News Staff

A driver lost control of his motorcycle due to the wind on Tuesday, and the vehicle overturned. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 18-year-old Joshua Black of Center was driving a Kawasaki motorcycle on Route P, six miles south of Center, at about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday. He was ejected from the motorcycle, and was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.

Kirksville Mayor Zac Burden signed a proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week during the week of April 14, 2024.
When an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police, fire, and emergency medical services is critical to protecting life and preserving property. The safety of police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and the public depends on the quality and accuracy of information obtained by staff at the Adair County Emergency Communications Center.
Public Safety Telecommunicators are our citizens’ first and most critical contact with emergency services. Our Public Safety Telecommunicators of the Adair County Emergency Communications Center have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, treatment of patients and protection of property. Each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during their job performance.

A multi-county resurfacing project is scheduled to begin Monday, April 22, on Route V in Chillicothe to Route 6 near Galt. Magruder Paving, LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will also resurface routes in Chariton and Linn counties. All work is expected to be complete by mid-July. During the project, the roadway will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers directing motorists through the work zone. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place.

The Highway Patrol says a 17 year old male is recovering from moderate injuries after an incident involving an ATV. They say at about 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, the teen was driving tthe ATV on north East street south of Missouri 19 in Ralls county, when he was trying to jump a culvert on the ATV and was ejected.

Governor Mike Parson announced that he is naming Michelle Hataway as full status Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). Hataway had been serving as DED Acting Director since June 2023. In her more than eight years with DED, Hataway has served as regional manager, deputy director, and director of the Division of Regional Engagement. More recently, she served as deputy director of DED before being elevated to acting director on June 16, 2023. Prior to joining DED, Hataway held positions with her family’s 90-year-old business and at Netflix.

The City of Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an open house to gather valuable input from community members regarding planned improvements in two City parks. This event will allow residents and park patrons to voice opinions, share ideas, and collaborate with Parks and Recreation Department staff to shape the future of these public spaces. The event will be held at the Kirksville Aquatic Center Meeting Room, located at 801 E. Mill St., on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The open house will focus on soliciting feedback for enhancements to Brashear Park that include transitioning the existing wading pool into a splash pad, new playground features, and an additional shelter. Planned improvements at P.C. Mills Park include a splash pad, new restrooms, and expanded parking. Community members of all ages are invited to the open house event to contribute their ideas and perspectives.

The City of Kirksville says Have you checked out FEMA’s preliminary floodplain map? If not, you’ll want to ensure your property isn’t affected. Head to kirksvillecity.com/p/floodplain to view the preliminary map. There are instructions on how to access the map, along with information on this process. The appeal phase remains open until May 7.

On April 3, 2024, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after being notified of a domestic assault that had just occurred. Deputies responded to the reported scene and began conducting interviews and collecting evidence. The case was presented to the Macon County Prosecutor’s Office where charges were filed. As a result deputies arrested Dylan H. Wertz, a former Macon Police Officer/Reserve Macon County Deputy, for domestic assault 4th degree and endangering the welfare of a child 2nd degree. Bond was set at $1,000.00 cash only.

A woman from Monroe City is recovering from moderate injuries aafter a single-vehicle crash in Marion County mid-morning tuesday. The Highway Patrol says 71 year old Deborah Watson was driving a Honda Ridgeline truck on U.S. Highway 36, two miles northeast of Rensselaer, when she lost control, ran off the north side of the road, and the vehicle overturned. She was wearing a seat belt.

One person suffered moderate injuries in a two vehicle crash that happened on Tuesday afternoon on Highway 63, one mile south of Kirksville. The Highway Patrol says the driver of a Jeep Cherokee traveled the wrong way on a one-way road and hit a Ford Edge head-on. The driver of the Edge, 77 year old Linda Harrelson, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital.