News Staff

The number of unemployed Missourians rose in June, which was also the same month the state ended access to federal pandemic-related unemployment benefits. Missouri’s unemployment rate increased slightly in June when compared to May. June’s unemployment figure rose from 4.2 to 4.3 percent, but that rate is still 3.8 percentage points lower than the June 2020 rate. The national unemployment rate increased from 5.8 percent in May 2021 to 5.9 percent in June 2021.

Both the water park and the indoor pool at the new Kirksville Aquatic Center are now open. There are no restrictions for attendance except for the total facility capacity of 884 visitors. The Parks and Recreation Department says if you are considering a visit to the new facility and would like an estimate of the current attendance, call the Kirksville Aquatic Center Admissions Desk at 660.627.1485.
Attendance will fluctuate throughout the day based on weather, groups and parties, and programming.

Additionally, the wading pools will continue to be open from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Jaycee Park; Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at P.C. Mills Park; and Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at Brashear Park. For a complete list of all City of Kirksville aquatic offerings, hours and more, visit www.kirksvillecity.com/KAC, or call the Parks and Recreation office.

The Macon County Health Department reports that during the week of July 7 – July 13, there were 39 new cases of COVID-19; of the 39 new cases, only 3 were vaccinated and none were reinfection. Health officials say Macon County cases are significantly up from the prior week and positive case counts are up almost 44% this month over the number of cases during the same period in June. Of the last 174 new cases, 166 were not vaccinated.

Missouri’s gas tax is increasing for the first time in over 20 years. Yesterday, Governor Mike Parson signed the tax hike into law, which will raise money for highway and bridge repairs. This gas tax will add 12.5 cents per gallon over five years. The first hike will happen in October. However, Parson said people can get a refund on that tax if they don’t want to pay it. You’ll need to supply certain information to the the Missouri Department of Revenue to do so. The refund will only apply to 2.5 cents per gallon. The gas tax will increase every July until 2026 — topping off at 29.5 cents per gallon.

Another Adair County resident has died as the result of a COVID-19 infection, bringing the total number of deaths to 21. An 86-year-old female was admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center on July 11 and passed away July 12. This was the first COVID-related death since January 31st. The health department reports that the overall case count has reached 2,609 after 17 new cases were confirmed on July 12 and 13. There are currently 31 active cases.

Monday’s cases include females ages 30, 31, 41 and 57 and males ages 21 and 66. Also confirmed during contact tracing was a 12-day-old male whose mother also tested positive for COVID-19. One person confirmed Monday is fully vaccinated.
Yesterday’s cases involve two 14-year-old females and other females ages 19, 26, 29 and 32, and males ages 30, 52, 54 and 65. Three of these cases are employed at an area meat-processing plant. Three Adair County residents are known to be hospitalized at this time with none using a ventilator. Two are at Northeast Regional Medical Center and one is at Boone Hospital in Columbia.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft is warning Missouri residents of an investment scam that cost a Sumner couple $60,000. According to a news release, the state’s Securities Division has ordered a cease and desist to Cutting Edge Supplements, LLC and Desmond R. Bloss, who has Kirksville ties, after he allegedly misused a $60,000 investment from the couple. The news release states between Nov. 28, 2016 and June 30, 2017, Bloss allegedly solicited and received investment money from the couple, which was to be used for the Cutting Edge business. Bloss was introduced to the couple through a mutual friend and maintained contact through social media and email. Bloss then misled the investors by telling them their money would be used for specific business purposes, but instead he used the money for a different business and for personal expenses, the release said. The investors have not received any return or repayment of their principal investment to this day. The Securities Division is seeking an order to cease and desist, $60,000 in restitution and $25,000 in civil penalties and investigation costs.

Weather permitting, crews will close Baltimore Street between Jefferson Street and Normal Street today for some concrete cutting that is part of the improvement project taking place on Baltimore Street. The road will close this morning and reopen in the evening. The intersection of Normal will be open to traffic. On Jefferson Street, traffic will only be able to access Baltimore Street from the west, as the east side of the intersection is currently closed. To stay up to date on this project, please visit our Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org.

The deadline to submit an application to the City Council for four positions on three different Citizen Advisory Commissions has been extended through Friday, July 16, at 5:00 pm. The positions are Kirksville Historic Preservation Commission: two positions and Watershed Management Commission: one position on the Commission to fill a partial term. Board of Adjustment: one position. Visit www.kirksvillecity.com/citizensserve to submit your application.

The Jaycee Park wading pool reopened for the Jaycee Park Neighborhood Block Party, and will now be open every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm through August 23, 2021. The Jaycee Park wading pool had been closed due to ongoing maintenance issues and staffing concerns. The Parks and Recreation Director says that while these concerns still exist, the wading pool will operate on a limited schedule until the ultimate future of aquatic features in the park is determined by the City Council. Rodney Sadler says that based on the overwhelming response from residents, he made the decision to reopen the wading pool to continue to provide a fun and free aquatic option for the neighborhood. Sadler added that the parks and recreation department appreciates the community’s input and support.

A man was taken to the hospital with serious injuries after a dirt bike accident in Macon County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened Thursday morning on private property 4 miles east of Atlanta. The driver, 57-year-old Shawn Erikson, lost control of a 2005 Honda CR85 Dirt bike, which overturned. Erikson was ejected. He was transported to Samaritan Hosptial by Macon County Ambulance, then by air evac to University Hospital in Columbia.