2,468 Cases and One Variant

The Adair County Health Department confirmed new COVID-19 cases on Friday and a variant. There were three cases of COVID-19 in the county last week. Cases involve a 59-year-old male confirmed May 10, a 20-year-old female confirmed May 12, and a 24-year-old male confirmed Friday. The Adair County Health Department was notified May 13 that an April 30 case tested positive for the B.1.427 variant first identified in California. It is the sixth Adair County case that has tested positive for a COVID-19 variant in random testing.

The Adair County Health Department continues to register people for curbside vaccines which will be administered tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Health Department facility in Kirksville. The clinic is open to
all individuals ages 18 and older Register by calling the Health Department at 660-665-8491.

2 Seriously Injured in Lewis County Crash

Two people were seriously injured in a crash in Lewis County on Friday afternoon. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, a Ford Taurus driven by 38-year-old Gregory Walker, of Hannibal crossed the center line on Route B, one mile south of LaGrange, and struck a Mack semi-trailer driven by 42-year-old Jack Sharkey, of Taylor. Walker was flown to a hospital, while Sharkey was transported by ambulance.

Shelbina Fire Crews Ventilate Home

Shelbina firefighters were dispatched by Shelby County, E911 at 8:30 yesterday morning to the 400 block of East College Avenue. Upon arrival firefighters found propane gas inside the residence. Gas was shut off and the house was ventilated. Assisting agencies included Shelbina Police Department, Salt River Ambulance District and MFA Propane.

CDC Says Fully Vaccinated People Don’t Need to Wear a Mask

People vaccinated against COVID-19 can go without masks. The CDC Director made the announcement yesterday and cited three studies that show vaccines work. Dr. Rochelle Walensky said anyone who is fully vaccinated can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a mask or physical distancing, except under certain circumstances. Fully vaccinated people will still need to wear masks in health-care settings, at businesses that mandate them or on public transportation. The CDC also advises that that people who are immune compromised should speak with their doctors before giving up their masks.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Kirksville

Household hazardous waste drop-off for Kirksville residents will be tomorrow, between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm at the Public Works Complex, located at 2001 N. Osteopathy St. To participate, you must call Public Works to schedule an appointment. Appointments are limited and no additional appointments will be made once the schedule is full. Call 660.627.1291

Rotary Shoe Caravan Comes to Kirksville

The Rotary Shoes for Orphan Souls Caravan arrives in Kirksville today. Dana Delaware, local chair states, “The Shoes for Orphan Soul Committee of the
Kirksville Rotary Club has had an outstanding Campaign. With donations from local organizations and members, the Kirksville Rotary Club will be presenting a check for nearly $4,000. Larry Lunsford of Rotary District 6040 leads the Shoes for Orphan Souls campaign. He said on this 20th anniversary, children everywhere, including Honduras, need help now more than ever. The shoes will be delivered to Buckner International in Texas to then be distributed to children in Honduras and other parts of Central America. The check presentation will happen at 11:30AM at Colton’s Steak House.

School Bus Involved Accident

A school bus was involved in an accident yesterday afternoon. According to a post from the Kirksville R-III School District Bus R2 was involved in the accident near the corner of North Bradford and East Illinois. At the time of the accident, no students were being transported on the bus and no injuries were reported. Details about the accident were not provided.

State Lamakers Pass Gas Tax

You’ll likely be paying more at the pump as state lawmakers passed a bill to raise Missouri’s gas tax for the first time in more than two decades. The measure would add 2.5 cents to the current 17-cent-per-gallon tax beginning this fall. It would rise over the next five years to a 12.5-cent-per-gallon hike. The bill would raise up to $514 million annually by 2027 to pay for road and bridge repairs. If signed by Governor Mike Parson, the tax would go into effect starting October 1.

Boil Advisory

A boil advisory remains in effect for some residents in Kirksvllle. The 48-hour boil advisory is in effect until 3:30 pm on tomorrow. The affected area includes First Street between Dodson and Randolph Streets in Kirksville. If you have questions, contact the City of Kirksville Public Works Department at 660.627.1291