Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:33:41 GMT — We showed you on KHQA's News at Five about how the Wyaconda C-1 School District in Northeast Missouri will be dissolved after this school year. A majority of it will become part of the Clark County R-1 School District in Kahoka Missouri as of July 1st. Meanwhile, its three students who live in Scotland County will go to the Gorin R-3 School District.

The Wyaconda School District was put on unaccredited status in May 2006 for what the state called, "consistently low academic performance." But parents in the district didn't voice their opinion until the Missouri Department of Education hosted a meeting back in January. At that time, they complained about their children having to attend school in either Scotland or Clark Counties.

"What the people were trying to say was we want to stay at this school, but at that point, that was not even an option, it was already, that the school was going to close. That was already decided and it was going to happen. But that was what the people were really wanting that night, but they should have spoken up years ago," said Karla Matlock, school superintendent.

Matlock feels the district wasn't given enough time to prove itself. She feels there might have been some improvement if it had had one more year to prove itself. But others told me the closing was bound to happen.

"At the end of the day, it will be very sad, especially some of the faculty that have been here for 30 years, that'll be tough, "said Matlock.

You might wonder what is going to happen to the school building. Once July 1st comes along, it's going to be divided up between Clark County and Scotland County. 89% of it belongs to Clark County and the 11% belongs to Scotland County. Now it's up to those two school districts to decide what's going to happen to the building.

May 19th will be the district's last day of school. Superintendent Karla Matlock told KHQA the students in the Wyaconda C-1 School District will be introduced to their new school in the next few weeks.

HANNIBAL, Mo. (KHQA) — The Hannibal community loves Aneyas Williams, and he showed that same affection back during a charity event on Friday night.

The former high school football star and current Notre Dame Running Back was at Finn's Food and Sprits in downtown Hannibal signing autographs and taking pictures for just a small donation.

Proceeds from the event went towards the "Random Acts of Kindness" group in Hannibal.

Pirates and Fighting Irish fans alike showed out in bunches to meet Williams.

"Everybody knows that Aneyas Williams is a fantastic football player. We all know that. We've seen the touchdowns, we've seen the catches, we've seen the amazing runs, but what I want everybody to know is that he is an amazing person," Random Acts of Kindness Co-Founder Blane Mundle said.

Williams says he wants to use his platform as an athlete to give back to the community.

"The whole job or mission I'm on is to essentially give back and just be someone for these people, specifically Hannibal, just to look up to and to set the precedent of what you can do, being from such a small town," Williams said.

Williams also says the Hannibal community has supported him for many years.

"This town has had my back through this whole journey. Middle school, high school, and now obviously even continuing through college and all that," Williams said. "It just made the transfer to college so much easier knowing I had a whole town behind me."

Mundle said when Williams was asked to do the event, he agreed right away.

Williams will be starting his sophomore season at Notre Dame this fall.

Quincy, Illinois (KHQA) — Friday, May 30th was the 36th annual National Cancer Survivors Day. Blessing Health in Quincy hosted a free event to celebrate the occasion.

Cancer survivors were able to come out and participate in a number of themed events, each one modeled after a different kind of cancer. Activities included tie-dying shirt, potting their own flowers, and adding their finger prints to the 2025 National Cancer Survivors Day painting.

Blessing says it's important to recognize the struggle that all cancer survivors go through.

"Just acknowledging their survivorship, and anyone that has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment right now, is a survivor, so just really wanting to recognize them, for all of their treatments that they've gone through, and just the survivorship challenges that they currently have." Stated Joe Prosser, Director of Oncology Services at Blessing Health.

There are over 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S., and every year National Cancer Survivors Day gives them an opportunity to connect with one another.

QUINCY, Illinois — The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced its upcoming road work on the Memorial Bridge at West Quincy will now take place overnight.

The update comes amidst an increase in traffic on the Memorial and Bayview bridges at West Quincy and Quincy due to the closure of the Mark Twain Bridge at Hannibal. Now, area drivers needing to cross the Mississippi River are having to detour to West Quincy or Louisiana, Missouri due to the Hannibal bridge closure, which is expected to last about a month.

MoDOt plans to reduce the Memorial Bridge down to one lane of traffic from 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. Monday through Friday during the first two weeks of June. That means the work will take place overnight June 2-6 and again from June 9-13.

MoDOT's Northeast District made the announcement in a Facebook post Thursday, saying:

Work with Us! For the safety of all travelers and workers, please be attentive in work zones. Buckle up, slow down and put your phone down to eliminate distractions.

Meet Peaches, our Pet of the Week!

Peaches just celebrated his 5th birthday, and his birthday wish was to find his forever family.

He is a gorgeous orange tabby with a heart as sweet as his name! Peaches is a very laid-back and affectionate kitty who loves snuggles and attention. He gets along well with other animals, and people of all ages!

Peaches is diabetic, but guess what? He takes his insulin like a pro, and don’t worry if you’ve never cared for a diabetic cat before – the Quincy Humane Society is here to help teach you how easy it can be to keep him healthy!! We will be here every step of the way. He is truly a superstar!

With his calm and loving nature, Peaches makes managing his condition a breeze. He’s neutered, up to date on his shots, and microchipped for his safety.

If you're looking for a sweet, easygoing companion who will shower you with love, Peaches is your guy!

Call the Quincy Humane Society at 217-223-8786 if you are interested! He just needs someone to give him a chance.