Kirksville Connection for May 2024
Take advantage of the Kirksville Aquatic Center this summer
Warm weather is right around the corner. Stay cool and enjoy plenty of fun at the Kirksville Aquatic Center this summer. Head to KirksvilleCity.com/p/kirksville-aquatic-center to see pricing options for passes this season.
Don’t know how to swim? You’re in luck because swim lessons are available. Water Exploration classes are designed for those between six months and three years of age. There are Group Lessons available for three years and up. Private lessons are also available for swimmers of all ages.
The Kirksville Aquatic Center now offers a scholarship program that provides financial assistance for qualifying students in Water Exploration and Group Lessons. See how to apply at KirksvilleCity.com/p/parks-recreation.
With Renew Active, those with eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare and adult Medicaid plans can get free access to the pool and attend water aerobics classes for free. Visit the Aquatic Center to get started.
Make the most of your summer with the Kirksville Aquatic Center. Don’t miss out on the Water Park, which opens Memorial Day Weekend.
Dollar Swim Nights
The Kirksville Aquatic Center is hosting four Dollar Swim Nights this summer where guests can enjoy a delightful evening under the stars for just $1. That reduced admission cost is thanks to generous community partners. Make sure you stop by between 6:00 and 9:00 pm to enjoy these programs.
June 1 (Sponsored by Kraft Heinz)
June 15 (Sponsored by the Kirksville Women of Today)
June 29 (Sponsored by the Thousand Hills Rotary Club)
July 27 (Sponsored by Preferred Family Healthcare)
Spring Household Hazardous Waste drop-off set for May 18
Spring household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off for City residents will be Saturday, May 18, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the Public Works Complex, located at 2001 N. Osteopathy St. Citizens must call Public Works to schedule an appointment. Citizens will not be allowed to drop off waste without an appointment. Appointments are limited and no additional appointments will be made once the schedule is full.
HHW applies to any leftover household products that contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable, or reactive ingredients. Commercial hazardous waste is not accepted. Latex paint is not accepted. You can dispose of latex paint in your trash as long as it is in a dry, solid, hardened state. You may use kitty litter or sand to harden it, or simply leave the lid off so it can dry out. A maximum of 10 total gallons of paint will be accepted from each citizen who has a scheduled appointment.
Along with latex paint, additional items that are not accepted are syringes, items containing mercury, knives, electronics, computer batteries, containers over five gallons, and cylinder items such as fire extinguishers, freon, helium, and propane bottles. Positive and negative battery terminals must be covered with masking tape. If they are not taped, they will not be accepted. No computer batteries or cylinders of any kind will be accepted.
For more information, or to make an appointment, contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.
Parks by the numbers
Could you guess how many acres of public recreational space there are in Kirksville?
There are roughly 150 acres of parkland when adding up all of the City’s parks. But don’t forget the water! Forest Lake and Hazel Creek Lake combine to cover more than 1,100 acres for great fishing, boating and other aquatic recreation activities. And don’t forget about Spur Pond either.
So, that’s about 1,250 acres worth of opportunities for fun outdoors.
Save the date for the Red, White and Blue Festival
This year’s Red, White and Blue Festival will be another great time in Kirksville. If you, your business or your organization want to participate in the parade, sign up here: bit.ly/4aRXPXo.
Call or click before you dig
Nicer weather means residents are likely planning yard projects, some of which may require digging or excavation. Missouri law requires anyone digging underground to notify Missouri 811 three working days before that work begins.
Visit Missouri-811.org to make a locate request online, or simply call 811. Missouri 811 is a free service that will then notify utilities of your request. Utility companies will mark the locations of their underground lines or seek additional info.
Hitting an underground line can be very dangerous to you and your neighbors. It could also disrupt service to your home or other homes, or result in fines and repair costs.
If you have utility marking flags in your yard, leave them in place. It is the excavator’s responsibility to remove the flags upon completion of their work, so keep the flags in place. Removing them could lead to damaged utility lines since the excavator couldn’t spot a flag, or require additional marking at a later time.
Protect public utilities. Make sure you call or click before you dig. Visit Missouri-811.org for additional information.
Kirksville Kiwanis Farmers’ Market returns
The Kirksville Kiwanis Farmers’ Market opens its 45th year on May 4, 2024.
Visit Downtown Kirksville to support local farmers, growers, artists, craftspeople and bakers. The market will run from 7:00 a.m. to noon every Saturday from then into October. Make sure you stop by.
Audition for Seussical the Musical
The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce its 2024 Summer Musical Auditions.
Seasoned theatre enthusiasts and young aspiring performers ages 13+ are encouraged to audition on May 20 and 21 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Kirksville Aquatic Center.
This is your chance to showcase your talents and potentially land a role in this whimsical adventure. Singers, actors, and performers of all types are sought for cast and crew.
Download your Audition packet here: www.kirksvillecity.com/p/upcoming-programs-events.
2023 Water Quality Report
The 2023 Water Quality Report is now available. The report provides you with important information about your drinking water, and the City’s efforts to continue providing safe drinking water for our community.
This report is issued annually for the previous year and you may pick up a hard copy from the front counter at City Hall, located at 201 S. Franklin St., the Public Works Complex, located at 2001 N. Osteopathy, or view it online at dnrservices.mo.gov/ccr/MO2010429.pdf.
May events schedule
Live music from Susan Mohini Kane, May 2, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm @ Sip Downtown
Singer-songwriter Susan Mohini Kane will perform songs from her new album Waking Up in Wonderland. She sings, plays the piano, plays guitar, and also ukulele! Food and wine will be sold, concert is free and open to the public.
First Friday Art Gallery Reception, May 3, 5:00 pm @ Gallery 104
Every first Friday of the month, Gallery 104 hosts a free public reception in the early evening. Come by for a drink, a bite to eat, and a chat with local artists and art lovers.
Learn to Fish, May 3, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm @ Thousand Hills State Park
Don’t know how to fish? Staff at Thousand Hills have you covered. There will be some equipment available for use. If you have fishing gear, please bring it. Fishing will be along the shoreline in front of the cabins. Fishers 15 or younger do not need a fishing license. Fishers 65 and up who are Missouri residents do not need a fishing license. All other participants will need a fishing license to participate. Day permits can be purchased at the Missouri Department of Conservations Regional Office or online at mdc-web.s3licensing.com.
24th annual Daddy/Daughter Dance, May 3, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm @ NEMO Fairgrounds
This event is sponsored by the Heartland Task Force Prevention Team & NEMO Fair Association Board, with support from Truman State University, Adair County Family YMCA, Hy-Vee, Memphis Bottling Company, KTVO, and PFH, Inc. Event page: https://fb.me/e/464qLJO8g.
Live music from Matt Kennedy, May 3 and 31, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm @ Sip Downtown
Tune in for an acoustic evening with Matt Kennedy.
‘Rogue One’ showing, May 4, 6:00 pm @ Del and Norma Robison Planetarium
May the Fourth be with you during this special showing of ‘Rogue One.’ See more planetarium events at planetarium.truman.edu/calendar-of-events/.
Native Reptiles, May 17, 7:00 pm @ Thousand Hills State Park
Join park staff to learn about some of Thousand Hills native reptiles. From snakes to lizards to turtles, there is always something fascinating to discover. Guests may have the opportunity to meet live animals at this event. Meet at the Campground 1 Amphitheater.
Cars and Coffee, May 18, 8:30 am to 11:00 am @ Dukum Inn
It’s all about good company and a good time. Check out all the cars and everything else. Enjoy a free doughnut, some coffee and some great conversation with some good people, and see what other great free raffle prizes there are.
‘The Guns of Navarone’ showing, May 24, 7:00 pm @ Curtain Call Theatre
Enjoy this month’s classic film from Curtain Call. Admission is free.
May meeting schedule
May 1: Tourism Advisory Board, 8:00 am @ Economic Development Alliance Building
May 6: City Council Meeting, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
May 7: Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
May 8: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
May 13: City Council Study Session, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
May 14: Airport and Transportation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
May 16: Watershed Management Commission, 5:30 @ Economic Development Alliance Building
May 20: City Council Meeting, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
May 27: Memorial Day, City offices closed