Kirksville Connection for November 2023
You won’t want to miss Kirksville’s Hometown Holiday
You’ll want to stay home for the holidays this year as Kirksville’s Hometown Holiday returns with an even bigger event on Saturday, November 25.
The Grammy-winning Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda Vincent, serves as grand marshal for the 12th annual Kirksville Kiwanis Christmas Parade. Vincent will perform the ceremonial tree lighting at Dover Park and sing a couple Christmas songs.
Following the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be in the Adair County Courthouse for pictures and Living Windows will start at downtown businesses. There will also be horse carriage rides, hot chocolate and carolers around the Square for a night of festive fun.
Another great addition to this year’s event is an ice-skating rink located in the Adair County Courthouse parking lot. More information will be provided closer to the event, but the rink will be up from November 23 to 26.
Downtown Kirksville is the place to be for great community events like this!
If you are part of a local business or organization that wants to participate in the parade, email kirksvillekiwanis@gmail.com.
Help the City with accessibility improvements
The City of Kirksville is in the process of updating its ADA Evaluation and Transition Plan. As part of that, the City is hosting an open house on November 2 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Economic Development Alliance Building to get citizen feedback on any accessibility issues that may exist in City services, programs or facilities.
The initial phase of this plan will include an inventory of existing sidewalks, curb ramps and other pedestrian-related facilities in the City’s right-of-way and in City facilities. Public input will help further identify what changes need to be made.
Once completed, this plan with provide guidance on future construction needs to make the City of Kirksville accessible to all residents.
Can’t make the open house? Submit your comments to pubinfo@kirksvillecity.com or by calling 660.627.1272!
Greenwood Center to open later this fall
Truman State University hosted a ribbon-cutting for the Greenwood Interprofessional Autism Center as part of its homecoming festivities in October.
The university has been working since 2015 to transform the former elementary school into a center that will provide a multitude of services for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
While serving the diverse needs of the community, Greenwood will also allow for excellent first-hand training for Truman students. Licensed professionals will supervise students studying several health-related programs.
In-person services at Greenwood are set to begin later this fall. For more information, visit greenwood.truman.edu/.
Updated mural goes up
If you’ve been down South Franklin Street you’ve probably noticed the new art on the Princess Emporium Building. An updated version of the mural that has been in that space since the ‘90s went up in late October thanks to a partnership between the Kirksville Tourism Department, Kirksville Arts Association and the Princess Emporium.
Stop by and take a look or picture of this great piece.
Recycled content bolsters City parks
The City of Kirksville’s parks system has benefited from several grant awards in recent months.
Recently, the City used two Non-Playground Scrap Tire Grants administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to fund the purchase of 24 benches and four picnic tables. Twenty of the benches were installed in City parks, including Patryla Park, North Park and Rotary Park. The Kirksville Police Department secured the remaining four benches and picnic tables, which are being used at the City’s Shooting Range. The benches and tables are constructed in part from recycled tire material. The installation of these pieces of public seating have diverted approximately 3,100 pounds of rubber from landfills.
Additionally, new play features were installed at McKinney Bark Park in early October. These features were funded in part by a grant through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Region “C” Northeast Missouri Solid Waste Management District. The dog play features are constructed of recycled plastic materials and include ramps, agility features, an adjustable height jump, a slide and two benches.
Such as with other recycled materials used in several City parks, this diverts materials away from landfills and provides a quality recreational amenity to the community.
Daylight savings rolls around again
It’ll soon be time to change the time on your stove, microwave and other random items as Daylight Savings happens at 2:00 am on November 5. The good news is that this is the roll back one, so we all get an extra hour of sleep.
City office closures in November
In observance of Veterans Day, all City offices will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023. All City offices will reopen Monday, November 13, 2023, for regular business hours.
In observance of Thanksgiving, all City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24, 2023. All City offices will reopen Monday, November 27, 2023, for regular business hours.
We wish everyone a happy, and safe, Thanksgiving!
November events schedule
Japanese Sumi Art Class, November 4, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm @ Gallery 104
Samantha Shelley will be giving instruction on Japanese Sumi Art. You will use bamboo brushes on rice paper. Beginning with strokes and then refining, everyone can be successful. All materials are supplied. The fee is $45 paid when you sign up. Contact by messaging or calling gallery during working hours 660-730-5200.
Truman State Fall Choral Concert, November 4, 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm @ Ophelia Parrish Performance Hall
This concert is free and open to the public. It will also stream live at https://www.youtube.com/@trumanmusicconcerts.
Blessing of the Hunt, November 9, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm @ NEMO Fairgrounds
There will be guest speakers and information on conservation and hunting safety, along with prizes and food.
“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” November 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 and 16
This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book opened on Broadway in 2019. When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Head to https://www.truman.edu/majors-programs/majors-minors/theatre-major/theatre-tickets-events/ for info on showtimes, tickets and more.
Veterans Day, November 11, 11:00 am @ Rieger Armory
The Adair County Veterans Committee will hold its annual Veterans Day ceremony.
18th annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm @ Hamilton Street Baptist Church
Several local groups partner to offer this free event each year in the community.
YMCA Turkey Trot, November 18, 9:00 am @ Adair County YMCA
The Adair County YMCA is hosting a run to benefit the United Way of Northeast Missouri. For more info, visit https://adairymca.org/program-details/turkey-trot?fbclid=IwAR34nRjiSL-BYvEERi-NLIO7RlO0Kc_hzgCixOdbtMtUnC0XV7ZdrIoozN8.
Red Barn Holiday Marketplace, November 29 – December 15 @ Sue Ross Arts Center
Pick up some great presents with locally made items. Think of a second Red Barn festival going on for several weeks during the holiday season.
November meeting schedule
November 1: Tourism Advisory Board, 8:00 am @ Economic Development Alliance Building
November 6: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
November 7: Lakes, Parks and Recreation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Aquatic Center
November 8: E-911 Joint Services Board, 1:30 pm @ City Hall
November 8: Planning and Zoning Commission, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
November 13: City Council Study Session, 4:00 pm @ City Hall
November 14: Airport and Transportation Commission, 12:00 pm @ Aquatic Center
November 20: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall