Emergency Blood Shortage Red Cross Supplies Drop to Lowest Post

The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage. A sharp drop in blood donor turnout has contributed to the lowest post-summer blood inventory level in six years, and donors of all blood types – especially type O – are urged to make an appointment to give now and in the weeks ahead to help meet the needs of patients this fall. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to learn more and to make an appointment.

Adair County Records 33rd COVID-Related Death as Case Count Nears 3,500

The Adair County Health Department confirmed another COVID-related death yesterday – a previously reported 64-year-old female. She was admitted to Boone Hospital Sept. 2 and discharged to hospice care Sept. 22. She passed away Sept. 24. There have been 33 deaths in Adair County. 12 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed since Friday. The overall case count is now 3,492 with 61 active cases, 3,398 people who have left isolation.

Yesterday’s cases involve females ages 19, 27, 43, and 74, and males ages 9 months, 4, 21, 31, 33, 34, 51 and 65. Four reside at addresses with at least one other positive case. One is in the higher education sector, and one is a breakthrough case. Among the active cases as of Friday, Sept. 24, 50% were among residents ages 0 to 30, and 33% of active cases were among those in the K-12 schools sector.

Stormwater Improvements on East Meadow Lane To Begin This Week

The contractor for the City of Kirksville will begin work on a stormwater improvement project to replace a box culvert on East Meadow Lane this week. The project will consist of constructing a single-cell concrete box culvert across East Meadow Lane and relocating a section of water main. This will result in the temporary closure of East Meadow Lane from tomorrow until approximately November 3rd. If traveling through the area, use caution and drive slowly. Use alternate routes when possible.

Downtown Sidewalk and Drainage Improvements Begins

The contractor for the City of Kirksville begun mobilization and preliminary work on a sidewalk and drainage improvement project in the Central Business District – or Downtown Kirksville area – on Friday, with major construction to begin this week. The project will consist of removing the old sidewalk, pouring new sidewalk, and addressing drainage issues in both parking spaces and crosswalks within the project area. Sidewalks may be temporarily closed during construction. However, access to businesses will be maintained throughout the project. The project area includes the south side of the 100 block of West Washington Street, and both sides of the 100 block of South Elson Street. This project is funded by monies collected through the Downtown Tax Increment Finance District.

Adair County COVID-19 Case Count Hits 3,480

The Adair County Health Department confirmed seven new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the overall count to 3,480. There are 66 active cases and
3,382 people who have left isolation. A previously reported 73-year-old unvaccinated male was admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center Sept. 23. He is not on ventilator support at this time. Among the new cases are females ages 9, 31, 32, 43 and 59 and males ages 14 and 51. Four reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case, two are in the K-12 schools sector, and two are breakthrough infections.

Sullivan County Adds 8 New COVID-19 Cases

The Sullivan County Health Department confirmed eight additional positive cases of COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the current total to one thousand one hundred and sixty-eight, with seventeen deaths and sixteen active cases. The positive cases were determined to be community related.

Multiple Streets in Macon Improved

Multiple streets around the town of Macon have recently been improved in a project between The City of Macon and Capital Paving and Construction. According to the City Administrator, the project totaled around $790,000 and encompasses an estimated 6.5 miles of streets.

Another COVID-Related Death in Adair County

Another COVID-19 related death was reported yesterday in Adair County. The health department confirmed that a 73-year-old female admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on September 16th passed away yesterday, marking the 32nd known COVID-related death among Adair County residents. She had not been vaccinated. There are currently 68 active cases of COVID-19 in the county, 3,373 people who have left isolation, and an overall count of 3,473 confirmed cases. Nine new cases were reported yesterday. Three cases reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case. Two are in the K-12 schools sector. One involves a fully vaccinated employee of a skilled nursing facility. There is one other breakthrough case as well.

2 Injured in Adair County Crash

2 people were injured in a crash Wednesday night near Kirksville. According to the crash report, 24-year-old Anthony Sanders experiened a medical episode, causing him to cross the center line on Route B, and swerve into the southbound lane, and hit another vehicle. Sanders suffered moderate injures and was transported by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center. The teen driver in the other vehicle suffered minor injuries.