Kirksville Connection for July 2024
Red, White and Blue Festival is just days away
Kirksville is the place to be for Independence Day fun this Friday and Saturday. The Summer on the Square Concert Series and United Way Pie Contest and Sale are going on Friday night, starting at 5:00 pm. Tune in for two great musical acts and some classic apple pie in downtown Kirksville.
Then Saturday morning has Farmers’ Market (7:00 am to noon), Joint Service Clubs Pancake Breakfast (7:00 am to 11:00 am), Classic Car Show (8:00 am to noon), FLATS Uncle Sam 5k (8:30 am), and parade (10:00 am) to start the day.
The fun moves to North Park on Saturday night, with a block party and food trucks starting at 5:00 pm, live music starting at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Parks and Recreation month
The City of Kirksville recognizes July as National Parks and Recreation Month.
Parks and Recreation facilities and programs are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our communities, ensuring the health of all citizens, and contributing to a community's economic and environmental well-being.
Parks and Recreation staff maintain roughly 150 acres of public parkland available to all residents and visitors. Additionally, the department organizes programs for hundreds of participants each year.
Through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the department remains committed to enhancing the amenities of Kirksville parks. Connect with Kirksville Parks and Recreation’s social media channels this month for an update on upcoming park plans.
Several great events are happening in parks this month with Dollar Swim Nights, Block Parties, Movies In The Park, performances of “Seussical: The Musical,” and more. Along with those events, every day is an opportunity for fun in Kirksville parks, so find yours! Parks are where you belong.
Find more Parks and Recreation info at kirksvillecity.com/p/parks-recreation. Make sure you follow Kirksville Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
Tiny Home Subdivision update
The City of Kirksville continues to make progress on converting a rundown trailer park into a new subdivision with “tiny homes.” If you have been near the property on 909 E. Gardner Street recently, you’ve seen that all trailers have been removed.
At last week’s Planning and Zoning Meeting, the commission recommended a rezoning application for the property and a preliminary plat for the subdivision to go forth to the City Council. The Council will vote on those items at its July 1 meeting.
Pending Council approval, the Kirksville R-III School District will then pour the first four home foundations later this month. The school’s construction trades class will then begin construction on those homes in the fall.
The City is excited by this partnership with the school district to build more homes in the city and offer a new option for home ownership.
Stay tuned to City communications for future updates on this project.
I Love Kirksville Photo Contest results
The Kirksville Tourism Department is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s I Love Kirksville Photo Contest.
There were 46 total entries, showcasing many great aspects of what Kirksville has to offer. We thank everyone who submitted an entry to the contest.
The grand prize winner was “Rainbow” by Susan Jacobs.
“Kayaking Forest Lake” by Brendon Wilson won the Natural Kirksville category. Amanda Athey’s “Youngstown Bridge at Harvest Time” and Franz Kinkhorst’s “Canada Goose” were honorable mentions.
“Kids on the Farm” by Erin Grgurich won the My Hometown Kirksville category. “Truman at Dusk” by Stacey McHenry and “Thousand Hills Lake – Boat Dock” by Zachary Caraway were honorable mentions.
“Culture Car” by Panayotis (Taki) Laberis won the Kirksville Culture category. “Kirksville Perspective” by Danielle Bopp and “Sun Shines on Adair Courthouse” by Sandra Williams were honorable mentions.
Head to Facebook.com/VisitKVMO to see the winning photos. Also, stop by Gallery 104 to see all of these great photos on display. The exhibit will be open through Saturday, July 6.
General Election ballot item
The City of Kirksville would like to let residents know of its plan to have a ballot item on the November 5 General Election.
While the final details are still being worked out, the item will ask citizens about supporting new facilities for the Kirksville Police Department and Kirksville Fire Department, as well as an addition to City Hall and a new community center.
Public safety is always important to the City of Kirksville. The current facilities for these two crucial departments create challenges for their operations. Purpose-built facilities will improve their service to the community.
More details will be given to the public in the coming months. Please stay tuned for City Council Meetings, official City communications, information presentations, open houses and more information before the November election.
Hazel Creek Lake closure
Hazel Creek Lake will be temporarily closed for all recreational activities on July 22 and 23 — weather permitting — to allow the City to treat the American Lotus plant. Boating, fishing, and all other activity on or in Hazel Creek Lake will be prohibited during this time, and the boat ramp will be closed.
While this treatment process has been deemed safe for recreational activities, time is still needed to allow the treatment process to take place. Hazel Creek Lake is a drinking source lake that provides water for all Adair County residents. This treatment program for lotus has been approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Health Department’s Back to School Fair
The Adair County Health Department is excited to announce its upcoming Back to School Fair. Join them on Thursday, August 1, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the new Emergency Preparedness Annex Building located behind the Health Department.
All local area students are invited to stop in and pick up free school supplies for the upcoming academic year. Students must be present to receive supplies.
For more information, contact the Adair County Health Department at 660-665-8491.
Save the date for the Kids Mini Mud Mile
Children ages 3 to 15 can embark on a one-mile, mud-filled obstacle adventure right here in Kirksville! The run will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the North Park Sports Complex. Choose between a 9:00 am, 10:00 am, or 11:00 am start time. Every child will receive a free Mud Mile shirt and post-race refreshments.
Registration is $10. Children 5 and under can have an adult accompany them free of charge. Add an unlimited run wristband for just $5 when registering and run the course as many times as you would like until 12:30 pm!
Register today at parks.kirksvillecity.com or in person at the Kirksville Parks and Recreation office located at the Kirksville Aquatic Center.
July events schedule
Showing of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” July 12, 7:00 pm @ 512 W. Elizabeth St.
Join Curtain Call Theatre Company for its monthly showing of a classic film. There’s free admission, with donations welcome.
Wooden Nickel Four-Person Golf Tournament for United Way, June 12 @ Kirksville Country Club
This charity tournament benefits United Way and its local efforts. For more info, head to https://www.facebook.com/events/1899741013801855?active_tab=about.
“Seussical the Musical,” July 12, 13 and 14 @ William Matthew Middle School
The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce its summer production of "Seussical the Musical," a magical, musical extravaganza! This family-friendly production will bring the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage. Performances will be held on July 12 and 13 at 7:00 pm, and July 14 at 2:00 pm at the William Matthew Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at parks.kirksvillecity.com, or in person at the Kirksville Aquatic Center. Remaining seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis at the door.
Barn Quilt Painting Workshop, July 13, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm @ Sue Ross Arts Center
The Kirksville Arts Association is offering this unique workshop in July. If interested, register at the Sue Ross Arts Center or call 660-665-0500.
Mindfulness Hike, July 13, 10:00 am @ Thousand Hills State Park
Join state park staff for a hike to reconnect with yourself and nature. Meet at the Redbud Trailhead by the lake.
Bonzai X Sip Downtown, July 15, 5:30 pm @ Sip Downtown
Two downtown businesses are combining forces on a special collaboration. Enjoy unique pairings of sushi and wine to excite your tastebuds. For more info on the event and registration, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1424944361476145.
NEMO Fair, July 16 through 20
The summer staple returns this July. For a full slate of everything going on, nemofair.net.
Juvenile Video Game Tournament, July 24, 4:00 pm @ the Adair County Public Library
Kids between 7 and 12 years of age are invited to a friendly competition of Mario Kart.
See more at visitkirksville.com/t/upcoming-events.
July meeting schedule
July 1: City Council Meeting, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
July 2: Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
July 3: Kirksville Historic Preservation Commission, 4:00 pm @ City Hall
July 8: City Council Study Session, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
July 9: Airport and Transportation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
July 10: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
July 15: City Council Meeting, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
July 18: Watershed Management Commission, 5:30 pm @ Economic Development Alliance Building