Relay for Life continues on

Linda and Virgil Cook were crowned 2013 Crittenden County Relay for Life Survivor King and Queen Friday night as the annual event got under way. Relay continues on until 5 a.m. Saturday morning and was moved indoors to Rocket Arena due to the threat of severe storms overnight.

LBL celebrates golden anniversary

Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy designated Land Between The Lakes as a national recreation area with the vision that LBL would “demonstrate how recreation, environmental education, resource management and restoration all work together for the benefit of the region.” Brian Beisel, customer service department manager, said in a press release, that LBL has been managed since then to fulfill President Kennedy’s vision.

For more, visit the Kentucky New Era online.

Area death

Roger Jonas Martin, 62, formerly of Princeton, died May 30, 2013, at Baptist Health of Paducah. Morgan’s Funeral Home in Princeton is handling arrangements.

3-car collision on U.S. 641 injures two

A three vehicle collision at Mott City at the intersection of U.S. 641 and Ky. 70 has traffic partially blocked.

At least two people appear to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m.

Suspicious fire investigated in Livingston

Livingston County Sheriff's Department and the Kentucky Office of the State Fire Marshal are conducting an investigation into a residential fire that occurred Friday at 768 Kellum Road in rural Livingston County.  The residence is a mobile home and there was no one at home at the time of the fire. 

It has been determined that the fire was not accidental. Sheriff's deputies have identified at least two suspects, but no arrests have been made at this time. 

Livingston County sheriff's deputies are continuing the investigation with the fire marshal's office. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (270) 443-TELL. You may be eligible for a cash reward.  

Shelter home tour takes place rain or shine

By CHRIS McGEE
STAFF WRITER
The Mary Hall-Ruddiman Canine Shelter will host its second Home and Garden Tour this weekend. The biennial tour and fundraiser helps to raise money for the no-kill shelter will take place, rain or shine. Proceeds from the event go toward caring for the animals at the facility and helping with some of the day-to-day costs of running the shelter, like food and veterinarian charges.

Melissa Guill, one of the coordinators who spearheading the event, said 85 people attended last year’s event. She hopes more will attend this year’s tour.

A luncheon will be held 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Saturday at The Woman’s Club of Marion building on East Carlisle Street, with self-guided tours of the homes beginning at 12:30 p.m. The sites featured this year are: Ethel Tucker, Jean Claude and Caroline Kieffer, Don and Diana Herrin, Samuel and Dee Patterson and the Victory Gardens.

A silent auction of gifts and autographed items from celebrities will be incorporated into this year’s fundraiser, as well.

Guill said trying to obtain items for the silent auction made coordinating this year’s event a little more difficult than last year’s.

More than 30 items will be sold at the silent auction. Some of the celebrity items include signed prints by the Dallas Cowboys, stars of “Duck Dynasty,” Hank Williams Jr., Bob Barker and others. In addition, there will be gift baskets with products from Avon, Mary Kay and John Deere. Also, there will be home and garden accessories and gift cards to dozens of area restaurants.

The items are listed on Crittenden County Animal Shelter’s Facebook page, as Bark & Bid. Bids will be taken online through Saturday.

“Pictures of the items are up on the Crittenden County Animal Shelter’s Facebook page so that people can go online and start bidding,” Guill said.

She hopes to pique a lot of interest and get some good bids with the items. She also said there has been a new item added to the list.

“Since I last spoke with The Crittenden Press, we have acquired a signed Duck Commander catalog,” Guill said, referring to the home of merchandise from the popular “Duck Dynasty” series on A&E.
In addition to the silent auction, a centerpiece design contest will be held. Entry for the contest will be $10 with the winner receiving $100.

Guill said there was no specific criteria for homes enlisted as a part of the tour.

“A lot of people just love gardening; Ethel Tucker’s home is part of the tour because it is a historic home.” Guill said.

Even though Guill has been the spearhead of the event, she is quick to deflect the credit away from herself.

“It is a group effort; people on the board (of the Mary Hall Shelter) have volunteered  their time and paid for their own postage to send the materials out,” she said.

Tickets for the tour are $15 and can be purchased at the following locations: Louise’s Flowers, The Daisy Patch, Bowtanicals, Marion Welcome Center and the Mary Hall shelter.

CAF annual meeting June 8, hosts Henry Clay

Fohs Hall Community Arts Foundation will host its annual dinner at 6 p.m. June 8 at Fohs Hall, with after-dinner entertainment provided by George McGee portraying famous Kentucky politician Henry Clay.

Above all, Clay wanted to be President of the United States. Despite never quite making it—he ran and lost three times between 1824 and 1844—Clay played a large role in the history of his country, which he served as a senator, speaker of the house and secretary of state. For more than 40 years he was a major player on the national political scene, renowned for his oratory and devotion to the Union. The performance is presented in part by a grant from the Kentucky Humanities Council.

Reservations for the $10 dinner can be made by calling 965-5983.

Mineral museum hosts show, digs

The Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum will host its annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil, Jewelry Show and Dig this weekend.

The eighth annual affair will be set up at Fohs Hall in Marion, running 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission to Fohs Hall will be free.

Activities will include a silent auction, hourly door prizes, museum tours, a wire-wrapping class, special events for children, discussions about geology with professionals from the Kentucky Geologic Survey and, of course, both day and night guided mineral digs. There is a charge for some of the activities.

For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.ClementMineralMuseum.org.

Relay moved indoors

Crittenden County Relay for Life has been moved indoors due to the threat of rain tonight and into Saturday. Relay will be held inside Rocket Arena instead of around the courthouse, as was originally scheduled.

Adopt-a-Highway groups ready to ‘summer scrub’ roadsides

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Volunteers will be out in force next week to summer scrub Kentucky highways. The Transportation Cabinet announced Monday that Adopt-a-Highway Summer Scrub Week is June 2-8.

“The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet appreciates the efforts of our Adopt-a-Highway volunteers who help keep our highways and communities beautiful and litter-free,” Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said in a news release.

Nearly 750 groups participate in Kentucky’s Adopt-a-Highway program, which was established in 1988. Volunteers clean about 5,100 miles of roadside annually, setting an example of responsible environmental stewardship.

The Adopt-a-Highway program promotes public environmental awareness and supports tourism. The program also creates a partnership between citizens, community and government, the news release said.

Each year, the state Transportation Cabinet spends about $5 million and 200,000 worker hours to remove 96,000 bags of highway litter. Adopt-a-Highway volunteers help save thousands of taxpayer dollars and demonstrate that a clean environment is a shared responsibility, the news release said.

Any permanently established business, association, community or public organization, or government entity can adopt a stretch of highway. A wide range of groups throughout Kentucky now participate, including homemaker clubs, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, high school organizations, service clubs, veterans, college fraternities and sororities, sports teams and church groups, among others.

Volunteers adopt two-mile sections of highway under a two-year, renewable contract with the Transportation Cabinet.

Adopt-a-Highway coordinators can explain the fundamentals of the program to volunteer groups, work with group members in locating an available highway, and keep them notified of news and upcoming events.

Litter pickups are held at least four times per year or as many times as necessary to keep adopted areas reasonably litter-free. The cabinet coordinates three annual clean-up efforts.

Groups interested in becoming members of the Adopt-a-Highway Program can find details and district coordinator information at http://adopt-a-highway.ky.gov/. Safety guidelines are provided to volunteers and should be reviewed prior to each cleanup.

The Adopt-a-Highway coordinators help volunteers get in touch with the county maintenance crew superintendent to arrange warning sign placement on the date of pickup. Trash bags and safety vests can be obtained at each state maintenance facility, and litter removal is provided by the state highway crews.

For more information, visit the project website at http://adopt-a-highway.ky.gov/. For questions or comments, contact Miranda Thacker, (502) 564-3419, or e-mail Miranda.Thacker@ky.gov.

Hundreds of abandoned military items waiting to be claimed at state treasury

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
If you’re a veteran missing a medal or discharge papers or a relative looking to discover a military legacy, all you need to do is visit www.KYtreasury.com and click on Military Item Listing.

The Kentucky State Treasury is looking to reunite veterans and their families with hundreds of military items that sit unclaimed in the Treasury vault.

Kentucky Treasurer Todd Hollenbach said, “We owe it to our military service members and their families to go the extra mile to return these items. Their stories deserve to be told, and their memories need to be preserved."

Among the items in the vault are a bronze star, seven Navy medals, two purple hearts, numerous battle ribbons and campaign pins, dog tags and dozens of discharge papers including one from the Civil War.

The state treasurer serves as custodian of all property surrendered to the state that is presumed lost or abandoned. The military items are among the more than 50,000 unclaimed items stored in the Treasury vault that come from the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.

Each year the Kentucky Treasury returns millions of dollars in unclaimed property to Kentucky residents, most of the properties are in the form of cash from old insurance policies, stocks and bonds and leftover bank accounts. Under the proactive leadership of Treasurer Hollenbach and his Treasure Finder’s Program, the Treasury has returned a record $ 81 million in unclaimed property.

I-24 stretch near Christian next in line for cable barriers

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced plans Friday to add cable barriers in the medians of some hazardous stretches of Interstate 24 near Hopkinsville. Based on a priority list of roads where the most crossover crashes occurred versus the number expected there based on traffic flow and design, the section of I-24 from mile marker 70 to 85 ranks at the top, according to a Kentucky Transportation Research Center review. Also on that list is I-24 from mile marker 85 to 93 in Christian County.

For more, visit the Kentucky New Era online.

Relay organizers stick with outdoors despite rain chances

As of this afternoon, Relay for Life organizers plan to keep the event around Crittenden County Courthouse, despite a chance of rain Friday and Saturday.

"We will re-evaluate tomorrow if needed," said Relay chair Natalie Parish.  

The back-up plan will be Rocket Arena, if rain does force Relay indoors.

Ky. 983 in Webster closed

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close Ky. 983 in Webster County today.

The closure on Ky. 983 at about the 6 mile marker is to allow replacment of a cross drain that has collapsed.  There is a large void under the roadway that requires immediate repair.

There will be no marked detour.  However, motorists may self-detour via Ky. 56 and U.S. 41-Alternate.

Ky. 983 will be from approximately 8 a.m. to around 4 p.m.

UMW to rally in Henderson against Patriot, Peabody, Arch Coal

The United Mine Workers of America are planning a large rally in Henderson next week to protest actions by Patriot Coal Corp., Peabody Energy Corp. and Arch Coal that could affect retired miners’ health and pension benefits. More than 30 busloads of miners, retirees and family members are expected to arrive from around the Midwest, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio, according to UMW spokesman Phil Smith. The rally is planned for next Tuesday, June 4, at the Henderson County Courthouse. More details are expected to be released later this week.

For more on this story, visit The Gleaner online.

Circuit clerk's office closed Saturday

Crittenden County Circuit Clerk's office will be closed this Saturday. The office will also be closed June 15.

Child drowns at Kuttawa

At approximately 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, the body of Warren Patterson, 9, was recovered by the Dive Team from Marshall County Rescue Squad. Patterson was located around the beach area of Kuttawa Harbor and was pronounced deceased on scene by the Lyon County Coroner. 

The boy had been reported as missing earlier Wednesday.

Kentucky State Police were assisted by multiple agencies on scene.

Crop planting still far behind last year

USDA, NASS, Kentucky Field Office

According to the USDA's Kentucky Weekly Crop and Weather Report, planting progress across Kentucky was slowed due to heavy rainfall in the second half of the week. Precipitation amounts were higher in the western and southern regions of the state.

At Princeton, the nearest University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center data station, 1.07 inches of rain fell. The annual total is 22.62 inches, 0.97 above normal.

Temperature for the week averaged 66 degrees across the state, near normal. At Princeton, the average mercury for the week was 71 degrees, 1 degree higher than normal.

Crop progress, conditions
As of Sunday, corn planting was 74 percent complete, trailing both last year at 100 percent and the five year average of 86 percent, the weekly report reflects. The corn crop was 49 percent emerged compared to 95 percent last year and the five year average of 72 percent. Condition of the corn crop was rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 63 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.

Soybean planting reached 14 percent complete, according to the report. Planting progress trails last year at 68 percent and the five year average of 36 percent. The soybean crop is 3 percent emerged compared to 50 percent last year and the five year average of 21 percent.

Condition of the winter wheat crop was rated 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 10 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 27 percent excellent. The expected date for the winter wheat harvest to begin is June 14.

Pasture condition was reported as 3 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Public urged to leave young wildlife alone

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT
OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES 
They are born in woods and brushy fields. From birth, they learn how to survive in a world where the daily challenge is to find enough to eat and try not to be eaten by other wild creatures.
   
For eons, wildlife have been born and raised without human surrogate parents. So the message is clear: leave wildlife babies alone.
   
Well-intentioned concern often does more harm than good.
   
Get too close to a bird's nest and the young may leave the nest prematurely and not survive. Bring home a deer fawn and you're taking it away from its mother. Feed a bear cub and the cub will become conditioned to humans and human food. All these scenarios are likely to compromise the animal's survival chances.
   
Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may possess injured or orphaned wildlife. Only persons with a captive cervid permit may keep deer in captivity.
   
To locate a licensed rehabilitator, go to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's website at fw.ky.gov and click on the "Hunting, Trapping & Wildlife" tab, then on "Injured and Orphaned Wildlife."
   
When someone finds a deer fawn it's often assumed that the fawn is abandoned.
   
But David Yancy, a deer biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, explained that mother deer rarely abandon their newborns. "The mother leaves the fawn often for hours at a time, between morning and evening nursing," said Yancy. "The doe stays away from the fawn because she doesn't want to attract attention to it. While she's away from her fawn she feeds and rests."
   
Fawns are scentless at birth. They hide in grass and weeds, their spots helping to camouflage them.
   
If the mother deer feels threatened by the approach of a human or a predator, she moves off, so the threatening presence will follow her and not endanger the fawn.
   
Newborn deer remain bedded for the first few weeks of life until they are strong enough to run at their mother's side to escape predators. The doe is never far from her fawn. "The mother is likely in some nearby woods. She's definitely within earshot and will usually come running if the fawn bleats," said Yancy.
   
Landowners are asked to leave a deer fawn alone if they encounter one. "If you find one while mowing your hay field, pick it up and put it somewhere nearby where you won't be mowing. The mother will return and find it in the evening," said Yancy.
   
The parents of songbirds are also attentive to the needs of their young.
   
"If you see a baby bird or a fledgling, you should leave it alone. Most likely the parents are nearby," said Shawchyi Vorisek, an avian biologist with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. "The parents stay with their young at least until they can find food on their own."
   
Most songbird species are protected by federal law. Nests with eggs or young should be left alone. "Observe nests from afar," added Vorisek. "Don't go up to a nest or touch it, as that can leave a trail for predators to follow or cause the parents to abandon the nest."

Kentucky State Police honor Post 2 officers

Last week, Kentucky State Police announced its slate of awards
for 2012. Earning recognition as a ceremony last Thursday in Frankfort
were Trooper Jonathan McGehee, KSP Post 2 Trooper of the Year; Lt.
Brenton Ford, recognized with a citation for bravery; Detective Daniel
Morck, Post 2 Detective of the Year; and Senior Trooper Timothy Sales,
who also received a citation for bravery.

On Thursday, the Kentucky State Police announced the 2012 Trooper of the Year, Detective of the Year, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer of the Year and other awards for acts of bravery, life-saving, professionalism and dedication to duty at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort.  Four officers from Post 2 Madisonville were honored at the ceremony.

Lt. Brenton Ford and Senior Trooper Timothy Sales were presented with the KSP Citation for Bravery.  This honor is bestowed upon officers of the agency who perform acts of bravery, without regard for personal risk, of clear and obvious peril and clearly above and beyond the call or risk of ordinary duty.  Lt. Ford is a resident of Owensboro and a 14-year veteran of the KSP. Senior Trooper Timothy Sales is a resident of Murray and an 11-year veteran of the KSP.

Tpr. Jonathan McGehee was Post 2’s Trooper of the Year. During the calendar year of 2012, Trooper McGehee issued 1,063 citations, responded to 457 complaints, investigated 25 motor-vehicle collisions, arrested 47 impaired drivers, and made 251 criminal arrests. Trooper McGehee is a resident of Bremen and has been a trooper with the KSP for two-and-a-half years.

Det. Daniel Morck was Post 2’s Detective of the Year. During the calendar year of 2012, Det. Morck made 1,132 criminal arrests, the majority of which related to child exploitation. Detective Morck is a resident of Madisonville and an 11-year veteran of the KSP.

Post 2 covers Crittenden, Caldwell, Webster, Christian, Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Todd counties.

1st career craze camps offered at WKCTC

Middle school and high school students can join the craze to learn about careers in healthcare and energy at West Kentucky Community and Technical College beginning in June.

The two free, hands-on Career Craze camps are for students ages 12 to 15 to discover their passion for the healthcare and energy fields.

"This is the first time we've offered camps like this for our area youth thanks to a grant funded through Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson's office," said Kevin O'Neill, WKCTC continuing education coordinator. "These camps will offer a fun and educational experience with hands-on learning for all who participate."

"So You Want to Work in Healthcare" will be held on June 3-6 in the Allied Health Building, room W-107. Students will learn about programs such as nursing, physical therapy, surgical technology, dental hygiene/assisting, phlebotomy and more. The maximum enrollment for the camp is 25.

Margaret Johnson and Laura Durbin, WKCTC assistant professors of nursing, will be the leaders for the healthcare camp. Students will be divided into five groups for hands-on experiences with simulation and moulage (wounds blood, etc.), suturing sponge or other simulated object. WKCTC physical therapy assistant students will be on hand to share their experiences; campers will also learn from area healthcare professionals during tours of local hospitals and physical therapy facilities.

WKCTC Applied Technologies Coordinator David Franklin will teach "Exploring Energy & Alternative Energy Careers" on June 17-20 in the Emerging Technology Center, room 216. The maximum enrollment in the energy camp is 20.

Students will have the opportunity to tour two energy plants to learn how electric energy is produced. Representatives from the local uranium enrichment plant will present hands-on demonstrations; campers will visit a local power utility to learn how the electric grid works and learn how electricity gets to their homes. On the WKCTC campus, students will also learn from WKCTC faculty about alternative energy options. They will have hands-on activities on how a generator works, explore wind and solar energy and learn what it takes to have a career in the energy industry.

Both camps will be held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to noon.

College representatives will be on hand on Thursday during both camps to answer questions as well as encourage the camp participants to look to WKCTC as their next step in their education process after high school.

Space is limited. Call (270) 534-3335 to register. For more information about the Career Craze camps, contact Kevin O'Neill at (270) 534-3206.

Memorial Day services begin today

Saturday's annual Memorial Day weekend commemoration
at the Blackford Walk of Honor drew dozens of visitors.

Four traditional services over Memorial Day weekend will honor Americans who died while members of the U.S. military, whether on the battlefield, at sea, in the air, as prisoners of war or otherwise performing sworn duties for the nation.

In Crittenden County, on Saturday, the annual Blackford Walk of Honor Memorial Day ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. The featured speaker is retired U.S. Navy Commander Don Gatewood of Crittenden County, with former state representative and retired Navy Capt. Mike Cherry emceeing the event. Organized by Brent Witherspoon each year, it carries the distinction of being the newest ceremony in Crittenden County, as well as typically drawing the largest crowd of the county’s three Memorial Day ceremonies.

On Memorial Day, at 10 a.m., American Legion Post 111 will host its usual ceremony at Mapleview Cemetery with Crittenden County native Kentucky Army National Guard Col. Scott A. Campbell as the guest speaker. In 2012, Campbell led the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, a force of guardsmen from several states, out of Iraq without a single loss of life in the unit to help close out the war there.

Also on Memorial Day, Shady Grove Cemetery Association will host its traditional service at 11 a.m., followed by a meal. Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham will once again be the featured speaker at the solemn event.

Livingston County will not be without its own commemoration of the military over the holiday weekend. American Legion Post 217 in Burna will honor the active duty personnel of Livingston County, as well as the deceased veterans. Justice Cunningham will be the featured speaker at an 8 a.m. memorial service conducted on the Legion’s property just off U.S. 60 in  Burna. The ceremonies are open to the public and will be followed by a complimentary breakfast.

Flags ordered to half-staff

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be displayed at half-staff until noon on Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day is a time for Kentuckians and all Americans to honor those military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice,” Beshear said in a statement. “On Monday, I urge you to take a moment and give thanks to the service members who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and also recognize those who are still serving our country both at home and abroad.”

Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

For information on Memorial Day ceremonies at Kentucky veterans cemeteries and nursing homes, please visit http://veterans.ky.gov/

Most area I-24 work zones on pause for holiday

All lanes of Interstate 24 are open in Livingston, Lyon, and Christian counties. However, some of the lane restrictions along the work zone from the 3- to10-mile marker in McCracken County will remain up until early Saturday morning.

There will continue to be lane restrictions along a portion of the McCracken County until sometime after midnight.

A shoulder restriction will remain up along most of the McCracken County work zone through the weekend, but all driving lanes should be open by Saturday morning.

As a reminder, there are a couple of sections along the Christian County work zone where motorists will be traveling on base courses. Caution is required in these areas.

Area deaths

Ricky Loydd Cunningham, 64, of Grand Rivers died May 23, 2013, at his home in Grand Rivers. Collier Funeral Home in Benton is handling arrangements.

James Hubert “Bud” Glore, 70, of Marion, died May 23, 2013, at his residence. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

David Wayne Scott, 58, of Marion, died May 24, 2013, at his home in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Joanne Kathryn Myers, 74, died May 22, 2013, at Lourdes Hospital in Paduach. Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Safety key as recreational boating season launches

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES

The three-day Memorial Day holiday which starts Saturday is the unofficial start of recreational boating season in Kentucky.

Boating safety officials with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources are urging everyone who plans to be on the water to keep safety in mind. About 90 percent of all boating accident victims die as a result of drowning.

"Wearing a life jacket is the most important step you can take to keep you and your family safe on the water," said Zac Campbell, boating education administrator for the department's Division of Law Enforcement. "Your odds of surviving an unintentional fall overboard with a life jacket on are substantially higher. Just remember your life jacket’s got your back."

Conservation officers will be out in full force patrolling the state's lakes and rivers, watching for impaired boaters and checking vessels for required safety equipment.

Boaters are most often written up for expired boat registration, not enough life jackets on board, boating under the influence, going too fast in an idle speed only zone or having no fire extinguisher on board.

Boaters should also remember that youths ages 12 to 17 must have a valid Kentucky boater education card to operate a boat or personal watercraft of 10 horsepower or more.

For complete information on boating regulations, safety requirements and boat operation, consult the 2013-14 Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide, available wherever fishing licenses are sold. The guide also is available online at fw.ky.gov.

I-24 welcome center in reopens today

The welcome center for westbound travelers on Interstate 24 in Christian County reopens today, until Tuesday. Motorists will be able to use the facility during the busy Memorial Day weekend.

The facility was scheduled to reopen yesterday; however, recent storms in the area hampered the necessary paving work on the welcome center approaches.

Crews will close the facility on Tuesday for two weeks to continue ongoing pavement rehabilitation work along I-24 at mile points 85-93.

The rest area is at mile point 93 near the Kentucky/Tennessee line.

KyTC plans median cable barriers on I-24

The Kentucky Transportation  Cabinet (KyTC) is planning to add median cable barriers to a section of Interstate 24 in Christian County. Two other sections could be eligible for cable barriers in the next year or two.

The three sections on I-24, from the 3- to 12-mile marker in McCracken County, from the 70- to 85-mile marker and the 86- to 93-mile marker in Christian County had made their way into the top five of a cable barrier priority list over the last three  years.  Engineers anticipate moving ahead with barrier installation on the section from the 70- to 85-mile marker in Christian County this year.

The Kentucky Transportation Research Center at the University of Kentucky conducted an extensive review of all Interstate highways across the state. Each one was ranked based on the number of crossover crashes that occurred versus the number that would be expected on highways of similar design and traffic flow.

The research found a total of 46 fatality and injury crashes along the entire 93-mile length of I-24 in Kentucky over the last 10 years. Ten of those were classified as crossovers; eight head-on and two opposite direction side-swipes.  A review of the last three years showed five fatality crossover crashes; two in McCracken County and three in Christian County.

“First and foremost, the safety of the motoring public is a top priority of our cabinet, and we regard every highway fatality as a tragedy,” KyTC District 2 Chief Engineer Kevin McClearn said. “We continuously work to identify roadways – or sections of roadway – that can be improved for enhanced safety. At the district level, we often perform roadway safety audits in high-crash areas and we carry out an automatic site review of all fatality crash locations. Depending on the issues involved, an audit may result in actions such  as additional or improved highway markings, signals and signage, or application of high-friction asphalt – to name a few.”

Median cable barrier costs an average of $115,000 per mile. KyTC has installed 172 miles of cable on various controlled-access highways statewide. KyTC has budgeted about $3 million for installation of an additional 25 miles of barrier cable this year.

McClearn noted that locations for barrier installation are identified and given a priority ranking on the basis of crash history.  As barriers have been added to highway sections ranked highest over the years, the three sections of I-24 have now made their way to near the top of that list.

Unless other sections of highway around the state have a higher number of crossover crashes for 2013, another two sections of I-24 would be expected to be eligible for barrier installation in the 2014  or 2015 construction season.

“A median cable project for I-24 in Christian County is currently moving through the design phase. We hope to have it ready for bids this summer,” McClearn said.  “It involves about 16 miles of I-24 from about midway between the U.S. 68/Ky. 80 and Ky. 117 interchanges to about the U.S. 41-Alternate interchange south of Hopkinsville.”

While median cable barrier is effective in preventing or mitigating median crossover crashes involving passenger vehicles, McClearn noted it is not fail-safe and it creates other safety issues.

“For instance, it is not designed to stop trucks,” McClearn said.  “It also limits the ability of emergency responders to cross medians, increasing response time to a crash site.  For motorists, the barrier can turn what might be a $45 tow charge for a runoff during icy conditions into a $2,000 auto repair and a $2,000 bill, or more, for repairing the cable when they hit it.”

McClearn said some of the preliminary engineering work on the section of I-24 from the 70- to the 85-mile marker will likely start within a few weeks. A construction contract could be bid in June or July, with work starting about a month after the bid date. Construction could take about two to three months to complete, weather permitting.

McClearn indicated the most effective weapon for highway safety is the driver who observes the speed limit and other traffic laws, refrains from cell phone use and other distractions while behind the wheel, maintains his vehicle and tires properly, is cognizant of weather and road conditions, and is constantly watching out for other traffic.

Stormy weather delays work at I-24 facility

The Interstate 24 Welcome Center in Christian County will remain closed until further notice.

The facility was scheduled to reopen today and remain open through the Memorial Day driving period, however, recent storms in the area have hampered necessary paving work on the Welcome Center approaches.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) has not determined when the Welcome Center will be able to reopen to serve westbound motorists on I-24.  The facility near I-24 mile-marker 93 at the Kentucky-Tennessee State Line is jointly operated by KyTC and the Kentucky Department of Tourism.

It is reported in this week's issue of The Crittenden Press that the facility will be open, but that was published prior to today's notice of closure.

Evening storm damage reported

PHOTO BY CHRIS McGEE

Municipal workers help remove a post destroyed after Tuesday
night's storms felled a large tree at a home on the corner of Oak
and East Bellville streets in Marion.

Minor storm damage has been reported around Crittenden County after this evening's storm system blew through, according to Fred Brown, assistant emergency management director for the county. According to Brown, several trees are down, especially in the Marion area. "No reports of injury or major property damage at this time," he wrote.

There are some pockets of power outages due to downed trees, but crews should have things back to normal shortly, he added.

Ferry reopens

The Cave In Rock Ferry across the Ohio River has re-opened to traffic after shutting down earlier in the day due to high winds.

Storm leaves behind minor damage

An early-morning storm system that passed through Crittenden County appears to have caused only minor damage locally, with a few downed trees reported thus far, according to emergency management assistant director Fred Brown. The storms were part of system that spawned tornadoes that left dozens dead in a suburb of Oklahoma City, Okla., Monday.

Drug Court program requesting supplies for U.S. military

In celebration of National Drug Court Month, Crittenden/Union/Webster Drug Court program is collecting supplies for active-duty soldiers in Afghanistan throughout May. The program is asking the public to give items the troops need and is requesting that area agencies and businesses serve as donation sites. (Please see your local information at the bottom of this release.) 

“Drug Court provides participants an opportunity to experience freedom from addiction,” Kentucky Drug Court manager Elizabeth Nichols said. “During National Drug Court Month in May, Drug Court programs and their participants want to serve the men and women who help protect freedom for all Americans. We need the community’s support to be successful. Please donate items to help soldiers wherever you see a ‘Drug Court Works to Support Our Troops’ box with the American flag and yellow ribbon and, if you head a business or an agency, offer to serve as a collection site.”

TheCrittenden/Union/Webster Drug Court program is asking for donations of several items for the soldiers, including:

• AA batteries
• Air fresheners
• Antacids
• Aspirin/pain relievers
• Anti-bacterial gel
• Baby wipes
• Body powder
• Board games     
• Books                       
• Beef jerky

Kentucky Drug Court programs statewide are soliciting donations for the troops during National Drug Court Month. The items will be combined and presented to the military in June to be delivered overseas. There are 55 Drug Court programs in the commonwealth serving 115 of Kentucky’s 120 counties.

Amber Miller with the Crittenden/Union/Webster County Drug Court program will be at Marion City Hall Tuesday to collect items for the troops. She can be reached at ambermiller@kycourts.net or by calling her in Webster County at 389-2271 with any questions. The program ends Tuesday.

The National Association of Drug Court Professionals hosts National Drug Court Month each May to highlight the impact of drug court programs across the nation.

Ironically, the “Drug Court Works! To Support Our Troops” logo was designed by Jimmy Newland, who graduated from the Crittenden County Drug Court program in March. Newland’s logo was selected in a design contest that was hosted by Kentucky Drug Court and received 39 entries from Drug Court participants and one graduate, Newland.

The competition was judged by a Drug Court Month Committee composed of staff members from each of the seven Drug Court regions.

Area deaths

James William Daniel Noel, 28, of Metropolis, Ill., died May 17, 2013. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Allen N. Grimes, 89, of Dycusburg, died May 17, 2013, in Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Lakeland Funeral Home Chapel in Eddyville is handling arrangements.

Ag Greenhouse remains open on CCHS campus

'Click It or Ticket' campaign beginning

Beginning Monday and continuing through June 2, Kentucky State Police will be participating in the “Click It or Ticket” national, seatbelt enforcement campaign. This federal highway safety initiative focuses on seatbelt and child restraint enforcement as well as driver education.

The Memorial Day weekend begins at 6 p.m. May 24 and ends at 11:59 p.m. May 27. This traditionally marks the beginning of the summer driving season. The KSP expects a significant increase in traffic on the state’s roadways.

Statewide in 2012, during the four-day Memorial Holiday weekend, 17 people were killed on Kentucky’s roadways. During that same period in the Post 2 District, two people were killed.

This campaign’s two-week duration will be highlighted by troopers aggressively targeting those people who choose not to wear seatbelts or use child safety restraints.

Throughout the Post 2 District, troopers will conduct saturation patrols in high-traffic areas and high-crash locations in which intensified speed and impaired driving enforcement will take place.

KSP will be partnering with local law enforcement agencies to conduct traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 2 District. KSP utilizes traffic safety checkpoints to promote safety for motorists and to provide a deterrent for those who violate laws contained in the Kentucky Revised Statutes. For traffic safety checkpoint locations in your area, please refer to the web site: www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/press/post2_checkpoints.htm.

Citizens can assist by calling toll-free, in Kentucky, (800) 222-5555 to report any type of unsafe driving behaviors. Callers should provide the direction of travel, a description of the vehicle, and the license plate number if possible.

The Post 2 District serves the following counties: Caldwell, Christian, Crittenden, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, Todd and Webster.

House fire devastates family

A Crittenden County family lost all of their possessions in a house fire Tuesday afternoon. The Powell family, who lives on Caldwell Springs Road with their seven children, lost virtually everything in the blaze.

The family is primarily in need of household items and clothing, including the following sizes:

• Size 4 diapers for 12- to 18 month-old boy
• Size 6 boys
• Size 7-8 boys
• Size 6, 8/9/10 girls
• Size 12/14 girls
• Size 33/34 men's pants, large shirt
• Size 14 women's pants or shorts, large shirt

Items may be dropped off at the Health Quest Wellness Center gymnasium in Marion.

CCHS grade cards mailed today

Crittenden County High School end-of-year grade cards were mailed today. They should be arriving in your mailbox within the next few days. If you did not get your report card,  call CCHS at 965-2248 or e-mail Kathy Harris at kathy.harris@crittenden.kyschools.us.

Area death

David Nathaniel Fouts, 22, of the Lola Community of Salem, died May 9, 2013, in Rivas, Nicaragua. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Health Benefit Exchange will connect Kentuckians with health insurance, assistance

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Gov. Steve Beshear Wednesday announced the launch of public education and awareness efforts for the state’s health benefit exchange, called kynect: Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection.

Kentuckians can visit the website at kynect.ky.gov to learn more about the program, which is expected to help more than 600,000 uninsured Kentuckians get coverage through private insurance plans or Medicaid and the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP).

“When I issued an executive order last year creating a state-based health benefit exchange, I did so to ensure that our health benefit exchange would be designed to best meet the unique needs of Kentuckians,” Beshear said in a statement. “Today I am pleased to introduce kynect: Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection to the state. Individuals, families and small businesses will be able to use kynect for one-stop shopping to find health coverage and determine if they are eligible for payment assistance or tax credits to help cover costs.”

Open enrollment for individuals seeking to purchase insurance through kynect begins 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, but businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be able to choose to enroll employees in plans offered through kynect at any point after that date, according to a news release from Beshear's office.

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 find out 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 news release said.

The Kentucky Office of the Health Benefit Exchange within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services will oversee the operations of kynect. The KHBE was created by an executive order Gov. Beshear issued in July 2012, as part of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) 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 is required to be self-sustaining by 2015.

“Starting today, we are undertaking a major education and awareness campaign to ensure that all uninsured Kentuckians understand how kynect can help them and their families find affordable health coverage,” CHFS Secretary Audrey Tayse Haynes said in the news release. “In the coming months, kynect staff will be attending community events, adding more information to our website, and opening up a toll-free hotline. We want everyone to know a healthier future for Kentucky is on the way and where to go to apply when open enrollment arrives.”

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; 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,” Carrie Banahan, executive director of the KHBE, said. “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.”

U.S. Senate passes measure that protects 'freedom to fish' in Cumberland

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
The U.S. Senate has passed bill which contains Sen. Mitch McConnell’s measure protecting access to critical Kentucky fishing waters, according to a news release from the Kentucky senator's Washington office.

McConnell’s legislation prevents a move by federal officials to barricade portions of the Cumberland River near the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams. The federal barricades would negatively impact local Kentucky communities that rely heavily on fishing and tourism business. McConnell’s bill was included within the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which passed the Senate a few minutes ago, the release said.

The measure stops the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from installing physical barriers that would block fishing access to the tailwaters of these dams, limits the Army Corps’ ability to designate “restricted areas” to times when operation conditions create hazardous waters — rather than 24 hours a day — and gives states the right to enforce public access to these areas.

“Many Kentuckians are struggling in this economy and the last thing they need is the nanny state shutting down a critical local resource. Many in our state have depended on these waters for years and it’s outrageous for the federal government to make such a decision with complete disregard for the people affected most directly by the policy. Blocking fishing access to the tailwaters of Lake Barkley and Wolf Creek will not only rob fishermen of a beloved pastime, it will also impair tourism in the area and negatively affect the Kentucky economy,” McConnell said in the news release.

Last month, McConnell met with local elected officials, anglers and local residents at Lake Barkley to hear firsthand their concerns regarding the Army Corps’ plan and was told that the proposal to install barricades and to block access to areas which are popular with anglers in Kentucky would have a major impact on the communities near the Barkley and Wolf Creek Dams.

McConnell took action because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, without cooperation or explanation, continues its plan to block fishing access to the tailwaters of these dams.

Area death

Mayme L. Phillips, 88, of Ledbetter, died May 13, 2013, at her home. Funeral services are Thursday. Burial was in Hampton Cemetery. Friends may call  5–8 p.m. today at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Press photos available online

See a picture in The Crittenden Press you like? You can now find copies of newspaper photos online. Even event photos, such as graduation, not used in the paper will be available.

Pictures can be purchased in all sizes, framed or matted. The photos you order will be mailed directly to you.

Just click on the link to see what is available.

Movie times posted

Chamber awards banquet May 30

Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting and awards dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. May 30 in First Cumberland Presbyterian's fellowship hall. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. RSVP reservations by Monday to susan@crittendenchamber.org or call 965-5015.

Ky. 1405 in Webster to have daytime closures

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans daytime closures along short sections of Ky. 1405 in Webster County starting today.

These daytime closures on weekdays are to allow the repair of a number of base failures along Ky. 1405 north of Slaughters to prepare for asphalt paving at a later date. Local access will be maintained for property owners on each side of the closure point.

The closures will be at various points along the entire four miles of Ky. 1405 between Ky. 138 and Ky. 1835.

These daytime closures are expected to continue through about May 31.

Timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KyTC Highway District 2 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Relay fund-raising event held Friday

Signature Salon is teaming up with Calvary Baptist Church Relay for Life team. Stylists will be hosting a cut-a-thon 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday with a percentage of each cut going toward Relay for Life, and ultimately cancer research. Walk-ins for the fundraiser are welcome.

Ky. 1433 down to one lane

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has restricted traffic to one lane on KY 1433/Parker Store Road in Livingston County.

The contractor is repairing a number of slides along KY 1433 between the 0 and 1 mile marker. This is on the Burna end of KY 1433 south of US 60.

Traffic in this area will be restricted to one lane with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. There will be occasional delays of 10 to 15 minutes as this crew goes about their work.

This work zone is expected to be in place during daylight hours for about 2 weeks.

Timely traffic and work zone information is available at www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Loaded Union County bus overturns; 25 hurt

Updated 11:03 a.m. Sunday: All but one out of hospital.

-  -  -  -

KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET PHOTO

Traffic backs up along U.S. 60 in Livingston County near the scene
of an overturned Union County bus loaded with a girls' softball
team headed for a game  at Livingston Central. Numerous injuries
were reported.

A Union County school bus loaded with a girls' softball team overturned at 4:42p.m. on U.S. 60 in Livingston County approximately three miles east of Smithland at the intersection with Smithland Dam Road. More than two dozen were injured, but as of mid-day Sunday, only one victim remained hospitalized.

According to a Kentucky State Police post-accident news conference, all occupants--21 students and four adults--were injured and were transported to area hospitals--Lourdes and Baptist Health hospitals in Paducah--by at least five area EMS organizations. One patient was transported by PHI Air Medical. No injuries appeared to be life-threatening, according to the spokesperson.

Crittenden EMS was also requested to help with transporting patients, but was not indicated to have been utilized.

The bus was westbound on U.S. 60 en route to a Livingston Central softball field in Smithland when for an unknown reason it ran off the right shoulder at "Rock Curve" between Silver Mine Road and Smithland Dam Road. Authorities report the driver appeared to have overcorrected, causing the bus to spin around 180 degrees before overturning onto its passenger side, where the entry doors are located. It landed 10 to 15 feet off the roadway.

The driver, Robin Black, 49, of Sturgis, was transported to Lourdes where she was treated and released.

Jeremy Tackett, athletic director for the Union County School District, told the Henderson Gleaner Saturday morning that only one player remained hospitalized. “She had surgery on a broken femur and should be released Monday,” he said. Authorities said there were 28 people on the bus, four of whom were adults.

A few students had to be extricated by mechanical means--the jaws of life, according to a spokesman.

No names of the victims have been released, not even those of the adults as of this time.

The road was closed until around 9:15 p.m.

KSP Post 1 personnel were assisted at the scene by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, Smithland and Burna Fire Departments, Livingston County EMS, Mercy Regional EMS, Crittenden County EMS, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, PHI Air Medical, Livingston County Emergency Management and the county rescue squad.

The investigation continues by Senior Trooper Eric Fields.

Ky. 120 restricted to one lane near Ky. 132.

Traffic is restricted to one lane on Ky. 120 in eastern Crittenden County between Providence and Marion.

The lane restriction is to allow the repair of what is believed to be a sinkhole or mine subsidence on Kt. 120 about 12 miles east of Marion near the intersection with Ky. 132.  Repairs have been required at this site in the past. However, the required repairs are more substantial this time.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers.

Work at the site is expected to take about four to five hours to complete.

Medicaid expansion could change Kentucky's course, big time

Today we change the course of Kentucky's history." It is not often that a public official can say such a thing with a large measure of credibility, but Gov. Steve Beshear legitimately raised that hope Thursday, as he announced that he would expand Kentucky's Medicaid program under federal health reform. If Beshear's vision is fulfilled, Kentucky will no longer have one of the unhealthiest populations of any state, a change that will make it more attractive to employers, and any Kentuckian who wants health insurance will be able to get it.

For the news analysis, visit Kentucky Health News online.

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 Monday in honor of a Kentucky airman who died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, Staff Sgt. Daniel N. Fannin, 30, of Morehead, died April 27 in the crash of an MC-12 aircraft near Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Fannin was assigned to the 552nd Operations Support Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

According to an announcement from the governor's office, funeral services for Staff Sgt. Fannin will be held on Monday, May 13 at 10 a.m. Central time at Rose State College in Midwest City, Okla. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. Central time at Fort Gibson Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Okla.

Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

Crittenden County Class of 2013 now graduates

Crittenden County High School Class of 2013 valedictorian
Vincent Devin Clark gives his speech during commencement
Friday evening at Rocket Arena.

Commencement exercises for the Crittenden County High School Class of 2013 have concluded, with 68 graduates having received a diploma.

Injury accident at Rosebud Curve

A one-vehicle accident east of Marion left this morning injured a Crittenden County woman. The wreck occurred around 10 a.m., about 11 miles east of Marion at Rosebud Curve.

Heather Green, 30, was complaining of neck and back injuries before being removed from the car, according to Crittenden County Deputy Sheriff Greg Rushing. She was transported by EMS to the hospital in Union County.

Rushing said it appeared Green lost control of her 2004 Buick Rendezvous on rain-slickened roadways as she was headed east.

Another wreck occurred earlier this morning just feet from this accident. Crittenden County Sheriff Wayne Agent said Paul Tapp of Nebo was also headed east when his tire blew out, throwing his vehicle into a guardrail. Agent said Tapp was not injured. 

Area death

Margaret “Peggy” Anna Dean Goodaker, 95, of Owensboro, died May 7, 2013.  James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements.

Circuit clerk's office closing

Crittenden County Circuit Clerk's office will be closed Saturday.

Area death

Crawford Wayne Stallion, 77, of East Peoria, Ill., a native of Marion, died May 6, 2013, at his home. Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton, Ill., is handling arrangements.

Tony Alan Maxfield, 48, of Marion, died May 6, 2013, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors is handling arrangements.

Area death

Bettye Litchfield Vaughan, 69, of Marion, died May 4, 2013, at her residence. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Press seeking info on fallen heroes

The Crittenden Press is seeking photos of several men from Crittenden County who have paid the ultimate price in defense of the United States. We are also missing some information, such as birthdays.

Each year, The Press features our Fallen Heroes page just before Memorial Day. While families and the community have been wonderful about supplying us with photos of and information for most of the men, we still lack images of five from World War I, nine from World War II and one from the Korean War.

In an effort to humanize and call attention to the sacrifice of each of these men, we are asking the community to once again dig deep for photos and information on the following soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors:

World War I

• Pvt. William Curry: Army, died Nov. 26, 1918.
• Pvt. John E. Samuel: Army; died Sept. 26, 1918, of disease in France.
• Pvt. Harry W Threlkeld: Army, Born 1893; died Dec. 12, 1918, of disease in Warwickshire, England.
• Cpl. James C. Turner: Army; died from disease, date unknown.
• Sgt. Maj. Freda E. Baker: Army; died from  disease, date unknown.

World War II

• Sgt. Forrest E. Brantley: Army, born 1913, died Jan. 13, 1945, in Belgium.
• Pfc. John W. Freeman: Born 1918, died 1943 in the United States.
• Pfc J.D.  Hodge: Born 1915; died 1944 in Italy.
• Sgt. Herbert A. Hoover: Born Aug. 29, 1904; died Oct. 14, 1944, Germany.
• Staff Sgt. Denver L. Marvel: born: 1920; died 1943 in Luzon, Philippines.
• Pfc. Carter Shewcraft: born 1925; died: 1945 in Austria.
• Pfc. James B. Truitt: Born 1910; Died July 11, 1944, in France.
• Sgt. Jack L.Woody: Army Air Forces, born 1910; MIA Dec. 14, 1945, in the Pacific Theatre.
• Pfc. James C Yandell: born 1919, died 1944 in Belgium.

Korean War

• Sgt. James R. Bissell: Army; born 1928, died: June 2, 1951, as  POW taken from Dec. 6, 1950 fighting near Hagaru, North Korea.

Information and/or photos can be e-mailed to thepress@the-press.com.

Jail breaking taking a little more time

Work to raze the former county jail continues this week, but has slowed a bit as workers encountered reinforced, concrete walls and bars on cells.

The library owns the old jail building and is having it torn down to make room for more parking.

A new jail was built next door a few years ago.

Stroke, osteoporosis screenings offered Tuesday

Residents living in and around Marion can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke or bone fracture. Marion United Methodist Church will host Life Line Screening Tuesday at the church on  112 S. College St.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of permanent disability, and 80 percent of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs prior to their stroke. Preventative ultrasound screenings can help you avoid a stroke. They are fast, noninvasive, painless, affordable and convenient.

The screenings also identify potential cardiovascular conditions such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm. A bone density screening which assesses osteoporosis risk, is also offered Tuesday and is for both men and women.

Packages start at $159. All five screenings methods take 60-90 minutes. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (877) 237-1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.org. Pre-registration is required.

How UK fans will be affected by launch of SEC Network

The biggest change for Lexington-area Kentucky Wildcats fans as a result of Thursday's announcement that the Southeastern Conference and ESPN will launch a new SEC Network cable channel next year is this: There will be fewer UK game broadcasts on WKYT-TV, and more Cats contests on the ESPN family of networks.

For the story, visit The Herald-Leader online.

UK releases 2013-14 non-conference basketball schedule

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
UK has announced its 2013-14 men's basketball non-conference schedule. The schedule features a season-opening game in Rupp Arena against UNC-Asheville on Nov. 8 followed by a home date on Nov. 10 against Northern Kentucky. It marks the first time since the 2009-10 season the Wildcats open at home with multiple games.

For the third straight year, Kentucky participates in the State Farm Champions Classic, taking on Michigan State on Nov. 12 in Chicago, according to a news release from the university's athletic's department.

UK will return home for four straight games as a part of the Keightley Classic beginning on Nov. 17 with Robert Morris. The rest of the tournament – named in honor of Bill Keightley, the former equipment manager known as “Mr. Wildcat” – includes games against Texas-Arlington (Nov. 19), Cleveland State (Nov. 25) and Eastern Michigan (Nov. 27), who is co-hosting the tournament.

Kentucky will ring in December with a pair of neutral-site games, including a Dec. 1 matchup with Providence in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and a Dec. 6 date in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas against Baylor. The game against Baylor will be part of a doubleheader featuring both the men’s and women’s teams against the Baylor Bears.

The Wildcats return to Rupp Arena on Dec. 10 to host Boise State before renewing the annual rivalry with North Carolina on Dec. 14 in Chapel Hill, N.C.

UK closes out the 2013 calendar year in Rupp Arena with a Dec. 21 date against Belmont before hosting the annual Louisville game on Dec. 28.

Beginning in January, the Wildcats will face an 18-game Southeastern Conference schedule with nine home games and nine road games. The conference schedule will be announced at a later date, the university said.

Prior to regular-season action, Kentucky hosts a pair of exhibition games. The first will be Nov. 1 against in-town rival Transylvania for the third straight year followed by a matchup against Montevallo on Nov. 4.

Some ACT tests to be taken old-fashioned way

Kentucky high school students who haven't completed required end-of-course testing online will be taking their tests the old-fashioned way.

After sporadic problems last week with the online test, which is provided by ACT Inc., the Kentucky Department of Education sent an email Saturday morning to testing coordinators throughout the state announcing that it is moving to pencil-and-paper tests for all students who have not yet taken the tests online this year.

The email said that ACT had told the education department late Friday afternoon that it was suspending the online system on Monday "due to technical issues."

"ACT is attempting to re-open the online system as soon as possible; however, (the education department) believes stabilization of the end of course assessment program is now the priority," according to the email from Rhonda Sims, director of the education department's Division of Support and Research.

For more, visit The Herald-leader online.

Murray State offers online grad degree in public administration in fall

For more than 30 years, the graduate degree option in public administration has been available at Murray State University in the traditional classroom setting. In fall 2013, however, the program in its entirety is being made available in an accelerated, online format, allowing potential students the opportunity to complete the program off-campus.

For more on the story, visit the Murray Ledger & Times online.

Downtown collision causes only slight injuries

A two-car collision just before 6 p.m. at the downtown intersection of Main and Bellville streets in Marion left one car incapacitated, but caused only slight injuries to the occupants of both vehicles, which included young children.

Marion City Police Officer Jerry Parker said the driver and passenger of a blue sedan received some abrasions and minor cuts, but the children--including toddlers and a baby--were OK. The driver of the other car, a Chevy Camaro, also suffered only minor injuries.

According to Parker, the sedan hit the Camaro in the in the passenger-side door, but the sports car was still drivable.

Area death

Lola Mae Shire, 78, of Marion, died May 2, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Robert Reed Croft, 70, of Paducah, formerly of Livingston County, died May 2, 2013, at Baptist Health in Paducah. Milner & Orr Funeral Home in Paducah is handling arrangements.

Area death

Rhonda Watson, 57, of Salem, died May 1, 2013, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

James B. Williams, 89, of Marion, died May 1, 2013, at Crittenden Hospital. Myers Funeral Home in Marion was handling the arrangements.

Shawneetown bridge shut for period after being struck by barges

The KY. 56/Ill. 13 Ohio River Bridge at Shawneetown was closed for a period this morning due to a barge hit.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the H.B. Stewart was pushing 15 empty barges when it grazed a pier at 5:38 a.m., this morning. The bridge did no re-open until just before 9 a.m.

The impact with the second pier out from the Kentucky side of the river broke several cables holding the tow together.  The pilot reported only minor damage to the  barges.

The incident prompted the Coast Guard to order the Shawneetown Bridge closed to traffic. A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet bridge inspector was dispatched to run a safety check on the bridge before traffic can resume.

The Shawneetown Bridge connects Ky. 56 (Morganfield-Shawneetown Road) at the 0-mile marker with Ill. 13 across the Ohio River between Morganfield and Shawneetown. About 3,800 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.

The 3,200-foot structure opened to traffic in 1956, maintaining a historic transportation link that started with ferry service at the site as early as 1802.