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Adair County COVID-19 deaths rise to 29. A previously reported 54-year-old female admitted to Northeast Regional Medical Center Aug. 22 died yesterday. The Adair County Health Department confirmed 12 new cases of COVID-19 Monday and another 12 yesterday which brings the overall case count to 3,252. There are currently 120 active cases and 3,103 people who have left isolation. Among the 24 cases, eight reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case, six
are in the K-12 schools sector, one is in the higher education sector, and two are breakthrough cases.

Elsewhere in Northeast Missouri, The Macon County Health Department reported that during the week of August 25 – August 31, there were 48 new cases of COVID-19 in the county.

The Knox County Health Department reported 14 new cases from August 31st to September 1st, and has worked 102 cases since August 1st.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Missouri’s request for a major disaster declaration. A total of 21 counties will receive federal assistance in response to severe storms and flooding beginning in late June and continuing through July 1. The Governor’s August 13 request included $10 million in qualifying disaster-related expenses that had already been identified. FEMA’s approval means local governments and eligible nonprofits in the 21 counties – including Chariton County in Northeast Missouri – will receive reimbursements for emergency response costs and repairs to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Troop B, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, will be conducting Operation C.A.R.E today thru September 6 at midnight. This operation is to promote safety and reduce traffic crashes and injuries on Missouri Highways. 18 people died and 463 were injured in 1,041 traffic crashes over the 2020 Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 146 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.

Adair County closed out the month of August with 469 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19. There were 80 confirmed cases in June and 203 in July 2021. A total of 34 new cases were confirmed Aug. 31, spiking the county’s overall case count to 3,228. There are at least 132 active cases, 3,068 people who have left isolation, and 28 known COVID-related deaths among Adair County residents. There are now two residents known to be on ventilators. Among the 34 new cases confirmed Aug. 31, 23 reside at addresses with at least one other confirmed case, seven are in the K-12 schools sector, five are in the higher education sector, and seven are breakthrough cases involving fully vaccinated individuals.

The City of Kirksville’s Public Works Department, at the suggestion of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, is conducting a free chlorine conversion this month to approximately October 11th. This water treatment process is normal throughout the United States and Missouri. It is used to make sure the outer limits of the Adair County water supply is sanitized and provides quality tasting drinking water. For more information, contact the City of Kirksville’s Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.

The Kirksville Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a Halloween costume drive for needing children in the community. They are looking for costumes for ages K-8. They will accept full costumes as well as partial outfits and props (crowns, masks, wands, accessories, etc.). Now through October 16, drop off your gently used costumes at the Adair County public library or the Adair County YMCA. Children in need of costumes will be able to choose from the selection at the Adair County library on October 23 from 10:00am-1:00pm. If you have any questions about this project, contact a Kirksville Kiwanis member or email the Kiwanis club at kirksvillekiwanis@gmail.com

The City of Kirksville’s Fire Department was recently awarded nearly $90,000 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. This funding will provide for the local delivery of advanced specialty service training, including Hazardous Materials Technician and Technical Rescue training, to all Fire Department personnel. A press release from the city says this specialty service training is only delivered a few times each year in the state of Missouri, and is both costly and time-consuming for the Fire Department. The grant funds will make it possible to provide this specialty service training to Fire Department personnel in a far more efficient manner. FEMA’s AFG program is an annual competitive grant program with funds awarded based on the merits of the application.

The Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame has announced the finalists for its inaugural induction class. The new Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame was formed by a group of Missouri Veterans in 2020. The new Hall of Fame will be physically located in Kirksville. The Hall of Fame Chairman John J. Sastry, announces a list of 10 Finalists for the Hall of Fame inaugural class. He called them a “diverse group of Missourians that represents the best of us.” Sastry added the finalists are distinguished American warriors, patriots and role models for future generations. See the full list of finalists with the announcement on the Missouri National Guard Hall of Fame’s Facebook page. From this list of Finalists, a group of Inductees will be selected and announced during the Induction Ceremony on October 1st, at the Rieger Armory in Kirksville.

Kirksville City offices will be closed on Monday, September 6, 2021, in observance of Labor Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 7, for regular business hours.

Troop B of the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 6 injury crashes for the week of August 22 thru August 28. With 10 people being injured as a result of those crashes. 4 occupants of those vehicles were unrestrained.

Troop B will conduct a Fatality Reduction Operation today, from 5am to 9am on MO Hwy 6 in Adair County, which has been identified as having a high frequency of fatality and personal injury crashes.