News Staff

A reminder from Sullivan County – filing for the August 4th 2026 primary election begins on Tuesday, February 24th, at 8 a.m. Anyone wanting to file should have proof of identity, a 50 dollar filing fee, a form 5120 receipt (if choosing to file online) and aletter stating proof of bondability for at least 5 thousand dollars – that’s only needed if you’re filing for recorder of deeds. Filing will be accupted until March 31st at 5 pm.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri hunters and anglers that related annual permits expire at the end of February, including 2025 permits for small game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination hunting and fishing. Annual permits are available for purchase. Permits for spring turkey hunting and some other upcoming hunting seasons will be available closer to the start of the respective season. Buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Save time by buying hunting and fishing permits for multiple people in a single transaction. Select the “Additional Customer” option during the permit purchase.

Adair County Health Department says The Mobile Mammogram Unit is coming to Adair County! Early detection saves lives – schedule your mammogram for April 7, 2026 at the Adair County Health Department. Call 660-665-8491 (Press 4) to book your appointment!

The National Weather Service reports 16 Missourians died because of tornadoes in 2025, making it the deadliest year for tornadoes in the state since at least 158 people were killed in the Joplin EF-5 tornado in 2011. NWS also reports three flooding deaths last year and one death because of a severe thunderstorm. Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 2-6, 2026, and the Statewide Tornado Drill on March 4, were created to call attention to the dangers of severe storms and to help Missourians prepare. Missouri’s annual statewide tornado drill will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, as part of the week’s preparedness activities. Some Missouri communities may choose to conduct the drill on a different day because of conflicting local events. At 11 a.m. on the day of the tornado drill, NOAA Weather Radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across participating Missouri communities. At that time, participants should practice taking cover in a designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest level of a secure structure.

The City of Kirksville recognizes National Engineers Week from February 22 through February 28. Engineering has been called the invisible or stealth profession because everything around us and things we use every day have been engineered in some way, yet we may not see the engineers behind the scenes or know much about engineering. The roads, electricity, water, buildings, vehicles and smartphones we all use function because of the work done by engineers. Engineers utilize their scientific skills and specialized knowledge in creative and innovative ways to fulfill society’s needs.

Milan schools sent out a letter to parents yesterday about an incident that occurred yesterday morning near district property involving ICE agents. Since the incident, the district did not observe any other ICE agents near the Milan schools, and there was no attempt by ICE to enter district property. The district stayed under Code Yellow to limit rumors and unwanted conversations.

Governor Mike Kehoe announced seven gubernatorial appointments to various commissions and filled one county vacancy, which is for Sullivan County Administrator. Ashley Hoselton, of Galt, was appointed as the Sullivan County Public Administrator. Ms. Hoselton previously served as the deputy clerk for the Sullivan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office before being appointed as the interim public administrator for Sullivan County. She also serves as a member of the Sullivan County Senior Tax Board. Hoselton graduated from Chillicothe High School.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Virtual Hunting Series continues Thursday, Feb. 19 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with a lesson on hunting blinds and tree stands. This free event is designed for all ages. Join MDC instructors as they discuss the different types of blinds and tree stands. Participants of this event will learn when to use a blind versus a tree stand and which versions may better suit their hunting goals. Register for this event at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/owU. The link to join this class will be sent the morning of the event.

Kirksville Voters will be asked about a sales tax proposal on the April 7 ballot to fund critical facilities for the Kirksville Police Department and Kirksville Fire Department.
The Police & Fire Facilities Sales Tax would fund one new fire station on the north side of the city and one new station on the south side, improving response times for incidents where every second counts. It would also fund a new police station that can best support effective and efficient law enforcement.
For more information on this proposal, please visit Kirksville.gov/p/election. There, you can learn more about how long it takes the Fire Department to reach the north and south parts of the city from its central station. You can also learn the ways an old bank doesn’t adequately serve the Police Department’s needs.
The City will host a public presentation on the proposal at 5:30 pm on March 2 at the Kirksville Aquatic Center. This is an opportunity to hear from staff, ask questions, and learn more about the proposal.
If you aren’t yet registered to vote on April 7, the deadline is March 11.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, in conjunction with the American Legion, is now accepting applications for the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy. The joint program between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the American Legion is looking for young men and women ages 16-18 to join the 54th Cadet Patrol Academy for the 2026 class. The week-long class begins June 7, 2026, and gives students an opportunity to gain hands on experience and an understanding of law enforcement. Additionally, students can explore different career paths within the Patrol. The Cadets will spend the week mirroring the work recruits do during the Patrol academy. A graduation ceremony will be held for participants on Friday, June 12, 2026. Students who apply must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher, be of good moral character, have a valid driver’s license or permit, turn 16 prior to April 1, 2026, and have an interest in pursuing a career in the Criminal Justice System