Wednesday, November 30, 2011

CCHS SBDM calls special meeting

There will be a special meeting of the Crittenden County Site-Based, Decision-Making Council at 4 p.m., Thursday at the school's teacher work room. The agenda includes a personnel matter.

Inside this week's issue

Judy Winn at her home
Judy Winn was selected as grand marshal for Saturday's Christmas parade, which starts at 2 p.m. Find out why she was chosen. Also read a story of unconventional love between two friends at Crittenden County Health and Rehabilitation who decided to tie the knot...at the center.

And, U.S. Census data released Tuesday shows that one in five Crittenden Countians is living in poverty, with a significant number of those living at 50 percent below the poverty line. Most alarmingly, almost 32 percent of children 18 and under are living in poverty, while three of five are on free or reduced meals at the schools.

Because of the economy and numbers like that, Community Christmas, the annual effort to provide gifts to underprivileged children and food to hungry families, is in jeopardy.

Send your Christmas greeting


Sunday, November 27, 2011

Area deaths

Larry Parish, 70, a well-known farmer in the Caldwell Springs community of Crittenden County, died just before 5 p.m., today at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer. Visitation is Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home. The funeral is Wednesday.

June Hughes Enoch, formerly of Greenwood Heights in Marion, died Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 at  Oaklawn  Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Louisville. Funeral services are Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Area death

Vernon Lee Tolley, 64, of Hampton died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Funeral services are Tuesday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

UK football ends record losing streak

For the first time since 1984, UK's football team beat rival Tennessee. The 10-7 win at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington ended college football's longest current ongoing streak to one team at 26. Kentucky (5-7) will not be going to a bowl and with the win, eliminated the Volunteers' (5-7) from bowl eligibility.

The longest current losing streak to a single team is now 25. Kentucky owns that dubious honor as well, not having beating the University of Florida since 1986.

Area death

Odell Johnson, 82, of Salem died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion. Funeral are Monday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Salem GED class to begin Jan. 3

Livingston County Adult Education Center has scheduled a six-week adult education and GED class at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Enrollment, orientation and diagnostic testing for this class will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6 and 13. Classes will be conducted on Tuesday nights starting Jan. 3. Anyone who is interested should call 928-3777 for more information or to pre-enroll. Seating for the class is limited.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Guard spends last Thanksgiving in Iraq

KENTUCKY ARMY NATIONAL GUARD
A final meal at the dining facility on Camp Liberty is a sign of the times.  A sign that the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is shrinking and Victory Base Complex (VBC) is not what it used to be.  And also a sign of the holidays, as the meal celebrated Thanksgiving a bit early.  Soldiers of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade continue to draw down VBC, but took time to come together and be thankful.

“It’s our opportunity to talk with the soldiers, and to look every one in the eye and thank them,” said Col. Scott Campbell, 149th MEB’s Commander and Crittenden County native.  “We can reflect on our families and the holiday.  And while we are apart, they are still in our hearts and minds.”

                                                              Photo by Sgt. Scott Raper, 149th MEB
Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Johnson of the 149th Maneuver
Enhancement Brigade pours gravy on the plate of a soldier as
Col. Scott Campbell, a Crittenden County native, observes at
Victory Base Complex (VBC), Nov. 20. The meal celebrated
Thanksgiving for the remaining troops on VBC and was
also the last hot meal served before the dining facility closed.
With all dining facilities closing, the effort was made to serve one last prepared meal to the remaining troops at VBC as the holiday approached.  Although a few days prior to Thanksgiving Day, the food and festivities was still appreciated by the soldiers.   With amenities disappearing quicker than people from VBC, soldiers were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate a holiday, even if away from home.

“This is just another sacrifice we make,” said Spc. Benjamin DiPalma.  “But we did have a good meal and even decorations.  It was a nice small reminder of home.”

Leaders of the 149th took shifts behind the service line dishing up turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, and all the items needed for a good holiday meal.  Long lines of soldiers continued to form until every one was served.

“It’s great that the command staff would do this,” said Capt. Adam Culbertson.  “It shows they care and they are willing to do anything for us.”

In the soldiers’ last day at the chow hall, conversations of the final days in Baghdad could be heard in a dull roar.  Soldiers said they were thankful for spending time with their fellow troops; thankful for finishing the job in Iraq, and thankful for the fact that the job is almost over.

These troops will still be working on Thanksgiving however, and the days after to redeploy troops from the country by the end of the year. As facilities close and the mission winds down, soldiers of the 149th will endure until the job is finished.

“It’s significant that this is the last day at the dining facility and the holiday makes it that much more special,” said Campbell.  “This is their last hot meal, it’s MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) after this.”

Area death

Florence Estelle Jones, 86, of Marion died Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems. Services are scheduled for Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Mineral museum discounting gifts

The Clement Mineral Museum in Marion will be closed today in observance of Thanksgiving, but will reopen at 10 a.m., Friday with 10 percent off all gift shop merchandise.

Happy Thanksgiving to our readers

The Crittenden Press would like to take this opportunity to extend a healthy and happy Thanksgiving to its readers, subscribers and advertisers, as well as the community we serve.

A brief history
From the first American Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter, until today, the holiday is a unique American tradition. In that first year Gov. William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving, allowing the colonists to celebrate it as a traditional English harvest feast to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.

Days of thanksgiving were celebrated throughout the colonies after fall harvests. All 13 colonies did not, however, celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time until October 1777. George Washington was the first president to declare the holiday, in 1789.


By the mid-1800s, many states observed a Thanksgiving holiday. Meanwhile, the poet and editor Sarah J. Hale had begun lobbying for a national Thanksgiving holiday. During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, looking for ways to unite the nation, discussed the subject with Hale. In 1863 he gave his Thanksgiving Proclamation, declaring the last Thursday in November a day of thanksgiving.

In 1939, 1940, and 1941 Franklin D. Roosevelt, seeking to lengthen the Christmas shopping season, proclaimed Thanksgiving the third Thursday in November. Controversy followed, and Congress passed a joint resolution in 1941 decreeing that Thanksgiving should fall on the fourth Thursday of November, where it remains.

Click here to read more at www.infoplease.com.


Office closing
Our office will be closed today and Friday in observance of the holiday, giving us time to count our many blessings and be with our families and friends.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Area death

Leslie Ann Camboni, 62, of Lubbock, Texas, formerly of Crittenden County, died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 in Lubbock. Graveside services are scheduled for Sunday at Rosebud Cemetery. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Inside this week's Crittenden Press

Marion pilot Mark Beduhn works on building his new aircraft.
The Crittenden Press will hit the streets today as usual, packed with news from Crittenden Fiscal Court and Marion City City Council — from repairs planned for the local park's oval track to eradication of black flies along the Tradewater River that plague humans and livestock in spring and summer.

Also, read the latest on the financial crisis faced by Crittenden Health Systems in regard to its ambulance service. Judge-Executive Perry Newcom assures the court will not let the service die, but is awaiting more figures to help the fiscal court decide on exactly what to do. Meantime, EMS director Kevin Hilkey places the fate of the service in the hands of the public it serves through maintaining contact with their magistrates on the matter.

Finally, Marion pilot Mark Beduhn is fulfilling a dream of building his second airplane. Read that front-page story in its entirety this week.


Marion Baptist hosts free Thanksgiving dinner

Click to enlarge

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rockets live on iHigh tonight

Catch Crittenden County's boys' basketball team's scrimmage against Murray High live on iHigh's webcast tonight. Click here to log on.

Big sale at Akridge's in Fredonia & Eddyville


Paid Advertisement

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Providence woman dies in crash

A 30-year-old Providence woman died in a single vehicle accident Saturday in Hopkins County.

According to Kentucky State Police, Pricilla Dean Garrison was killed after being ejected from her 1996 Mercury Sable subsequent to leaving the roadway, striking a tree and overturning off Barnhill Road in Hopkins County. She was not wearing a seatbelt.

The wreck occurred at 11:37 p.m., Saturday.

Area death

Nadine Tabor, 93, of Marion died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems. Funeral services will be Monday at Marion Baptist Church. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Government offices closed for Thanksgiving

Though the courthouse and judge-executive’s office will remain open all day Wednesday, all other courthouse offices will be closing at noon that day for the Thanksgiving holiday. The offices will reopen the following Monday.

Meantime, Marion City Hall and all state offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. Only Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday, so mail will be halted only on that day only.

Crittenden County Public Library will be closed Thursday and Friday for the holiday, but will be open Saturday for its regular hours, 9 a.m., to 1 p.m.

Crittenden County schools are closed for the holiday beginning Wednesday. They return to class the following Monday.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Kenergy customers to pay more

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has approved a base rate increase for Kenergy Corp. that will amount to a $2.50 increase in average monthly residential bills.

The action Thursday approved a settlement allowing Kenergy to adjust its base rates to increase annual revenue by about $1.8 million, or approximately 0.4 percent. Kenergy had requested an increase of about $2 million.

The settlement with Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers Inc. doesn't affect adjustments Kenergy will make to pass through an increase in the wholesale cost of electricity it buys from Big Rivers Electric Corp. The PSC approved that increase separately Thursday.

The combined wholesale and distribution rate changes will increase the average monthly residential bill by $7.21, or 6.8 percent.

Cable rates going up...again

It's certainly not on anyone's Christmas wish list, but Crittenden County cable subscribers will start paying more for their television entertainment beginning Dec. 15.

At Monday night's city council meeting, Dale Haney of Mediacom will present to Marion lawmakers the cable company's new rate plan, which will see rates for all packages increasing. The Broadcast Basic plan will increase $2 to $29.95 per month, while the Family Cable package will jump $5 to $65.95. All specialty packages and premium channel subscriptions will also increase. Even a $1 discount for paperless billing will be eliminated.

In a letter to Mayor Mickey Alexander and included in information packets for councilmen and The Crittenden Press, Mediacom's senior manager of government relations, Lee Grassley, blamed the rate hikes on the company's increased costs to offer programming.

"Our programming expenses, particularly with respect to broadcast television channels and live sports content, are escalating at a pace well in excess of inflation," Grassley wrote in the correspondence to the mayor.

"Contrary to public perception, cable companies are reluctant to raise video prices because when we do, we lose subscribers," Grassley later wrote. "Mediacom does not make more money when we raise video rates, since we remit virtually every penny of the increase on to the programmers."

Both the City of Marion and Crittenden Fiscal Court have franchise agreements with Mediacom that allow the cable company to operate within each's jurisdiction. Both government bodies collect a fee from Mediacom for the rights to operate.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Area death

Steve "Pee Wee" Oliver, 59, of Fredonia died Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011 at Caldwell County Medical Center. Funeral services will be Monday at Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton.

Big Buck Expo Tonight at Marion Baptist


Thursday, November 17, 2011

TipLine offering reward for tractor, trailer damage

Crittenden County TipLine is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the person or persons who stole a tractor radiator and damaged a John Deere and box trailer near Dam 50 earlier this week.

The incident happened Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning off Ky. 387. Burglars stole a radiator from a 4400 John Deere tractor and badly damaged the rig in the process. They also busted into a box trailer owned by T&T Concrete. The tractor belongs to Ronnie and Dennis Thomas. Value of damage and stolen property was estimated at more than $2,000. 

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident. Anyone with information can call 965-3000 and remain anonymous. The owner is offering half of the reward and TipLine the other half.

Ky. 70 in Livingston closed Friday

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) plans to close Ky. 70 in Livingston County on Friday.

This closure on Ky. 70 near the 11-mile marker is for the replacement of a cross drain.

The road will be closed between the 11-mile marker and Ky. 866 east of the Tiline community starting at 8 a.m., Friday. It is expected to reopen to normal traffic flow around 3:30 p.m.

Motorists who regularly travel this section of Ky. 70 should make advance alternate travel plans. There will be no marked detour.

About 200 vehicles travel this section of Ky 70 in an average day.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

High school actors hosting play

Crittenden County High School will present "Princess and the Pea" at Fohs Hall this weekend. Friday’s show begins at 7 p.m., with an encore slated for 2:30 p.m., Sunday.

The Hans Christian Andersen play is about a prince who travels the world looking for his “real” princess.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for anyone who is of student age or younger. It is a family-friendly show and everyone is invited.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Food Bank offers groceries Friday

Crittenden County Food Bank will be distributing groceries from 8 a.m., to noon Friday behind the former health department on North Walker Street in Marion.

Last month the food bank fed 256 families that included 627 people. Since July, 928 families have picked up food, sustaining 2,305 individuals.

Inside this week's issue of The Press

The man allegedly operating One Stop Smoke Shop on Sturgis Road in Marion was arrested last Thursday on a warrant from Union County. Police also say the business has restocked many of the items they confiscated two months ago, including what they think could be synthetic marijuana.

For the complete story, see this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press.

Also inside, the hospital's public meetings regarding the ambulance service seem to be drawing little interest from the public judging by attendance at the sessions. And, a man's "attitude" in district court earns him extra time behind bars.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Area deaths

Thelma Jo Arflack, 75, of Salem died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Funeral services will be Saturday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Wreck leaves car on its side

A single vehicle accident in Marion Monday evening left a car on its side, but no one injured.

Jake Wood overturned his vehicle Monday while turning onto North Main Street from Second Street, running up on the curb and striking a telephone pole before rolling the car onto its side. He was not injured, but traffic was blocked for a period while the vehicle was removed from the scene.

Area death

Margaret Hunter, 77, of Cerulean, Ky., died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 at the home of her daughter after a short illness. Services are Monday at Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Morning Glories donate hats, scarves

Morning Glories Homemakers (front row, from left) Linda Owen, Merle
Myers, Marge Tinsley, Sharon Giltz, Cindy Davidson, Barbara Myers, Kathy
Bechler, Patricia Conner, (back row) Nadine Thomas, Ruth Robertson,
Barbara Gillihan and Stella Brown
Morning Glories Homemakers in Crittenden County intend to help the children of the county stay warm this winter. The group has been crocheting matching hats and scarves for some time now, and will be donating them to children at the elementary school. The first sets were distributed this week.

Merle Myers estimates the homemakers have already crocheted 80 to 90 sets, adding that it takes about three hours to complete a hat and scarf.

The crocheting is an ongoing project for the Morning Glories.

Myers added that any donation of yarn would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the UK Cooperative Extension Service office in Marion.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Day's second fire keeping firemen busy

A barn fire at the Brookshire residence near the intersection of Coleman Road and Weldon Road has required the response of firemen from several local departments.

This is the second fire they've worked today. A large field fire kept volunteer firemen busy most of the afternoon.

Area death

Helen C. Kemper, 92, of Marion died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center in Salem. Funeral services are Tuesday at Boyd Funeral Chapel in Salem.

Food distribution slated for Friday

Crittenden County Food Bank will be distributing groceries from 8 a.m., to noon Friday behind the former health department on North Walker Street in Marion.

CCHS SBDM special meeting set

Crittenden County High School School-Based Decision Making council will hold a special meeting at 4 p.m., Monday.

Friday, November 11, 2011

New troopers patrolling region

 New KSP Post 1 troopers pictured above
(from left) are Trooper Carlock, Trooper Craft,
Trooper Crick and Trooper Bartolotti
New KSP Post 2 troopers pictured above
(from left) are Trooper Robichaud, Trooper Hill,
Trooper Dick and Trooper Cash
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) at posts in Madisonville and Mayfield each have four new troopers on patrol. After graduating the police academy a week earlier, Nov. 7 marked the first day to work for the men assigned to the Commonwealth’s western most KSP posts. The new troopers are as follows:
  • Jody Cash, 34 of Murray, is a graduate of Caldwell County High School and Murray State University. Trooper Cash has 12 years of law enforcement experience prior to joining the Kentucky State Police.  He previously was employed by the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the Murray State University Police. Cash, who was the valedictorian of  Kentucky State Police Class 89, will be assigned to Graves County.
  • Mike Robichaud, 31 of Louisville, is a graduate of Pleasure Ridge Park High School (Louisville) and Asbury College. Trooper Robichaud was the salutatorian of Kentucky State Police Class 89. He will be assigned to Graves County.
  • David Dick, 26 of Mayfield, is a graduate of Mayfield High School and Murray State University. Trooper Dick will be assigned to Calloway County.
  • Brian Hill, 22 of Jamestown, is a graduate of Russell County High School and the University of Kentucky. Trooper Hill will be assigned to Graves County.
  • Joseph R. Bartolotti is a 22-year-old native of DuQuoin, Ill. He graduated from Christopher High School in Christopher, Ill. in 2007.  He graduated from Murray State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Trooper Bartolotti is assigned to Webster County.
  • Jonathan T. Carlock is a 24-year-old native of Bowling Green. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 2005 and attended Western Kentucky University. Trooper Carlock is assigned to Hopkins County.
  • Nathan R. Craft is a 25-year-old native of Hopkinsville. He graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 2004. He has an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Hopkinsville Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville. Trooper Craft is assigned to Hopkins County.
  • Curtis L. Crick is a 26-year-old native of Greenville, Ky. He graduated from Muhlenberg North High School in 2003 and attended Madisonville Community College. Trooper Crick is assigned to Hopkins County.
Each of the new troopers will spend eight weeks with a field training officer. At the conclusion of the field training period, each will be released to work in their respective assignments.  Their addition to the force brings the agency’s strength to a total of 914 troopers serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Observances honor America's veterans


J.T. Travis, commander of Ellis B. Ordway Post 111 of the American Legion, salutes the American flag today during the Legion's annual Veterans Day ceremony at the war memorial in Mapleview Cemetery. A U.S. Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, Travis led a short ritual in the crisp and breezy autumn air.

The rite always begins at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the time the armistice was signed to end World War I in 1918. Ironically, this year's date on which Veterans Day fell was 11/11/11.

Kentucky Army National Guard Lt. Col. William L. "Billy" McDaniel of Marion was the featured speaker at the ceremony. About 100 veterans and residents, including the middle school's history club, attended the event.

The war memorial at the cemetery was decorated with 56 American flags placed by crosses identifying the Crittenden County men lost in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Shortly before the Legion's observance, a Veterans Day ceremony was hosted inside Rocket Arena.

The second annual observance to recognize local veterans at the arena was attended by all middle and high school students. CCMS Principal Teresa Marshall, who originated the idea for the event last year, said it is important to expose the youth of the county to the sacrifices made by past generations, particularly those of veterans.

Coach and teacher Denis Hodge, a former Army sergeant, was the keynote speaker. A solemn POW/MIA ceremony presented by local veterans of all branches of the military was also held to recognize the more than 83,000 Americans still listed as missing in action.

The Legion, its ladies' auxiliary, the local VFW post and its auxiliary, Boy Scout Troup 30, middle and high school staff, school district administrators and community volunteers all participated in organizing the events.

Area deaths

Linda L. Suits, 56, of Salem died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 at her home in Salem. Funeral services are Sunday at the Chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Mark Dwayne Croft, 51, of Nashville, Tenn., died Thursday, Nov. 9, 2011 in Nashville. Funeral services are Sunday at the Chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Veterans: Thank you for your service

Today is Veterans Day, a time set aside to honor America's military personnel past and present.

All veterans who have worn the uniform of the military do not go unrecognized by The Crittenden Press, for two of the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution we hold particularly dear — freedom of the press and freedom of speech. We thank veterans — not just today, but every day — for your service and sacrifice in protecting all of our freedoms.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Area deaths

Jack Davis, 78, of Marion died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 at his home in Marion. Services are Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.


Anna Marie "Toppy" Tinsley, 74, of Tolu died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 at her home. Services are Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Area Veterans Day events

Crittenden County Middle School is hosting a public veterans appreciation ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m., Friday at Rocket Arena.

American Legion Post 111 will host its annual Veterans Day remembrance at 11 a.m., Friday at Mapleview Cemetery.

American Legion Post 217 is hosting its annual Slum Supper at 6:30 p.m., Friday at the post in Burna. The meal is free.

BBB warns of Veterans Day scams

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU NEWS RELEASE
“Most cynical scams” take advantage of those who serve and those who support them

Some of the most cynical scams target service members, their families, and veterans, warns the Better Business Bureau. Veterans’ Day is a key opportunity for scammers who would target those who are serving or have served their nation, especially elderly vets.

BBB Military Line provides free financial literacy and consumer protection services to the military community, as well as information on the latest scams, schemes, and ID theft tactics that threaten them. Among the scams to watch out for:
Posing as the Veterans Administration and contacting vets to say they need to update their credit card, bank or other financial records with the VA;
  • Charging veterans for services they could get for free or less expensively elsewhere, such as military records;
  • Fraudulent investment schemes that convince veterans to transfer their assets into an irrevocable trust;
  • Offering “instant approval” military loans (“no credit check,” “all ranks approved”) that can have high interest rates and hidden fees;
  • Advertising housing online with military discounts and incentives, and then bilking service personnel out of the security deposit;
  • Trying to sell things like security systems to spouses of deployed military personnel by saying the service member ordered it to protect his or her family;
  • Selling stolen vehicles at low prices by claiming to be soldiers who need to sell fast because they’ve been deployed;
  • Posing as government contractors recruiting veterans and then asking for a copy of the job applicants’ passport (which contains a lot of personal information); and
  • Posing on online dating services as a lonely service member in a remote part of Iraq or Afghanistan, and then asking for money to be wired to a third party for some emergency.
Another caution is to watch out for questionable charity appeals that raise funds on behalf of military organizations. Telephone solicitors will call and say they are with a group that is helping veterans, service members or their families. As with all charity appeals, before you donate, check out the organization with the BBB to verify that the charity meets BBB charity standards.


BBB advises service members, veterans and all consumers never to give personal identification information (Social Security, bank account, military identification or credit card numbers, etc.) to anyone who contacts you by phone or e-mail, and to be wary of any solicitations that involve purchasing something or transferring money.

Consumers can check out businesses and charities for free at www.bbb.org. Military personnel and veterans who need assistance should contact the United Service Organizations, their state office of veterans’ affairs, or the Veterans’ Administration.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Princeton man gets 180 days for contempt

Irvin
A $19.94 cold check to Five Star on Halloween came back to haunt a Princeton man, who is now serving six months in jail.

Thomas R. Irvin, 23, made a sarcastic remark to the district judge this morning in court and was sent directly to jail for contempt.

Irvin had originally been in Crittenden District Court to plead guilty to a theft by deception charge.

Following his outburst in the courthouse, which included the use of a couple of expletives, Judge Daniel Heady ordered him to serve 180 days in the Crittenden County Detention Center. He is currently being held without bond.

For more on this incident, see next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

High winds temporarily stop ferry service


UPDATE: Ferry resumed operation at 4:15 p.m., today

The Cave in Rock Ferry has halted operation due to high winds. The ferry temporarily stopped service about 8 a.m., today.

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

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


Fredonia historical group earns top honor

Fredonia Valley Heritage Society is making history of its own. On Friday, the area historical society will receive top honors at the Kentucky Historical Society's annual history celebration in Frankfort. The Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence for 2011 will honor the four-year-old group for its work to preserve the past and incorporating the community to achieve that goal.

Find this story, election results and what Veterans Day means to some of those who have served in this week's edition of The Crittenden Press.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Final local voting favors GOP in all races

After all of the county's 12 precincts and absentee ballots were tabulated, Republican candidates gained the most votes in all six Kentucky races on the ballot. In fact, Gov. Beshear received 340 fewer votes in the county than he did four years earlier in first taking the governor's mansion. However, statewide, the only GOP candidate to win was Commissioner of Agriculture-elect James Comer.

Though there were several write-in votes for the county surveyor position that went unfilled in last year's county election, no one had filed for the office. Since no one declared their candidacy for the position, the write-in votes were for naught. Incidentally, just over half of Kentucky's 120 counties have an elected county surveyor.

Below are the county totals, with the candidate with the most votes in Crittenden County in bold. Statewide, the races have not been decided.

Governor/Lieutenant Governer
(R) Williams/Farmer -1,020
(D) Beshear/Abramson - 942
(I) Galbraith/Riley - 105

Secretary of State
(R) Johnson - 1,019
(D) Grimes - 1,012

Attorney General
(R) P'Pool - 1,251
(D) Conway - 793

Auditor of Public Accounts
(R) Kemper - 1,202
(D) Edelen - 761

State Treasurer
(R) Crosbie - 1,163
(D) Hollenbach - 800
(L) Moellman, Jr. - 47

Commissioner of Agriculture
(R) Comer - 1,463
(D) Farmer - 580

A total of 2,082 of the county's 6,321 registered voters cast a ballot for a 32.9 percent turnout. County Clerk Carolyn Byford said the turnout was substantially more than she had expected.

The candidates in blue are the winners of the statewide race. Unofficial statewide results can be found by visiting the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.

Fire damages US 60 home

Firefighters are on the scene of a house fire at Moore Hill on US 60 West. The blaze was extinguished; and it appears that it was contained mostly to one end of the home. It was badly damaged.
The occupants, the Benavides family, were able to get out safely. Firemen at the scene say the cause was not immediately known.
Traffic is moving slowly in the area so use caution if you're in the vicinity. Firemen will likely be there for at least another hour.

Early county balloting heavily Republican

The total of absentee ballots cast in Crittenden County shows a strict GOP trend. In fact, of the 85 absentee ballots cast,  Republicans had the highest vote total in all six races. None of the county's 12 polls have reported yet.

However, of the statewide totals reported, Democrats lead all races except Commissioner of Agriculture, where James Comer leads Bob Farmer.

Of the 3,571 precincts in the state, only 256 have reported.

Statewide results can be followed by visiting the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.

Ky. 139 bridges re-open

Work to replace three ailing bridges across Donaldson Creek on Ky. 139 in Caldwell County has been completed and traffic resumed at Monday afternoon.

Despite spring flooding that cost weeks of construction time, the three new structures opened to traffic within two weeks of the original completion date.  While some minor finish work will continue in the area for the next few days and a Kentucky Tranportation Cabinet crew will be paving in the area later in the week, the bridges restore a vital connection for residents of northern Caldwell County and eastern Crittenden County.

On Aug. 23, 2010, a failed pier closed the main Donaldson Creek Bridge on Ky. 139 near the 20-mile marker just south of the Creswell community.  Engineers of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet expedited plans to replace all three of the ailing bridges, which had already been restricted to a 15-ton load limit.

The bridges are on Ky. 139 at mile point 20.28, just north of Ky. 70 near the Creswell community in Caldwell County. On average, 500 vehicles travel the affected section of Ky. 139 daily. 

Veterans Day closings

Friday is a federal, state and local holiday for government offices. Marion City Hall will be closed Friday in observance of Veterans Day as will all courthouse offices both Friday and Saturday.

Meantime, Crittenden County Pulbic Library will be closed Friday only.

No mail will be delivered Friday and no driver’s tests will be given through the Crittenden County Circuit Clerk’s office

While Veterans Day is both a state and federal holiday, Crittenden County Extension

Monday, November 7, 2011

Polls open at 6 a.m., tomorrow

Voting polls in Crittenden County open at 6 a.m., tomorrow. Kentuckians will be choosing a governor and a handful of other statewide officers in the election. Polls are open for 12 hours, closing at 6 p.m.

The Crittenden Press will provide local and statewide results on this website tomorrow as they become available.

Area deaths

Edie L. Mills, 71, of Morganfield died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 at Methodist Hospital in Morganfield. Funeral services will be Wednesday at Whitsell Funeral Home in Morganfield.

Stuart G. Howard, 65, of Salem died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 at his home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

FFA chapter seeking help in contest

Crittenden County's chapter of the FFA and one of its members, Corey Bruns, are looking for a little help in winning a scholarship and prize money from the Kentucky Soybean Board.

Bruns' minute-long YouTube video on soy-biodiesel can earn the chapter up to $1,000 if his entry is among the top three most-viewed. Bruns himself could win anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on where he places.

"Please help us spread the word by…viewing the video once per day on your PC, and smartphone," Bruns said "YouTube will only count the hit once per day per Internet connection, so please visit each day."

The web address for the video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqWjOfV9YZw.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Area death

Tony Dale Beard, 52, of Marion died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 at Deaconess Hospice Care Center in Evansville. Services are scheduled for Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Helicopter makes emergency landing

A small helicopter made an emergency landing in a field off Ky. 120 Saturday. The aircraft, apparently heading from Paducah to Louisville, landed safely near the intersection of Ky. 120 and Just-A-Mere Road in rural Crittenden County.

No information about the pilot or any passengers is known at this time. The Crittenden County Sheriff's Department was notified about the emergency landing, but details were not immediately available as the investigation is continuing.


Saturday, November 5, 2011

Daylight saving time ends

Daylight saving time ends Sunday. Clocks should be turned backed one hour before heading to bed today in order to stay on schedule. Standard time always begins on the first Sunday in November.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Area deaths

James "Jim" Perkins, 83, of Sturgis died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011, at Crittenden County Health and Rehab Center in Marion. Graveside funeral services are scheduled for today at Little Bethel Cemetery in Union County. Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis is in charge of arrangements.

James G. "Speck" Marvel, 76, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, at Hunter Acres Nursing Home in Sikeston, Mo. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Funeral services will be Saturday at Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis.

FSA county committee voting begins today

Ballots for the 2011 Farm Service Agency county committee elections will be mailed to eligible voters today. The deadline for eligible voters to return ballots to their local FSA offices is Dec. 5.

For those in Crittenden County, the FSA office is located 2027 U.S. 60 E. in Salem.

To be an eligible voter, farmers and ranchers must participate or cooperate in FSA programs. A person who is not of legal voting age, but supervises and conducts the farming operations of an entire farm, can also vote. Agricultural producers in each county submitted candidate names during the nomination period held last summer.

Eligible voters who do not receive a ballot can obtain ballots at their local USDA Service Center. Dec. 5 is the last day for voters to submit ballots in person to local USDA Service Centers. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked no later than Dec. 5.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Serviceman will be buried in Eddyville


Graveside services for a U.S. Marine sergeant killed in Afghanistan on Oct. 27 are planned for tomorrow in Lyon County where his mother's family lives.

Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Dunning, 31, of Milpitas, Calif.,, died in action a week ago today in Helmand Providence, Afghanistan.

His grandparents, Jim and Olga Dunning, are residents of Lyon County. Graveside services with full military honors are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Jack Larwa and Donald Dunning officiating.

Dunning had served in the Marine Corps for 11 years. He has received numerous service awards and recognitions in his service career, with the most recent being the Purple Heart, awarded posthumously.

Rib sale this weekend at St. William



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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Accident death first in county this year

The fatal accident that occurred on U.S. 60 East Monday was the first traffic death in Crittenden County this year. Last year, there were four.

Dan Fowler, 39, of Morganfield died from his injuries. He was driving a semi truck pulling a trailer loaded with a trackhoe. A dump truck loaded with asphalt, driven by 44-year-old Mike Ellis of Crofton had skidded out of control and into the path of Fowler's rig.

Fowler leaves a wife and one daughter.

See more in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

What's for lunch today?

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Red Cross blood drive Monday

An American Red Cross blood drive will take place from noon to 4 p.m., Monday at Marion United Methodist Church located at 112 S. College St.

Unite to Read event held Thursday

Students from Crittenden County schools as well as parents will Unite to Read Thursday at the high school library.

Unite to Read is a statewide program that promotes literacy and lifelong reading to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. According to Amy Hardin, business teacher and Future Business Leaders of America adviser at the high school, Crittenden County Elementary School students participating in the program will be creating a cookbook, learning how food goes from the farm to the table, participating in a coloring contest and a book walk, crawling through a maze, having pictures made with a farm background, playing educational computer games, creating healthy snacks and listening to stories.

About 25 high school students will be volunteering to help with Unite to Read.

Registration for the event runs from 5 to 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by the program, which concludes at 7 p.m.

There will also be a segment for parents that includes sessions on how to make healthy snacks for kids led by Tracye Newcom from Health Quest Fitness; physical exercises that you can do with children offered by Heather Culvey, personal trainer and owner of New You Fitness at Health Quest; and the public library and children's programs led by Regina Merrick, Crittenden County Public Library director.

Lunch saving at Italian Grill in Marion


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