The 2021 Polar Plunge in Kirksville at Thousand Hills State Park last weekend was a success. The top three teams who plunged into the frigid waters were Troopersaurus Rex, made up of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop B employees, Alpha Sigma Alpha – Alpha Beta, and the Big Chief Plungers. Those teams alone raised just under $9,500. The 2021 campaign goal was reached as over $28,000 was raised for Special Olympics Missouri, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Learn more at somo.org.
Arrest Made in Adair County Patrol Vehicle Brreak-In
A suspect wanted for burglarizing an Adair County Sheriff’s Office patrol car has been arrested. 21-year-old Austin Penn is facing several charges including one count of stealing $750 or more and first-degree damage to a motor vehicle with the intent to steal. Penn admitted to the break-in on North Franklin Street and taking nearly $1,800 in equipment from the patrol vehicle, including: a patrol jacket, flashlight, magazines for an AR-15 and Glock, trauma pouch, digital camera, search gloves, rangefinder and a gear bag. KPD posted an image on social media last week asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect, and a tip led them to Penn. Police say he admitted to 2017 vehicle theft, and a residence and vehicle burglary in December.
Partial Street Closure on South Franklin Street
A partial street closure to be aware of in Kirksville today. The eastern northbound lane in the 200 block of South Franklin Street will be closed between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. The western northbound lane will remain open. This partial street closure will allow for the Smithsonian Institution’s “Waterways” traveling exhibition to be unloaded at the Kirksville Arts Association’s Sue Ross Arts Center, on South Franklin Street. The Police Department asks the traveling public to exercise caution in this area during the partial street closure. The Smithsonian exhibit will open on March 15th.
Graves Applauds Blunt for His Steadfast Service to Missouri and the Republican Party
Congressman Sam Graves is praising Senator Roy Blunt for his service to the country and Missouri. Yesterday, Blunt announced he won’t be seeking reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2022: Graves called Bunt the single most influential political leader in Missouri this century and the father of the modern Republican Party in Missouri. Senator Blunt, who turned 71 in January, announced his retirement via video yesterday, citing his decades of public service as a factor in his decision.
Farmer Dies in Grain Bin
A farmer’s body was recovered inside a grain bin in Macon County. Friday afternoon at 1:45, Macon County rescue crews were called to a residence southwest of Elmer on reports of a man being trapped in a grain bin. Holes were cut in the sides of the bin, and rescuers worked to remove grain using shovels and augers. The body of 62-year-old Jerry Fletcher was found sometime between 3:30 and 4 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
$1.9 Trillion Coronavirus Relief Package Passed in Senate
Some financial relief could be on its way soon to Missouri homes and schools. A $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package was passed on Saturday in the U.S. Senate, sending it back to the House for approval. The legislation includes direct payments of up to $1,400 to most Americans, a $300 weekly boost to jobless benefits into September and an expansion of the child tax credit for one year. It also puts new funding into Covid-19 vaccine distribution and testing, as well as funding for rental assistance, and K-12 schools for reopening costs.
Adair County COVID-19 Case Count Stands at 2,321
Adair County closed out the week with 2,321 cases since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed nearly one year ago. Two new cases were confirmed Thursday and none on Friday. The Adair County Health Department has exceeded 4,000 contact tracing calls during the past 12 months. There are currently 10 active cases,
Missouri Realtor Charged In Murder for Hire Scheme
A Missouri real estate agent has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Investigators in Camden County say a witness recorded 43-year-old Leigh Ann Bauman, a popular Lake of the Ozarks real estate agent, asking them to hire people from St Louis to make the kill look like an accident. Bauman reportedly offered them $15,000. Investigators say the motive stemmed from a custody battle between her ex-mother-in-law and ex-husband. Bauman’s in jail, without bond and faces 10 years in prison.
Hundreds Vaccinated in Sullivan County
Hundreds of been vaccinated in Sullivan County following a couple of clinics this week.121 doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine were administered Wednesday at the North Central Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., in Milan. That event was a first dose clinic. Yesterday, 200 residents got their second dose of the Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine. Including this week’s clinics, the Sullivan County Health Department has vaccinated 56 residents with their First & Second Dose of the Pfizer vaccine, 200 first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine, 200 residents with their first dose of Moderna vaccine and 121 with their first dose of Pfizer vaccine for a grand total of 577 COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Police Investigating Theft From Vehicle
Kirksville police are investigating a theft from a vehicle that was reported Wednesday morning
in the 900 block of North Franklin Street. Police obtained security footage from a nearby business which shows a suspect damaging the vehicle to gain access and stealing items before leaving the area on foot. The suspect was wearing dark clothing including a jacket which appears to have a white strip horizontally across the chest. See a photo posted at facebook.com/KirksvillePoliceDepartment. Anyone with information is asked to contact KPD.