News Staff

Exciting improvements are coming to East Mill Street this year, and the City of Kirksville wants to make sure residents are aware of what’s coming.
Join staff from the City and McClure Engineering for an informational meeting on the project on February 18 at the Kirksville Aquatic Center from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The scope of work you’ll be able to learn more about includes:

• Reconstruction of the street
• Drainage improvements
• New sidewalk around Rotary Park
  “We know this is a heavily traveled area for nearby residents and visitors to Rotary Park and the Kirksville Aquatic Center. This is not only a critical infrastructure upgrade for those who live in and frequently commute through this area, but also an accessible form of travel that connects amenities to the overall trail system,” said Kirksville Public Works Director Adam Dorrell.
  The City will communicate additional information to residents closer to when the work will begin. This project will be done in phases to maintain access as best as possible.
  For more information, contact Public Works at 660.627.1291.

The City of Kirksville says The Adair County Veterans Memorial honors veterans from the region who served in all conflicts. Any honorably discharged or active-duty member of the United States Armed Forces who is, or has been, a resident of Adair County or a neighboring county in Missouri is eligible for inclusion. To register a veteran for inclusion, please contact City Clerk Diane Albrecht at dalbrecht@kirksville.gov or 660.627.1225. To have the engraving completed in time for Memorial Day, arrangements must be completed with the City Clerk by March 18.

Are you getting excited for the World Cup to come to Missouri in a few months? If so, Kirksville Parks and Recreation has the perfect program for kids looking to get started with soccer. Registration is open for the spring session of Tiny Tykes Soccer, an exciting and engaging six-week program for children ages 3 through 5 that introduces foundational soccer skills with play-based learning. Practices begin at 5:30 pm starting the week of March 30, 2026. Registrants have their choice of a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday session; each session lasts 45 minutes. Register online at Kirksville.gov/p/parks-recreation or in person at the Kirksville Aquatic Center.

The City of Kirksville says Are you someone looking for ways to help your community through volunteering? Join us for the JustServe Kirksville Kick-Off Event, which will take place on Thursday, February 19, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Sip Downtown. This free, come-and-go event is designed to connect individuals with meaningful local volunteer opportunities while introducing the JustServe.org platform-a free, easy-to-use tool that helps people find ways to serve in their community. The event is open to all ages and backgrounds, whether participants are seasoned volunteers or simply looking for new ways to give back. Complimentary JustServe t-shirts will be available while supplies last.

The Beyond Boundaries Adaptive Swim Program is back for a spring season at the Kirksville Aquatic Center, and registration is now open. This adaptive swim program is designed to meet the needs of athletes with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities. Swimmers should be comfortable in the water, with the ability to swim one length of the pool, using a stroke or modified stroke, with or without assistance. This program provides structured, individualized swim instruction with the long-term goal of preparing participants to compete in future competition. Beyond Boundaries practices will be at the Kirksville Aquatic Center every Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 6:50 pm beginning on March 20, and ending with an in-house swim meet on May 1. The program costs $36 for Kirksville Aquatic Center members and $66 for non-members.

The City of Kirksville realizes that success emanates from citizen involvement. The City is eager to involve community-minded citizens in local government through one of our many Citizen Advisory Commissions. The City Council is currently accepting citizen applications for one opening on the Kirksville Historic Preservation Commission. This commission recommends policies and ordinance changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission that affect Landmarks or Historic Districts in the City of Kirksville. The Commission approves construction plans, changes, or modifications to landmarks or historic structures that may be individual properties or parts of a historic district. The Commission approves and forwards recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission on the nomination of new Landmarks or Historic Districts. Visit Kirksville.gov/p/boards-commissions and submit your application before Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm, to be considered for the opportunity to serve.

MU Extension in Sullivan County says Join us on February 22 at 3 p.m. as Carey Portell launches the International Year of the Woman Farmer with an inspiring keynote webinar for Pearls of Production. After experiencing a serious accident, Carey discovered a “new normal” with the support of the Missouri AgrAbility program. She has successfully adapted her cattle production by implementing innovative tools and strategies that ensure both the sustainability of her operation and her long-term success. Her remarkable journey has motivated producers across the state and underscores the importance of adaptive agriculture and resilient leadership. In her keynote, Carey will encourage producers to transform their challenges into opportunities for growth, just as she has in her own farming journey.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the Division of Drug and Crime Control continues their investigation into the shooting at Tubby’s Grub and pub. Investigators identified 21 year old Gavin Davis of New London as the alleged shooter. Davis has been cahrged with two counts of first degree assault, two counts o farmed criminal action, and unlawful use of a weapon. Davis is in custody at the Marion County jail on $250,000 bond. The two victims who were hurt inthe shooting were treated at area hospitals and have since been released.

Moberly Police Department is supporting awareness of Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention during February. Representatives from Safe Passage added orange ribbons to patrol vehicles to draw attention to the issue and show solidarity with victims. Violence in teen dating relationships is a widespread and often unreported issue. Safe Passage is a non-profit agency in Moberly that provides services and shelter for individuals and families who have experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse.

Missouri Department of Social Services says from January to November 2025, the Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline received 325 calls leading to investigations for human trafficking. Human trafficking can happen closer to home than many realize. Warning signs may include:

• Sudden changes in behavior or appearance
• Fear, anxiety, or withdrawal
• Unexplained gifts, money, or a controlling relationship
• Missing school or frequent runaways
• Limited freedom or someone speaking for them
  If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Reporting concerns can help protect a child and connect them to safety and support.