News Staff

Governor Mike Parson announced he has named Jamie Birch, 34, to serve as a member of his senior staff as Director of Policy, effective immediately. Birch most recently served as Governor Parson’s Deputy Director of Policy. Birch joined the Office of Missouri Governor in December 2020 and has managed a policy portfolio consisting of Missouri’s 17 Executive Branch agencies. Since her time with the Administration, Birch has served as Justice Reinvestment Coordinator; American Rescue Plan Act project management co-leader, helping oversee the implementation of $2.7 billion; a member of the Missouri Blue Ribbon Commission; and co-leader of the Missouri Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families.

The City of Kirksville says Friday is the deadline to register for the Red, White and Blue Parade! If you or your organization want to be in the parade, make sure you get your form turned in. Head to http://bit.ly/3MUFuA2 to fill out a registration form. We’re looking forward to a great parade on July 1!

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency’s Floodplain Management Section was recently recognized with an award from the National Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) for its exemplary efforts in flood recovery and damage guidance. SEMA State National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Coordinator Karen McHugh and her staff collaborated with former Illinois State NFIP Coordinator Paul Osman to create the nation’s first “After the Flood Quick Guide.” This 66-page comprehensive resource guide provides Missourians with easy-to-understand information on flood clean up, mold remediation, mitigation grants, and many other issues regarding how to rebuild safely and in compliance with the NFIP.

The Kirksville R-III school district is reaching out to retirees. They’re looking for caring teachers and staff to join us for the 2023-2024 school year. As a Kirksville R-III retiree, you can return to work for the district without interruption to your retirement benefits. You can find open positions on their website.

The City of Kirksville says The Fourth of July is right around the corner and the City of Kirksville knows how excited everyone is to use fireworks. As a reminder, 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. This spring has been exceptionally dry, with all of Kirksville being in a severe drought area as of June 15, and little rain forecasted over the next two weeks. Because of those conditions, please use additional caution when using fireworks this year.

Kirksville Parks and Rec says mark your calendars for the 4th annual Kids Mini Mud Mile! Children ages 3-15 can embark on a 1-mile mud-filled obstacle adventure right here in Kirksville! The run will take place Saturday, August 12th, 2023 at the North Park Sports Complex. Choose between a 9am, 10am or 11am start time. Every child will receive a free Mud Mile t-shirt and post-race refreshments.Early registration is $10 per child before July 1st and $15 after. Children 5 and under can have an adult accompany them free of charge. Add an unlimited run wristband for just $5 when registering and run the course as many times as you would like until 12:30pm! Register today at parks.kirksvillecity.com or in person at the Kirksville Parks and Recreation office located at the Kirksville Aquatic Center.

Governor Mike Parson announced that Michelle Hataway will serve as Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) following Maggie Kost’s departure. Hataway’s appointment is effective immediately. In her more than seven years with DED, Hataway has served as Regional Manager, Deputy Director, and Director of the Division of Regional Engagement. Most recently, she served as Deputy Director of DED. Prior to joining the department, Hataway held positions with her family’s 90-year-old business and at Netflix. Hataway will also serve as President of the Missouri Economic Development Council, effective July 2023.

We’re in the busy summer travel season, so we’re watching gas prices closely. Gasbuddy.com puts the statewide average price for gas today at $3.20 a gallon, which is down four cents in the last week and in the last month. A year ago the statewide average was $4.70 a gallon. The national average today is at $3.55 a gallon, which is down two cents in the last week and it’s up three cents in the last month. A year ago the national average was $4.97 a gallon.

Chade Shorten, President of the United Way of Northeast Missouri announced today that the organization will hold its All American Apple Pie Contest and Pie Auction June 30 th between 4 pm. and 6 p.m. on the Adair County Courthouse square. Entries in the Apple Pie Contest must bring their homemade pies to the West entrance of the Adair Courthouse between 4 and 5 p.m. Contestants must provide 2 apple pies – one for judging and one for auction. Judging will take place at 5 p.m. All entries must be submitted in non-returnable containers.
The Pie Auction will begin at 6 p.m. Any kind of pie, except cream pies will be auctioned. . All proceeds from the event will go toward this year’s United Way Campaign to fund the eleven agencies who rely on the United Way for their annual funding. Donated pies for auction must be delivered to the west entrance of the Adair County Courthouse between 4 pm. – 5 p.m. on Friday, June 30 th . Entry forms for both the Apple Pie Contest and for the Pie Auction can be obtained at the United Way of Northeast Missouri Facebook page, LiveUnitedNEMO.org website, emailing the United Way office at uwnemo@gmal.com, or calling the office at (660)665-1924.

The KV Rotary Club received a matching grant from our District ($5,000 in total) to purchase supplies to create 110 Emergency Backpacks that FosterAdopt Connect will give to children who are removed from their homes and placed in foster homes. Each backpack contains underwear, socks, a toiletry kit, a fleece blanket, and a Rotary luggage tag. This morning, the Rotary Club will present those backpacks to FosterAdoptConnect. Children are often removed from their homes with only what they are wearing and what they can quickly put in a plastic bag. These backpacks will provide the children with something that is theirs. They can be used many times including at school. One of Rotary’s goals is to help children locally and these quality backpacks and the contents will help children in NE Missouri.