News Staff

The Adair County Health Department has been advised of the first confirmed case involving the highly transmissible Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. The news comes as the Health Department confirmed 13 new cases of COVID-19 over the holiday weekend. The Delta variant was found during random sampling in a case involving a 52-year-old male who tested positive for the virus on June 17. He is no longer in isolation. Among the new cases are two that are related to a skilled nursing facility and five others reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case. Two fully vaccinated individuals are in yesterday’s count.

The Adair County Health Department will administer the first or second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to those ages 12 and older on Thursday, July 8, by appointment. Those receiving a second dose must have had their first dose on or before June 17, 2021. If you receive your first dose on July 8, you will be eligible to receive your second dose on July 29. Call 660-665-8491 to schedule an appointment.

The City of Kirksville’s Jaycee Park Block Party will be Sunday, July 11th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in Jaycee Park. In addition to an afternoon full of games, water fun, and treats, courtesy of the Parks and Recreation Department and community partners, there will also be an opportunity to learn more about plans for Jaycee Park and the wider neighborhood and provide your input. For more information, please contact City Administration at 660.627.1225.

The Adair County YMCA is offering free food for children ages 3-18 with many pick up options available for you and your family. NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
You can pick up in a drive up/grab-and-go fashion. See the various pickup locatons and times at Facebook.com/AdairCountyYMCA.

2021 July 4th celebrations led to multiple accidents around the country, including locally. A Kirksville man lost his hand in a fireworks accident Friday night. According to KTVO. the 30-year-old was lighting fireworks at the time of the accident. He was taken to a nearby hospital via helicopter and listed in stable condition. His name was not released. A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that fireworks injuries continue to rise. 15,600 people required emergency room treatment in U.S. hospitals due to accidents involving fireworks in 2020, up from approximately 10,000 in 2019.

First responders were called to a fire at Buster’s Garage in Bevier Saturday afternoon. When crews arrived, the structure was fully engulfed. The building was destroyed, and some nearby vehicles were damaged in the blaze.

Kirksville Fire Assistant Chief Marc Jefferson retired after 40 years of service to the citizens of Kirksville, Adair County, and firefighters around Missouri. Jefferson is the last of the founding fathers of Local 2952 to retire from Kirksville Fire. Jefferson climbed through the ranks holding the titles of Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief of Training. Jefferson has also been part of the the University of Missouri Fire and Rescue Training Institute’s Winter Fire School command staff for many years. On Friday during his retirement ceremony, Assistant Chief Jefferson was presented awards from Missouri State Fire Marshal Tim Bean, Firefighters Association of Missouri, Kirksville Professional Firefighters, Kirksville Fire Department and The City Of Kirksville.

The Putnam County Health Department will host a Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine clinic this month. The walk-in clinic will be held on July 15th from 3 to 6 PM for anyone who is at least 18 years old. Contact the Putnam County Health Department for more information at 660-947-2429.

With COVID-19 cases rising in Missouri, and concern that variants will speed up the spread, Governor Mike Parson is looking into the possibility of offering vaccine incentives. Parson met with the Department of Health and Senior Services to discuss the idea. Parson said he hopes to make a public announcement after the holiday weekend. As of July 2nd, 39.2 percent of residents are fully vaccinated and 44.6 percent have initiated the process. The state’s older population is getting vaccinated at a higher rate than younger people, according to DHSS data; 72.8 percent of the 65- to 74-year-old population is fully vaccinated, whereas 34 percent of the 25-34 age group is. Parson said young people in particular need to understand the severity of COVID-19 and its grip on the state.

Five new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed Friday as Adair County began the 4th of July holiday weekend. The total case count is now 2,568 with 36 active. A 65-
year-old male was admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center last week, He did not require use of a ventilator.

The Sullivan County Health Department reported one additional COVID-19 related death on Friday. The county currently has 17 deaths and 7 active cases.

The contractor for the City of #Kirksville, began cleaning and lining existing sanitary sewer mains and manholes at various locations throughout the City last week, and the work willcontinue through September 22nd. Each year, the City performs maintenance work on existing sewer mains to extend the life of the system and its operation. Cleaning equipment will access the sewer mains through the service manholes located within the street right-of-way. The City reminds those driving in the area that traffic control will be in effect.Be sure to use caution, drive slowly through work areas, and utilize alternate routes when possible. For more information, please contact the Engineering Department at 660.627.1272.