adults today from 7:30 am-6:30 pm at the Health Department, 635 South Main Street in Brookfield. Any individual 18 years and older can walk in and receive the flu vaccine. Both high dose (for people over 65) and regular vaccine will be available, while supplies last.

Sewer rates could be going up in Kirksville in 2020. This week the Finance Director recommended to the City Council that the sewer service availability fee be increased $1 per month, and the sewer volume fee be increased a quarter per hundred cubic feet. No change was recommended for water rates, and the stormwater service utility fee. A public hearing on the proposed increases will be held during the upcoming City Council meeting on October 21st.

Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 19-18 regarding the use of vaping devices among youth in Missouri. Governor Parson said. “People across the country are being hospitalized, some even losing their lives, with links to vaping.

The Governor’s Executive Order directs the Departments of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), and Public Safety (DPS) to use existing resources to develop a statewide campaign to educate, warn, and deter the use of vaping devices among Missouri’s youth.

Governor Parson said that despite the laws currently in place, there has been a rapid increase in vaping among our youth.

Leadership Northeast Missouri recently held their 2019 graduation ceremony. Thirteen men and women who live and work in northeast Missouri participated in the second year of the leadership development program. Over the last six months, participants traveled to Kirksville, New London, Edina, Louisiana, Kahoka and Macon to learn more about important economic development issues facing the region. Topics included: broadband, healthcare, transportation, workforce and navigating government systems. Additionally, each Leadership Northeast Missouri session included lessons and discussion utilizing United States Army leadership curriculum. Each participant worked on a personal leadership action plan and presented their plans at the culmination of the graduation celebration. Graduates of the 2019 class from Kirksville were: Andrew Fajkus, Chris Farrell, Tiffany Krueger, and Anastasia Tiedemann.

A teen boy was arrested in a theft case from the weekend. Kirksville Police received reports from several people who said items were stolen from their unlocked cars and trucks at Spainhower Field during KHS Homecoming events Friday night. The items taken were things like money and wallets. Following an investigation, a male juvenile suspect was identified and arrested. There was concern that a firearm had been stolen from one of the vehicles. Officers were able to contact the possible victim and who told them there was not a firearm in the vehicle at the time of the theft. Police also said the juvenile who was taken into custody was not in possession of a firearm when he was located.