Fire Department Earns State Emergency Medical Services Training Entity Accreditation

The City of Kirksville’s Fire Department was recently awarded “Training Entity Accreditation” by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services – Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. This certification will allow the Fire Department to provide First Responder Classes and Continuing Education (Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support) for department personnel. All firefighters are required to obtain Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at a minimum as part of their employment which requires many hours of continuing education to maintain their license as EMT’s and Paramedics. The Fire Department will now be able to provide these continuing education hours in-house rather than send firefighters elsewhere, saving taxpayer dollars. The Fire Department currently has four Emergency Medical Responders, 19 Emergency Medical Technicians, and four Paramedics employed in the department.

Adair County COVID-19 Case Count Increases by 32

The Adair County Health Department confirmed 32 new cases of COVID-19 over six days according to a press release issued yesterday. The new cases bring the
total count in the county to 2,547. There are currently 37 active cases and 2,490 people who have left isolation. Eight cases were confirmed June 24 and One of those cases had received the first of two doses of vaccine. Nine of the 32 cases are break-through cases involving fully vaccinated individuals and 15 reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case. Two cases are employed at an area meat-processing plant.

Macon County Health Department Vaccine Clinics

The Macon County Health Department is holding two COVID-19 vaccine clinics this week. Today, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine will be offered at the health department from 1 p. m. to 3 p. m. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be administered tomorrow at the health department. Call 660-395-4711 if you want to get a shot. Both vaccines are available to anyone 18 and older.

Fatal Crash in Clark County

Troop B investigated 15 injury crashes and 1 fatal crash for the week of June 20 thru June 26. With 22 people being injured as a result of those crashes and 1 fatally injured. 4 occupants of those vehicles were unrestrained.

The fatal accident happened on Saturday at 12:20PM in Clark County. According to the crash report, 31-year-old Ashley Strum, of Keokuk, Iowa, was driving a Ford Fusion on US 136, two miles west of Wayland, when she went off the right side of the roadway, struck an embankment, and overturned. Strum was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash report states that Strum was not wearing a seat belt.

MoDOT Worker Struck and Killed

A Missouri Department of Transportation maintenance worked died Monday in the line of duty. MoDOT says the incident took place in Platte County. 61-year-old Lloyd Crawford was struck by a vehicle while performing flooding emergency work in Tracy. Crawford had served 18 years with the Missouri Department of Transportation. and was working as the Platte City Maintenance Supervisor. MoDOT Kansas City District Engineer Chris Redline said, “Our hearts are heavy.” MoDOT said motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones.

KPD Issues Fireworks Remiders

As the 4th of July approaches, the Kirksville Police Department is issuing some reminders: The discharging of fireworks inside the city limits will be legal starting tomorrow and continuing through July 5th. Individuals may only discharge fireworks between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on their own property. However, if a complaint is received and verified by the Police Department for disturbance of the peace of surrounding neighbors a citation may be issued. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to throw fireworks out of vehicles, under vehicles, at people or on any public street or public place within the city. The fireworks ordinance is available online. See KPD’s facebook page for the link.

Aquatic Center Ribbon Cutting to Be Held Monday

While the Kirksville Aquatic Center’s Outdoor Water Park opened on Saturday, the ribbon cutting originally scheduled to happen that day was rescheduled due to inclement weather. The ribbon cutting will happen today at 5:30 pm. All are welcome to check out the three new slides, climbing wall, splash pad, and pool, grab a shaved ice or one of the other new offerings from the concession stand. The ribbon cutting will feature giveaways, contests, and fun for the entire family. For more information, visit www.kirksvillecity.com/KAC.

Woman Jumps from Out-Of-Control ATV

A woman was injured after jumping from an ATV in Sulivan County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 59-year-old Laurie Black, who is from Arkansas, was hurt as she lost control of the ATV while driving on private property eight miles northeast of Green City, Thursday evening. According to the crash report, as the ATV was heading down a hill and out of her control, Black jumped from the ATV before it hit a tree. She suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Northeast Regional Medical Center.

Macon Man Accused of Over 100 Sex Crimes

A Macon man, accused of over 100 sex crimes, made his first court appearance in Linn County last week. Kenneth Harper entered a plea of not guilty for crimes that allegedly occurred from 1996 to 2010. The court denied the request for bond with a new bond hearing scheduled for July 1st.

Senate Breaks Impasse over Medicaid Funding

The Missouri Senate broke a deadlock over abortion and birth control funding late Friday, giving final approval early Saturday to a tax that helps fund the state’s Medicaid health care program. Governor Mike Parson called lawmakers back to the state capitol to act on the tax, vowing he will make deep cuts in the budget if a plan isn’t on his desk by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1st. The House returns to the Capitol today and could have things wrapped up by Wednesday.