KIRX News

The Missouri Veterans Commission (MVC) has announced the launch of the new electronic Pre-Certification Application for Burial. The new digital application allows Veterans and their eligible dependents to electronically pre-certify for burial benefits, submit documents, and receive real-time notifications on the status of their application. Veterans and their eligible dependents interested in burial in one of the five state Veterans Cemeteries can access the Electronic Pre-Certification Application for Burial by visiting the Missouri Citizens portal. Users will need to create an account before completing the application. More information on burial eligibility can be found at mvc.dps.mo.gov/cemeteries/. Paper applications will still be accepted, and Veterans Service Officers will continue to assist Veterans in need.

An update from the Kirksville School District on construction work. JT Holman and crew have started the concrete paving of the new parking lot. The first section of paving was completed during Christmas week, before temperatures dropped. The next section is set to be poured on a warmer day. Just in time for school to start after break, the parking lot between the middle and high schools is fully back in use. Student drop-off and pick-up at William Matthew Middle School is back to normal starting Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The contractor crew had installed drainage lines below the south end of this lot in December.

Join Kirksville Parks and Recreation and the Adair County Family YMCA for the 2025 Indoor Triathlon Challenge! The challenge will be held from January 2 through March 3, 2025. During this challenge, participants will complete either a full triathlon, half triathlon, or ULTRA triathlon. Participants will have full access to the YMCA, Aquatic Center, and all classes offered at those facilities. Those who complete their goal will receive the 2025 Indoor Triathlon sweatshirt.

The City of Kirksville says with the new year, we would like to remind residents of several home rehab or demolition assistance programs that may be beneficial. The Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program is designed for low- and moderate-income homeowners to address safety and public health code violations and provide funds for necessary house repairs. The program pays for 100% of total housing rehabilitation project costs, with 75% to 50% of total project costs reimbursed by the applicant. The Demolition Program is designed to eliminate residential or commercial structures that are in such disrepair to constitute a safety concern, and rehabilitation is not a viable option. This program offers property owners who cannot afford to demolish the structure funds to eliminate that portion or all of the structure that is in violation. The Demolition Grant Program helps eliminate blighted structures while also incentivizing infill development at those sites.

A reminder from the city of Kirksville, when winter weather comes, please be prepared to shovel your sidewalk. City ordinance requires either the tenant or owner of a property to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours after a snow event. Please be considerate of your neighbors and keep sidewalks clear.

Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced Major Michael A. Turner as the 25th Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). Major Turner will assume the role of Superintendent following the retirement of Colonel Eric T. Olson, effective February 1, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation. Major Turner currently serves as commander of the Field Operations Bureau. He has direct oversight responsibility for all nine troops, the Aircraft Division, and the Water Patrol Division. Major Turner was born in Texas and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. Turner was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1996, as a member of the 71st Recruit Class. He has since worked his way up through the ranks.

All City offices will be closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day. The Kirksville Aquatic Center will also be closed that day and will close at 5:00 pm on New Year’s Eve.

The Missouri State Highway patrol says on December 20, 2024, at approximately 2:54 p.m., the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol regarding a barricaded subject at a residence in LaBelle, Missouri. The preliminary investigation revealed a female was allegedly assaulted and held against her will at the residence by Chadwick H. Kelly, 33, of Qunicy, Illinois. It was also determined that Kelly was wanted by Illinois authorities for a felony probation warrant and reportedly armed with a gun. The female victim was able to escape from the residence and had visible injuries. Negotiators and Special Weapons and Tactical Teams (SWAT) from Troop F (Jefferson City), and Troop C (Weldon Spring) responded to assist with the incident. During the negotiations, Kelly fired numerous rounds from inside the residence, toward officers. Kelly later ran from the residence armed with a gun and members of the Patrol fired their weapons. The Lewis County Coroner responded to the scene and pronounced Kelly deceased.

One person was seriously injured in a crash Friday evening in Macon County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a Cadillac was northbound on U.S. Highway 63 and Lantern Street at the North LaPlata Junction, while a Jeep was southbound. The driver of the Cadillac turned into the path of the Jeep. The driver of the Cadillac, a 66 year old man from Kahoka, Missouri, was taken to Northeast Regional Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt.

Crews from the Missouri Department of Transportation will close Mercer County Route M, east of Mercer, for a culvert replacement this Thursday, Dec. 19. Route M will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Coral Avenue and Route W. Motorists will need to use an alternate route during the closure. All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.