No school Monday

Repeating an earlier post: No school in Crittenden County on Monday, Feb. 1

Snow Video Clip

Video of Marion resident Lindsey Cochran submitted by her father Keith Cochran.

Snow photos from Crittenden County

Here are some snow pictures submitted by blog readers....

No school Monday

Crittenden County school officials assessed rural roads after dark Sunday and determined that it was in the best interest of safety to cancel classes for Monday, Feb. 1.

No School Monday, but stay tuned for details about classes further into the week.

Snow photographs

If you have snow photos, share them with us by sending to thepress@the-press.com

Frazer announces candidacy

Local attorney Bart Frazer (R) has filed to run for county attorney against incumbent Rebecca Johnson (D).

See Frazer's announcement video. Click here. http://bartfrazer.com/.

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Truck description from robbery

Kentucky State Police have determined that the vehicle used in the BB&T bank robbery on January 27 in Lake City, was a a white, mid to late-90s Chvrolet long wheel base 2-wheel drive truck.

State Police have learned through their investigation that the truck left the bank and traveled across the US 62 Cumberland River Brige into Lyon County.

Witnesses have told state police that a truck matching this description turned onto Hopewell Church Road and Rusty Ridge Road in Lyon County minutes after the robbery occured. The truck has not been seen since that time.

If anyone has information about this truck or the suspect, please contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.

No school Friday

Officials have cancelled school Friday in Crittende County.

Dial for Road Conditions

Due to the anticipated winter weather system moving toward the area, the Kentucky State Police is reminding travelers of some important numbers and information.

For road conditions in your area, you may contact the following numbers:

Kentucky-dial 511 or visit the web page www.511.ky.gov or 1-866-737-3767

For out of state road conditions:

Illinois - 1-800-452-4368
Indiana - 1-800-261-7623
Missouri - 1-800-222-6400
Tennessee - 1-877-244-0065

Local election filings: Final

The following is a final list of local election filings for partisan races in the May primary. Filing deadline was 4 p.m., Tuesday. See this week's printed edition of The Press for more details.

Candidate Filings
Mike McConnell (R) judge-executive
Greg West (R) judge-executive
Perry Newcom (R) judge-executive
Larry D. Hearell (D) judge-executive
Rebecca Johnson (D) county attorney

Bart Frazer (R) county attorney
Brad Gilbert (R) coroner
Joe Myers (R) coroner
Rick Mills (D) jailer
Monte Hill (D) jailer
Rickey Riley (R) jailer
Wayne Agent (R) sheriff
Ronnie Heady (D) PVA
Carolyn Byford (R) county clerk
Bubby Duvall (R) District 1
Jeremy Dempsey (R) District 1
Jeff Ellis (R) District 1
Danny Fowler (D) District 1
Curt Buntin (D) District 2
Sam Hodge (D) District 2
Glenn Underdown (R) District 3
Larry Smith (R) District 3
Percy Cook (D) District 4
Travis Sosh (D) District 5
Donnetta Travis (D) District 5
Jim DeFreitas, (R) District 5
Jamie Hunt (R) District 5
Wayne Winters (R) District 5
Dan Wood (D) District 6
Richard Daugherty (D) District 6
Lloyd L. Patton (R) District 2 Constable
Roy Todd (D) District 3 Constable
Wayne West (R) District 5 Constable
Billy Arflack (D) District 6 Constable

Frazer announces candidacy

Local attorney Bart Frazer (R) has filed to run for county attorney against incumbent Rebecca Johnson (D).

See Frazer's announcement video. Click here. http://bartfrazer.com/.

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Bank robbery in Livingston County

Kentucky State Police are currently investigating an armed bank robbery which occurred just before 10 a.m., at Lake City.

A lone male entered the BB&T Bank in Lake City dressed in dark pants wearing a stocking over his face. The man, who is believed to be caucasian, carried with him a black bag and a handgun. The man set the bag on the floor of the bank and indicated that the bag contained explosives. The suspect then brandished a handgun and demanded money from two bank tellers.

Once receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the man exited the bank and left in a white long bed pickup truck. The truck is believed to be either a Chevrolet or GMC model. The vehicle was last seen traveling east on U.S. 62 toward Lyon County. No injuries were reported at the bank.

Kentucky State Police is currently on scene awaiting the arrival of the Paducah Bomb Squad to examine the bag which was left inside of the bank. No other details are available at this time. If anyone comes into contact with someone matching this description, please do not approach as he is considered armed and dangerous. If you make contact with this person, please dial 911 or Kentucky State Police directly at 1-800-222-5555.

Election Filing Deadline 4 p.m. today

If you're thinking about seeking public office in 2010, and you must run in a partisan election, today is the filing deadline. To seek any countywide office, magisterial or constable position, you must file by 4 p.m., today at the Crittenden County Clerk's office.

Here are the local individuals who had filed as of Monday afternoon:

Candidate Filings
Mike McConnell (R) judge-executive
Greg West (R) judge-executive
Perry Newcom (R) judge-executive
Larry D. Hearell (D) judge-executive

Rebecca Johnson (D) county attorney

Brad Gilbert (R) coroner

Joe Myers (R) coroner

Rick Mills (D) jailer

Monty Hill (D) jailer
Ricky Riley (R) jailer

Wayne Agent (R) sheriff

Ronnie Heady (D) PVA

Carolyn Byford (R) county clerk

Bubby Duvall (R) District 1
Jeremy Dempsey (R) District 1
Jeff Ellis (R) District 1
Danny Fowler (D) District 1

Curt Buntin (D) District 2
Sam Hodge (D) District 2

Glenn Underdown (R) District 3

Percy Cook (D) District 4

Travis Sosh (D) District 5
Donnetta Travis (D) District 5
Jim DeFreitas, (R) District 5
Jamie Hunt (R) District 5
Wayne Winters (R) District 5

Dan Wood (D) District 6
Richard Daugherty (D) District 6

Lloyd L. Patton (R) District 2 Constable
Roy Todd (D) District 3 Constable

Wayne West (R) District 5 Constable
Billy Arflack (D) District 6 Constable

Candidate Filings Update - Monday

Candidate Filings
Mike McConnell (R) judge-executive
Greg West (R) judge-executive
Perry Newcom (R) judge-executive
Larry D. Hearell (D) judge-executive
Rebecca Johnson (D) county attorney
Brad Gilbert (R) coroner
Joe Myers (R) coroner
Rick Mills (D) jailer
Ricky Riley (R) jailer
Wayne Agent (R) sheriff
Ronnie Heady (D) PVA
Carolyn Byford (R) county clerk
Bubby Duvall (R) District 1
Jeremy Dempsey (R) District 1
Jeff Ellis (R) District 1
Danny Fowler (D) District 1
Cut Buntin (D) District 2
Sam Hodge (D) District 2
Glenn Underdown (R) District 3
Percy Cook (D) District 4
Travis Sosh (D) District 5
Donnetta Travis (D) District 5
Jim DeFreitas, (R) District 5
Jamie Hunt (R) District 5
Wayne Winters (R) District 5
Dan Wood (D) District 6
Wayne West (R) District 5 Constable
Billy Arflack (D) District 6 Constable
Lloyd L. Patton (R) District 2 Constable

Accident victim identified

The victim in that fatal motor scooter accident early this morning in rural Crittenden County was William G. Darnell, 48 of Marion. The accident occurred on Ky. 723 in the Irma community. See next week's printed edition for details.

Candidate Filings Update - Friday

There has been one new filing today. Perry Newcom, the local Southern States Crittenden Farm Supply owner, has filed to run as a Republican for county judge-executive. Here is a list of candidates filed to date:

Candidate Filings
Mike McConnell (R) judge-executive
Greg West (R) judge-executive
Perry Newcom (R) judge-executive
Rebecca Johnson (D) county attorney
Brad Gilbert (R) coroner
Joe Myers (R) coroner
Rick Mills (D) jailer
Ricky Riley (R) jailer
Wayne Agent (R) sheriff
Ronnie Heady (D) PVA
Carolyn Byford (R) county clerk
Bubby Duvall (R) District 1
Jeremy Dempsey (R) District 1
Jeff Ellis (R) District 1
Cut Buntin (D) District 2
Sam Hodge (D) District 2
Glenn Underdown (R) District 3
Percy Cook (D) District 4
Travis Sosh (D) District 5
Donnetta Travis (D) District 5
Jim DeFreitas, (R) District 5
Jamie Hunt (R) District 5
Wayne Winters (R) District 5
Dan Wood (D) District 6
Wayne West (R) District 5 Constable
Billy Arflack (D) District 6 Constable
Lloyd L. Patton (R) District 2 Constable

Traffic ADVISORY

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crew plans to restrict traffic to one lane on and near the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter today (Friday). The lane restriction should only be in place for a few hours starting after 8 a.m. The lane restriction is to allow patching of potholes on the bridge approach. The crew plans to take steps to temporarily patch the potholes and evaluate the need for more permanent pavement repairs.

Motorists should use appropriate caution in the work zone where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel will be on the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow. Delays should be minimal. The crew should be able to complete their work before the afternoon commute.

Motorcycle Wreck near Irma

UPDATE 3: Local authorities and an ambulance crew are on the scene of a motorcycle accident near Irma this morning.

It was a fatality and the road was closed for about 4 hours while State Trooper Darron Holliman and local sheriff's department officials pieced together their investigation. The highway is now open for thru traffic.

The identity of the victim was not immediately released. More details will be posted as they are available.

It is the first fatal highway accident in Crittenden County this year.

Candidate Filings Update

Deadline to file to run for public office in 2010 as a Democrat or Republican, is 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the County Clerk's office.

There have been a few new filings for public office since The Press was published this week.

Here is a complete list as it exists now:

CRITTENDEN COUNTY CANDIDATES

Mike McConnell (R) judge-executive

Greg West (R) judge-executive

Rebecca Johnson (D) county attorney

Brad Gilbert (R) coroner

Joe Myers (R) coroner

Rick Mills (D) jailer

Ricky Riley (R) jailer

Wayne Agent (R) sheriff

Ronnie Heady (D) PVA

Carolyn Byford (R) county clerk

Bubby Duvall (R) District 1

Jeremy Dempsey (R) District 1

Jeff Ellis (R) District 1

Cut Buntin (D) District 2

Sam Hodge (D) District 2

Glenn Underdown (R) District 3

Percy Cook (D) District 4

Travis Sosh (D) District 5

Donnetta Travis (D) District 5

Jim DeFreitas, (R) District 5

Jamie Hunt (R) District 5

Wayne Winters (R) District 5

Dan Wood (D) District 6

Wayne West (R) District 5 Constable

Billy Arflack (D) District 6 Constable

Lloyd L. Patton (R) District 2 Constable

STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Mike Cherry (D)

Lynn Bechler (R) of Dycusburg

STATE SENATE

Dorsey Ridley (D)

Parkway landslide

Traffic is back to normal after a landslide on the Western Kentucky Parkway this morning, which almost shut down both lanes. The site was between Princeton and Dawson Springs.

Motorists should continue to use caution in the area.

Area death: Dorroh

James Robert Dorroh, 83, of Crayne died Friday at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. Services are 2 pm Monday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Area Death: Glenn

Betty Lou Glenn, 70, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 at her home. Visitation is Saturday evening and the funeral is at 2 p.m., Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.

Surviving are her children, Tammy Brantley and Kenneth and James Penn, all of Marion; sisters, Loisteen Canada of Princeton; and Thelma Lynn Brown of Marion.

Angel Food Orders

If you missed the Angel Food order deadline for January, never fear.

The deadline has been extended until Monday, January 18, at 12:00 noon.

Go to www.angelfoodministries.com to see a copy of the January menu. Order online or come by the church office today until 3 p.m., or Sunday or Monday from 9 a.m., until noon.

Ferry returns to operation

Cave In Rock Ferry has reopened to traffic today after being closed since Saturday due to ice in the Ohio River.

The ferry normally operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. The ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day.

Ferry remains closed

Cave in Rock Ferry on the Ohio River remains closed due to the ice on the Ohio River.

The ferry will remain idle until the ice has melted or pushed down river to avoid any damage to the boat or barge.

Back to school

Crittenden County schools are back in session on Tuesday.

Whitfield might call Tuesday

U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) will host two Teletown Hall meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to discuss a number of important issues, including the economy, healthcare and the war in Afghanistan, with thousands of Kentuckians.

Crittenden Countians may be invited to the Teletown Hall meeting through random phone calls Tuesday starting at 4:10 p.m.

According to a statement from Whitfield's office, approximately 60,000 households in the First District will be contacted during the two Teletown Hall Meetings. Participants will be invited to ask questions during the meeting and will be identified on the call by their first name and hometown only.

The media has been invited to listen in on the meetings.

No school Monday

With many backroads covered with ice and snow, school officials have
called off classes for Monday in Crittenden County.

Monday school report

School officials are driving rural roads at this hour to decide
whether to have school Monday. Stay tuned for update by 7 pm.

Ferry closed

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is closed due to Ice on the Ohio River.

Ice has been accumulating at the Kentucky landing for the last few days.  The ice has built up to a point the ferry had to cease operation just after 2 p.m., today.

The ferry connects KY 91 with Illinois Route 1 across the Ohio River between Crittenden County, KY, and Hardin County, IL.

The ferry normally operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. central time, 7 days a week.  The ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day.

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is operated by an independent contractor with joint funding from KYTC and Idot through a ferry authority.

UK on DirecTV

The Kentucky Wildcats game vs. Georgia can be seen on DirecTV Channel
724. The game was originally scheduled to be broadcast by WPSD but the
network affiliate had a contractual agreement to show the NFL
playoffs. Tipoff is 3 pm.

Black SUV stolen in Fredonia

UPDATE: Vehicle has been found.

Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for a black 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The SUV was stolen from Fredonia overnight.

Authorities say the vehicle was taken between 3-4 a.m., from a driveway on Grandview Drive in Fredonia. Residents heard another vehicle with loud exhaust in the area about that time.

Josh and Natasha York reported early this morning as they were getting ready to go to work that their SUV was stolen.

The SUV had four chrome decorative Arkansas Razorback hogs on the back. Inside were York’s wallet, his wife purse and two child carseats in the rear. The Caldwel County license plate number is 567-JVK.

Anyone with information should contact their local police or sheriff's department.

Crittenden basketball cancelled

Tonight's Crittenden vs. Livingston boys' and girls' basketball doubleheader at Smithland has been cancelled due to weather conditions. The district games will be rescheduled, but a date has not been announced.

Additionally, the JV basketball tournament scheduled for Saturday at Marion has been cancelled due to weather.

Firemen on scene of house fire

Update: Crittenden County, Tolu and Salem fire departments responded to a house fire Thursday night on Ky. 297. Firemen were dispatched to the blaze shortly after 6 p.m., and were there until after midnight.

It was fully engulfed in flames when firemen arrived. No one was home at the time of the blaze. The house fire was at the first residence on the right past Franklin Mine Road, about one mile from U.S. 60 West.

A mother, daughter and grandchild lived the home. It was owned by the grandmother, Cathy Martin. The American Red Cross initially assisted the family find alternative housing for the night.

Firemen were called back to the scene early Friday morning when the blaze rekindled. Pictured are firemen Billy Arflack, Stephen James and Orman Hunt.

The Crittenden Press will have more details next week.

No school Friday in Crittenden

Officials have cancelled school in Crittenden County for Friday, Jan. 8.

Snow and Roads Report

Snow accumulations across the western Kentucky region range from just less than an inch to just over an inch in most places. The snowfall was less than expected and most major travel routes are passable and in good condition. Backroads are snow covered.

In Crittenden County, there have been no accidents reported. State crews started plowing roads at 2:30 a.m., and city crews were out at 5 a.m. Most roads and streets are in good condition.

Highway conditions range from wet pavement to snow covered. Busier routes such as parkways and interstates are mainly clear of snow in the driving lane with passing lanes varying from clear to partly covered.

There are some reports of crashes around bridges and overpasses. With highways in somewhat better condition than expected this morning, motorists have tended to become over-confident and start driving faster than appropriate for weather conditions. That has led to a number of crashes.

There are also some reports across the western half of the state of drivers sliding into intersections. State and local highway crews are out salting ramps that have also been reported as trouble spots.

Motorists are advised to use extra caution on bridges and overpasses, as well as exposed hills and curves that are likely trouble spots. Highway crews are spending some extra time on those potential trouble areas, but with dropping temperatures during the day reducing the impact of salt slick spots are likely to continue to develop through the day.

Schools closed in Crittenden

School officials say there will be no school in Crittenden County today, Thursday, Jan. 7.

Snow accumulations are greater in the northern end of the county and fallen snow that had melted on roadways earlier in the morning was refreezing around 4 a.m., said school transportation official Sharon Murray.

Fit Camp at Full Body Fitness is also cancelled for today.

Tune in to breaking news often today for other closings and cancellations as those reports become available.

Snow School !

When weather closes schools or cancels other community activities, check here first for updates.

Temps help road prep crews

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are getting a break from warmer than expected pavement temperatures today. Warming pavement has allowed highway crews to increase the amount of pre-treating of highways they can complete in advance of an approaching winter storm.

Crews anticipate being able to pre-treat highways until later afternoon and maybe into the evening hours tonight to help prepare highways for winter precipitation. The U.S. Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for most of Western Kentucky tonight through Thursday.

Under normal conditions salt brine sprayed onto road surfaces will dry to a fine powder and remains there until it is activated in the early hours of a winter weather event. However, brine can freeze instantly instead of drying when pavement surface temperatures fall below 25 degrees, running the risk of creating a hazard instead of a benefit for motorists.

At this time, crews plan to start pre-treating “A” Snow Priority Routes which are generally Interstates, Parkways and U.S. Highways first, then move to “B” Snow Priority Routes if weather and time allow. Due to temperatures limiting the time available to pre-treat, highway engineers say it is hard to predict how much pre-treating can be completed before the winter precipitation hits Wednesday evening.

Motorists are advised to be alert for slow moving trucks on area highways as crews try to complete as much pre-treating as possible during the limited window of opportunity.
Motorists need to be aware that even on the limited number of highways that crews are able to cover, temperatures will be cold enough to greatly limit the effectiveness of pre-treating.

Driving conditions are likely to deteriorate fairly quickly on untreated highways when the snow starts and may not be much better on road surfaces that crews are able to pre-treat. Even as crews spread salt after the precipitation hits, cold temperatures, wind, and the threat of drifting snow will severely limit the ability of highway crews to improve driving conditions.

The Salt Institute cites both U.S. and German studies that found treating highways with salt can reduce vehicle crash injuries by 80 percent or more during winter weather. However, in temperatures below 20 degrees the ice melting ability of salt and other ice-fighting chemicals is greatly reduced.

Road condition reports for major routes in Kentucky are available by calling 511 or by visiting the 511 travel and traffic information Web site at http://511.ky.gov.

A list of Snow Priority Routes for District 1 counties is available at http://www.transportation.ky.gov/D1/Snow.htm.

Motorists are encouraged to monitor local news media to get regular updates on weather and road conditions during this winter weather event.

Man escapes custody in Madisonville

UPDATE: SUSPECT HAS BEEN CAUGHT AND LODGED IN JAIL

Shortly after midnight last night, Trooper Brandon McPherson arrested John M. Crawford at a residence on Pleasant View Road in Hopkins County for manufacturing methamphetamine. Trooper McPherson transported Crawford to the Hopkins County Detention Center; however, the detention center would not take the suspects until he was medically cleared due to burns on his hands and face.

Trooper McPherson then transported Crawford to the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville for treatment of the burns. At approximately 4:21 a.m., Crawford walked away from the Regional Medical Center and has not been located.

Crawford is wanted for escape, second degree, a Class D Felony. He is 37, white male, 5-9, 200 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a blue, fleece pullover and blue jeans. He has burns to his left hand, face, and lips.

If you come into contact with Crawford, do not try to apprehend him. Contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-270-676-3313 or toll-free at 1-800-222-5555 or your local police department.

Crittenden Courthouse Warming Shelter

Crittenden County Courthouse will remain open at night during extremely cold weather to provide a safe warming shelter for anyone who needs it. Bring sleeping items such as blankets, bags, or pillows if desired. Law enforcement will be patrolling on a regular basis, said Judge-Executive Fred Brown.

Truck fire Grand Rivera

Livingston County 911 Dispatch reports: There is a truck fire on the ramp from KY 453 to West bound I-24.  The ramp will be closed until at least  7 a.m. for cleanup.

Brooks decision announced Monday

Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks could announce Monday whether he's going to stay with the team. Brooks had told his Wildcats after they lost to Clemson on Dec. 27 in the Music City Bowl that he was "80 percent" sure he would not return in 2010.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Sunday that Brooks spent his time since then in Lexington, mulling over his options with family and friends. Other close to the situation say Brooks will make an announcement Monday.

In an interview with the Herald-Leader and The Courier-Journal, UK athletic director Mitch Barnhart said he wanted Brooks to return.

The 68-year-old Brooks led the Wildcats to a 7-6 record this season and 39-47 mark in seven seasons.