KIRX News

The Adair County Health Department’s Mask Order, which applies to all of Adair County, including the City of Kirksville, is scheduled to expire tomorrow, May 1st. The City of Kirksville would like to remind residents that while the Mask Order is scheduled to expire, private entities, including local businesses and workplaces, are not prohibited from establishing and enforcing their own rules regarding masks / face coverings, social distancing, etc. The City asks that residents and visitors be respectful of these rules.

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help regarding a theft. At approximately 1150 pm on Wedneday, a white 98 Ford Ranger was stolen around the area of US Highway 63 and US Highway 136 by Tri County Electric. The vehicle was recovered yesterday morning at Caboose Ave and Rt P which is north of Queen City. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Schuyler County Sheriffs Office.

The number of COVID-19 vaccination doses that have been administered is up 5% this week compared to last week’s numbers. According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services dashboard, there have been 14,314 doses administered in Adair County. As of Tuesday, 27% of residents are fully vaccinated. 31% of people in Adair County have received at least one dose of the vaccine, for a total of 7,877 people 27% of people in Adair County are fully vaccinated, for a total of 6,816 people.

The City Council is still accepting applications from qualified individuals who would like to be considered by the City Council to fill a vacant seat on the City Council. Applications will be accepted in the Office of the City Clerk until 5:00 pm, Monday, May 3rd. The seat became vacant with the resignation of Chuck Long. By law, the City Council is required to appoint someone to fill this vacancy until someone is elected in the next April election. The selected applicant will begin their duties on the City Council sometime in May 2021. Find applications on the City’s website at kirksvillecity.com/CouncilApp, or by visiting the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall. In addition to the application, applicants are to complete a Statement of Interest, and must execute this Statement in the presence of the City Clerk or Deputy City Clerk.

Governor Mike Parson announced this week that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Energy Assistance Program is extending one-time primary heating bill payments through May 31st. In addition, eligibility for both the heating and cooling programs are expanding will now allow a family of four with an annual income of up to $51,021 to receive benefits compared to an annual income of $35,364. Find more information online at MyDSS.mo.gov.

Missouri State Troopers responded to multiple crashes in Northeast Missouri on Monday. One crash in Scotland County involved a teenager. The 16-year-old male driver, from Lancaster, was on US-136, one mile west of Memphis, when his Ford Ranger ran off the road and struck a utility pole. He had minor injuries and sought treatment on his own. The Ford Ranger had extensive damage.

A Brookfield man suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle Linn County Monday afternoon. 35-year-old John Thompson was driving on US-36, five miles east of Brookfield, when he ran off the road and struck a ditch. Thompson was taken to Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield for treatment.

A car parade will be held for Kirksville High School Seniors. An email from the school said a parent-led committee decided to plan the event to do something special for the students following a year full of change and uncertainty. The seniors will decorate their cars and drive down a street where people can celebrate them. The parade is this Sunday, May 2nd at 3:00. The parade will begin at the Kirksville Primary School and proceed down Cottage Grove Street. They will then drive East on McPherson Street to Jamison Street to Normal Street ending at the Kirksville High School Football Field. There will be a tailgate celebration for KHS Seniors and their families at the football field. The community is asked to help support the seniors.

The Adair County Health Department is requesting assistance from county residents with the ongoing audit of positive cases which were not included in the report from the state at the time of testing. All Adair County residents who tested positive for COVID-19 but were never called by contact tracers from the Adair County Health Department are asked to call Leigha at 660-665-8491.

The Census Bureau released the first 2020 Census results, which included the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. While Missouri’s population growth over the decade was less than the national figure of 7.4%, the slight growth of 2.8% over the past decade was enough for the state to keep its eight congressional seat. Every 10 years, the 435 seats in the U.S. House are redistributed among the states based on population.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is emphasizing safety in work zones for this National Work Zone Safety Week. Last year in Missouri 27 people died and another 661 were injured in crashes in work zones. Speed limits are lower in work zones and the roadway may be narrowed to accommodate construction. This leaves less room for drivers to react if the vehicles in front of them slow down or stop suddenly. The Missouri Department of Transportation is pleading with drivers to help turn the tide in 2021. Motorists are urged to make smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel.