News Staff

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.

The City’s annual Founders Day Ceremony, which was to be held over the weekend, was postponed due to weather. The ceremony will now be held next Saturday, May 22,, at 10:00 am, in Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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

The City’s annual Founders Day Ceremony is Saturday, at 10:00 am in Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery. The public is invited to attend in the event “where the past meets the present.” As part of the ceremony, the City will be unveiling three new gravestones to replace those damaged by vandalism, or where none had previously existed. The new gravestones mark the final resting places of Don Carlos Hewitt, former Mayor William Gibbons, and Civil War veteran Wesley C. Fickel. Additionally, American Legion Post 20 MacDougall-Lowe will be participating in the event by raising the flag of the United States. The event is hosted by the Friends of Forest-Llewellyn Cemetery Committee.

Kirksville has a new Police Chief. After a nationwide search, City Manager Mari Macomber announced the selection of Scott WIilliamson, who currently serves as a Police Lieutenant with the Kauai Police Department, where he has worked since 2008.
Williamson is a seasoned law enforcement leader with well-rounded experience in all aspects of police administration and has years of experience in patrol, investigations, and community relations building. Macomber said she believes he will bring a mix of experience and skills with a natural sense of how to work with others, and a proven record of community outreach.

Williamson said his appointment is an opportunity to contribute to a wonderful community, and an outstanding Police Department.

Macomber noted that the City received applications from 16 individuals as part of its nationwide search. The top candidates were brought in for a series of activities, ranging from meetings with other emergency service leaders, a formal presentation to representatives from various community organizations, and a final interview.

Due to the logistics of relocating from Hawaii to the Midwest, Williamson will begin his duties with the City in July. In the meantime, he will begin working with Deputy Chief Justin Jones, and others within the Department and City, to transition into the office.