KIRKSVILLE — The Missouri Department of Natural Resources closed the beaches at Thousand Hills State Park Friday after tests revealed a high content of the E.Coli bacteria. In a notice to the City of Kirksville, Jim Yancy of the DNR, attributed the high E. Coli numbers to the excessive amoiunts of rainfall last week. Steve Cobb operates the beaches and marina, and was first notified the beaches had to be closed after DNR officials tested the water Monday. The area had been inacessible due to a large amount of debris. As for the rest of the lake, the City will keep it open for all recreatioin activities, including fishing, boating, water skiing and swimming as only the beaches will be closed. City Manager Mari Macomber said that could change, if necessary. “We are going to continue to monitor the lake,” Macomber said. “But I would hate to jump the gun based on the results from tests from two points on a small beach.” According to a press release issued by the City, Yancey noted the beach closings at Thousands Hills are very surprising, as it has a history of very high quality water. Macomber added there is no danger to the water supply, as the City has been drawing water from Hazel Creek before last week’s heavy rains. ...
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