HANNIBAL, Mo.- Weather permitting, May 13, Scotland County Route T is scheduled to close over North Fork Middle Fabius River, 1.9 miles west of Missouri Route 15 near Bible Grove, as work begins on a bridge rehabilitation project. Work at this location is estimated to be completed by mid-Summer. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Included in this contract is an additional bridge rehabilitation project, scheduled to begin later summer,  located on Route A over BNSF Railroad, 0.3 mile east of Route M near Rutledge.

Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. was awarded the contract in earlier this year in the amount of $767,287.

For more information on this and other projects in your area, please contact MoDOT’s Customer Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636). Work with us in the work zone! Please remember to obey all work zone signs and personnel. With an increased number of highway work zones in Missouri, we urge all drivers to pay attention every second while driving, especially through a work zone. Be informed of your route by checking the MoDOT Traveler Information Map before you travel.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- A 22-year-old Iowa man was arrested in Kirksville in the early hours of April 26, 2024, for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Assault in the 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and several other charges.

At about 1:10 am, officers were dispatched near the area of McPherson Street and Franklin Street for a public nuisance. As the officers approached the area, they heard and saw the flashes of gunshots in the vicinity of a group of four to five people. The gunman fled on foot, and after making sure there were no injuries, officers quickly apprehended the suspect, who was identified as Jackson Phillips, 22, of Iowa. Officers also recovered the firearm and shell casings from the area. Phillips is currently being held at the Adair County Detention Center.

At this time, there is no current threat to the public and the case remains under investigation.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Anyone with information about this incident, or any suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Kirksville Police Department at 660.785.6945, Central Dispatch at 660.665.5621, Adair County Sheriff’s Office at 660.665.4600, anonymously at 660.627.BUST (2878), or email police@kirksvillecity.com.

Jackson Phillips, 22, of Iowa, was arrested on weapons related charges by Kirksville Police

(Photo courtesy Kirksville Police Department)

The City of Kirksville has recognized Lt. Chelsea Burkhiser for five years of service with the City.

Burkhiser began with the Kirksville Fire Department on March 18, 2019. She was promoted to the rank of lieutenant on July 24, 2023.

Burkhiser has completed Firefighter I and Firefighter II certifications, as well as for Emergency Medical Technicians-Basic. Burkhiser is also a Rescue Technician, Fire Service Instructor I and Live Fire Instructor.

The City of Kirksville thanks Burkhiser for her service to the people of Kirksville.

Chelsea Burkhiser was recognized for 5 years of service with the City of Kirksville

(Photo courtesy City of Kirksville)

MEMPHIS, Mo.-  A Scotland County man is behind bars after allegedly threatening a family member.

Forty-five year old Lewis D. Martin of Memphis was arrested at 10:25 pm Tuesday night at his home by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.  He is charged with a class B felony of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, a class E felony of 1^st Degree Stalking and a misdemeanor count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

According to court documents, Master Seargent Doug Siegfried with the Missouri State Highway Patrol was contacted by Martin’s brother to report that Lewis Martin was sending death threats via text message to another family member.  He additionally reported that Martin was driving past the family member’s residence on Route H in Scotland County on a dirt bike and firing a firearm in an intimidating manner.

After confirming the report with the victim, Troopers went to the Lewis Martin residence and took him into custody.  At the time of the arrest, a 9 mm pistol was found on Martin’s hip under his shirt.  Martin was transported to the Scotland County Sheriff’s Department where he later confessed to driving to the family member’s house and unloading the firearm in the air.  Troopers recovered three 9-mm shell casings at the scene in front of the residence.  A neighbor described hearing three gun shots as well as witnessing the motorcycle drive past his house shortly after hearing the gun shots.

Martin is being held in the Scotland County Jail on $100,000 cash-only bond.  He was scheduled to appear in court for a bond-reduction hearing on Thursday morning.

Forty-five year old Lewis D. Martin of Memphis is charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor for a firearms-related incident

(Photo courtesy Scotland County Sheriff's Department)

MEMPHIS, Mo.- A Memphis bank was the target of a successful ATM robbery early Saturday morning.

Captain Bill Holland with the Memphis Police Department told KMEM News that around 4:34 am Saturday, April 20th at least three suspects wearing masks and gloves were caught on security camera footage breaking into the ATM machine on the east end of the Memphis branch of Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri. 

The suspects accomplished the break-in by hooking a log chain to the ATM and using a stolen pickup truck to then jerk the chain and force the ATM vault open.  The pickup was a Ford F250 commercial vehicle stolen from a private residence in Albia, Iowa earlier that same morning.

Captain Holland stated that from the time the perpetrators struck to the time they departed the scene, less than five minutes had elapsed.  They were clear of the scene within one minute of the security alarm sounding.  He said that the truck was abandoned at the scene and that the suspects fled in a different vehicle.

Captain Holland further said that an undisclosed amount of cash was taken from the ATM.  The canisters that dispense the bills were found discarded and empty near the North Fork of the North Fabius River, located between Highway 15 South and the west edge of Memphis.

There has been a recent rash of similar ATM robbery incidents throughout the listening area.  On Wednesday, April 10^th, there was an attempted break-in of the ATM at the Palmyra branch of Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri using a very similar M.O.  In that incident, Palmyra Police officers responded to a report of suspicious activity to find a commercial pickup truck that had been stolen earlier from a business in Palmyra.  The truck was high-centered on a curb with chains and tow hooks attached to the ATM.  The engine was running and the passenger door was open.  Witnesses stated they observed two male suspects fleeing the scene.  They are believed to have escaped in an unknown SUV going northbound on Highway 61.

In yet another incident, an ATM at Meridian Credit Union in Ottumwa was the target of an attempted break-in.  The Ottumwa Police Department received a report of someone trying to break into that machine on Friday, April 19^th, at 5:43 am.  Again, the suspects had used a truck and chains to attempt to pull open the ATM vault door.  That truck was also stolen, taken from an Oskaloosa hotel parking lot in the overnight hours prior to the attempted break-in.  The suspects were later pulled over in a different vehicle fleeing the scene in Ottumwa.  They were arrested and booked into the Wapello County Jail.  The three suspects arrested were all from Texas and were fleeing in a vehicle that had been rented in Texas.

Captain Holland said that authorities are unsure if the incidents are related in any way, but that there are several striking similarities.  He further encourages businesses and individuals to invest in high-quality security cameras, as they prove invaluable in investigations such as these.

LEWIS COUNTY, Mo.- The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department says that a Lewis County resident was recently scammed by telephone. The resident was contacted and informed that her Social Security number had been hacked. Several different scammers spoke to her by telephone. The last scammer, posing as a DEA Agent, informed her she was being investigated for drug trafficking and money laundering, and that she needed to go to her local bank to withdraw funds. The scammer then advised her they needed to "legalize" the cash by going to local Dollar Generals and purchasing Apple Gift Cards. The scammer then had her read the number off the back of the cards. The resident then contacted a family member who alerted officials to the scam.

Always remember these scamming operations are very good at what they do. They are very convincing and will use many different formats to confuse and even scare you. Federal, state and local agencies will never ask for any of your banking information and will never ask you for money.

If you receive this type of call just hang up and contact your local law enforcement agency.

LANCASTER, Mo.- In a follow-up to our earlier story regarding a card skimmer device that was found on a gas pump at the Memphis Casey’s location, KMEM News has now learned that a similar device has been found on a gas pump at the Lancaster Casey’s location.

Officials with the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department say that they were notified Friday afternoon of a possible card skimmer on pump #3.  The device appears to be the same type of skimmer that was found at the Memphis location.  This second device also appeared to be Bluetooth equipped.

Law enforcement authorities believe the device was inserted into the Lancaster pump sometime between late Wednesday night to Friday afternoon.  Officials say that this type of device is not something you can spot by looking at the outside of the pump itself.  These devices have been attached to circuits inside the pump.

Officers with the department say that most gas pumps have a security seal on them to prevent tampering.  They are asking the public to always look for that seal and make sure it hasn’t been tampered with.  If you spot a broken seal, they advise you to not use the pump and instead alert the store management. 

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Department is working with Casey’s corporate, as well as state and federal law enforcement officials to determine who is responsible for placing these devices and what information the devices may have obtained or stored.  They further state that if you used pump #3 at the Lancaster Casey’s between Wednesday and Friday and paid at the pump using a debit or credit card you should monitor those accounts closely for fraudulent activity.  If you have been the victim of this crime, you should contact your banking institution and local law enforcement immediately. 

MEMPHIS, Mo.-  A local convenience store was the recent victim of an identity theft scam.

Captain Bill Holland of the Memphis Police Department told KMEM News that the Casey’s Convenience Store in Memphis notified his department Friday morning of a gas pump that had been tampered with.  Holland said that an employee of the store was notified Thursday morning by a customer that the locking mechanism on pump #2, situated at the extreme southeast end of the fueling island, appeared to be damaged.

Store management checked the pump and found the damaged lock as well as a voided pump seal sticker that had been placed on the pump door after the actual seal had been damaged and removed by the perpetrator.  Upon this discovery, the store shut down the affected pump and notified their corporate office.

When maintenance staff from Casey’s corporate arrived on Friday morning to check the pump, they discovered an identity theft device that had been wired into the pump’s card reader system.  It was at this point that Holland’s department was notified of the incident and an official investigation launched.

Captain Holland later followed up on his original statement to KMEM News to say that the device was determined to be Bluetooth equipped, meaning it could send the information to someone remotely.

Captain Holland said that any customer who pumped gas from pump #2 at the Memphis Casey’s location between 10 am on Wednesday the 13^th and 10 am on Thursday the 14^th should closely monitor their debit or credit card accounts for fraudulent activity.  He also reminded the public to be extremely vigilant in situations such as this.  If a customer observes signs of tampering such as damaged locks, broken or removed seals, equipment that seems out of place or other abnormal signs, they should immediately notify store management or law enforcement.  These types of scams are becoming more common across the United States.

Captain Holland commended the Memphis Casey’s store management for being very proactive and transparent with law enforcement in order to help protect their customers to the fullest extent possible.  If you believe you have been the victim of this identity theft or have information that can help lead to the arrest and prosecution of the persons involved, please contact the Memphis Police Department at 660-465-2612.

MEMPHIS, Mo.- A local Rotary club recently hosted an organizational dignitary as part of its regular weekly meeting.

The Scotland County Rotary Club was privileged to be visited by Mr. Randy Steinman during the club’s weekly meeting, held each Wednesday at noon at Keith’s Café and Steakhouse in Memphis.  Steinman serves as the District 6040 Governor.  The Scotland County Rotary Club is part of Steinman’s district.  He explains what the Rotary organization is all about.

As part of his visit on Wednesday, Steinman addressed the club’s members.  His message centered on how clubs and their members can be a part of the solution to various issues in their communities.

A current member and past President of the Kansas City Plaza Rotary Club, Steinman explains his role as the District 6040 Governor.

Steinman stated that his goal is for the public to see the Rotary organization as a means to an end, with that end being service to the community.

Scotland County Rotary President Corey Stott said that it was a privilege for the club to have the opportunity to host Governor Steinman.  Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million members uniting to take action to create lasting change worldwide and in our local communities.  If you’d like more information about Rotary you can go their website at www.Rotary.org.

Scotland County Rotary President Corey Stott (L) with District 6040 Governor Randy Steinman (R)

(Photo courtesy Alisa Kigar)

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the National Deer Association (NDA) invite landowners and others interested in managing deer on their properties to join their free 2024 Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series via Zoom.

Join MDC and NDA staff online on March 26 at 6 p.m. for the first Zoom webinar on Deer Management in the Presence of CWD. Staff will discuss the current status of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Missouri white-tailed deer, what steps are being taken to manage the disease, and how hunters and landowners can help limit its impacts on local deer herds. This live Zoom webinar will begin with a presentation from an MDC deer biologist, followed by questions and answers with MDC and NDA staff.

Save this link and click on it March 26 at 6 p.m. to join the free, live Zoom webinar on Deer Management in the Presence of CWD: short.mdc.mo.gov/4XU.

For those who have not previously used Zoom on their selected device, click the link ahead of time and follow the prompts to install the free Zoom software.

MDC and NDA will also offer additional free, live Zoom webinars as part of their Missouri Deer Management Webinar Series. All are welcome to participate. Save these links and click on them at the scheduled time to join:

• May 28 at 6 p.m. -- Reducing Deer Damage to Crops at mdc.mo.gov/4Xi.
• July 30 at 6 p.m. -- Invasive Plant Control for Deer Management at mdc.mo.gov/4XS.
• 10 at 6 p.m. -- Hemorrhagic Disease in Deer at short.mdc.mo.gov/4Xq.

Learn more about deer management at https://mdc.mo.gov/your-property/improve-your-property/wildlife-management/deer-management.

MEMPHIS, Mo.- In a month that comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb, it’s important to verify that municipal storm warning systems are in proper working order and functioning as intended.

Scotland County Sheriff Bryan Whitney reported to KMEM News on Wednesday that both outdoor warning sirens in the City of Memphis had been tested and performed perfectly.  That includes the siren that sits just off the west side of the Memphis square that was replaced in fall of 2022 after being damaged by a lightning strike.  The test was conducted shortly after 11 am Wednesday morning. 

GRANGER, Mo.- Fire crews from the Scotland County, Clark County and Gorin Fire Departments all responded to a call just after 10 am Monday morning. 

Officials confirmed to KMEM News that the crews responded to a call of a brush fire that had gotten out of control in Granger.  Crews responded and battled the blaze.  Before the fire could be brought under control, an abandoned house in the path of the blaze took significant fire damage.

A Gorin fireman was hurt while battling the fire.  Officials reported that 39-year old Kenneth Hoover was injured when a telephone pole fell on top of him while he was fighting the fire.  Hoover was airlifted by Air Evac helicopter to University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia for treatment of serious injuries. 

CANTON, Mo.- Culver-Stockton College (C-SC), a private liberal arts college offering 80 major and minor tracks, announced today Admiral Philip Davidson as the Konneker Leaderin Residence for the spring 2024 semester.

As the Konneker Leader in Residence, Davidson will speak to community members on Tuesday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m. in Meaders Hall, in the Gladys Crown Center on the C-SC campus. Wednesday, March 13, will be a full day of speaking engagements and a luncheon with C-SC students for Davidson. He has titled his presentations as “On Leadership.”

Davidson is a retired four-star admiral in the United States Navy. For three years, he served as the 25th commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Additionally, he served as the commander of the United States Fleet Forces Command and United States Naval Forces Northern Command. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Davidson chose the United States Naval Academy for his post-high school education. Davidson officially retired in 2021.

“We are honored to welcome Admiral Davidson to “the Hill” to share his experiences in leadership, perseverance, and service.” President Lauren B. Schellenberger said. “We look forward to the Admiral’s lessons of character and strength for our students of promise.”

The Wilfred and Ann Lee Konneker Leaders in Residence program was established at Culver-Stockton College in 2013 with the framework to provide a supportive and value-based learning environment where students can acquire knowledge and skills to work with and through others to accomplish mutual goals. The Leader in Residence is annually selected by a committee and asked to share their leadership principles with the C-SC community.

MEMPHIS, Mo.- This Saturday (March 2^nd), voters in Missouri will have the opportunity to participate in the GOP Caucus.  A Missouri law passed in 2022 changed the process from a state mandated presidential preference primary to a system of each party’s choosing.  Scotland County Republican Central Committee Chairperson Dr. Jeff Davis says that the Republican Party in Missouri chose the caucus system for 2024.

Davis says there are several reasons why the party chose to move away from the primary selection process.

Local cacuses will begin at 10 am, but you will want to make sure and arrive early.

Davis explains that the local caucus serves a couple different purposes.

The process for participating in the caucus is very simple.  Davis says that if you’re on time with a valid photo ID, you should have no issues.

The caucus process is probably a new concept to most people.  Davis explains how the caucuses will work locally.

Davis says that the ultimate goal of the caucus is to determine who the county delegates will vote for at the state convention.  He explains how that is determined.

For those who would like more information about the county GOP caucuses, Davis says you can talk to your local party officials or go online.

Caucus locations in our immediate listening area include: 

Adair County- Cornerstone Church

Clark County- Clark County Courthouse

Knox County- Knox County Community Center

Schuyler County- Schuyler County Courthouse in MU Extension Conference Room

Scotland County- Scotland County Hospital Library/Conference Room

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The Kirksville Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the female in the included photo in connection with a reported theft that occurred on the 1800 block of North Osteopathy on February 20, 2024. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident or any suspicious activity is encouraged to contact the Kirksville Police Department at 660.785.6945, Central Dispatch at 660.665.5621, Adair County Sheriff’s Office at 660.665.4600 or anonymously at 660.627.BUST (2878) or email police@kirksvillecity.com.  

HANNIBAL, Mo. – Weather permitting, the week of February 28, rehabilitation work is set to resume, entering the final stage, on 25 rural Northeast Missouri bridges. Work began last summer then halted due to winter conditions.

Capital Paving & Construction, LLC was awarded the $2.2M contract last year that spans eight counties includes Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Schuyler, Scotland and Shelby. These bridges were included in the Safe and Sound Bridge program which rebuilt more than 800 bridges approximately 12 years ago.

Locations are as follows:

• Adair County, Route V - Over Timber Creek, 1.5 miles north of Route F
• Adair County, Route A - Over North Fork Salt River, 0.75 miles east of U.S. Route 63, near Greentop
• Adair County, Route D - Over Brush Creek, one-half mile west of Missouri Route 149
• Clark County, Route K - Over Little Fox River, one mile north of Route N
• Clark County, CRD 306 - Near U.S. 61, approximately 2.5 miles west of Alexandria
• Clark County, Route D - Over Wyaconda River, 0.5 miles east of Route M
• Clark County, Route AA - Over Little Fox River,  1.25 miles south of Route NN
• Clark County, Route D - Over Little Wyaconda River, 0.5 miles east of Route M
• Knox County, Route E - Over South Fabius River, 0.5 miles south of Missouri Route 156 near Newark
• Knox County, Route J - Over South Fork South Fabius River, 2.5 miles south of Missouri Route 11
• Knox County, Missouri Route 156 - Over South Fabius River, 0.4 miles west of Route E
• Knox County, Route E - Over Troublesome Creek, 2 miles north of Route T
• Knox County, Route M - Over Middle Fabius River, 13.25 miles south of Route V
• Knox County, Missouri Route 15 - Over North Fork Fabius River, near Edina
• Lewis County, Missouri Route 156 - Over Big Grassy Creek, near Ewing
• Macon County, Route J - Over Long Branch, 0.3 miles east of Route RA
• Macon County, Missouri Route 156 - Over Walnut Creek, 2 miles east of Missouri Route 149
• Macon County, Route OO - Over Middle Fork Chariton River, 2.4 miles north of U.S. 136
• Schuyler County, Route E - Over Brush Creek, 2.3 miles west of Route A
• Schuyler County, Route J - Over Salt River, 2 miles east of U.S. 63
• Schuyler County, Route A - Over Brushy Creek, 3 miles south of Downing
• Scotland County, Route Z - Over Little Fox River, 0.5 miles south of the Iowa State line
• Shelby County, Route H - Over Hilton Branch, 1.6 miles south of Route M in Leonard
• Shelby County, Route BB - Over Garnett Branch, 3 miles north of Route M in Epworth
• Shelby County, Route DD - Over Otter Creek, 1.75 miles west of Route TT near Maud

This final phase of work includes bridge painting, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2024. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change. Traffic will be reduced to one lane where crews are actively working with a 10-foot width restriction in place.  Flaggers will be utilized to direct motorists through the work zone. Crews will be present during daylight hours, Monday through Friday.

A list and interactive map of all 25 bridges can be found on the projects webpage at https://www.modot.org/SASNE. A second set of (14) Safe and Sound bridges is scheduled to begin later this year in the southern portion of the Northeast District.

For more information on this and other projects in your area, please contact MoDOT’s Customer Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636). You can also visit us online at www.modot.mo.gov/northeast.

MACON, Mo.- The Missouri State Highway Patrol has provided an update to an earlier story on KMEM News regarding an officer-involved shooting following a pursuit in Shelby County. 

The patrol reported that they received a request for assistance in locating a suspect just before 8 pm Wednesday night.  The suspect had fled in a vehicle from the Quincy area and was believed to be heading west in Missouri on Highway 36.  Troopers located the vehicle just after 8:15 pm heading west on Highway 36.  After initially attempting to stop the vehicle, troopers pursued the suspect before successfully deploying spike strips. 

The vehicle pulled off on the Highway 151 exit in Clarence and stopped.  The driver, now identified as 51-year old Erik A Prange of Moberly, exited the vehicle with a rifle and began firing at troopers.  The troopers returned fire, striking Prange and resulting in non-life threatening injuries.  During that exchange, a trooper was also struck by gunfire.  The trooper was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

On Thursday, Prange was formally charged by the Shelby County Prosecuting Attorney with four counts of Felony Assault of a Special Victim in the 1^st Degree and four counts of Armed Criminal Action.  The charges stem from the preliminary investigation by the Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control into the incident.  Prange is being held without bond and the investigation is ongoing.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- For individuals interested in becoming a University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener, an in-person course will be held on Thursdays, February 29 through May 16, from 9:30-12:30, at the Kirksville Aquatic Center meeting room. Most classes will have a garden tour or hands-on learning opportunities. You can find registration information at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/master-gardener-course-kirksville.

The mission of the Missouri Master Gardener Extension Program is “helping others learn to grow.” The Master Gardener program provides in-depth horticultural training to individuals throughout Missouri who then volunteer their time applying what they have learned to help others in their communities learn about gardening and environmental education.

After the course, individuals will be encouraged to join a local chapter, and complete 30 volunteer hours of service and 6 continuing education hours within the first year to become a certified Master Gardener. Local chapters have monthly meetings, social activities, garden tours, service projects, and much more. Chapters organize projects monthly so members can get their volunteer service hours.

There is a fee for the course. For more information contact Jennifer Schutter, MU Extension Field Specialist in Horticulture at schutterjl@missouri.edu or 660-665-9866.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The City of Kirksville has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission that will be used to build a new multi-use trail on abandoned railroad land.

This project is phase one of a multi-phase project that will revitalize the obsolete rail corridor by providing a safe walking, biking and overall activity trail for residents.

The planned trail will start at existing sidewalk at the intersection of North Baltimore Street and East Cottonwood Street, continue northwest with a new crosswalk at Library Lane near the Adair County Public Library, and continue northwest to connect to planned sidewalk at North New Street. In total, this will be approximately 1,400 lineal feet of paved trail.

“This trail will connect important community centers such as the library, Rotary Park and Kirksville Aquatic Center to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses,” said City Manager Mari Macomber. “Additional phases of this trail project will create a great trail system across the north side of the City.”

Trains were once a key part of Kirksville’s history, with two railroads that ran through town. The east-west railroad line was run under several names before becoming part of the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway Company. Those areas have since been abandoned for many decades, as the westward portion was decommissioned in the 1950s and the eastward section removed in the 1980s.

The total project is estimated to cost $200,000. The grant will cover 80 percent, which is roughly $160,000. The costs cover the purchase of the land and the subsequent trail construction.

Trail construction was a topic selected by the community as part of last year’s Kirk’s Capital Improvement Tournament. Funds designated from that will be used toward this project, as well as planned expansion in the future since this grant will help stretch those dollars.

EDINA, Mo.- Edina City Police Chief Ryan Bishop says that his department is asking for the public’s help to solve a local burglary.

Chief Bishop told KMEM News that an unknown suspect broke into Family Foods in Edina around 3:40 Monday morning.  The individual stole $60 in cash from the business. 

Chief Bishop asks the public to call the Knox County dispatcher’s office at 660-385-1911 or Edina City Hall at 660-397-3251 with any information about the incident or the individual in the photos.

Photos Courtesy Edina Police Chief Ryan Bishop

HANNIBAL, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a certification course for teachers and coaches to become certified as a Basic Archery Instructor. This certification is necessary to use the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) in their curriculum or to assist an afterschool team.

MoNASP is modeled on the National Archery in the Schools Program which began with a simple idea of teaching kids the basics of archery as part of school curriculum. This is a hybrid course, which requires online work ahead of the training. The in-person portion of this training will be held at the following locations, and interested persons are only required to attend one of the two in-person trainings offered:

• Jan 27 at Shelbina Middle School from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Registration for this training is required and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4nL. Shelbina Middle School is located at 4154 Hwy 36 in Shelbina.
• March 11 at St. John’s Lutheran School from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Registration for this training is required and can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4nE. St. John’s Lutheran Middle School is located at 1317 Lyons Street in Hannibal.

MoNASP aims to include children of nearly every background.  Nearly everyone—regardless of age, size, or physical ability—can succeed at archery. Kids love archery, and archery helps kids excel. Statistics show that school archery programs:

• Improve school attendance
• Increase self-esteem
• Increase physical activity
• Relate to subject matter
• Appeal to all students
• Get kids outdoors
• Can become an after-school activity

Educators who are interested in MoNASP can also work to qualify for rebates to repay the cost of purchasing equipment. For more information about MoNASP, go to http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4nR. For any questions about these trainings, please contact Kathi Moore at kathi.moore@mdc.mo.gov.

TAMPA, Fla. – A local 4-H member joined 24 other 4-H youth from across the country in attending a Zoo Apprentice Camp at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay over winter break.  Merrick Bush, daughter of Broderick and Dana Bush, is the first Clark County 4-H member to ever attend the camp.

Participants became amateur zookeepers for five days, taking care of animals from around the world alongside zookeepers. Members went on behind-the-scenes tours with staff members from Busch Gardens, experiencing the park as a 335-acre African-themed living classroom.

The 4-H members spent one day at SeaWorld Orlando, learning about marine life, rescue efforts, and veterinary care of marine animals.

States represented at the camp include Missouri, California, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin.

In between animal encounters, the participants experienced food, rides, and shows in the amusement park.

Members returned home with a keen understanding of animal behavior, science, and nutrition, as well as the ability to be a better communicator with their own animals and four-footed family members.

4-H Zoo Apprentice Camp is offered annually for youth ages 11-18.

Clark County 4-H Member Merrick Bush recently participated in Zoo Apprentice Camp at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida

(Photos courtesy Clark County 4-H)

KIRKSVILLE, Mo.- The City of Kirksville is declaring a Snow Emergency, beginning at 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 11, 2024. All vehicles parked on designated Snow Emergency Routes, including City streets in the downtown, must be moved. If vehicles are not moved by then, they are subject to be ticketed and/or towed. The Snow Emergency will remain in place until terminated.

Please use caution when traveling during this round of winter weather since there are forecasts of snow and ice, along with high winds. If you can limit your time on the roads, please do so.

For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at 660.627.1291.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mo.- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Missouri Division of Fire Safety and the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fire at the Providence Baptist Church and Parsonage in Williamstown.

The investigators are meticulously working to uncover evidence and to determine the origin and cause of the blaze.  Investigators focusing on leads are calling on members of the public for information to help move the case along more quickly.

This fire occurred on Thursday, January 4^th.  At just after 5 am that morning, the Canton R-V Fire Protection District was dispatched to the church and was supported by several other fire departments.  The church and parsonage were both fully engulfed in flames.  No firefighters or first responders were injured while battling the blaze.

Anyone with information regarding the fire should contact ATF at 888-ATF-TIPS.  You can also submit tips through the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department website at www.lewiscosheriff.org. 

Farmers who want to purchase or apply restricted use pesticides on property owned or rented by them, must have a private pesticide applicator license. Currently there are two options to obtain certification or renew a license.

The first option is a training session via Zoom. Anyone can join these meetings from their home computer. Go to www.extension.missouri.edu/events and search for private pesticide applicator training to find the date and time of the next virtual training event. Also, in person programs are scheduled for 2024 and can be found and registered for online at the same website.

There will be two face-to-face programs held in Scotland County on February 6th at the Scotland County Fire Department at 104 North Washington Street, Memphis, Missouri 63555. The programs will begin at 10:00AM and 2:00PM. There is no charge for the programs, but you must preregister to attend by calling 660-465-7255 or preregistering online. In the event of poor weather conditions that lead to school closings, please contact the MU Extension Office in the county you plan to attend the training in to confirm if the event will still be held.

It is recommended that each farm operation possess a copy of the Missouri Private Pesticide Applicator Reference Manual. They may be purchased at the MU Extension website, at: www.extension.missouri.edu/m87.

For more information and ADA accommodations, please contact Nick Wesslak, Field Specialist in Agronomy by email at r.n.wesslak@missouri.edu or call 573-769-2177. MU Extension programs are open to all.