KIRX News

We’re in the busy summer travel season, so we’re watching gas prices closely. Gasbuddy.com puts the statewide average price for gas today at $3.20 a gallon, which is down four cents in the last week and in the last month. A year ago the statewide average was $4.70 a gallon. The national average today is at $3.55 a gallon, which is down two cents in the last week and it’s up three cents in the last month. A year ago the national average was $4.97 a gallon.

Chade Shorten, President of the United Way of Northeast Missouri announced today that the organization will hold its All American Apple Pie Contest and Pie Auction June 30 th between 4 pm. and 6 p.m. on the Adair County Courthouse square. Entries in the Apple Pie Contest must bring their homemade pies to the West entrance of the Adair Courthouse between 4 and 5 p.m. Contestants must provide 2 apple pies – one for judging and one for auction. Judging will take place at 5 p.m. All entries must be submitted in non-returnable containers.
The Pie Auction will begin at 6 p.m. Any kind of pie, except cream pies will be auctioned. . All proceeds from the event will go toward this year’s United Way Campaign to fund the eleven agencies who rely on the United Way for their annual funding. Donated pies for auction must be delivered to the west entrance of the Adair County Courthouse between 4 pm. – 5 p.m. on Friday, June 30 th . Entry forms for both the Apple Pie Contest and for the Pie Auction can be obtained at the United Way of Northeast Missouri Facebook page, LiveUnitedNEMO.org website, emailing the United Way office at uwnemo@gmal.com, or calling the office at (660)665-1924.

The KV Rotary Club received a matching grant from our District ($5,000 in total) to purchase supplies to create 110 Emergency Backpacks that FosterAdopt Connect will give to children who are removed from their homes and placed in foster homes. Each backpack contains underwear, socks, a toiletry kit, a fleece blanket, and a Rotary luggage tag. This morning, the Rotary Club will present those backpacks to FosterAdoptConnect. Children are often removed from their homes with only what they are wearing and what they can quickly put in a plastic bag. These backpacks will provide the children with something that is theirs. They can be used many times including at school. One of Rotary’s goals is to help children locally and these quality backpacks and the contents will help children in NE Missouri.

Ernie T. Hughes, Truman State University vice president for university advancement, has been selected to receive a Fulbright Specialist Program award through the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The Fulbright Specialist Program sends U.S. faculty and professionals to serve as expert consultants on curriculum, faculty development, institutional planning and related subjects at academic institutions abroad for a period of two to six weeks. Hughes will complete a project at the Makerere University Business School in Uganda, July 8-21.

Kirksville Parks and Recreation says spaces are filling fast for Tennis Camp. Sessions are 2 weeks long and classes will be held Monday through Thursday at the Kirksville High School Tennis courts. Participants are encouraged to bring a racket, water, and wear closed toe tennis shoes. all other supplies will be provided.
Session 2 – June 19 – June 29
Session 3 – July 3 – July 14
Visit parks.kirksvillecity.com to register or visit us at the Parks and Recreation Office, located at the Kirksville Aquatic Center.

The water hydrant at McKinney Bark Park used to fill dog water bowls will be shut off on Thursday, June 15 so park maintenance crews can continue making repairs to the damaged hydrant. Additionally, the small side of the dog park will be intermittently closed while repairs are being completed. Park patrons are encouraged to bring water with them to the park while repairs are being made.

The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce our 2023 Free Movie in the Park Movies! Each Movie will be shown at 9PM on select Saturdays in June and July, on our 20ft big screen at the Ray Klinginsmith Amphitheatre in Rotary Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks and enjoy the following movies free of charge.
June 17th: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
July 15th: Minions: Rise of Gru
August 5th: Top Gun: Maverick

A 38-year-old man suffered serious injuries in a crash that happened on Missouri 157, two miles west of Kirksville on Saturday. The Missouri Highway Patrol says it happened at 1235 p.m. Ryan Baker of Kirksville was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle, when the motorcycle went off the right side of the roadway and overturned, and the driver was ejected. Baker was taken to University hospital. He was not wearing a safety device.

State Budget Director Dan Haug announced that net general revenue collections for May 2023 declined (10.5) percent compared to those for May 2022, from $1.78 billion last year to $1.59 billion this year. Net general revenue collections for 2023 fiscal year-to-date increased 5.3 percent compared to May 2022, from $11.41 billion last year to $12.01 billion this year.

The Kirksville Police Department is pleased to announce the hiring of a new police officer. Officer Silas Crawford was sworn in and began his duties with the patrol division of KPD on June 12, 2023. Ofc. Crawford brings with him law enforcement experience from the Colchester Police Department and fire experience from the Hinesburg Fire Department, both in Vermont.