Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall.
Main Street Kirksville welcomes new executive directorby Matt Gunn - KTVO and Main Street Kirksville
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Main Street Kirksville has a new executive director.
Laci Cook was announced as executive director on May 2.
Cook brings to the position over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience.
She has served on the Kirksville Tourism Advisory Board and was a board member for the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cook has been recognized as "Entrepreneur of the Year", one of Kirksville's "Top 5 under 40" and Kirksville's "Person of the Year".
Kirksville R-3 School District receives funds to help with student lunch debtby KTVO News Desk
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — On Friday morning, members of the Kirksville Prayer Breakfast Committee presented a check to help with lunch debts for students.
Each year, a portion of the proceeds raised from donations received during prayer breakfast week, as well as those from generous area business owners, are given to a worthy cause.
This year, the funds were given to the Kirksville R-3 School District.
KTVO spoke with Lynnette Gannon, head of food service for the district, on how the funds will be used.
Principal puckers up: a piggy smooch raises money for schoolby Stephanie Nau - KTVO
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A puckering pig and tube of lipstick were cause for excitement at the Mary Immaculate Catholic School.
Part of the school’s “Night of Merriment” fundraiser, Principal James Hendler agreed to a unique silent auction item: kissing Karli Jo, a pig owned by Tierney Hocker and Corey Butler.
The lighthearted offer brought in a thousand dollars, contributing to the event’s total $50,000 dollars.
Hendler told us the funds will go primarily towards improving the little school’s infrastructure and supporting their nearly one hundred students.
It was a kiss for a cause that left the whole school smiling and laughing.
Gary Edward Lunsford, 90, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Schuyler County Nursing Home.
Gary was preceded in death by: His parents; wife, Betty Lunsford in 1997; wife, Wanda Lunsford in 2011; sister-in-law, Phyllis Lunsford; a nephew, Dale L. Lunsford
Gary is survived by: One brother, Gene Lunsford of Green City; Two nephews, Darin and Megan Lunsford & sons, Brody and Kasey; Doug and Amanda Lunsford & Son, Marshall, daughter, Madison; A niece Debbie McClure and her children MacKenzie Hubbard and Dalton McClure; Two step-sons, Ron Kellison of Kirksville and Rod Kellison and wife of Lake Jackson, Texas.
Gary’s hobbies were playing base guitar in local bands and The Sunshine Band for 10 years. He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, reading, metal detecting, and going to blue grass festivals.
A service for Gary will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, May 9, 2025 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Green City, Missouri. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, east of Green City with Military Rites. A visitation is scheduled for one hour prior, starting at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the VFW Adair Post 2508.
La Plata business owner, client save woman just before car explodesby John Garlock - KTVO
NEAR COLUMBIA, Mo. — A northeast Missouri business owner and her client helped save a woman from serious injury, if not death.
The close call happened Thursday on Highway 63 north of Columbia.
La Plata, Missouri resident, Amanda Belfield of Take Care Transport, had picked up her passenger from the Columbia airport, and they were on their way back to the Kirksville area when they came upon slow traffic.
Belfield said there was a smoking car on the shoulder, and the female driver was standing next to the vehicle on her phone, leaning over it to see what was wrong.
Belfield said in her rearview mirror, she could see flames under the disabled car.
She immediately pulled to the shoulder of the highway and started backing up to warn the woman about the fire.
Belfield's backseat passenger was able to quickly get the driver into Belfield’s SUV.
As the three of them were driving away, the stranded woman's car exploded into a ball of flames right where she had been standing just seconds before.
Belfield and her client stayed with the woman until emergency crews arrived.
Thanks to the good Samaritans’ quick thinking and actions, no one was injured in the incident.
May Student Athlete of the Month: Elliott Sevitsby Caelan McGee KTVO
May 5th 2025 — Elliott Sevits of the Schuyler County Rams is your Complete Family Medicine Student Athlete for the month of May
Mo — A Kirksville tradition returned on Saturday as the 46th annual Kirksville Kiwanis Farmers' Market hosted its opening day
Vendors from across the area came to Kirksville selling all sorts of crafts
These vendors were spread out along North Elson Street in Downtown Kirksville
The market is the Kiwanis Club's largest fundraiser
and all proceeds go towards helping those in need in the community
including scholarships and other educational opportunities
Club President Ted Frushour says that the event isn't just an opportunity to raise funds
it's an opportunity for the community to come together and connect
The market takes place every Saturday through the end of October and is hosted between 7 a.m
Pictured left to right are Levi Birmingham
— Six northeast Missouri residents were arrested over the past two weeks during a sex offender sweep conducted by the Kirksville Police Department
The half-dozen unrelated cases are part of a larger push to bring justice to victims of sexual abuse and child pornography
multiple interviews and a review of forensic data
four counts of statutory sodomy and two counts of child molestation
on three counts of sodomy and one count of child molestation
on two counts of possession of child pornography
on one count of possession of child pornography
- Kendrick Daniels, 45, of Millard, Missouri, on one count of statutory rape, five counts of rape and one count of child molestation.
This ongoing project involved the cooperative efforts of the Kirksville Police Department, Adair County prosecutor, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles County Police Department, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and Milan Police Department.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Kirksville Police Department recognizes all victims for their bravery in coming forward and reporting these cases.
President Donald Trump makes a major sports announcement. The announcement comes amid reports Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft.
WATCHKirksville FFA to host spring fun shoot event at Sugar Creek Firing Rangeby Julia Thomas - KTVO
— The Kirksville FFA is set to host its Annual Spring Fun Shoot at the Sugar Creek Firing Range on Saturday
Participants are encouraged to bring their own ammunition and shotguns in a case
Traditional trap shooting will be available at $5 per round or $50 for unlimited shooting
The event will conclude with an Annie Oakley competition
Ear and eye protection are mandatory for all participants
who murdered three people during a mass shooting at a Kirksville apartment on December 2021
appeared in Boone County Circuit Court in Columbia
where his case was moved on a change of venue from Adair County
and he will not be eligible for parole for 50 years
Glover pleaded guilty to lesser charges of three counts of second-degree murder and one count of attempted murder
The defendant fatally shot Braxton Cottrill
and 18-month-old Parker Sizemore in late December 2021
Anders was pregnant at the time of the shooting
Her baby was delivered by emergency C-section and survived
Following Thursday's sentencing hearing
"We got justice for all four victims."
shared with KTVO her reaction to Glover's sentence handed down Thursday following a two-day hearing
"We got the best outcome we could ask for
and he finally will pay his consequences," Beaty said
but we all made it thru and finally got justice."
Glover also shot Randall Yarrington in the chest
was convicted on six charges during a January 2023 trial in Adair County
Those charges included three counts of second-degree murder
Rijos is serving a life sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections
— Gunfire rang out Monday night several blocks north of downtown Kirksville
in the 1100 block of North Franklin Street
Kirksville police were too busy to talk to KTVO
but neighbors who live near where the shooting happened said they heard upwards of 15 gunshots in rapid-fire succession
Other witnesses said a male was hit by at least one of the shots
he was running south on Franklin Street before he collapsed
An ambulance came and rushed him to the hospital
Some of his clothes were still in the street after he was taken away
age and condition are unknown at this time
A couple of home security camera videos posted on a local Facebook page allow you to hear the gunfire
It seems that a total of 12 or 13 shots were fired with a slight pause between the first shots and the last shots
Kirksville police detectives arrived at the scene while KTVO was there
Officers appeared to be searching grass along Franklin Street
we do not know a description of the vehicle the suspect was in
KTVO will follow up with Kirksville police and bring you more details as soon as we are able to obtain them
— A popular northeast Missouri farmer's market returns this weekend
The Kirksville Kiwanis Farmers' Market returns for its 46th year on Saturday
It is the club's largest fundraiser and all proceeds go toward the numerous causes they support
The market takes place every Saturday through the end of October
bakers and craftspeople from around the area
These vendors will be spread out along North Elson Street in Downtown Kirksville
— UPDATE: The Kirksville Police Department has located the Kia Optima wanted in connection with Monday night's shooting
Police found the car in rural Macon County Tuesday after receiving a tip from a citizen
The Kirksville Police Department (KPD) is trying to locate a dark-colored Kia Optima wanted in connection with a Monday night shooting in Kirksville that left two teenagers injured
Witnesses told police the suspect's car is either black or very dark maroon
The Missouri license plate number on the vehicle is LH4-M7V
A photo of a similar car accompanies this article
Monday in the 1100 block of North Franklin Street in Kirksville
Emergency crews responded to a report of shots fired and one person down on the ground
lying in the street with serious gunshot wounds
He was rushed to Northeast Regional Medical Center and later transferred to another hospital
a second gunshot victim arrived at Northeast Regional by private vehicle
Both victims suffered what appeared to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries
Even though this incident was reported as a possible drive-by shooting
the people involved in the shooting knew each other
Authorities say it does not appear to be a random act of violence
Home security camera footage posted on a local Facebook page captured the sound of the gunfire
It appears 12 to 13 shots were fired rapidly
with a brief pause between the first shots and the last shots
If anyone sees the Kia Optima police are trying to locate
you are asked to call 911 or the Kirksville Police Department at 660-785-6945
KPD advises that you do not approach the car
located along Shepherd Avenue is now open to the public
following a soft opening earlier this month
includes land donated by the Rockhold family
who previously owned the 228-acre property
while the remainder was sold to the Missouri Department of Conservation
The area currently offers parking off the first trail with access to the lake
District Supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation told us that it is mostly open for daytime fishing right now
but walking trails and other additions will be happening later
Jones noted that part of the land is leased to the city
Jones urged residents to adhere to the conservation regulations in place
Plans are underway in partnership with the city to enhance amenities
with more information to be announced in the future
— Kirksville's Rieger Armory now has new owners and a new mission
which acquired the building through legislation
has sold the building to Pearce Properties LLC for $1
along with a handful of other business partners
plan to convert the armory into a multi-sport recreational facility
The facility will include features like a large
The Armory Field House will accommodate paid memberships
The facility has a partnership with the Kirksville School District to allow free access to the field house for its sports teams
Crews have already started work inside the building
Pearce hopes to have Phase One of construction completed by May 1
— Kirksville High School Freshman Madelyn Sampson achieved a significant victory at the Missouri State FFA Convention
securing first place in the creed speaking event
competed against top students from each district
She explained that one of the reasons she enjoys presenting the FFA creed is the challenge of putting her own spin on it while maintaining its word-for-word accuracy and answering questions about it afterward
Sampson joined the top six competitors on stage and was announced as the winner
In addition to her success in creed speaking
Sampson also placed 20th out of 231 students in the state in livestock judging
To follow more from Kirksville FFA follow them on Facebook here.
WATCHTeens take center stage in Kirksville High School's production of High School Musicalby KTVO Staff
Mo — Tickets are now available for the upcoming production of Disney's High School Musical
The show will run from April 3 to April 6 at the William Matthew Middle School auditorium
Gabriella and Troy have just discovered that there may be more to both of them than the brainiac and jock the world sees
But how will the school - and Sharpay - handle it when they upset the status quo and audition for the school musical
Come and see how the Wildcats of East High learn that they’re all in this together and bring their cliques together and transform their school
Over 50 local teens will participate in the production
showcasing the talents of Kirksville’s youth
Tickets are $12 for general admission and $7 for students. All seats are reserved. Tickets can be purchased online HERE
The box office will open one hour before showtime
Organizers encourage attendees to plan ahead to ensure seating together with family and friends
by KTVO News Desk and Kirksville Police Department
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Kirksville police provided more information Friday on an officer-involved shooting that occurred on January 8, 2025.
In a press release, Kirksville Chief of Police Scott Williamson stated the department provided the briefing in the interest of transparency and accountability.
On January 8, Adair County Central Dispatch received a call stating that Carl Lewis, 51, of Kirksville, was suicidal and wanted to hurt himself with a knife or gun. Officers were dispatched to the Lewis residence.
The release states that Corporal Ryan Ford arrived on the scene first and heard yelling inside the residence. He opened the front door, and the female resident told Ford that Lewis had a knife.
Ford was confronted by Lewis about 8 to 10 feet away with a large chef's knife. Ford gave Lewis multiple orders to drop the knife.
Officer Michael Davis arrived on the scene and was instructed by Ford to use less-lethal (Taser) on Lewis.
As officer Davis attempted to position himself for a Taser deployment, the release states that Lewis charged the officers with the knife raised in a stabbing position.
That led to Ford firing two shots from his duty-issued pistol, about six feet away, striking Lewis both times.
The time from the initial contact to shots fried was approximately 26 seconds.
The officers immediately notified dispatch for medical assistance and began rendering aid to Lewis. Lewis was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.
The Kirksville Police Department notified the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control (MSHP DDCC), which took over the investigation.
The MSHP DDCC was given full access to all recordings, videos and documents related to investigation. Its full investigation was then presented to Adair County Prosecuting Attorney David Goring.
After consideration and review, Goring determined the use of deadly force by Ford was justified.
The footage of the body cam video released by the Kirksville Police Department is provided below. Viewer discretion is advised.
new Starbucks still coming to Kirksvilleby John Garlock - KTVO
a new Starbucks is still coming to Kirksville
Construction of the new coffeehouse on North Baltimore Street got underway last fall and continues
We have heard a rumor several times in recent days that the new Starbucks is no longer coming to Kirksville
Project Manager Jordan Keyes said Wednesday that the rumor is simply not true
Keyes is with Illinois-based Williamson Construction Services
Keyes says work at the construction site is just temporarily halted due to recent rainfall
He is hoping crews can soon start exterior brick work and installation of other siding on the nearly 2,400-square-foot building
Keyes said he is overseeing construction of several new Starbucks coffeehouses
so he didn't know the tentative completion date for the Kirksville store off the top of his head
One of those other Starbucks is being built is in Moberly
Keyes did say the Kirksville location will be finished and opened ahead of the Moberly store
— The entire front of a northeast Missouri home was lit ablaze Friday evening
First responders were dispatched to a house fire on South Sixth Street in Kirksville around 7:30 p.m
the front of the house was engulfed in flames
Kirksville officers on scene told KTVO everyone made it out safely
One officer said there may have been two cats inside who did not want to come out; whether or not they eventually made it outside is unknown
the flames outside the structure were mostly gone
but tons of smoke billowed out of the front door
Osteopathy Street was blocked off to the north and south so fire trucks could move freely
KTVO will provide updates as we learn more
Kirksville Police Department and Adair County Ambulance District responded to the housefire
La Plata Fire and Rescue staged at the Kirksville Fire Station in case personnel were needed to respond to any other calls for service in the city
— A horse had to be put down as the result of a Sunday night crash on Highway 63 in Kirksville
The two-vehicle wreck happened just after 9 p.m
Kirksville police told KTVO that a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer was northbound on 63
failed to yield as he tried to cross Highway 63
Herrera's pickup then broadsided the horse trailer
One had to be euthanized due to a broken leg
The other three had several cuts and severe road rash
but he declined an ambulance ride to the hospital
The crash closed Highway 63 for about an hour-and-a-half
A Kirksville Girls Soccer senior will be taking her talents to the next level to play with a Division III powerhouse up in Indianola
Mo — A Kirksville Girls Soccer senior will be taking her talents to the next level to play with a Division III powerhouse up in Indianola
Kirksville Defensive Midfielder Zoe Cole signed her letter of intent to join the Women's Soccer team at Simpson College
The Kirksville star has been a big part of the defensive third for the Tigers team
which has four clean sheets and four games with only one goal allowed out of their 14 games played
She'll be joining a storm squad that has put up shocking results in D3
making the NCAA tournament the past two seasons and going 15-3-3 this season
The senior told us that she chose to take her skills to Indianola because of the ambitious nature of the squad
bringing the best out of every player who steps on the pitch
The Tigers' star is playing a key role in Kirksville's resurgence this year
The Tigers currently sit at 9-5 and are in a prime position to earn their first winning season since 2017
First responders were called to a structure fire near Kirksville Wednesday
— UPDATE: KTVO has now learned who owned the Adair County home that burned to the ground on Wednesday
The blaze was discovered late Wednesday morning at the Danny and Karen White residence at 28886 Patterson Way
The Whites were not there when the fire broke out
but one of them came home to find their house engulfed in flames
Adair County Fire Chief Jeremy Davis was on the scene again Thursday morning trying to figure out where in the home the fire started
He said the damage is too extensive to determine what might have caused the blaze
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ORIGINAL STORY: First responders were called to a structure fire near Kirksville Wednesday
as well as the Adair County Sheriff's Department responded to a call about a house fire on Patterson Way
Residents were not home when the blaze broke out
By the time emergency personnel arrived the house was already engulfed in flames
The homeowners told KTVO they are unsure what started the blaze
and firefighters say they are not able to determine a cause at this time
convicted of six sex crimes involving two girls
was sentenced in Adair County Circuit Court by Judge Matthew Wilson
Wilson gave Homer life in prison on the first-degree statutory sodomy conviction
The judge sentenced the defendant to 15 years on each of three counts of second-degree child molestation
Homer received 10 years for third-degree child molestation and four years for fourth-degree child molestation
Wilson ordered all six sentences to be served consecutively
An Adair County jury found Homer guilty on all six counts on January 28
Court documents say the crimes happened in Kirksville between 2018 and 2021
One female victim was under the age of 12 at the time
and the other girl was 13 and 14 years old when the crimes occurred
— Spring is here and that means over the next several weeks you will hear the sound of lawnmowers
One northeast Missouri community has some rules they would like property owners to remember
weeds and/or other obnoxious growths may not grow to a height of over eight inches above the ground
Grass must stay in the yards and not on the streets or in storm drains
Grass in storm drains may lead to flooding and grass on streets may lead to slippery surfaces for cyclists
If a property is not being maintained well, you may report it using the city's service request tool
— A Kirksville man is facing multiple assault charges following a home break-in
Kirksville police officers arrested Cyle Curtis Kelly
He is charged with felony first-degree assault and burglary
first-degree attempted rape and two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree assault
the Kirksville Police Department said the incident happened just after 1:15 a.m
Wednesday at a home in the 700 block of South 6th Street
they reportedly heard screams coming from inside the home and went inside
The woman was unconscious when officers found her
They pulled the woman from the bedroom and administered first aid
She was transported to Northeast Regional Medical Center for further treatment
Police said Kelly was not a resident of the home and had entered unlawfully before assaulting the woman
Kelly is being held in the Adair County jail
— We are now in the prime severe weather season
One group in Kirksville learned about severe weather safety from a special guest
KTVO Chief Meteorologist Matt Gunn stopped by Restoring Hope in Kirksville on Thursday
He talked about the differences between a watch and a warning and helped the group go over their severe weather plan
Matt also performed the tornado-in-a-bottle demonstration
KTVO's Jordan Bahr tagged along and both Matt and him took some news and weather questions from the group
by Jordan Bahr - KTVO
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A Kirksville man has now been formally charged in connection with a drive-by shooting Tuesday night
is accused of first-degree attempted assault
Authorities believe Sizemore fired several shots at a house in the 700 block of West Burton Street in Kirksville around 11:45 p.m
Domestic issues reportedly led up to the shooting
The resident of the house told KTVO he was standing at his glass front door looking outside when it happened
but at least three bullets lodged in the front of his house
police located Sizemore and took him into custody
Police indicated that Tuesday night's shooting was an isolated incident
— A second arrest has been made for an armed robbery back in January
Around 10 p.m. on January 8, the Kirksville Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the New Star Mart in Kirksville. Officers were informed a white male suspect had entered and threatened the clerk to open the register before leaving.
It was determined during the following investigation that the clerk working during the incident actually participated in the robbery and has been accused of planning the crime.
The clerk, James Ray Findling Jr., 37, of Kirksville, was arrested on January 31 and has been charged with first-degree robbery.
At the time of his arrest, Findling was in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a sawed-off shotgun.
Charges are still pending for these items.
Kirksville's annual Diversity Festival fosters networking and celebrates cultureby Caelan McGee - KTVO
Mo — The Kirksville Diversity Festival made its return for the fourth year in a row
giving several groups a chance to celebrate their culture in northeast Missouri
Truman State University and the City of Kirksville worked together to put on the event
This free festival was an opportunity for the community to come and learn about the diversity that can be found in Kirksville as well as the history of the community
Assistant Director for the Department for Diversity & Inclusion at A.T
Stephanie McGrew says the event is a chance to celebrate the community and an opportunity for community members to find like-minded individuals
Kirkville Mayor Zac Burden said that the city is happy to put on the event because it shows the spirit of Kirksville
Bringing others together to celebrate their differences
which took place at Ray Miller Elementary School this year
has grown every year since it began four years ago and organizers hope it will continue to show in the future
— A northeast Missouri pedestrian is dead after being struck by an SUV on one of the Heartland's busiest highways
Adair County Coroner Brian Noe told KTVO the victim was Rodney Machler
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the man was struck in the roadway by a northbound SUV driven by an unnamed 51-year-old man from Kirksville
Machler was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner
A family member told KTVO that Machler had his dog with him
it's unclear why Machler was in the roadway
State troopers are continuing to investigate the incident
— A new locally owned coffee shop in Kirksville is providing an economic boost and creating almost two dozen new jobs
The Gathering Grounds coffeehouse on North Baltimore Street is the brainchild of Audra Jackson
The new 3,800-square-foot business has been open for three months now
She told KTVO that she had dreamed of opening a shop like this for two or three years before deciding to make it a reality
Just by taking a stroll around the business
you can see that a lot of time and thought went into design and decor
Jackson said she has been impressed by all the support she has received
Jackson said she got ideas for her own place by visiting dozens of coffee shops and using Pinterest
Construction on her coffeehouse started in February 2024 and wrapped up at the end of September 2024
Her goal was to make it a cozy place for people to gather with family and friends and talk about life
— A Kirksville killer admitted in court Wednesday that he murdered three people during a mass shooting at a Kirksville apartment on December 30
that her family originally wanted Glover to get life without parole
Beaty said she and her family were wanting the death penalty for Glover
but they also agreed to the plea agreement
Glover will spend at least 30 years in prison
A judge will decide his fate and announce the sentence during a February 21
Glover must serve at least 85% of whatever sentence the judge hands down
The defendant will remain in the Adair County jail until sentencing
Glover's co-defendant, Ray Rijos, of Kirksville, was convicted on six charges during a January 2023 trial in Adair County.
(Editor's Note: Story updated with reaction from two of the victims' family members.)
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A deadly officer-involved shooting in Kirksville remains under investigation
at a home in the 1900 block of Canvasback Drive in Kirksville
KTVO has confirmed that the man who was fatally shot by a Kirksville police officer was Carl Lewis
According to his obituary
a celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m
at the Salvation Army Corps Community Center at 1004 West Gardner Street in Kirksville
Kirksville police said on the day of the shooting that officers went to Lewis' home for a report of a person armed with a knife and making threats
The Kirksville Police Department said the officers tried to de-escalate the situation
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control is still investigating the fatal shooting
Police have not released the name of the officer who pulled the trigger
but Deputy Chief Justin Jones told KTVO that officer is on "modified assignment."
Jones would not elaborate on what exactly that means
but he said the officer is not currently patrolling the streets
— KTVO has now learned why the Kirksville Police Department's SWAT Team was called in to make a felony traffic stop on Tuesday afternoon
They were after a registered northeast Missouri sex offender who is accused of offending again
Police said the alleged crime happened on March 9
Investigators said Stewart forced a woman to have sex with him
The state alleges the defendant is a threat to public safety because he is a registered sex offender
and he is currently on felony probation supervision
Kirksville police told KTVO that they received a report that Stewart was believed to be carrying weapons and drugs
That's why the SWAT team was called in to help
It turns out that Stewart did not have any drugs or guns in his possession at the time of his arrest
but he was still wanted on the rape charge
The traffic stop and arrest happened at the intersection of Baltimore and New streets
Police said Stewart immediately pulled over when he saw he was being followed by five police vehicles
Stewart is being held without bond in the Adair County jail
he was the son of Ezra Donald and Eunice (McMickle) Cook
He was united in marriage to Marsha Kay Pulis on January 4
Dan (Angel) Cook and Jon William (Franchesca) Cook
Tina Lynn Cook of Kirksville and Dianna Michelle (Aaron) Carvey of Montana; one sister
Patty Shockey of Kirksville; eight grandchildren: Hannah Chase
Gracelyn Johnston and Lily Cook; and one great grandchild
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother
Don Michael Cook; and one sister Merry Lynn Lyle
Jon lived most of his life near Kirksville and was a graduate from Kirksville High School with the Class of 1957
He was employed by the Kirksville Daily Express for thirty years
as well as the Adair County Clerk for two consecutive terms from 1998-2005
Jon attended the Yarrow United Methodist Church
Jon served in the Missouri Army National Guard
He was a member of the Adair County Historical Society
Missouri Conservation Heritage Member and a Life Member of the NRA
A celebration of life will be held 4:00 to 6:00 p.m
2025 at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jon may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home
The coaching carousel continues to turn in Kirksville as long-time boys basketball head coach Tyler Martin has resigned
— The coaching carousel continues to turn in Kirksville as long-time Boys Basketball Head Coach Tyler Martin has resigned
he told us it was a family decision to step down
He says that right now his wife and kids need him
and the time and commitment of being a head coach were just too much
who played basketball and baseball for the Tigers
the Kirksville boys basketball team was in a period of instability with around 10 head coaches leading the program in 20 years
He would spend the next 14 years building the foundation for one of the most consistent teams in northeast Missouri
winning 217 games and three district titles in that time
When asked about what helped turn the program around
he was quick to thank his assistant coaches
He said that just like the city on their jersey
his players played with heart and worked hard
helping them punch above their weight class every year
tune into Tri-State Trusted Sports at 6 p.m
where KTVO's Missouri Sports Reporter Caelan McGee spoke one-on-one with the Tiger Alum about his time in Kirksville and what he hopes his legacy was while leading the program
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A Boone County man is wanted in the shooting of a Kirksville teen Monday night.
Biagio D. Davenport, 32, of Hallsville, Mo., is accused of first-degree assault, a Class A felony, and armed criminal action in the shooting incident.
The shooting happened just after 9 p.m. Monday in the 1100 block of North Franklin Street in Kirksville.
According to court documents, when officers arrived, they found Alex Baumgardner, 18, of Kirksville, lying in the street suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Baumgardner told officers he was shot by someone in a black sedan.
The teen was rushed to Northeast Regional Medical Center, then transferred to another hospital.
A witness at the scene told police he saw a black sedan pull up to a man on the street.
He said he heard arguing followed by multiple gunshots and saw muzzle flashes from the car and the man on the street.
Officers found spent rifle shell casings near the scene.
A second victim, a 15-year-old boy, from Columbia, Mo., was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center with apparent gunshot wounds.
He was then taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
The boy said he was in a dark Kia with his friend, identified as Davenport.
According to the boy, two people came up to the car and started shooting. He said Davenport had a gun and shot back.
A records check with the Columbia Police Department showed Davenport with a dark Kia Optima with license plate number LH4-M7V.
On Tuesday, that vehicle was found in rural Macon County. The registered owner reported it stolen.
A warrant is out for Davenport's arrest in connection with the shooting.
Kirksville authorities stress that this was an isolated incident, and there is no known, ongoing threat to the public.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A pickup truck versus tractor-trailer crash in Kirksville reduced traffic on Highway 63 to one lane and sent two people to the hospital.
It happened right around 6:15 a.m. Friday at the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 11.
Sgt. Jordan Eddy with the Kirksville Police Department told KTVO the semi was southbound on 63 when an eastbound pickup failed to yield and pulled into its path while trying to cross Highway 63 in front of the big rig.
The tractor-trailer T-boned the pickup on the driver's side.
Police said the semi was driven by Jerry Deornellis, 50, of Madison, Missouri. He was not hurt.
The driver of the pickup, Jason Thidodeaux, 29, from the state of Louisiana, was taken by ambulance to Northeast Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released.
Eddy said the passenger in the pickup, Ethan Beeson, 29, also from Louisiana, suffered serious injuries.
He was flown to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment. A spokeswoman told us Friday afternoon that Beeson was listed in fair condition.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Three Kirksville residents have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of child abuse after a toddler was found unresponsive at their residence.
Derrick Barnby, 25, Aireal Cole, 23, and James Lamb, 29, each face at least two counts of abuse or neglect of a child under their care.
Barnby and Cole face two counts, while Lamb faces a total of five child abuse charges, all Class B felonies.
The accusations stem from a Dec. 11, 2024, incident where Kirksville officers were called to a residence and assisted with a Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline call.
Probable cause statements state that the call was made for a four-and-a-half-year-old girl who was reportedly unresponsive at the home.The girl had several bruises and other physical injuries.
She was taken by ambulance to the hospital, then by helicopter to St. Louis Cildren's Hospital for further treatment.
Lamb had told officers the girl had fallen down the stairs, causing the bruises.
Court records reveal that a medical professional caring for the toddler noted she had brain injuries, including altered mental status and bleeding in the brain, as well as multiple cavities. She was also severely malnourished.
The Missouri Children's Division also removed a one-and-a-half-year-old girl from the home, after noting she had severe diaper rash consistent with neglect.
Investigators say there were no other caretakers for the children, so no one else could have been responsible for their injuries and neglect.
Barnby, Cole and Lamb are being held at the Adair County jail.No court dates have been set at this time.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — A Kirksville school bus was involved in a crash after school on Wednesday.
The wreck happened just before 3:45 p.m. at the corner of Baltimore Street and Northtown Road in Kirksville.
Police told KTVO that the school bus was traveling southbound on Baltimore when a westbound passenger car failed to yield at the intersection.
The car then hit the bus, which was carrying five preschool children.
The bus driver, Earl Kull, 71, of Hurdland, Missouri, suffered minor injuries, and declined an ambulance ride to the hospital.
The driver of the car, Beatrice Fugate, 87, from Downing, Missouri, also suffered minor injuries and declined transport.
Police said they were all wearing harnesses on the bus.
Construction is about to get underway on the planned new terminal at the Kirksville Regional Airport. (FILE)
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Construction is about to get underway on the planned new terminal at the Kirksville Regional Airport.
The new facility will be around 6,500 square feet, almost twice as big as the current terminal.
The project officially became fully funded last September.
The current airport terminal was built in the 1970's.
Kirksville Airport Director Jeff LaFountain said there have been no major improvements to it since, and it's in need of an upgrade.
LaFountain says the contractor has just a few meetings left, and it's starting to move the equipment up from Columbia to begin the project.
He added that it will be a 365 working day project, meaning workers will be working on it Monday through Friday with the goal of completing it by the middle of next year.
The city will be hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the new airport terminal at 4:30 p.m. on March 17.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Kirksville Police announced that an officer-involved shooting that happened Wednesday is under investigation.
KPD says just after 4:00 p.m. officers responded to a call of a person armed with a knife making threats inside a home on the 1900 block of Canvasback Drive.
When officers knocked on the door, they were met by an adult male with a large knife and a screaming adult female.
Officers tried to deescalate, but the male charged them with the knife.
One of the officers then fired a shot, which struck the male.
KPD says the officers immediately rendered first-aid, and he was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
The female and two officers involved were not hurt in the incident.
Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control will take over the investigation.
The investigation is still active at this time.
KPD says additional details will be released in the coming days. KTVO will have those updates as they're provided.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Police say a northeast Missouri pedestrian was seriously injured when she was struck by a car in a hospital parking lot.
The tragedy happened around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday in the parking lot in front of the emergency room at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.
Police told KTVO that the car involved was driven by Joani Bryant, 42, of Kirksville.
Investigators said Bryant told officers that Rebecca Jane Penner, 65, of Greentop, Missouri, walked in front of her car as she was trying to find a parking space.
Bryant's vehicle struck Penner, knocking her to the ground. She suffered a serious blow to the head as well as other injuries.
She was initially treated at Northeast Regional before being flown to University Hospital in Columbia.
A hospital spokeswoman told KTVO Wednesday that Penner was listed in critical condition as of mid-afternoon.
Police have not been able to speak with Penner to get her version of what happened.
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WATCH LIVEKirksville celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting at Detweiler Parkby KTVO News Desk