News Staff

In Moberly, no more cellphones or smart watches for kids at school.

The Moberly school board decided to ban the devices. They will have to be either in a locker or a car. And if a student is caught with a phone or smart watch — the school can take them.

If parents need to contact a student, they will have to call the office.

Many school systems allow kids to have their phones, and in some school shootings, it’s been students who call 911. But in Moberly the school board believes they’re just too much of a distraction from learning.

Kraft Heinz — the city’s largest employer — is expanding and the city of Kirksville will provide financing.

It’s a 33 million dollar deal to improve storage at the factory and add high tech equipment.

Under the financing plan — which is a bit complex — the city will basically act as a bank — borrowing the money for the new equipment. Kraft Heinz will then lease the equipment from the city, while getting a break on property taxes for the expansion project.

So it’s considered a win-win to help with industrial growth. The project will create about 50 new jobs.

Fatal wreck Friday evening on U.S. 61 in Rawls county. The Patrol says it was a case of driving under the influence.

The driver of an SUV, 27 year old Ian Smith of Vandalia, ran off the right side of the road and his vehicle flipped over. A passenger, 24 year old Shawn Wise was killed.

Neither wore a seat belt and the Patrol charged Ian Smith with DWI.

More summertime roadwork in Kirksville. Part of West Illinois Street will close from Elson to Main. The shutdown starts Monday the 13th and runs through June 27th. Use caution in the area, and find an alternate route.

A Moberly woman was arrested for felony animal abuse. 29 year old Brianna Lingo arrested about 4am Thursday. Police were called about a dead dog, and Longo reportedly told police that she killed it, then set the dog’s body on fire.

Police say that Lingo said it was some type of sacrifice ritual.

Finally ready to open. he Kirksville Aquatic Center Water Park. It opens at noon this Saturday. So, all of the outdoor features are ready. You can get pricing information at the city’s website. The Aquatic Center will also have its first Dollar Swim Night from 6-9pm.

Near Moberly, an elderly man was badly hurt when his truck ran over him. The 84 year old man was backing up on property off county road 2270.

For some reason, he got out of the truck while it was still in reverse, and it hit him. Larry Roberts listed with serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital.

A Green Castle man has been arrested by Adair county deputies. Steven Wills was charged with receiving stolen items and with unlawful possession of a gun. He’s currently locked up without bond. Stolen items that were recovered will be returned to the owners.

Governor Parson signed a bill involving two drugs that many believe help fight covid.

The bill says that Missouri doctors can prescribe Ivermectin and Hydroxychlorquine — and that pharmacists have to fill the prescriptions.

The FDA says the drugs do not work against the virus…but many believe they do work

Road work in Kirksville.

On Tuesday, crews will begin working on North John Street. So the street will close at times, except those who live there can get to their homes. And, at times, just one lane will close.

You are encouraged to use a different route.