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Governor Mike Parson requested that President Joe Biden approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in 14 counties in response to the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred November 3 – 9, 2024, resulting in significant damage to public infrastructure. Joint damage assessments conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), SEMA, and local emergency managers estimate nearly $45 million in infrastructure damage and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance. If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

The City of Kirksville wants to inform residents of several street closures for Saturday’s Hometown Holiday.
On Saturday, there will be no parking from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm on the parade route – Franklin Street, from Missouri Street to Washington Street; Washington Street, from Franklin Street to Elson Street; and Elson Street, from Washington Street to Missouri Street. Be advised that Franklin Street, from Missouri Street to Buchanan Street and the intersection with Illinois Street, will be closed for the parade lineup starting at 4:30 pm.
Additionally, four parking spots near Dover Park will have no parking from 5:00 pm on Friday to 8:00 pm on Saturday.
Please pay attention to signage and Kirksville Police Department personnel leading up to and during the event. We also ask parade spectators to remain out of the street while the parade is going on.

Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson cordially invite families to attend this year’s Candlelight Tours and annual tree lighting ceremony at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion on Friday, December 6 at 5:30 p.m. The annual lighting of the tree will be followed by this year’s Candlelight Tours. The Candlelight Tours will run until 8:00 p.m. The tree that will be displayed on the Mansion lawn is a 40-ft Norway Spruce donated by the family of Daryl and Sherry Richardson of Boone County. In addition to the Governor’s Mansion, this year, the Governor’s Gardens and the Maus House will also be decorated. The Governor’s Gardens will feature a 30-ft Christmas tree, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be hosted at the Maus House from 5:30 -7:30 p.m. on December 11th, 13th, 17th, and 19th. Families are encouraged to bring their children to meet Santa Claus. This year’s theme is “A Christmas Hug: The Farewell to the Parson Family.” During the Candlelight Tours, visitors will be able to walk through the festively decorated ground floor of the Governor’s Mansion.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will participate in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Red Ribbon – Tie One on for Safety campaign this holiday season. The Red Ribbon campaign is a national movement for people to join together and show their commitment to the fight against impaired driving. Patrol vehicles will display a red ribbon from Wednesday, November 27, 2024, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Tie One On For Safety and the red ribbons remind the public that driving impaired is a choice. Every crash, every injury and every death is preventable. Driving demands all of our attention and there are many options to avoid driving impaired: designate a sober driver, call a cab, a friend, a family member, or a rideshare.

Former ATSU President Jack Magruder has died. Magruder served as ATSU’s 11th president from 2008-2012. Before becoming ATSU’s president, Dr. Magruder was a member of its Board of Trustees, bringing his visionary leadership and commitment to education to our University. During his tenure as president, Dr. Magruder was instrumental in the founding of ATSU’s Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health. Magruder began his career at Truman State University in 1964 as an assistant professor of chemistry, later advancing to professor, head of the Division of Science, and eventually, vice president for academic affairs. In 1994, he became Truman’s 13th president, leading with distinction. He died on November 17th. A funeral service will be Saturday November 23rd at 1pm at First United Methodist Church in Kirksville. Public visitation/Memorial service will be Sunday November 24th at 2pm in the Georgian Room at Truman State University.

The bridge replacement project on Adair County Route A, over North Fork South Fabius River, located 1.2 miles west of Route J near Willmathsville, has been completed and opened to traffic earlier yesterday, November 19. Capital Paving & Construction, LLC was awarded the contract this summer in the amount of $1.3M.

MoDot says the bridge replacement project on Missouri Route 161, over Elkhorn Creek, 1.6 miles south of Route CC near Buell in Montgomery County, has been completed and opened to traffic. The new two-lane bridge replaced the previous single lane structure built in 1932.

As the hunting season approaches, the Kirksville Police Department wants to remind residents and visitors of some important safety practices.
The four basic rules of firearms handling are:
1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything that you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.
Additionally, you should follow all the safety guidelines from the firearms manufacturer and all regulations from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce that tickets are available for its annual Breakfast with Santa program. This year’s enchanting event will happen on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 8:30 am and 10:00 am at Mi Casa, located at 512 S. Baltimore St. Indulge in an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet that includes an array of delicious offerings such as breakfast burritos, hash browns, breakfast nachos, donuts, muffins, and fresh fruit. And, of course, the morning’s highlight will be a special visit from Santa himself! Tickets for this festive occasion are $15 for each adult and child 5 and up. Children 4 and under eat for free.

The City of Kirksville wants to inform residents of an upcoming street closure for private utility work. The 700 block of North Centennial Street will be closed on Monday, November 18, 2024, for sewer work. Please use alternate routes and pay attention to signage in the area.