News Staff

Governor Mike Parson signed the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) state operating and capital improvement budget bills. The Missouri FY25 state operating budget is approximately $50.5 billion, including $14.9 billion in general revenue. Additionally, Governor Parson issued 173 line-item vetoes, totaling $1 billion. The FY25 budget bills include billions of dollars for critical infrastructure projects:
$1.5 billion for broadband investments in rural and underserved areas of the state.
$577.5 million to pave the way for I-44 expansion from St. Louis to Joplin.
$290 million to boost road and bridge projects within the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program.
$27 million to help upgrade Missouri’s airports across the state.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe July Fourth holiday. Whether planning to visit one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or hosting a backyard barbecue, everyone should make safety part of their plans. No matter how you decide to celebrate, your smartest choice is to follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws. During the 2023 counting period, 15 people were killed and 646 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,505 traffic crashes. Last year during the counting period, troopers arrested 125 people for driving while intoxicated. In 2023, there were 11 boating crashes, which included two injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year’s July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 10 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend.

The City of Kirksville is pleased to announce that Lucas Smith has been hired as the City’s Deputy 911 Director. Smith comes to Kirksville with 13 years of experience in 911 telecommunications. He previously worked at 911 agencies in Carroll County, Johnson County, and Ray County. He served as a supervisor in both Johnson and Ray Counties. As the Deputy 911 Director, Smith will manage the day-to-day operations of the Adair County Emergency Communications Center. Additionally, he will manage all system equipment, databases, and addressing. He will also serve as a dispatcher as needed.

Beginning Monday, June 24, traffic on U.S. Route 36, under the U.S. Route 65 bridge and the Canadian Pacific Railroad bridge will undergo a lane switch. Magruder Paving, LLC, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will switch traffic from the passing (left) lane to the driving (right) lane to complete concrete repairs under the bridges. All work for the resurfacing and pavement improvement project is expected to be complete by the end of July. The clearance under the U.S. Route 65 bridge is currently lowered to 14 feet, 6 inches on Route 36 westbound and 14 feet, 4 inches on Route 36 eastbound. Drivers of over height loads may use the off/on ramps at U.S. Route 65 to navigate around the temporary restriction. Message boards and signage will be in place, both directions, to alert travelers. A 10-foot width restriction will be in place. The single lane closure will remain active over the July 4, Independence Day holiday.

The City of Kirksville’s asphalt contractor, W.L. Miller, will begin street repairs on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.
The streets being repaired include:
– Cottage Lane Avenue
– East George Street, from South Cottage Grove Avenue to the end of the street.
– East Patterson Street, from South Baltimore Street to South Cottage Grove Avenue.
– East Jefferson Street, from South Baltimore Street to South Cottage Grove Avenue.
– South Cottage Grove Avenue, from East Hamilton Street to East Harrison Street.
Work will begin with Cottage Lane, George Street, Patterson Street and Jefferson Street before moving to Cottage Grove Avenue. This work is expected to last about 10 days, depending on the weather.
These repairs include milling the old street surface and overlaying new asphalt. Traffic control will be in effect, and may be reduced to one lane, or possibly closed at times, during construction. Street parking will not be allowed during construction. The traveling public is strongly encouraged to use caution and drive slowly through work areas.
For more information, please contact the Engineering Department at 660.627.1225.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online during July for a shot at more than 150 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed deer hunts are held specifically for youth, new hunters, or for people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available starting Aug. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.

Kirksville Police Department says Firework sales may have begun, but fireworks may only be used within the City from June 30 to July 5, between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 pm, on your own property. However, if a complaint is received and verified by the Kirksville Police Department as a disturbance of the peace, discharging shall immediately cease. Those complaints can be made on the non-emergency line at 660.665.5621. Please use caution when lighting fireworks to prevent injuries and property damage.

The Street Maintenance Division of the City of Kirksville’s Public Works Department will begin mill and overlay work on North Elson Street, from the West Potter Avenue intersection south 250 feet, starting Monday, June 24, 2024. The street will have alternating traffic lanes during construction. The project should be completed on June 25, depending on the weather.

The Kirksville Police Department would like to thank all of those who made the 2024 Battle of the Badges a success! This includes those that donated, collected and volunteered. We were able to collect 47 units of blood for the Red Cross. The Kirksville Department won the Battle of the Badges again this year with 27 votes for police and 17 votes for fire department.

A project to resurface Missouri Route 5 in Putnam County is scheduled to begin Monday, June 3. Norris Asphalt Paving Co., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will resurface Route 5 from the Iowa state line to U.S. Route 136 in Unionville. Route 5 will be narrowed to one lane with a pilot car directing motorists through the work zone. All work is expected to take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours. A 12-foot width restriction will be in place daily. The project is scheduled to be complete by mid-July. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.