News Staff

Truman State University says The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be filed as early as Oct. 1 for the 2026-2027 school year. All students in need of financial assistance are encouraged to complete the FAFSA.

Kirksville Mayor Zac Burden signed a proclamation recognizing Missouri Good Neighbor Week, which runs from September 24 to October 4. Studies reveal that most Americans do not know the names of their neighbors and have little meaningful interaction with them, alongside rising trends of loneliness and social isolation. Nearby friendships can increase happiness, deepen community pride, improve mental health, reduce crime, strengthen local leadership, improve emergency readiness, and foster inclusive communities where everyone belongs. So, if you don’t know your neighbors, take this as an opportunity to forge new friendships with those next door. Or, help strengthen bonds you’ve already made. Consider hosting a block party, organizing a neighborhood cleanup, or performing some other act of kindness.

The Buchanan County Gene Field Road Bridge over Interstate 29 in St. Joseph is scheduled to close beginning Monday, July 28. Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation will be repairing the bridge deck. Traffic Impacts: The Gene Field Road Bridge will be closed at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, July 28, and is expected to reopen by 9 a.m. Thursday, July 31. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route during the closure.

An increasing number of people are becoming interested in archery. People can enjoy archery for hunting purposes or for recreational target shooting. People who are interested in learning more about archery should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) “Learning Archery: Archery Beginner” workshop July 27 at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This free program, which is from 4-5:30 p.m. is designed for ages five and up. Attendees under 15 years of age should be accompanied by an adult to take part in the program. MDC’s Andy Dalton Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61. At this program, MDC Assistant Outdoor Education Center Manager Steve Govero will focus on the basic information that will be helpful for people who are new to shooting a bow and arrow. After an indoor session indoors at Dalton Range’s classroom, participants will have a chance to test their new-found archery knowledge on Dalton Range’s static archery range. People can bring their own bow or use archery equipment provided by MDC staff.

MoDot says the Northwest Bridge Bundle project to replace the Chariton County Route PP Middle Fork Little Chariton River Bridge, near Salisbury, has been delayed by one week and is now scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 4, due to contractor schedule changes. The bridge has been closed since June 17.

On July 23, 2025, Stanton Contracting LLC will start construction on street drainage improvements for the City at the following locations: East and West Burton Street, from North Green Street to North Elson Street; West Porter Street, from North Franklin Street to North Elson Street; North Franklin Street, from East Burton Street to East Elm Street; and West Stacy Street, from North Elson Street to North Franklin Street. The construction may cause temporary travel difficulties, so please limit unnecessary trips and consider alternative routes in the area. Parking will not be allowed along the roads or in the right-of-way during construction. Construction is expected to be completed by September 15, depending on the weather.

The Kirksville City Council will hold a meeting at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Part of the agenda includes a presentation on the Safe Streets 4 All safety audit conducted on Highway 63 last year. Anyone interested in learning more about those results or wanting to comment is encouraged to attend. And as usual, the meeting will stream and be recorded on the City’s YouTube channel.
The full meeting agenda can be found at Kirksville.gov/p/meeting-information.

Visit Kirksville says, Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Thursday, August 14! Come enjoy shopping, sipping, and a good time at Market at the Barn! Come out to White Oaks Barn in #KirksvilleMO for a fun-filled evening with unique vendors, great drinks, food, and the perfect summer vibes.

The City of Kirksville has a big construction update at the Water Treatment Plant, as assembly of the new clarifier began yesterday. As a reminder, once completed, this clarifier will increase overall capacity at the plant and add some redundancy to reduce stress on the other clarifier. For some numbers, the plant treated 1.272 billion gallons of water last year.

Kirksville Parks and Rec says Block Parties are Back. The tradition remains alive with Kirksville Parks and Recreation’s Summer Block Parties! Join City staff and community partners for a family-sized load of fun at local parks. There will be free food and drinks, alongside great games and incredible activities for all ages to enjoy. Each block party will run from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Dates and locations are:
• July 20 @ Jaycee Park
• July 27 @ Memorial Park
• August 10 @ Brashear Park