KIRX News

One person died in a crash in Daviess County yesterday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 67-year-old Robert Henderson was driving a Buick LaSabre south on Missouri 13, five miles south of Coffey, when he lost control in the snow. The vehicle went off the west side of the road, down an embankment, and hit a tree limb. Henderson was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Red Cross has announced, it is facing an emergency blood shortage as the number of U.S. blood donors hits its lowest level in 20 years. Blood and platelet donations are needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures proceed without delay. Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood through the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Additional challenges lie ahead as winter weather and seasonal respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 may affect future donor turnout compounding the dire blood supply situation that the nation currently faces. Don’t wait — make an appointment today to give blood or platelets to help ensure people receive the care they need. Book now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The City of Kirksville would like to make residents aware of upcoming private utility work that may cause travel disruptions. Starting January 8, Ridenhour Directional Drilling and its subcontractors will begin fiberoptic installation for Socket Telecom. The affected area includes East Jefferson Street and East Normal Avenue, between South Baltimore and South Franklin streets, and the portion of South Franklin Street that connects Jefferson and Normal. This work is estimated to last between 30 and 60 days, depending on weather. Please be advised that there may be traffic congestion or restricted travel at times in this area.

Moderate injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Scotland County on Sunday morning. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 58-year-old Janice Shaw of Glenwood was driving a Chevy Trailblazer on U.S. 136 five miles west of Memphis, when she lost control of the vehicle on the ice-covered roadway, and went off the left side of the road, and overturned. She was not wearing a seat belt, and was taken to Scotland County Memorial Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The City of Kirksville is declaring a Snow Emergency, beginning at 12:00 pm on Monday, January 8, 2024. All vehicles parked on designated Snow Emergency Routes, including City streets in the Downtown, must be moved two hours prior to then, or by 10:00 am, January 8, 2024. If vehicles are not moved by then, they are subject to be ticketed and/or towed. The Snow Emergency will remain in place until terminated. Forecasts for this storm indicate potential for several inches of snow on Monday and Tuesday, along with high winds that could blow snow around. The City of Kirksville encourages drivers to stay off the roads as much as possible if these conditions occur. The City asks residents to monitor City communication channels for further details as the weather develops. If snowfall reaches excessive amounts, street closures may be needed to clear streets. Additionally, the Snow Emergency’s termination will be announced by the City.

The Kirksville Police Department would like to let residents know it is not connected to nor a beneficiary of a donation mailer that has been sent to people in town.
The Kirksville Police Department was recently contacted by a citizen that received a donation request from a “police” organization from Virginia. The mailer made multiple mentions of “supporting your Kirksville area police.” It also mentioned movements to “defund and defame the police” and encouraged supporting “local area police” through a donation to their organization.
The Kirksville Police Department would like to ensure that citizens know we have no affiliation with organizations that solicit monetary support for “local police.” The Kirksville Police Department is proud to be supported by the citizens of our community, both in spirit and in funding. As with any other organization soliciting your support, the Kirksville Police Department encourages citizens to research where the money goes. If you cannot locate any information, contact your local law enforcement and ask questions. Your initial instinct is usually right.

To help children learn about staying safe and to raise awareness of missing children, the Department of Public Safety is inviting Missouri fifth graders to participate in the annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The national winner and his/her parents and teacher will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 41th annual National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony on May 22, 2024. Transportation and lodging will be provided. One fifth grader from Missouri will be selected as the state winner. That student’s poster will be submitted to the national competition. In addition, the state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S Department of Justice, the sponsor of the contest.

One person was taken to Boone Hospital after a two-vehicle wreck in Randolph County yesterday. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Aaron Nahler of Columbia, Missouri, was driving a 2017 Freightliner on U.S. 63 at Clark, when he failed to yield and was hit by a Chevy Tahoe. The driver of the Tahoe, 52-year-old Diane Perkins of Clark, suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Boone Hospital.

The City of Kirksville would like to make residents aware of impending private utility work that will require a street closure. West Cottonwood Street, from North Walnut Street to North Boundary Street, will be closed January 4 and 5 as Lawson Construction performs private sewer work. Please use alternative routes during this time period.

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the New Year’s holiday weekend: Five people died and 59 were injured in 115 traffic crashes during the 2024 New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 1, 2024. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2024 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Troopers investigated the following:

Traffic Crashes – 115
Traffic Crash Injuries – 59
Traffic Crash Fatalities – 3
DWI – 139