Area death

Robert “Bob” M. Daniels, 73, of Tiline died Nov. 28, 2013, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Press closed for Thanksgiving

The Crittenden Press will be closed today and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish you all a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

    ~ From President Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Proclamation of Thanksgiving

Area deaths

Shirley Sue (Riley) Gass, 75, of Paducah, a native of Livingston County, died Nov. 25, 2013, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Russell Louie Henry, 83, of Tallahassee, Fla., formerly of Dycusburg, died Nov. 22, 2013, at Seven Hills Health and Rehab Center in Tallahassee. Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton is handling arrangements.

Gov. Beshear to appear on 'CBS Evening News'

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear will appear today on the "CBS Evening News" at 5:30 p.m. Anchorman Scott Pelley profiles the governor and implementation in Kentucky of the Affordable Care Act.

Join Meacham's celebration Saturday

Special Basketball Section this Week

The printed edition of The Crittenden Press will be publishing this week its annual Basketball Preview Special Section. 

The newspaper's special coverage will include individual and team photographs, rosters, schedules and a preview of the boys' and girls' teams. 

It will be on newsstands by 3 p.m., Wednesday.

Bookmark and follow the Rockets and Lady Rockets Online at this link:
http://cchsrocketbasketball.blogspot.com/

Area death

Casadeen Croft, 96, of Burna died Nov. 23, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Anna Pauline Penn, 72, of Marion died Nov. 21, 2013, at Ochsner Hospital in Slidell, La. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Offices close to observe Thanksgiving

All city, county and state government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. This includes Marion City Hall, all courthouse offices, Crittenden County Public Library and the Extension Service. In fact, all courthouse offices will close at noon Wednesday and will not reopen until Dec. 2. Meantime, only Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday.

The Crittenden Press will also be closed on Thursday and Friday. The newspaper will hit the streets as usual on Wednesday, but because mail will not be delivered on Thanksgiving Day, subscribers should receive their paper a day late.

Area death

Tina Louise Eberle, 44, of Marion died Nov. 21, 2013, at Baptist Health Paducah. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Area death

Eugene A. Guess, 86, of Spokane, Wash., formerly of Marion, died Nov. 15, 2013, at his home. He was cremated and will be laid to rest in Spokane.

Fires destroy homes, devestate families

In the span of five days, two Crittenden County homes were destroyed by fire, claiming all of the residents’ possessions, including pets.

On Nov. 13, a fire on Love Cemetery Road started in an outbuilding and spread across the yard, engulfing a home owned by Sherry Scott. Living in the home with her were her children, Will, 24, and Olivia, 18, as well as an 11-month-old grandchild, Willow.

No one was injured, but the family lost four pets to the blaze, as well as all of the home’s contents.

The fire reportedly started in an outbuilding and spread to the home. Sherry Scott said bullets in the outbuilding exploding from the heat of the flames is what first alerted the family to the fire. Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department Chief Evan Head said the fire spread to another building and then across the yard to the home. The family, he said, was unable to put out the flames with fire extinguishers and a water hose. Sheridan, Crittenden, Tolu, Caldwell Springs, Fredonia and Salem volunteer fire departments also responded to the blaze.

Sherry said she and her husband David, who died of cancer in May, moved to the property 25 years ago. The family tentatively plans to rebuild on their five acres.

The American Red Cross put the Scotts up in a hotel in the days right after the fire and contributed a prepaid credit card for the family to begin buying needed items. The family is now staying with a neighbor.

An account has been set up at The Peoples Bank in Marion to accept donations to help the family. Also, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Deer Creek Baptist Church will be hosting a drop-off day for anyone wishing to donate items to the family’s recovery. Accepted will be new or gently used clothes and shoes, non-perishable food, monetary donations and gift cards. For more information or sizes, contact Jessi Champion at 704-0473 or jchampionmarion@yahoo.com.

On Sunday, a fire just south of Marion on U.S. 641 destroyed a home lived in by Sandra Tabor, according to firefighters. The house reportedly belonged to Aaron Davis.

Donnie Arflack, a volunteer with Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department, said Tabor had apparently stepped out of the home Sunday afternoon to visit a neighbor and when she returned, the home was ablaze. No one was hurt, but the fire destroyed all of Tabor’s belongings and a vehicle and claimed the life of her dog.

“It went pretty quick because it was so windy,” Arflack said.

Firefighters from Caldwell Springs and the City of Marion’s fire department responded.

As with the Scotts, the Red Cross was able to provide immediate assistance in the form of a prepaid credit card. Geraldine Shouse, who heads up the Red Cross in Crittenden County, said she can be reached at 965-3980 by anyone wishing to assist Tabor with the fire recovery.

Senior center open late Thursday

Crittenden County Senior Citizens Center will be open late Thursday, offering a meal and special entertainment.

The center will be open until 8 p.m. with an evening meal of white beans and cornbread offered at 5 p.m. The meal includes drink and a dessert. A $5 donation will be accepted at the door, with all proceeds benefiting the Home Delivered Meals Program and the senior center.

Music begins at 6 p.m. and door prized will be awarded.

VFW seeks pictures of veterans

Marion VFW Post 12022 and Auxiliary  are asking for the community’s help in preparing their float entry in the annual Christmas parade on Dec. 7.

The group plans to honor veterans within the parade’s theme, “Christmas Memories,” by displaying pictures of veterans from all branches of the military, whether living of deceased, no matter when or where they served.

Anyone who wishes to honor a veteran is asked to submit a copy of a picture of that person in uniform, no larger than 8x10, along with the person’s name, branch of service and a contact number.

Pictures may be mailed to Julie Tinsley at 9430 S.R. 297, Marion, KY 42064. Please do not send originals, as it will not be possible to return them.

If help is needed to copy a picture, bring it to the VFW Post at 412 N. College St. in Marion between the hours of 7 and 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. Photos may also be placed in the dropbox on the outside of the VFW building.

Submissions are requested by Nov. 30.

Area death

Donald E. Crider, 84, of Cave In Rock, Ill., died Nov. 18, 2013, at Rosiclare Health Care. Rose Gilbert Funeral Home in Cave In Rock will be handling arrangements.

Firefighters responding to car fire

Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department is responding to a car fire on the Ky. 120 bridge at the Crittenden-Webster County line. No injuries are reported.

Area deaths

Dorothy Louise Hardin, 68, of Burna died Nov. 16, 2013, at Crittenden Hospital in Marion. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Elma Lewis, 92, of Dycusburg died Nov. 16, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Larry Grimmett, 56, of Salem died Nov. 17 at Livingston Hospital Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

No major storm damage reported

Crittenden County Emergency Management Director David Travis reports no significant storm damage in the county today despite a strong series of storms that swept through the region.

House fire has 641 blocked

A house fire on U.S. 641 just south of Coleman Road has the highway blocked while volunteers battle the blaze. No report on injuries at this time, but the home is reportedly a total loss.

Project Graduation Christmas Bazaar canceled

School officials have cancelled Crittenden County High School Class of 2014's Project Graduation Christmas Bazaar and meal due to possible severe weather moving into the region. It will not be rescheduled.

Little league basketball Saturday: Boys and Girls

There will be a full slate of little league basketball Saturday at Rocket Arena with boys and girls getting started on their seasons.

Girls' registration is at noon for K-2 and grades 3-6 register at 1 p.m. Cost is $25.

Boys will practice and register in the morning. Players who have not yet registered may do so. Practices are from 9-10 a.m., for K-3 and 10-11 a.m., for grades 5-6.

Princeton publisher leads Kentucky Baptist Convention

THE TIMES LEADER
With his election Tuesday in Paducah, Chip Hutcheson, of Princeton, becomes only the sixth layman to serve as president of the Kentucky Baptist Convention in the past 75 years. Hutcheson, publisher of The Times Leader of Princeton and The Eagle Post of Oak Grove, has been a deacon and Sunday School teacher for more than 30 years at Southside Baptist Church in Princeton.

Area death

Vivian Lucille (Watson) Little, 89, of Evansville, Ind., a native of Crittenden County, died Nov. 12, 2013, at her home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Firefighters battle house fire

A multi-alarm blaze Wednesday afternoon drew volunteers from several fire departments to battle a fire that destroyed a house on Love Cemetery Road and spread to the woods and a field near the home in northern Crittenden County. The blaze started as an outdoor fire that got out of control and spread to an outbuilding and the home. No injuries are reported.

Dyer Hill Curve reconstruction moving ahead

Cross-section of reconstruction work

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) is making good progress on the U.S. 60 Dyer Hill Curve reconstruction project just west of Burna in Livingston County.

As of late last week, about a quarter of earth-moving work required for realignment of the roadway had been completed.

Work started Aug. 12 and is expected to take 120 working days. KyTC Public Information Officer Keith Todd indicated that construction of the new section is expected to be completed sometime late next summer, but work could go quicker if mild weather should allow some construction to progress during the winter months.

“The project improves safety by softening the curve, widening the roadway and improving sight-distance,” Todd said. “Heading westbound, the roadway will go to the left of the existing roadway, allowing a more gradual curve back to the right before reconnecting to the existing roadway.”
 Widened shoulders and improved elevation will also provide an improved margin of safety.  Like so many cases, Todd said, roads are where they are for a reason.

“This section of U.S. 60 was initially graveled in the 1920’s following what historically started as a buffalo trail, then evolved into an Indian trail, a pioneer trail, into a wagon trail and, now, U.S. 60. There were improvements when U.S. 60 was paved in the 1930’s, followed by another round of improvements in the 1950’s and 1960’s,” Todd said.

While traffic disruptions in the work zone have been minimal, in recent weeks, earth-moving activities have required flaggers to stop traffic from time to time to allow construction equipment to haul materials across the existing highway. Motorists are asked to use caution and be alert for equipment and personnel working along the roadway.

Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on the $2.2 million highway improvement project.

Area deaths

Alice Marie Walker, 81, of Hampton, died Nov. 12, 2013, at her home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Kay Henry Snow, 50, of Marion died Nov. 10, 2013, at her residence. Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis is handling arrangements.

Marion man killed in Smithland wreck

Dustin Driskill, 22, of Marion was killed in a three-vehicle crash in Smithland this morning. The accident occurred shortly before 6 a.m. on U.S. 60 about a mile west of Livingston Central High School.

Area death

Randall Charles “Bulldog” Gaines, 56, of Tiline died Nov. 9, 2013, on his farm. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Veterans Day salute

Today is set aside to honor and remember all those who have worn the uniform of our nation's military. To those men and women willing to sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedoms, we express our sincere appreciation and gratitude.

CVE hosts program on ag vehicle rules

Next week, the Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) Division will be partnering with the Union County University of Kentucky Extension Service in Morganfield to conduct a Farmer Outreach Program. The purpose of the program will be to educate the public on laws and regulations that pertain to commercial vehicles in the farming industry.

The program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, is open to anyone interested in attending. There will be a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of the program. The Extension office is located at 1938 U.S. 60 West in Morganfield.

CVE Region 1 serves Crittenden, Livingston, Caldwell, Webster, Union, Lyon and 17 other counties in western Kentucky.

Angel Trees slated to go up Tuesday

Angel Trees for Community Christmas will go up Tuesday at Farmers Bank & Trust Co.’s main office and Shopko in Marion. Community members can select from the trees a child’s Christmas wish list to fulfill.

CCMS SBDM meeting rescheduled

Due to a scheduling conflict, Crittenden County Middle School's November SBDM meeting will be Nov. 12 instead of Nov. 13.

Offices shut down to honor veterans

In observance of Veterans Day, all federal and state government offices will be closed Monday, as will Marion City Hall, all courthouse offices and Crittenden County Public Library. The courthouse offices of county clerk, circuit clerk and sheriff will also be closed Saturday.

The Crittenden County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service will remain open Monday.

As Monday is a postal holiday, delivery of The Early Bird will be delayed by a day. The Crittenden Press will be open Monday.

Deer season opens Saturday

Rifle season opens Saturday for deer hunters in Kentucky and runs for 16 straight days.

Hunters who harvest a deer should call the KDFWR automated telecheck  system at 1-800-CHK-GAME.

Have a pen ready because the hunter will be given a confirmation number which must stay with the carcass until it has been processed.

For more information on hunting regulations, see the KDFWR Hunting Guide or click here.

This Crittenden County buck was observed chasing a female last week. The mating season is called the rut.

Parade grand marshal sought

Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is calling for nominations for the 2013 Christmas Parade Grand Marshal. The deadline to nominate a person for the honor is Nov. 27. The parade is on Dec. 7. The Chamber will make the final selection.

The chamber can be contacted at 965-5015. Nominations can also be e-mailed to susan@crittendenchamber.org.

The nominee should be a person or group that has consistently made a difference in the community, but has not received public recognition. "Often this will be the person who gets a project completed or makes sure everything is done with little or no self-promoting," said Chamber Director Susan Alexander.

Emergency crews responding to accidents

UPDATES:

Emergency response crews are working two accident sites this morning in rural Crittenden County.

A wreck on Ky. 120 at about 7:40 a.m., involving a deer and a car has the highway down to one lane. No serious injuries reported. This site is cleared.

Crews have also been dispatched to a single-vehicle injury accident on U.S. 60 East near the intersection with Long Branch Road. This accident involves a rollover and the extent of injuries were not immediately known. The driver is out of the vehicle and does not appear to have life-threatening injuries. 

Traffic delays can be expected on U.S. 60 as well.

Veterans Day events planned

• Friday: American Legion Post 217 in Burna will host its annual slum supper at 6:30 p.m. at the post. All veterans are invited to attend.
• Monday: Crittenden County School District will hold its annual Veterans Day program at 9 a.m. at Rocket Arena. The public is invited.
• Monday: American Legion Post 111 in Marion will host its annual Veterans Day services at 11 a.m. at Mapleview Cemetery. The ceremony will be held at Fohs Hall in the event of inclement weather. World War II veteran Bill Clarke is the keynote speaker. The public is invited.

Emergency crews headed to Rosebud curve

Emergency response crews have been called to an injury accident involving one vehicle at Rosebud curve on U.S. 60 East. The wreck happened about 4:15 p.m.

A vehicle has turned upside down and there is one female inside, who does not appear to have life-threatening injuries.

Ambulance and rescue squad crews have been dispatched to the scene.

Grand opening for EOC Friday

A grand opening for Crittenden County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is slated for Friday. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 10 a.m. An open house, complete with refreshments, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The EOC is located on Industrial Drive in Marion.

The building is home to Crittenden County Emergency Management and Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department.

EDITORIAL: Campaign aims to keep spending local

There’s no place like home.

And there’s no place like your hometown to do your Christmas shopping. That’s the message The Crittenden Press is trying to send in the weeks leading up to this holiday season.

Shop Marion First. That’s the name of the campaign to encourage local residents to consider Marion and Crittenden County first when it comes to stuffing stockings and fulfilling Christmas wish lists. While we understand that not all gifts under the tree this Christmas can be found within the boundaries of Crittenden County, we submit that there are any number of unique gift ideas close to home and local alternatives to taking your money out of town or shopping online.

Sadly, few voting in the most recently completed poll at The Press Online planned to do their holiday shopping at home. Only 11 percent said they plan to do the bulk of their Christmas shopping locally, while 61 percent plan to take their money out of town and another 28 percent will use their charge cards online.

Those figures are shameful. So taking your money elsewhere is an approach we hope to get you to reconsider as the calendar counts down to Christmas. Not only is there a convenience in shopping at home—saving both time and money when travel is considered—but money spent locally stays within the community, helping it to flourish and grow stronger.

Every time you shop, you exercise a choice—a choice to support your neighbors or take vitality  away from the very community in which you live.

It is your choice, but is it one you make without careful consideration?

Remember, money spent here means local jobs that feed local families. It means strengthening a tax base that allows for community improvements. And it means the doors stay open to local businesses that offer convenience year-round.

What will be your choice this holiday season?

We hope more of us choose to shop Marion first.

Area deaths

Mary Lou Watson, 94, of Girard, Ill., a native of Livingston County, died Nov. 2, 2013, at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield, Ill. Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Virden, Ill., was in charge of arrangements.

Laverne James, 72, of Marion died Nov. 4, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Ora Juanita Buttrum, 81, of Harrisburg, Ill., died Nov. 2, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem was in charge of arrangements.

Little league basketball registration

There will be a skills assessment and registration for little league boys' basketball Saturday morning at Rocket Arena. Boys in K-2 grades will register at 9 a.m., and those in grades 3-6 will registers at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 per player or household. Players will have a brief skills assessment at the registration. For more information call 559-9354 or 704-0643.

LIHEAP sign-ups to begin Tuesday

Enrollment for the subsidy phase of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps low-income Kentucky families pay high heating bills begins next week. Sign-ups have been delayed due to the federal government shutdown earlier this month.

Applications can be made at the Pennyrile Allied Community Services office on North Walker Street in Marion Tuesday through Dec. 19. Applications will be taken in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the head of household’s last name. For further information, contact the PACS office at 965-4763.

WMJL selects basketball radio team

WMJL has selected Chris Hardesty and Keith Davis as radio announcers for Crittenden County High School boys and girls basketball games during the 2013-14 season.

Crittenden County schools out Tuesday

There is no school in Crittenden County on Tuesday. Tuesday was a built-in day off on the school calendar.

Grand opening for county’s EOC set

A grand opening for Crittenden County’s Emergency Operations Center is slated for Thursday. A ribbon-cutting will be held at 10 a.m. An open house, complete with refreshments, will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The EOC is located at 275 Industrial Drive in Marion.

LIHEAP sign-ups to begin Nov. 12

Enrollment for the subsidy phase of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that helps low-income Kentucky families pay high heating bills begins next month. Sign-ups have been delayed due to the federal government shutdown earlier this month.

Applications must be made at the Pennyrile Allied Community Services office on North Walker Street in Marion on Nov. 12 through Dec. 19. Applications will be taken in alphabetical order based on the first letter of the head of household’s last name. For further information, contact the PACS office at 965-4763.

Upward sign-ups start next week

Early registration for Upward basketball and cheerleading is Monday at Marion Baptist Church. Early registration is $60 per individual. After Monday, registration will cost $65. The deadline for registration is Nov. 12. Practices and

Cross drain replaced between Salem, Burna

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on U.S. 60 in Livingston County on Tuesday. The work was originally slated for Monday.

This traffic restriction on U.S. 60 at about the 22-mile marker in Livingston County is for the replacement of a cross drain.

This is along U.S. 60 between Salem and Burna near the Mitchell Road intersection.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. Some minor delays are possible during the movement and positioning of equipment required for the work.

U.S. 60 is expected to close at this site at about 8 a.m., local time. It is expected to reopen to traffic at about 3:30 p.m. This project is scheduled on a weather permitting basis.

Community Christmas organizers warn of scam

According to Nancy Hunt, a Community Christmas committee member, a family has been contacting businesses this week in Marion claiming to be collecting for the annual holiday charity. 

"Please do not give cash to anyone going door to door you do not know," Hunt advises. 

Businesses and churches will be receiving a letter from the planning committee about how they can support Community Christmas.  If you want to donate money to Community Christmas, deposits can be made at Farmers Bank & Trust Co.

If you have any questions, please call Hunt at 704-0057.

Daylight saving time over Sunday

Remember that hour of sleep you lost in March when the nation switched from standard time to daylight saving time?

This weekend, the process will reverse itself, and you'll get back extra hour of sleep when the country officially switches from daylight saving time to standard time at 2 a.m. on Sunday. The easiest way to handle clocks and watches and appliances with built-in timers is to turn them back one hour when going to bed on Saturday.

The Kentucky State Fire Marshal is also reminding Kentuckians to change the batteries in each of their home’s smoke alarms and ensure that their home heating appliances are in safe working order.

Smoke Detectors

“Early warning is the first line of defense in escaping a fire,” said William Swope, director of the Public Protection Cabinet’s Division of Fire Prevention and the state’s fire marshal. “Without a working smoke detector to issue an early warning, occupants can become trapped by deadly smoke and heat as the fire spreads quickly throughout a home, blocking escape routes.”

Smoke detectors should be on every floor of your home, including the basement and in each sleeping area. “The bottom line is smoke detectors can save the lives of your family and pets,” said Swope. “It’s simple: When you set your clocks back, change the batteries in your smoke alarms.”

Home Heating

Because this week’s forecast calls for mild temperatures, Swope says that now is also the time to check your home heating appliances or schedule an inspection with a professional.

“According to national statistics, heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months. In fact, half of all home heating fires occur in December, January and February,” said Swope.

“The National Fire Protection Association estimates that heating equipment was involved in about 57,100 reported home structure fires in 2010, which resulted in 490 civilian deaths, 1,530 injuries and cost more than $1.1 billion in property damage.

Big Rivers WMA and State Forest opens

Heartwood Forestland Group still owns 800
acres on the southeast side of Bells Mines Road
which is not part of WMA. Heartland's property is
marked with diamond shaped signs.

The Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and State Forest in Crittenden County opens to the public today for hunting, hiking, fishing, bird watching and other activities.

"It's the gem on the Ohio River," state Sen. Dorsey Ridley said of the expansive area.

The northern Crittenden County property will be managed by the Kentucky Division of Forestry and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR).

It's a historic area. Lewis and Clark camped at the mouth of the Tradewater on their trip to the Pacific Ocean in the early 1800s. It's a place where the endangered Indiana bat has proven to live. The bat and other endangered and threatened flora and fauna helped ring up about $10 million in federal funds. The bat alone brought $700,000 to the table.

Combined with private money from Duke Energy and the Crounse Corp. of Paducah and public funds from a variety of sources, Phase 2 of the land acquisition project was formally dedicated by those who had a hand in the deal. It all started in 2008 when fish and wildlife officials got serious about buying the property at a public auction held at Union County High School. It didn't get the land deal done that day, but it did secure an option to buy part of it later. Over the last two years, the state has exercised that option.

Karen Waldrop, the KDFWR's wildlife director, said she first learned about the property even before it sold at auction. Crittenden County's Philip Sharp, a private lands biologist for the department, took her on a truck ride through the hills, then owned by Kimball.

"This is a great property and the people in the community need to be proud of it," she said, pointing out that public input will be sought as KDFWR develops a long-term management plan for the public area.

Terry Teitloff, First District commissioner on the KDFWR Board of Directors, said a comprehensive plan for the management of the WMA is being put together. Unfortunately, it will not include any type of public use for ATVs or horseback riding. Those type activities are prohibited due to restrictions placed on the deed because of some of the funding sources.

The property will be open to public hunting beginning today. There will be a 40-person quota deer hunt on Nov. 9-10. Otherwise, deer hunting is restricted to archery only. All regulations fall under the Big Rivers WMA (Union County tract) which is already printed in the 2013-14 Kentucky Hunting Guide.

Wildlife officials said hunters and other users should be aware that cattle will be present on some of the pastures through Jan. 1, when farm leases expire. Afterwards, it is unlikely that pasturing will be allowed, but row cropping will likely continue under contracts with local farmers.