Former school teacher Winders indicted

Former Crittenden County school teacher Blair E. Winders, 37, has been indicted by a Special Crittenden County Grand Jury on 55 felony counts and one misdemeanor. The charges are based on allegations that he had sexual contact with a 16-year-old female student.

Winders resigned his teaching position last week after being on paid suspension since Sept. 12. He was arrested at 2 p.m. today at his home and is lodged in the Crittenden County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond.

Winders is charged with the following:

• One count of first-degree sexual abuse, which is the Kentucky law that went into effect in 2008 that includes a provision for teachers, coaches or any person of trust or authority who engages in a sexual act with or in the presence of a person under 18. It is a Class D felony.
• One count of use of a minor in a sexual performance, which is the law prohibiting the taking of photos or video of minors, a felony.
• One count of prohibited use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor regarding sexual activities, a felony.
• Fifty-one counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, which are felonies.
• One count of distribution of obscene material to a minor, first offense, which is a misdemeanor.
• One count of tampering with physical evidence, a felony.

3 arrested in connection with Livingston robbery

Three Paducah residents were taken into custody Wednesday in connection with an armed robbery that occurred Monday in Livingston County.

Deryant L. Williams, 22; Travon D. Jones, 18; and Talor M. English, 19, have been charged by Kentucky State Police with first-degree robbery and second-degree assault, both Class B felonies, and first-degree wanton endangerment, a Class D felony. Charges are forthcoming on a fourth suspect.

The arrests stem from an investigation, of a home invasion that occurred just after 11 p.m. Monday in Ledbetter. State police received a call that a door had been kicked in and four people entered demanding items. A struggle ensued with the residents, causing injuries to two of the residents.

According to state police, it is believed that drugs were the motive behind the armed robbery.

The investigation is continuing by Trooper Jonathan Ward with assistance from McCracken County Sheriff’s Department.

Anyone with information may contact the Kentucky State Police at (270) 856-3721 or toll-free in Kentucky at (800) 222-5555. Callers may remain anonymous. The public can also text a tip to 67283 and remain anonymous.

Pennington concert Saturday at Fohs Hall

Click on Image to Enlarge

Real healthcare stories from Crittenden Hospital

Click Image to Enlarge

Area death

Mabel Belle Guess, 94, of Marion died Oct. 29, 2013, at Livingston Hospital in Salem. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, photos rescheduled

Marion Chief of Police Ray O'Neal has advised organizers to postpone Trick-or-Treat on Main Street due to the weather forecast. The annual event will now be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Friday.

The Crittenden Press is rescheduling its annual Halloween photos due to the weather forecast and the rescheduling of Trick-or-Treat on Main Street. Photos will now be taken from 2 to 5 p.m. both Halloween Day and Friday at our office at 125 E. Bellville St.

Register now for Big Buck Contest

Officials warn of potential scams during health care coverage rollout

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Gov. Steve Beshear and Attorney General Jack Conway are warning consumers to protect themselves from fraud and to be vigilant of scams claiming to be associated with Kentucky’s rollout of the Affordable Care Act.

If Kentuckians have any questions or concerns, they should contact the AG’s Office of Consumer Protection or staff of the state’s health benefit exchange call center.

On Oct. 1, thousands of Kentuckians without health insurance began seeking information and shopping for insurance coverage using kynect, Kentucky’s health benefit marketplace created to provide simple, one-stop shopping for individuals and small businesses to purchase health insurance.

Unfortunately, scammers have seen this as an opportunity to try to collect consumers’ personal information or to make false claims.

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which oversees kynect, has been notified by consumers of suspicious websites that call consumers after they register information on the sites.

The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the websites. On Monday, it sent civil investigative subpoenas and cease and desist orders to the operators of two websites.

Community Christmas sign-ups continue

Due to incorrect times for Friday’s Community Christmas sign-ups posted last week on the Press Online,  individuals can sign up this week at the Extension Office located at 1534 U.S. 60 East between 8 a.m. and noon or 1 to 4 p.m. Call 965-5236 for further information.

Kenergy hosts Member Appreciation Day

Kenergy will host Member Appreciation Day on Thursday at the co-op's new office at 3000 U.S. 641. Member Appreciation Day will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Members are invited to enjoy a lunch of hot dogs, chips and a beverage. Kenergy will give out energy-efficient light bulbs and calendars as well.

Area death

Martha Jean (Alvey) Mills, 84, formerly of Crittenden County, died Oct. 26, 2013, at Tradewater Pointe in Dawson Springs. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Press Online welcomes Coppertop to the Blog

Click to See Our Menu

Area death

Thomas Earl Lane, 69, of Paducah, formerly of Crittenden County, died Oct. 23, 2013, at his residence. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is handling arrangements.

CRP payments processed, DCP in the works

CRP payments were processed Tuesday for Crittenden and Livingston counties. For those with direct deposit, these payments should be in your bank account somewhere around the 30th, reports the Farm Service Agency in Salem.

Meantime, DCP payments are currently being processed. In fact, the FSA office started processing them today. According to the FSA, these payments were subject to sequestration and the percentage determined was 8.6 percent.

"So, all DCP payments will be reduced by this percentage," said Laura Kessler, executive director of the Salem FSA office.

26,000-plus enrolled in health coverage through kynect

Kentucky’s health exchange, kynect, has been hailed as a national model since its launch Oct. 1 and with good reason – the site has enrolled more than 26,000 Kentuckians in less than a month and has operated smoothly for users looking for affordable health coverage.

“People who say the Affordable Care Act doesn’t work need look no further than Kentucky. Not only is it working here, Kentuckians are still stampeding to the website and call center to find affordable health coverage,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “The fact that so many Kentuckians are actively seeking health coverage for themselves, their families and their employees tells us that kynect is meeting a gaping need in our state. At long last, every Kentuckian can finally find affordable health insurance.”

The below statistics reflect activity on kynect as of 10 a.m. today:

• 305,949 unique visitors to the website, viewing 7.2 million web pages
• 267,938 people conducted preliminary screenings to determine qualifications for subsidies, discounts or programs like Medicaid
• 51,482 applications started
• 26,174 enrolled in new health coverage, including Medicaid and private insurance
• 1,607 standalone dental plans enrolled

Enrollment composite: 21,342 have enrolled in Medicaid and 4,832 have enrolled in a qualified health plan.

Grain truck overturns, spills load

Update
The truck has been removed and the site is cleared.

A crew will be back at the site for a few hours on Friday morning to continue cleaning up the spilled grain. Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic at the site.

- - - - -

A single-vehicle accident involving a grain truck has restricted traffic on U.S. 60 East to one lane for a period. Just after 3 p.m., the grain truck overturned about 11 miles east of Marion, spilling its load of corn across the road. This is in the Rosebud Hill area near Long Branch Road at about milepoint 20.5.

No one was injured in the accident.

Freeze warning issued

A freeze warning has been issued by the National Weather Service and is in effect overnight. "Everything is on track for a killing freeze tonight," the weather service declared in its warning.

'Oz' performance cancelled

According to Crosswalk Learning Center site coordinator Cheryl Burks, “The Wizard of Oz” play that was scheduled for 2 p.m., Oct. 26 at Fohs Hall has been cancelled. There are no details if the play will be rescheduled for another performance date.

Conrad’s hosting 'celebrity' baggers

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Conrad's Food Store will once again sponsor Grocers Against Cancer Day on Tuesday. Local elected officials and community leaders will be bagging and carrying out groceries while collecting tips for the American Cancer Society. Conrad's will also make a donation to the charity.

Real healthcare stories from Crittenden Hospital

Click Image to Enlarge

Local teen bags Georgia bear

The first day of my bear hunt was a mess!

Read more about Katie's bear in this week's printed edition
of The Crittenden Press. This is Katie, her guide and her bear.

It was really cold in Georgia and I wasn't prepared for that in October. Up in the mountains next to a stream made the morning air sharp and cool. So when the 500-plus-pound black bear came in close enough, I couldn't draw my bow. 

After the disappointment of that missed opportunity, it was tough to get my nerves back in check. But I did it with the help and encouragement of Larry and Fran Bennett, my guides with Kahuda Mountain Outfitters. 

We determined that besides the fact that I was cold, my fear of heights and unwillingness to trust my harness played a role in the trouble. 

I was reluctant to stand and draw the bow from my lofty perch. My stand was different than most tree stands I'd used before. My guide Larry taught me to stand and use tension on the strap to help hold me steady while drawing. I also dropped my poundage to where I could draw my bow despite the cold weather. I also took some time to re-sight my bow at the new pull weight before we got ready for the second day's hunt.

The following morning, I taped myself up with "Hot Hands" body warmers, eight of them all together. Duct tape helped provide the magic trick, and I braced for a cold, new morning.

On the stand with Larry, I used what I had learned the previous day and avoided the pitfalls of the first morning's hunt. 

I was able to stand comfortably on the little platform and draw my bow without any fear. And, thanks to being better prepared, I wasn't cold on the second day when the action heated up.

We saw a bear that evening and I put my arrow through him. The bear I shot was not as big as the one I didn't get the day before, but I walked away with a great animal and some hunting experience that will aid me in my hunting endeavors for the rest of my life. 

I really need to thank Larry and Fran for taking the time to talk me off the ledge, so to speak, and help me to get back out there and get it done. Not many outfitters would have done that. 

MORE ON BEAR HUNTING:

Kentucky hunting will open to new areas in 2013

KENTUCKY AFIELD

   Hunters in Kentucky now have an expanded area and seasons in which they may attempt to harvest a black bear.

   Regulations passed by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission in June recently received final legislative approval. The new season structure expands the bear zone and the bear chase areas, establishes an archery/crossbow season and increases opportunities for hunting with dogs.

   The changes are not reflected in the current print version of the Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide due to the publication's deadline in late spring. Bear permits are available to residents only; a drawing for the 2013 quota hunt with dogs was held earlier this month.

   "The department has intensively studied and monitored our bear population for over a decade," said Steven Dobey, bear program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "Data clearly indicate that bears can sustain an increased harvest and we are excited to offer these opportunities to our sportsmen and sportswomen."

   The change that will affect most hunters is the expansion of the bear zone - the area in which a person may hunt bears - from four to 16 counties. Kentucky's Bear Zone now includes Bell, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, McCreary, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Wayne and Whitley counties.

   Another change for this year is the creation of a separate archery/crossbow season. This season will take place from Nov. 23 through Dec. 1. The quota for this hunt is 10 bears or five female bears, whichever limit hunters reach first. The season will close if the limit is reached.

   Successful archery and crossbow hunters must telecheck their bears by 8 p.m. on the day of harvest. Hunters also must call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources within 24 hours to arrange for an employee to check the bear.

   "A physical check of all harvested bears is required so that we may provide a harvest tag and collect valuable biological information from each animal taken," Dobey said. "These data allow us to document sex, weight, age, and reproductive condition. We also can determine if we have handled a bear before by the presence of tags."

   Dates for the existing modern gun season remain unchanged. Hunters during this season may use modern firearms, muzzleloaders, bows or crossbows. This year's hunt will take place Dec. 14-16 and remain open until a quota of 10 bears or 5 female bears is reached, whichever limit hunters reach first. All bear seasons are closed the day after a quota is met.

   Hunters in the gun season must bring bears to a department-operated check station upon retrieval to be issued a harvest tag. Unless license exempt, any person participating in the archery/crossbow or modern gun season for bears must be in possession of a hunting license and bear permit.

   Hunting permits for the modern gun and archery/crossbow seasons are available over the counter or online. These are not quota hunts. A hunter may use one permit for either season; a hunter may not take more than one bear a year.

   During July and August, residents may obtain a permit that allows them to only chase bears with dogs. A person wishing to hunt bears with dogs must have this bear chase permit and then apply for the bear quota hunt with dogs in September.

   Houndsmen will also have increased opportunities this year as the bear chase areas are expanded to three units encompassing more than 340,000 acres.

   Chase areas include a new 73,000-acre chase area located east of Fishtrap Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Pike County, located in Kentucky along the tri-state border with Virginia and West Virginia. The largest chase area includes 222,000 acres spanning portions of Bell, Harlan and Letcher counties. The third chase area is comprised entirely of public land and encompasses approximately 45,000 acres in Bell County.

   From Aug. 1-31, bear chase areas are open as a chase-only season in which houndsmen may pursue bears with dogs without the intent to kill. Unless license exempt, a person must be in possession of a valid hunting license and bear chase permit to participate in the chase-only season.

   This winter will also mark Kentucky's first separate bear quota hunt with dogs. Previously, this season was only open if the state's bear quota was not met during the modern gun season. Changes approved this year establish a season that will be held regardless of whether the quota for modern gun season is met.

   The bear quota hunt with dogs will take place from Dec. 23-27, or until the annual quota of five bears is reached.

   Participants must apply in September for this hunt. The application is open only to Kentucky residents with a valid bear chase permit; up to five people can apply as a hunting party.

   All members of a party drawn for a quota hunt with dogs must buy a bear permit before participating. Two additional youths can join the hunting party for a total of up to seven people; youths do not need a bear chase permit, but are required to obtain a bear permit if they are 12 years of age or older.

   The chase-only season and bear quota hunt with dogs are each restricted to bear chase areas; individual parties may not have more than eight dogs.

   Hunters are not allowed to take female bears with young or bears weighing less than 75 pounds during any season. Bears may not be hunted over bait or in area where bait has been present for at least 30 days. All bear hunting activities are prohibited on Hensley-Pine Mountain WMA, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.

   "Bear hunting is a relatively new pursuit in Kentucky," Dobey said. "Support from the League of Kentucky Sportsmen, United Bowhunters of Kentucky, Kentucky Bear Hunters Association and the Kentucky Houndsmen Association provided valuable insight into the development of our growing season structure."

WMA dedication today

Big Rivers WMA dedication today on Ohio River. New public use area to open Nov. 1.

Local bank offers free estate planning

Click Image to Enlarge

Health care enrollment operates smoothly in Kentucky

Kentucky's state-run implementation of health care reform, Kynect, has enrolled 15,000 people in insurance programs while the federal effort has been hampered by technical problems. At a news conference Monday, President Barack Obama said he was frustrated with the issues that have plagued the federal system run through Healthcare.gov. But in Kentucky, things appear to be running smoothly. Kentucky was one of 17 states that decided to create its own health insurance marketplace known as an exchange. The mostly web-based program is centered at Kynect.Ky.gov, where Kentuckians register to be enrolled in health insurance and explore their options.

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Area deaths

Kenneth R Myers, 78, a native of Marion, died Oct. 20, 2013, at Baptist Health Paducah. Lone Oak Chapel Milner & Orr Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Ralph Collin Barnes, 90, of Salem, died Oct. 22, 2013, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Lois Elizabeth Dameron, 96, of Marion, died Oct.22, 2013, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Load limit placed on Ky. 2123

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has posted a 3-ton limit on a drainage structure along Ky. 2123/Glendale Church Road in the Sheridan area of Crittenden County.

 

This drainage structure on Ky. 2123 carries a branch of Caney Creek under the roadway near the intersection with Love Cemetery Road. KyTC inspectors found erosion had undercut the bridge support structure.

 

This 3-ton load limit restricts the roadway at this location to passenger vehicles and pickup trucks only. Trucks and other vehicles that exceed the 3-ton load limit should seek an alternate route.

 

KyTC engineers are working to determine if the structure can be repaired or should be replaced. The load limit has been posted at the site.

New Kenergy office to open Monday

Kenergy Corp. will be closing its South Main Street office in Marion on Friday. The new office at 3000 U.S. 641 is expected to open Monday.

Members can continue to pay their bills and enter meter readings via computer or smart phone at KenergyCorp.com. Customers can also pay and enter meter readings 24/7 by calling (800) 844-4832, and the drop box at the Main Street location will still be available.

Parks' Eagle Watch Weekends coming up

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Nature lovers should be making plans for a Kentucky State Park tradition—Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February.

The park system will sponsor the wildlife-watching opportunity as bald eagles gather around the major lakes of western Kentucky looking for food.

For four decades, the Kentucky State Parks have offered Eagle Watch Weekends, a chance to view the eagles from land and water and learn about the national symbol and other wildlife, according to a parks system news release.

The tours take place at three resort parks during weekends in January and February, on an excursion yacht and by van. They are led by state park naturalists and Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists.

Ticket prices for the tours range from $25 to $50 a person. Most tours last from two to 3½ hours. The weekends also include evening programs on Friday and Saturday.

The parks, phone numbers and dates for the 2013 Eagle Watch Weekends are:

• Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park ((800) 325-0146): Jan. 10-12. Yacht tours and van tours to the Ballard Wildlife Management Area.
• Lake Barkley State Resort Park ((800) 325-1708): Jan. 24-26. Yacht tours and van tours to the Land Between the Lakes.
• Kenlake State Resort Park ((800) 325-0143): Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Yacht tours only.

Guests should bring warm clothes, rain gear and binoculars. These trips can take place under extreme weather conditions. The resorts offer lodges, cottages and restaurants. Registration is required for the Eagle Watch Weekends. Call the parks for registration, details and fee information or visit: www.parks.ky.gov and click on the “winter adventure” tab.

The Eagle Watch Weekends at Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley and Kenlake will include an option to view eagles from the CQ Princess, a 96-foot yacht. Guests can view eagles from inside the CQ Princess or from outside decks.

Any group or organization interested in a special cruise on the CQ Princess should call Tammy Nanney at Kenlake State Resort Park at (800) 325-0143.

Museum to close for season Saturday

Crittenden County Historical Museum will close for the season Saturday. The museum, located at 124 E. Bellville St., is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

State lawmakers scheduled to visit

Crittenden County Public Library will be hosting a Legislative Meet-and-Greet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the library meeting room.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson) and Rep. Lynn Bechler (R-Marion) will be in attendance along with library patrons, library board members and other members of community leadership.

“It is our goal to come together to let our state government know that we are a county that cares about each aspect of community life, and that the library is a vital part of that effort,” said Regina Merrick, library director.

Ky. 141 traffic flow to be disrupted

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane along Ky. 141 in the Camp Breckenridge area of Union County on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Bay Geophysical will be doing some seismic research work and placing a cable across the roadway at the intersection of Ky. 141 and Ky. 56 at Boxville/Buds Corner.

Motorists can expect to encounter a work zone lane restriction at about any point along Ky. 141 from Ky. 56 to just North of Ben Harris Road during daylight hours.

This work zone will require one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers from time to time. Appropriate caution is required.

Dyer Hill Curve delays expected

The contractor on the U.S. 60 Dyer Hill Curve project in Livingston County will be stopping traffic in the work zone from time to time during the day starting today.

While much of the work to this point has been off the highway away from traffic flow, the contractor is now hauling dirt from one side of the road to the other. This will require flaggers to stop traffic to allow trucks to cross the existing highway in this work zone during daylight hours on a Monday through Saturday schedule. Delays are expected to be minimal, generally less than a couple of minutes.

Motorists should be alert for stopped traffic as they approach this work zone at U.S. 60 mile-point 18.5 in Livingston County. This phase of work is expected to take about three weeks to complete.
Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $2.2 million highway improvement project.

Last of I-24 construction winding down

A busy construction season along the 93 miles of Interstate 24 through Kentucky is coming to an end as construction is nearing completion along the last of three major rehabilitation projects this summer.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to reopen northbound ramps from U.S. 41-Alternate/Fort Campbell Boulevard at Exit 86 in Christian County sometime during the day on Saturday.

Extended work zone lane restrictions along the 7-mile section of Interstate 24 from the 86- to the 93-mile marker are coming down today. A short lane restriction for eastbound and westbound traffic on the main line of I-24 is expected to remain up at Exit 86 until the ramp work at that location is completed and the ramps are reopened to normal traffic sometime this weekend.

This summer contractors completed major rehabilitation work along about 34 miles of Kentucky’s 93 miles of Interstate 24.

Christmas parade slated for Dec. 7

Marion Christmas Parade will be Dec. 7. This year's theme will be "Christmas Memories." To enter a float, contact Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce at 965-5015.

True healthcare stories from Crittenden Hospital

Click Image to Enlarge

Federal government shutdown over

President Obama has signed into law legislation that Congress passed late Wednesday night to reopen the federal government and raise the debt ceiling.

All furloughed government employees are expected to be at work Thursday. Notably, the USDA Farm Service Agency office in Salem should be open.

The measure to end the shutdown passed 81-18 in the Senate. Kentucky GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell voted for the measure. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was one of the 18, all Republicans, who voted against the measure.

The legislation passed 285-144 in the House of Representatives. Congressman Ed Whitfied, a Hopkinsville Republican, voted in favor of the measure to reopen the government.

Area death

Darrel Lee Belt, 80, of Marion, died Oct. 16, 2013, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

McGregor named KyTC District 1 chief engineer

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) Secretary Mike Hancock today announced appointment of the new chief district engineer for the Department of Highways district in Paducah.

Mike McGregor, a 16-year employee of the Cabinet, takes over as chief district engineer for District 1, headquartered in Paducah. He succeeds Jim LeFevre, who retired.
 
McGregor had been serving as interim chief district engineer.

McGregor, a native of Paducah, has spent his KyTC professional career in District 1. He first worked for the Cabinet while an engineering student at the University of Kentucky (UK). He joined the Cabinet as an engineer in training in 1997 and has held multiple supervisory positions. McGregor has been intimately involved in the current project to build new bridges over Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.

“I have had the opportunity to work in several areas in District 1, with the long-term goal of being as prepared as I can be as a chief district engineer,” McGregor said. “I look forward to delivering our road program.”

McGregor received a bachelor of science in civil engineering from UK in 1997 and a master of business administration from Murray State University in 2003. He has been a Licensed Professional Engineer since 2002.

McGregor and his wife Leigh Ann have two daughters and live in Lone Oak.

District 1 is comprised of 12 counties in the Jackson Purchase and western Pennyrile regions: Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken and Trigg.

Fredonia man hurt in Dycusburg wreck

A Fredonia man was injured this morning in a single-vehicle accident near Dycusburg.

According to Kentucky State Police, Nicholas A. Darnell, 20, was operating a 1996 Ford Ranger eastbound on Ky. 902 when the vehicle slipped off the roadway on the right shoulder, causing Darnell to lose control. The truck struck the end of a concrete bridge.

The wreck occurred about 5.5 miles east of Dycusburg around 7:30 a.m.

Darnell, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance for treatment at Methodist Hospital in Henderson. 

There were no passengers or other vehicles involved.

Trooper 1st Class Darron Holliman investigated the collision. Fredonia Fire and Rescue, Princeton Fire and Rescue and Crittenden County EMS assisted at the scene.

Steele's band debuting album Saturday

Crittenden County native Shawn Steele and his band Violet Knives will perform Saturday in Louisville for a Debut Album Release Show at Diamond Pub Concert Hall.

Steele is a graduate of Crittenden County High School where he played football and was an excellent track and field athlete. He is making a career in the music industry and writes the lyrics and melody for most of the band's songs.

The band's album will include 10 original songs. It was produced at a Louisville studio and includes an old-fashioned vinyl record (a retro touch that is coming back to contemporary music).

Steele is the son of Keith and Karen Steele of Marion.

For more, follow the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/violetknives

http://www.violetknives.com/

Ethics panel finds probable cause in sexual harassment case against lawmaker

Former state Rep. John Arnold (D-Sturgis), according to The Lexington Herald-Leader, will face possible reprimands and fines when the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission hears three sexual harassment complaints against him at a Dec. 12 hearing. The commission on Tuesday voted to find probable cause to believe the complaints filed in August against Arnold by three women who work for the Legislative Research Commission. Arnold, 69, has denied the allegations made in the complaints and a related lawsuit, but he resigned his seat in the state House last month.

Democrats select nominee for Arnold's House seat

The (Henderson) Gleaner reports that Kim Humphrey of Union County has been tapped to run for a vacant state legislative seat in the 7th House District. Humphrey was the only nomination submitted during a Democratic committee nominating meeting held Tuesday night at the Henderson County Courthouse. The Democratic Party is looking to retain the seat of former Democratic state Rep. John Arnold of Sturgis, who resigned in mid-September amid sexual harassment accusations. Arnold had represented the district since 1995.

Changes coming to Mega Millions game

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
The Kentucky Lottery has announced that beginning Oct. 22 minimum jackpots in the Mega Millions lottery will grow from $12 million to $15 million. And jackpots will increase by at least $5 million after each drawing in which there is no winner.

Also, the number of white balls will increase to 75 and the number of Mega Balls will go decrease to 15. Mega Millions will still use five white balls and one Mega Ball during drawings.

The changes are aimed at growing the number of Mega Millions players, Arch Gleason said. He is head of the Kentucky Lottery. Mega Millions is played in 43 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean.

Governor orders flags to half-staff

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in honor of a Fort Knox soldier who died in Afghanistan.

According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Angel L. Lopez, 27, of Parma, Ohio, died Oct. 5, in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire. He was assigned to the 201st Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox.

Funeral services for Lopez will be held Wednesday in Cleveland, Ohio. Interment will immediately follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio.

Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute, his office said in a news release.

Press features on hold due to shutdown

Because of the partial shutdown of the federal government, the weekly livestock market report from Ledbetter is not available in The Crittenden Press. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website that makes the auction results available each Tuesday afternoon is down until funding is restored.

Also affected is Laura Kessler’s “Around the Farm” column found weekly in The Press. Kessler, the executive director of the Salem-based Farm Service Agency, and the entire staff at the USDA operated office are on furlough until a funding agreement is reached by Congress and the president.

Corps of Engineers office shuts down over lack of appropriations

All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulatory offices, including the Nashville District, will shut down today due to the absence of available federal appropriations. During the shutdown, regulatory offices will be unable to evaluate individual permit applications, pre-construction notifications for nationwide permit or regional general permit authorizations, or requests for jurisdictional determinations. Work on these actions will resume when regulatory offices reopen.

Forestry accepting orders for tree seedlings

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
The Kentucky Division of Forestry is now accepting orders for tree seedlings.

There are more than 1 million acres of land in Kentucky that could benefit from tree planting, according to a Division of Forestry news release. These areas could not only be planted to produce future timber crops, but also be planted to improve wildlife habitat and protect the soil from erosion by wind or water.

In urban areas, planting may be done to improve the environment by reducing the effects of heat, wind, dust and noise, providing privacy screens or just beautifying the urban landscape.

Foresters are encouraging Kentuckians to plan their tree-planting activities now by ordering tree seedlings through the Division of Forestry. By placing orders now, Kentuckians can select from more than 50 species of trees including bald cypress, black walnut, white oak, yellow-poplar, dogwood, redbud and many more.

Seedlings will be available for shipping from January through April; they are shipped in bundles of 1, 10 or 100 and range in price from $5 to $48 per bundle. They are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; therefore, it is advised to place orders as soon as possible. Order forms are available online at http://forestry.ky.gov/statenurseriesandtreeseedlings/Pages/default.aspx.

For specific information about the availability of various tree species and their prices, contact KDF’s main office at 1-800-866-0555.

Substitute teacher training next week

There will be an optional substitute teacher training at noon Oct. 21 in the Rocket Arena conference room to introduce the new AESOP Sub Caller system. The training will last about 30 minutes, according to Instructional Supervisor Vince Clark.

Coroner called to accident on Dam 50 Road

Second Update: The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Brent Croft of Marion who was driving a loaded grain truck owned by Lanham Farms which crashed near Crooked Creek Bridge.


UPDATE: The crash site has been cleared and the road reopened as of 1:15 p.m.

- - - -

There has been a fatal automobile accident on Ky. 387/Dam 50 Road in northern Crittenden County this morning.

Emergency responders on the scene. The accident involved a loaded grain truck, and it appears to have rolled over after crashing near the Crooked Creek Bridge. No other vehicles were involved.

No other details were immediately available.

The roadway is closed to through traffic until the scene is cleared, which is estimated to be around 1 p.m.

Youth deer hunt is this weekend

The annual Kentucky youth deer hunt is this weekend. Hunters 15-under who are accompanied by an adult may harvest either sex deer on Saturday and Sunday.

Hunters aged 12 to 15 must have the required license and permit to hunt big game in Kentucky.

Hunters who are 11 or under do not even need a tag or permit to hunt deer, but their harvested animals must be checked in as required by state regulations.

To check a deer, call 1-800-CHK-GAME.

Next weekend, Oct. 19-20, is the annual two-day early muzzleloader hunt for whitetail deer.

For more, see the KDFWR Fall Hunting Guide. Click here.

Monday observed as federal holiday

Monday is a federal holiday in observance of Columbus Day. The mail will not run and Crittenden County Senior Citizens Center will be closed.

However, Monday is not a state or local holiday, so all associated government offices will remain open during regular business hour, including Crittenden County Public Library.

The Crittenden Press will be open.

Tolu haunted house starts tonight

Tolu's haunted house begins tonight at the community center, running from 7 to 10 p.m. It will run during the same hours each Friday and Saturday for the remainder of the month.

Concessions are available beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 for children 12 and under and $7 for those 13 and up.

CCHS, CCMS report cards go home Friday

Crittenden County Middle and High School students will be bringing their report cards home Friday. Elementary students will not receive their report carts until Oct. 25.

High school students who are failing any subject will be expected to attend Intercession No. 1 next week during fall break on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon. During this time, students will be given the opportunity to catch up on missing assignments and receive interventions to help with things they didn't catch during the first grading period. After these two days, students will not be allowed to make up work from this grading period, so it is critically important for every student to attend and get their grade to passing.

KHSAA director apologizes for lack of clarity in recommendation to stop post-game handshakes

On day two of a statewide fuss over post-game handshakes, the director of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association tried to further tamp down the furor, but not before the issue hit the national news and lawmakers started calling for action. Meanwhile, the state's two largest school districts said they were sticking with the handshake tradition, and another reversed its reversal.

For more, visit The Herald Leader online.

Real healthcare stories from Crittenden Hospital

Click Image to Enlarge

Livingston offers free fall cleanup help

Livingston County residents will be able to clean out their garages and basements later this fall and dispose of their unwanted materials for free.

On Oct. 17-19, the county dump on Cutoff Road will be open to residents of the county for free disposal of items. The dump will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 17-18 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19. In Salem, roll-off dumpsters at the Old Salem Riding Club will be available all three days for disposal of materials.

Free dumping of household trash is not part of the fall cleanup.

Over the same three-day period, the county will be picking up white goods from the roadside at no charge. Residents must call the judge-executive's office at 928-2105 prior to Oct. 17 to arrange pick-up of such appliances.

Area death

Sandra Jo McClanahan Kimsey, 73, of Salem, died Oct. 6, 2013, at her home. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is handling arrangements.

Sign-ups near for Community Christmas

Community Christmas sign-ups start this week. Adult-only sign-ups will be held from 9 a.m. to noon  Thursday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenwood Heights. Households with children will be able to sign up from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 25. Both sign-ups will also be at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Those seeking holiday assistance for food and gifts are asked to bring a Social Security number for the head of the household and gift suggestions for children 12 and under. Proof of income for all adults living in the household is also required.

For further information on the program, contact 965-4763.

Two state roads getting resurfaced

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the process started this week for resurfacing two state roads in rural Crittenden County—Ky. 506 and Ky. 654 North.

The work along Ky. 506 runs from the Crittenden-Caldwell County line extending 4.2 miles westward to the intersection with Weldon Road. Milling is expected to begin Wednesday, with paving anticipated to begin Friday.

Resurfacing of Ky. 654 North runs from U.S. 60 extending just under 4 miles westward to Baker Hollow/Weston Road. Milling work is slated to begin Wednesday. Paving is expected to start Oct. 16.

The work schedule is dependent upon weather conditions.

Motorists who regularly travel these routes in Crittenden County should be alert for one lane of traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. Appropriate caution is required.

Rogers Group is the prime contractor on this $581,193 highway improvement project. Work along both sections should be completed by about Oct. 18.

Cell service down in western Kentucky

A glich in AT&T's cellular phone service has almost everyone's phone down this afternoon. Service was out starting at shortly after 2 p.m., and was still out just before 5 p.m. The problem is reportedly wide-ranging, causing problems in a great portion of western Kentucky.

Area deaths

S. Ann Guess, 82, of Marion, died Oct. 4, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Jerry Wilderman, 81, of Marion, died Oct. 7, 2013, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Betty Dykes, 78, of Marion, died Oct. 7, 2013, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Man injured in accidental shooting Sunday

A Crittenden County man was injured when a .410 pistol he was putting into his pocket went off at his home in Dycusburg.

See this week's Press for news from around Crittenden County.

Area death

Jim B. Harris, 83, of Burna died Oct 4, 2013, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Area death

William Quertermous, 79, of Hampton, died Oct. 1, 2013. Arrangements being handled by Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

First Sgt. William "B.J." Rowley, 38, of Bluegrass, Iowa, formerly of Sturgis, died Sept. 28, 2013. Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis is handling arrangements.

Tonight Pink Out at football game

Friday night is Pink Out at the Crittenden County Rockets football game. Cancer survivors or memorials to those whom the disease has claimed will be recognized at halftime during the game against Marshall County at Rocket Stadium. Names may be registered at the gate before kickoff or the concession stand prior to halftime.

Also, flag, Junior Pro and middle school football players will be recognized before the game. Players should arrive at 6:15 p.m.

Area death

Robert Lewis Kirk, 71, of Burna, died Oct. 2, 2013, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

MAPP meeting rescheduled

According Judy L. Rousseau with the Pennyrile District Health Department, the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships, or MAPP, meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. today has been cancelled. The meeting has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at the health department.

Unemployment insurance customers encouraged to use online, phone services

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE

Unemployment Insurance customers in the state who need to file a claim or request a check are encouraged to use the online and phone services available through the Kentucky Career Center.


During the temporary shutdown of the federal government, unemployment benefits will continue to be paid. However, state administrative resources have been affected.

This means that there is limited support available at local career centers for unemployment insurance customers.
In order to avoid longer wait times for assistance in local Kentucky Career Centers, customers are encouraged to go online at www.kentuckycareercenter.com or call (502) 875-0442 on weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to file an initial claim or reopen a claim.

To request a biweekly check by telephone, call (877) 369-5984.

Real Healthcare Stories from CHS

Click on Image to Enlarge

Click here to Go to Crittenden Hospital Web Site

Federal help for heating bills, food threatened by shutdown, Kentucky officials say

Low-income Kentucky families who get federal help with their home heating bills, food for young children or child care could be the first to suffer from the partial shutdown of the U.S. government, officials said Wednesday. Federal assistance for home heating bills is expected to be delayed by a week or more instead of arriving during the first week of November, said Rob Jones, executive director of Community Action Kentucky. The shutdown also is expected to affect some Kentucky programs that weatherize people's homes in preparation for winter, Jones said.

For more, visit The Herald Leader online.

Health officials: Salmonella source located

Health officials have linked a Madisonville restaurant to an outbreak of salmonella in the region that has recently hospitalized nearly a half-dozen and killed one individual.

According to WFIE in Evansville, Casa Mexicana has been identified as the source of at least eight cases of salmonella.

For the full story, visit WFIE online.

Christmas parade slated for Dec. 7

Marion Christmas Parade will be Dec. 7. This year's theme will be "Christmas Memories."

To enter a float, contact Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce at 965-5015.

First day of Kentucky health care program one of Beshear's 'most exciting'

Comparing congressmen who obstruct funding the government because of the newly imposed Affordable Care Act "to 9-year-olds in a food fight," Gov. Steve Beshear announced Wednesday nearly 90,000 Kentuckians have explored their health care options with the state's website, Kynect.ky.gov. Technical glitches on the website marred Tuesday's first day of open enrollment, making it difficult for some people to sign up for a policy. About 2,000 people signed up for coverage. But, Beshear said, many people were able to explore their health care options through the website making it, "one of the most exciting days I have had since I have been governor."

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Hunting to begin next month at new WMA

The Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area, which now includes more than 4,000 acres, in Crittenden County will open early in November for public hunting. See this week's Crittenden Press for details.

Kentucky’s uninsured can find, purchase affordable health insurance

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Gov. Steve Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson will participate in enrollment events across Kentucky this week to mark the beginning of open enrollment in the state’s health benefit exchange, kynect. The insurance marketplace will offer affordable health coverage for the first time to 640,000 uninsured Kentuckians.

Kentuckians in all 120 counties can visit kynect.ky.gov to comparison shop for health insurance products. Kynect is expected to help uninsured residents get coverage through private insurance plans or Medicaid, as well as the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), according to a news release from the governor's office.

Four out of five Kentuckians who use kynect are expected to qualify for financial assistance to help cover a portion of their healthcare costs.

“Today marks a sea change in the health of Kentuckians. The impact of providing affordable health care coverage to the more than 640,000 Kentuckians who are now uninsured is nearly unfathomable. Real access to health care will not only improve our collective health, but will strengthen our workforce and save Kentucky millions of dollars,” Beshear said in the news release. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, and I’m excited for our friends, neighbors and coworkers to finally enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having affordable health insurance.

“I’m proud to be part of this historic occasion, and excited to share the information with Kentuckians who need reliable, accessible health insurance. Many of them will be able to purchase a plan for the first time – so many have been blocked by high costs or pre-existing conditions,” Abramson said. “Our state-based health benefit exchange, kynect, is easy to use and understand. I believe that Kentuckians who have been waiting for this day will be pleased to see what kynect can offer them.”

Open enrollment for individuals seeking to purchase insurance through kynect begins today, Oct. 1, and runs through March 31, 2014, with coverage beginning as soon as Jan. 1, 2014. Open enrollment for small businesses also begins Oct. 1, and businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be able to choose to enroll employees in plans offered through kynect.

During open enrollment, Kentuckians will be able to compare and select health insurance plans and discover if they qualify for programs like Medicaid and KCHIP by using the kynect website, a toll-free contact center, a mail-in application or in person.

With kynect, individuals will learn if they qualify for payment assistance and special discounts on deductibles, copays and co-insurance. Small businesses will be able to use kynect to enroll their employees in health plans, and businesses with fewer than 25 employees may qualify for tax credits by using kynect.

The Kentucky Office of the Health Benefit Exchange within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) is overseeing kynect operations.

“For many months, we have been working to get the word out about kynect and all that it has to offer to improve the health and well-being of Kentuckians who are without insurance,” CHFS Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes said in a statement. “Now the big day has finally arrived, and we are anxious to get people engaged. We want them to visit kynect.ky.gov or call (855) 4kynect to find out if they qualify for Medicaid or a subsidy to help them pay for health insurance so they can be covered as early as Jan. 1.”

Through kynect, all Kentuckians will have access to available elements of the ACA, including:

• No one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing health condition or lose coverage because a family member gets sick;
• Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging women more than men for the same coverage;
• All health insurance plans will cover services such as preventive care, pregnancy and infant care, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment;
• No lifetime limits can be imposed on health insurance coverage; and
• Children will be allowed to stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until they reach the age of 26.

“We are very excited about the launch of kynect and open enrollment this fall,” said Carrie Banahan, executive director of the KHBE. “In addition to the peace of mind and better health that comes with quality health coverage, individuals and businesses with fewer than 25 employees may be eligible for premium assistance and tax credits by using kynect to purchase health insurance.”

The KHBE was created by an executive order Gov. Beshear issued in July 2012, as part of the Affordable Care Act’s requirement for a health benefits exchange to be active in each state by the end of this year. KHBE currently is funded through federal grants and will be self-sustaining by 2015.

For more information visit kynect.ky.gov.

Death investigation at Berry's Ferry

Livingston County authorities do not suspect foul play in the death of an elderly man at Berry's Ferry boat ramp on the Ohio River this morning.

According to Kentucky State Police, the man was William R. Quertermous, 79, of Paducah. The initial investigation reveals that he slipped and fell into the water.

Hazard season for forest fires arrives

Kentucky’s fall forest fire hazard season starts today and runs through Dec. 15. During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Anyone cited for violating the law can face fines and/or jail time.

As a reminder, it is illegal to burn garbage or any other materials, except natural plant matter, such as brush and woody debris at any time.

Work in Marion to hamper traffic flow

Traffic inside Marion is being hampered at three different spots today, with flaggers directing vehicles around the work.

First, on Sturgis Road in front of the 88 Dip, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crew is in the process of installing a new cross drain. Lane restrictions are expected today.

Also, a contractor for Atmos Energy is installing new lines near Conrad's Food Store and will be affecting the flow of traffic there.

Finally, the City of Marion is repaving a portion of Country Club Lane off West Gum Street past the side entrance to the hospital campus. Traffic will be affected in this area, too.