The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted Capital Paving & Construction, LLC to replace the decks of two bridges in Andrew County and one in Buchanan County. The Jenkins Creek Bridge on Buchanan County Route DD is the first bridge scheduled to have its deck replaced beginning today. During construction, Route DD will be closed at the Jenkins Creek Bridge. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route. The Jenkins Creek Bridge is expected to reopen by mid-May 2025. Once construction is complete, crews will begin work on Upper Neely Bridge on Andrew County Route B then Lincoln Creek Bridge on Andrew County Route H.
Watch out for coyotes
February is the peak of breeding season for coyotes and continues into March. This means we typically see a spike in coyote activity this time of year. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it’s important to be vigilant of pets right now in areas where coyotes are known to live. Unlike many other kinds of wildlife, coyotes adapt particularly well around human development and coexist with people in many places. These areas can include municipal parks and other urban green space, golf courses, cemeteries, suburban wooded common areas, and even within subdivisions themselves.
Multiple public events planned about Proposition B
The City of Kirksville invites residents to join City staff for multiple informational public events in March regarding Proposition B: Purpose-Built. Presentations will happen at 5:30 pm on March 26, 31 and April 1 at City Hall. These sessions will examine each piece of the proposal and offer residents a chance to ask questions and learn more about the project. Additionally, there will be public tours of City Hall and the Kirksville Police Station throughout the month. Tours will occur at 11:30 am, 12:00 pm, 12:30 pm and 5:15 pm every Tuesday and Wednesday in March. Tours will last roughly 30 minutes. Space is limited for each Police Station tour, so we ask that you register for your desired date and time by calling the station at 660.785.6945. Both buildings will also be open for tours from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
Reminder about business license renewals
The City of Kirksville says if you own or manage a Kirksville business, it’s time to complete your business license renewal for 2025. Business license renewals were mailed the first week of January on pink paper to valid business license holders. Business license renewals are due back to the City on or before February 28, 2025. Return the completed renewal form, along with all required documents and fees, to the Finance Department at City Hall. If you have not received your renewal notice, please contact the Finance Department at 660.627.1251. If not renewed by February 28, your business license is delinquent and subject to a $100 late fee.
LaPlata man sentenced in murder case
The Prosecuting Attorney of Adair County, David Goring, says Brendon Lene of LaPlata recently pleaded guilty to second degree murder and armed criminal action, in connection to the death of Jared Newman. Lene killed Newman on April 1st of 2021. Lene was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder charge, and ten years for the armed criminal action offense. Those sentences will be served consecutively.
Tornado Drill set for March 5th
The Missouri Emergency Management Agency says the state will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week from March 3rd to 7th. Missouri’s annual statewide tornado drill will also be held on Wednesday, March 5 at 11 a.m. as part of the week’s preparedness activities. Some Missouri communities may choose to conduct the drill on a different day due to conflicting local events. At 11 a.m. on the day of the tornado drill, NOAA weather radios set to receive the Routine Weekly Tests (RWTs) will alert listeners that the tornado drill has begun. Outdoor warning sirens will also sound across participating Missouri communities. At that time, participants should practice taking cover in a designated shelter area or an interior room on the lowest level of a secure structure.
United Way annual meeting is this Thursday
The United Way of Northeast Missouri will hold its annual meeting and awards ceremony on Thursday, February 27th, at 5:30 p.m. in the Dukum Inn side room. The special event will celebrate the organization’s 70th Anniversary in Kirksville.
You can view crime stats online
The Kirksville Police Department says the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a website covering crime statistics throughout the state. Showmecrime.mo.gov is a publicly available site where anyone can access the most current crime statistics for most cities and counties in Missouri, including Kirksville. You can explore several crime categories and see how they have changed over the last few years. For example, in the City of Kirksville since 2021, burglaries have decreased by more than 55 percent, larceny (theft) has decreased by more than 45 percent, motor vehicle thefts have decreased by 60 percent, and total violent crimes have decreased by 20 percent.
Annual Spring Shop Hop is in March
Visit Kirksville says support your local downtown businesses and join #DowntownKirksville for the Annual Spring Shop Hop – Saturday, March 29! Stop by each participating business to get your Downtown Kirksville Passport stamped and experience what each unique business has to offer. Once your passport is stamped by at least 5 businesses, turn it in for an entry to win 1 of 2 $30 gift cards to the participating business of your choice. To make it easy, passports can be picked up and returned to any of the participating businesses during the event.
New principal chosen for Kirksville High School
After completing the selection process, the hiring committee and school board are pleased to announce that Lindsey Fraser has been chosen as the next Principal of Kirksville High School for the 2025-26 school year. Mrs. Fraser currently serves as Assistant Principal at KHS and will officially assume her new role on July 1, 2025.