March 2024 Kirksville Connection
Data shows decreases in crime trends
The Kirksville Police Department compiles crime totals each year. Figures for the last seven years were recently reported to the City Council to see trends. The statistics in that report and accompanying graphics are the raw reported totals, giving the clearest picture of crime trends in the city. The numbers show that crime in Kirksville is down.
Crimes of violence stayed level, with a downward trend in recent years. The information shows the majority of local violent crimes are from and against people who know each other, not random acts of violence.
Drug crimes remained level for the last seven years, with a dip in 2023. Erno, the City’s K-9 officer, has been crucial in drug enforcement. KPD deployed Erno 66 times between March and December of 2023, with 55 related to traffic stops. Those deployments resulted in 37 arrests, two firearm seizures and the recovery of drugs and currency. Those would not have been possible without the K-9.
The biggest decline is with property crimes, which dropped 27 percent from 2022 to 2023.
And traffic collisions, both injury and non-injury collisions, were significantly reduced for 2022 and 2023. This could be attributed to increased officer presence and traffic stops for moving violations. Though traffic stops significantly increased, 50 percent fewer citations were issued per traffic stop, indicating the stops are mostly educational and positive interactions between the driver and law enforcement.
Additional figures to note include an upward trend in calls for service over the last three years, with 26,632 in 2023. Also, KPD hit an all-time high of arrests with 942.
To view the full crime report, visit https://www.kirksvillecity.com/Home/DownloadDocument?docId=bd20333c-13c4-4a2f-8087-037e5d2fa1a4.
Proposed floodplain map updates now available
FEMA has been working to update its floodplain maps in our area. Preliminary maps have now been released and there is a public appeal period before the maps are finalized. Visit kirksvillecity.com/p/floodplain for instructions on how to view the map, and for helpful information on this process.
These maps haven’t been updated in Adair County since 1984, so there may be changes. New technology and surveying techniques were used by FEMA to create more accurate maps that show flood risk in Kirksville.
It is important to view the preliminary maps because if your property is in or near a flood zone, there may be impacts on your property.
City receives federal funding for new airport terminal
The City of Kirksville was one of several communities selected by the Biden Administration to receive funds for airport improvements. Kirksville will receive $3.2 million to go toward a new terminal at Kirksville Regional Airport.
These funds, coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will be added to other funding support previously received by the City to go toward the construction of a new terminal that will meet current design and accessibility standards replacing the current terminal.
Airport Director Jeff LaFountain noted that the new terminal is necessary to meet the needs of the traveling public and those who occupy the building every day, including the Transportation Security Administration, and Contour Airlines. In addition, the current terminal building cannot accommodate the volume of passengers utilizing the airport.
More information on the construction and terminal completion will be provided as details are finalized.
Watch the 2024 State of the City Address
Spring Brush and Limb Pick-Up
The City’s Spring Brush and Limb Pick-Up is scheduled for April 1 through 5, 2024.
Your brush must be placed curbside by 7:00 am on April 1 to guarantee it will get picked up. For more information, contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.
“I Love Kirksville” Photo Contest
Calling photographers of all ages and levels. Take part in this new contest from the Kirksville Tourism Department. Showcase the unique landscapes, scenery, buildings and people in this fun contest.
There are three categories to submit in: Natural Kirksville, Kirksville Culture and My Hometown Kirksville. A Grand Prize of $300 will be given away, along with $100 prizes to the winner of each category.
For full details on the contest, rules, submission guidelines and more, head to visitkirksville.com/t/i-love-kirksville-photo-contest.
KBSL registration now open
Early bird registration is now open for the Kirksville Baseball and Softball Leagues and will last until March 17, 2024.
• Ages 5 to 6 intro to coach pitch will cost $50 per player.
• Ages 7 to 8 coach pitch baseball and softball leagues will both cost $60 per player.
• All divisions of baseball and softball for players over the age of nine will cost $70 per player.
Registrations received after the early-bird deadline closes will cost an additional $10 per player in each division.
Registration can be completed in person at the Kirksville Aquatic Center, located at 801 E. Mill St in Kirksville, or online at parks.kirksvillecity.com. League registration must be completed by Monday, April 1, 2024.
Practices will start the week of April 15, 2024, for all divisions. Games will begin for all divisions the week of May 13, 2024, with opening day ceremonies for the league scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024. The season will conclude the week of July 8, 2024.
Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program
The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Scholarship Program was established with the primary goal of promoting accessibility and inclusivity within our community by providing assistance toward financial barriers that may prevent some individuals from participating in our diverse range of recreational activities and programs.
Head to kirksvillecity.com/p/parks-recreation to view the form and see the eligibility criteria. You can also pick up and complete the form in person at the Kirksville Aquatic Center.
KBSL is one example of a program that a scholarship could be used for.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 660.627.1485.
Chamber to host Candidate Forum
The Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Candidate Forum will again be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the Interprofessional Education Building on the campus of A.T. Still University. All candidates for City Council and School Board have been invited to attend. The event will be uploaded to the City’s YouTube channel at a later date.
March events schedule
Polar Plunge, March 2, 1:00 pm @ Forest Lake
Each year, this event benefits Special Olympics Missouri athletes. If you would like to participate, register online at https://support.somo.org/event/2024-kirksville-polar-plunge/e521333.
Kohlenberg Lyceum Series presents the Kansas City Chorale, March 5, 7:00 pm @ Baldwin Auditorium
The Grammy Award-winning Kansas City Chorale will perform March 5. For more than 40 years, the Chorale has provided audiences with a high caliber of choral artistry, performing a diverse repertoire of new and traditional music. This season all Kohlenberg Lyceum Series events are provided free of charge thanks to the generous support of local sponsors, the Friends of the Lyceum program, and the Truman State University Foundation. For more information, visit lyceum.truman.edu.
Curtain Call Theatre Company presents “Let’s Murder Marsha,” March 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 7:00 pm @ 512 W. Elizabeth St.
A happy housewife named Marsha, hopelessly addicted to reading murder mysteries, overhears her loving husband discussing her upcoming birthday surprise with an interior decorator. To her ears, though, it sounds like they are planning to murder her! Tickets are $15 per person and will be available at the Hy-Vee Service Desk or at the door.
Thousand Hills Star Party, March 22, 8:00 pm @ Thousand Hills State Park
Come out for a celebration of the night sky. Join others in the exploration of the stars and sky above you. There will be telescopes but everybody is welcome to bring their own telescopes, chairs, and binoculars. Meet at the Point Shelter.
Spring Shop Hop, March 23, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm @ Downtown Kirksville
Support your local downtown businesses and join us for our Annual Spring Shop Hop. Stop by each participating business to get your Downtown Kirksville Passport stamped. Once your passport is stamped by at least five businesses, turn it in for an entry to win one of two $30 gift cards to the participating business of your choice.
46th annual Easter Egg Hunt, March 30, 10:00 am @ Truman Quad
Kirksville Parks and Rec, Kraft Heinz and Cardinal Key partner for this annual tradition. Children ages 2 to 12 are invited to participate and find as many eggs as possible. The event will start promptly at 10:00 am and is over pretty quickly, so make sure you are on time.
United Way Charity Trivia Night, March 30, 7:00 pm @ Moose Lodge
The United Way of Northeast Missouri is excited to announce our 3rd annual Charity Trivia Night with all proceeds benefiting our 10 local United Way agencies. Grab your smartest friends, or at least some fun ones and sign up for this fun-filled night and a chance to win the $500 1st place payout. Each team can consist of eight players and team registration is $150, or $200 including mulligans. There will be cash prize games throughout the night including Heads/Tails, 50/50 cash drawing, High/Low and more. To sign up your team or for more information, please contact Bill Castles at 660.665.1924 or via e-mail at uwnemo@gmail.com.
March meeting schedule
March 4: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
March 5: Lakes, Parks and Recreation, 12:00 pm @ Kirksville Aquatic Center
March 6: Tourism, 8:00 am @ Economic Development Alliance Building
March 11: City Council Study Session, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
March 13: Planning and Zoning, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
March 18: City Council, 6:00 pm @ City Hall
March 21: Watershed Commission, 5:30 pm @ Economic Development Alliance Building