KIRX News

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says drivers are reminded to watch for deer, which are more active this time of year, especially during evening and nighttime hours. Deer behavioral changes will be occurring due to mating season, which may cause an increase in roadway crossings. Hunting and crop harvesting may result in these animals being in places they aren’t usually seen. Drivers are urged to remain alert. When deer are seen, slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups–stay on guard after a close call or when you see one deer. Natural features also affect deer movement. In areas where there are streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, more deer may be present to cross roadways. Remember: Rural areas are not the only place where deer/vehicle strikes occur. In 2024 21.1 percent of the traffic crashes involving deer happened in urban areas. Last year, Missouri had 2,951 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every 2.98 hours in the state. In these crashes, four people were killed and 420 injured.

THe City of Kirksville says construction on the terminal isn’t all that’s happening at Kirksville Regional Airport. Runway markings received some fresh paint last week, and sections of built-up rubber were removed. The runway markings usually receive a touch-up every four years to maintain visibility, ensuring safety for takeoffs, landings and taxiing.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the Division of Drug and Crime Control continues to investigate the October 12th Ralls County Homicide. The victim who was fatally shot during the incident has been identified as 55 year old Jonathan Floyd of Perry, Missouri. If anyone has information about the shooting, they are asked to contact Troop B Headquarters at 660-385-2132.

MU Extension in Sullivan County says fall harvest means more farm equipment on Missouri roads, especially early mornings and late nights.
These vehicles move slowly and can reduce visibility. At 55 mph, it takes a car just five seconds to close the length of a football field and overtake a tractor moving 15 mph.
To keep roads safe this season:
◾Slow down and stay alert, especially on gravel roads.
◾Give space and wait to pass farm equipment safely.
◾Watch for school buses and recreational vehicles.
◾Avoid distractions like texting.
◾Practice patience-extra minutes can save lives.
Safety is a shared responsibility-working together helps make harvest season safer for everyone

A juvenile suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Ralls County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on Briarwood Place, near New London. The 9-year-old boy was driving a 2003 Polaris Sportsman, when the vehicle went off the roadway. He was wearing a helmet.

The Scotland County Health Department will be hosting the required Safe Food Handler’s training class on November 5th at 5:30 pm in the lobby of the Scotland County Health Department. Due to seating, please contact us at 660-465-7275 to PRE- REGISTER. This is a required class per county ordinance and is good for 2 years. Cost of this class will be $10. Please give us a call to register at: 660-465-7275.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted E&C Bridge, LLC to complete a bridge deck replacement project on four bridges in Carroll, Chariton and Livingston counties. The Carroll County Route JJ bridge over West Fork Wakenda Creek, northwest of Norborne, was scheduled to close beginning Monday, Oct. 20 but has been delayed by one day to Tuesday, Oct. 21.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says earlier yesterday evening, shortly after 5:00 PM, deputies responded to a serious incident involving a male subject dressed in full camouflage, who allegedly menaced a neighbor with what appeared to be a firearm. The subject then barricaded himself inside his residence and alluded to having an explosive device. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) and Hostage Negotiations Team responded to the scene. At approximately 9:30 PM, the subject was taken into custody. Shortly after the subject was secured, a fire was discovered inside the apartment. At this time it is unclear if the fire was accidental or started intentionally. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
There is no ongoing threat to the public, and the area remains secured.

Distracted driving resulted in a single-vehicle crash in Macon County yesterday. The Highway Patrol says a 33 year old man from Moberly was distracted by his cell phone while he was on highway 63, four miles south of Excello, when he familed to negotiate a curve, went off the left side of the road, and overturned. He went to Moberty Regional Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.

Kirksville Mayor Zac Burden signed a proclamation recognizing Fire Prevention Week from October 5 to 11, 2025. This annual observance is organized by the National Fire Protection Association to inform about life-saving topics. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Most of the electronics used in homes daily – including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and toys – are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which, if misused, damaged, or improperly charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode.