News Staff

The City of Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is hosting an open house to gather valuable input from community members regarding planned improvements in two City parks. This event will allow residents and park patrons to voice opinions, share ideas, and collaborate with Parks and Recreation Department staff to shape the future of these public spaces. The event will be held at the Kirksville Aquatic Center Meeting Room, located at 801 E. Mill St., on Thursday, April 25, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The open house will focus on soliciting feedback for enhancements to Brashear Park that include transitioning the existing wading pool into a splash pad, new playground features, and an additional shelter. Planned improvements at P.C. Mills Park include a splash pad, new restrooms, and expanded parking. Community members of all ages are invited to the open house event to contribute their ideas and perspectives.

The City of Kirksville says Have you checked out FEMA’s preliminary floodplain map? If not, you’ll want to ensure your property isn’t affected. Head to kirksvillecity.com/p/floodplain to view the preliminary map. There are instructions on how to access the map, along with information on this process. The appeal phase remains open until May 7.

On April 3, 2024, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after being notified of a domestic assault that had just occurred. Deputies responded to the reported scene and began conducting interviews and collecting evidence. The case was presented to the Macon County Prosecutor’s Office where charges were filed. As a result deputies arrested Dylan H. Wertz, a former Macon Police Officer/Reserve Macon County Deputy, for domestic assault 4th degree and endangering the welfare of a child 2nd degree. Bond was set at $1,000.00 cash only.

A woman from Monroe City is recovering from moderate injuries aafter a single-vehicle crash in Marion County mid-morning tuesday. The Highway Patrol says 71 year old Deborah Watson was driving a Honda Ridgeline truck on U.S. Highway 36, two miles northeast of Rensselaer, when she lost control, ran off the north side of the road, and the vehicle overturned. She was wearing a seat belt.

One person suffered moderate injuries in a two vehicle crash that happened on Tuesday afternoon on Highway 63, one mile south of Kirksville. The Highway Patrol says the driver of a Jeep Cherokee traveled the wrong way on a one-way road and hit a Ford Edge head-on. The driver of the Edge, 77 year old Linda Harrelson, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a hospital.

Join The Kirksville Arts Association for one of Kirksville’s loveliest traditions, “A Tea To Remember” on Sunday, April 21st from 2- 4 pm. Tickets are only available at the Sue Ross Arts Center. This year tables will be hosted by: Joanne Jackson, Dwight Buckingham, Julia Edgar, Alie Fast, Danielle Yakle, Karen Mayhew, Cindy and Meredith Willcox, Daryl Shafer and Janie Theobald. Members of the Truman Football team will again be serving delicious sweet and savory goodies all afternoon. Hats and fascinators are optional! Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit the Kirksville Arts Association.

Do you have your eclipse glasses ready? Kirksville should have a pretty good look at the solar eclipse on Monday. It should start being partially visible around 12:42 pm and peak just before 2:00 pm.
Check the path here: eclipse-explorer.smce.nasa.gov/. Make sure to not look at the eclipse with your bare eyes. Genuine eclipse filters and glasses adhere to the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. You can usually find that inside the frame of genuine eclipse viewers and glasses. Avoid glasses with any other specification, as this does not guarantee safe solar viewing.

The City of Kirksville says Starting on April 8, 2024, Stanton Construction LLC will begin street repairs on a section of South High Street. There will be a road closure on South High Street, between East McPherson Street and East Washington Street, as well as the alley between those roads. Please use alternative routes from April 8 through 11, 2024. The road will be reopened at the earliest possible time.

The City of Kirksville says on April 1, 2024, Mayor Zac Burden signed a proclamation recognizing April 2024 as Fair Housing Month in the Kirksville. From the proclamation: “… the City Council encourages all agencies, institutions, and individuals, public, and private, in Kirksville to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Fair Housing Law.”

The Kirksville Police Department made two drug arrests this week thanks to a tip from residents. On April 2, 2024, concerned citizens reported possible illegal drug activity in the parking lot of a business on the 1000 block of E. Jefferson. St. Officers received a tip that an individual named Austin Spencer was possibly selling narcotics at that location. At the scene, officers spoke with Spencer, 20, of Kirksville, and Addison Rummerfield, 21, of Kirksville. Officers searched Spencer, Rummerfield and their vehicle. Spencer and Rummerfield were arrested for possession of a controlled substance after suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were recovered.