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The City of Kirksville would like to notify citizens that they are not permitted to pump water from Forest Lake. As part of drought relief operations in the state, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources incorrectly listed Forest Lake as a body of water that farmers could pump from. Forest Lake is owned by the City and is a drinking water source, therefore we do not allow anyone to pump water from the lake for any use. DNR has issued a correction, and City staff will be adding signage around the lake to communicate that. Correct water access areas can be found at mostateparks.com/drought. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.

The Kirksville Police Department arrested 41-year-old Kirksville resident Bow S. Dabbs on June 21, 2023, following an investigation of him having inappropriate contact with an underage girl. Dabbs has now been charged with Attempted Enticement of a Child in Adair County Court. On June 20, 2023, KPD received information that a subject was in contact with a 15-year-old girl via text message and some of the messages were inappropriate for her age. It was further believed the male was contacting the juvenile female for sexual activity. This information was forwarded to the Kirksville Regional Computer Crimes Unit (KRCCU). The information identified Dabbs as the subject. An Internet Crimes Against Children-trained sergeant used the juvenile female’s phone to continue the conversation with Dabbs, with the sergeant posing as the juvenile female. Dabbs sent messages of a sexual nature and made arrangements to meet with the juvenile for sexual contact. At approximately 2:05 am on June 21, 2023, KPD made contact with Dabbs on the 1200 block of North Elson Street, where Dabbs was waiting to meet with the juvenile.

Governor Mike Parson announced that he will host a public viewing of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII Lombardi Trophy at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The event will take place June 27 – 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day as part of the team’s “Chiefs Champions Tour.” The Lombardi Trophy will be displayed in the State Capitol Rotunda (1st floor) in a custom GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium backdrop. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors will need to enter the Capitol through the main security entrance (south side) where they will then follow verbal and posted directions to the trophy viewing area. Attendees will have a photo opportunity with the trophy and state staff members will be present to assist.

The Kirksville Arts Association says the Ron Hediger Exhibit continues in the Ellebracht Gallery at the Sue Ross Arts Center. We have twenty two beautiful watercolors in this show. Ron is originally from Kirksville and now resides in Columbia. The exhibit will run through June 23rd. The gallery is open Monday through Friday 11am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm. Exhibits are free and open to the public.

The Kirksville Arts Association says the beautiful, Big Band Era Standards music of Blue Velvet from Macon will be filling downtown Kirksville at the next Summer on the Square performance, Friday, June 23rd. The concert is sponsored by Lovegreen Ford and the Missouri Arts Council. Music will begin at 7 PM on the lawn of the Adair County Courthouse. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and enjoy a great concert. Blue Velvet will playing until 8:30 pm. They have become a fan favorite at SOS.

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.