Prom grand March Saturday

It's that time of year again...

Crittenden County High School's prom will be Saturday at the Lyon County Convention Center. The theme of this year's prom is "An Evening Under the Oaks."

The annual grand march will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at Rocket Arena.

Agencies assess bluff near old Ledbetter Bridge

SUBMITTED PHOTO

In this photo on April 30 you can see how the bridge has dropped
2 feet on the McCracken County end of the bridge in a 24 hour period.
Kentucky Transporation Cabinet officlals are trying to figure out why.
The bridge has been closed to traffic for less than a year

What started as a drop in two approach spans at the west end of the Old Ledbetter Bridge over the Tennessee River has turned into a multi-agency response to land slippage along a bluff on the McCracken County side of the river.

Inspectors went to the bridge this morning expecting to find that rockers at the top of the approach span piers had collapsed.  Concern about the rockers prompted a 3-ton load limit being placed on the bridge for more than a year before it closed to vehicle traffic in July 2013. An inspection of the incident found land along the bluff at the base of the approach piers had moved downhill several feet causing  the two approach spans to drop about 3 to 4 feet. where they join.

Through the day the investigation has expanded. At this time, McCracken County Emergency Management is taking the lead in monitoring the land slippage.

According to McCracken County Emergency Management Director Jerome Mansfield, no evacuation of homes along the bluff has been ordered. However, this afternoon McCracken County Sheriff’s Deputies went door to door in the area to make nearby residents aware of the land slip.

“Residents along the bluff should be diligent and report any unusual sounds, land movement, or cracks in the soil and report those immediately so prompt action can be taken,” Mansfield said.  “Anyone who sees anything unusual should report it to the local 911 call center immediately.”

While vehicular traffic was moved off the Old Ledbetter Bridge last July when the New Ledbetter Bridge opened to traffic, the threat to the stability of the old structure became of concern to river traffic. As a precaution, the U.S. Coast Guard temporarily closed the Tennessee River to boat traffic.  That halt in barge traffic is being lifted by the Coast Guard with an advisory that boats should avoid stopping between Tennessee River mile-point 5.1 and 5.5.  Mariners should review the official Coast Guard Advisory.

At this time, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet geotechnical specialists and engineers are looking at the land slippage. KyTC officials are also looking at ways to expedite demolition of the old bridge.

Among others, Mansfield has requested the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kentucky Geological Survey to send personnel to the site to assess conditions along the bluff.

“We’ve asked the state Division of Emergency management  to come on site to provide additional input,” Mansfield said.

He also noted that with the recent landslide in Washington State, and the sinkhole that developed under the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Greenofficials want to get a good grasp of the situation.

McCracken County Emergency Management Agency has set up a command post and will have personnel monitoring the area through the night and for the next few days.

Emergency sirens only a test

At noon today, there will be a test of the county's emergency weather sirens. The alarm will be in conjunction with today's first-ever National Day of Action, a nationwide campaign to improve the nation’s resilience against disasters.

The sirens are not connected to any actual emergency.

New Pedi Chair and Tan Bed

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Old Ledbetter Bridge decking drops

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet inspectors are checking a drop on the west end of the Old Ledbetter Bridge.

Two sections of the west approach decking dropped about 2 feet.  Inspectors are checking the structure to determine the cause of the drop.

The Transportation Cabinet has already requested bids to demolish the aging structure.  However, the bids were above engineer estimate and are being evaluated.

The Old Ledbetter Bridge was opened to traffic in 1931.  It was restricted to a 3-ton load limit in January 2012 prompting an effort to expedite construction of the New Ledbetter Bridge just up stream.

U.S. 60 traffic between Livingston County and McCracken County was moved to the new bridge at the end of July 2013, 11 months ahead of schedule.

Inspectors are continuing to evaluated the old bridge.   At this time there does not appear to be a threat to river traffic at the site.  However, the public is advised to avoid the area around the McCracken County end of the old bridge, including the shoreline of the Tennessee River.

Superintendent search down to 3

Crittenden County Board of Education last night approved a list of three finalists for the job of school superintendent.

See today's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details about each of the finalists. The Press will be on newsstands by 3 p.m.

Walmart truck crashes near line

A southbound Walmart tractor-trailer ran off the highway south of Marion on U.S. 641 near the Caldwell County line early this morning. The site is clear, but there is a large amount of mud on the roadway due to recovery efforts. The mud could create a driving hazard. Be cautious in that area.

Missing teen seen on Walmart video

Missing juvenile Melissa Catherine Hopkins from Livingston County has been spotted on a videotape from Walmart in Paducah. Police continue to ask for the public's help in locating the teen, whose information is detailed an earlier post today.

Hopkins was last seen leaving Walmart on Hinkleville Road around 11 a.m., Monday. 

She was wearing a black T-shirt with "Go Pittsburgh" lettering, black shorts with a hot pink waste band and a black head band. She was carrying a black and white striped bag with a pink strap.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Miss Hopkins is urged to contact the Livingston County Sheriff's Department at (270) 928-2122

Horbelt returns to WPSD Local 6

Former WPSD Local 6 anchorwoman Jennifer Horbelt is returning to the television station in June after two years at KOAA in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She will be anchoring Local 6 at 5 and Local 6 at 10 with Todd Faulkner.  Laura Emerson will continue to anchor Local 6 at 6 and The Nine.

While Jennifer has grown professionally and personally during her time at KOAA, including meeting and marrying her husband, Bobby Bonds, the pull to bring her family back together is strong. 

“My sister and her husband have just had their first child,” said Jennifer.  “Preparing for this amazing event made it clear that I, and especially my mother, needed to move closer so we could be a regular part of each other’s lives again.  I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity to make that happen.”

“I am pleased to welcome Jennifer home,” said Bill Evans, Vice-President of News and Operations.  “She is a trusted news anchor and a veteran reporter who has covered some of the biggest stories in the region.  Jennifer knows our hometowns and has a passion to report the stories that are relevant to us.”  

Authorities seek help with missing teen

Melissa C. Hopkins

Livingston County Sheriff's Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating 16-year-old Melissa Catherine Hopkins, who is missing.

The teen is 5-foot-8 and weighs approximately 150 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen about 6 p.m., on Wednesday, April 23 in a 1990's model Chevrolet extended-cab truck.

Miss Hopkins is thought to possibly be in the McCracken County area.

Any with information on the whereabouts of Miss Hopkins should contact Livingston County Sheriff's Department at (270) 928-2122.

Marion wreck injures one

A single-vehicle accident in Marion has left a local man injured.

Authorities are closing the scene of a wreck on Sturgis Road in Marion in front of Creekside Apartments that occurred shortly after 9 p.m. The driver of the pickup involved in the crash had to be extricated by Crittenden County Rescue Squad but suffered only minor bumps and abrasions. He was taken to Crittenden Health Systems by Crittenden EMS for evaluation.

Further details were not available at the time of this posting.

U.S. 60 water levels monitored

The Union County Highway Maintenance Crew reports flood waters are nearing the edge of U.S. 60 at the 23- to 24- mile marker near the Union-Henderson County line.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel are on site and closely monitoring water levels.  The water has only come up about a quarter of an inch in the last hour and rain has stopped in the area.

U.S. 60 has both lanes open at this time. If necessary, the crew will monitor one lane traffic through the area.

Due to the elevated water level along U.S. 60, motorists should slow down and use caution in this area between Waverly and Corydon.

Pie Up with Us on Derby Day

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Alumni Game fills stands

VIEW HUNDREDS OF ALUMNI GAME PHOTOS

Browse, Buy or Watch as Slide Show (click here)

Retrofitted Rockets Dusty McConnell (85)
and Donny Beverly (39) join coach Al
Starnes as they show a bit of concern for
a fallen Caldwell comrade. Turns out
this was just a bad cramp.

VIDEO

The first ever Crittenden County alumni full-contact, tackle football game filled the stands on both sides of Rocket Stadium Saturday night for the Double C Border Bowl. 

Rocket alumni aged 19 to 47 to participated while Caldwell County, the opponent, brought a much younger team. The former Tigers' oldest player was just 26. 

Crittenden won the game 16-0 as local postman Jeremy Poindexter scored two touchdowns at fullback. Final Score: Rockets 16, Tigers 0.

The best part... no one was injured and everyone enjoyed an entertaining event.

For much more about the novel event see next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

VIEW HUNDREDS OF ALUMNI GAME PHOTOS

Browse, Buy or Watch as Slide Show (click here)

Area death

Tommy Allen Riley, 62, of Marion died April 26, 2014, at Baptist Health Paducah. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Iuka Road down to one lane Monday

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on Ky. 453/Iuka Road in Livingston County on Monday.

Ky. 453 will be restricted to one lane at mile point 8.70 to allow a cross drain to be replaced.  This work site is near Newbern Road between Ky. 93 and Ky. 1889/Heater Store Road.

Some delays of five to 10 minutes are possible during the movement and positioning of equipment to facilitate the work.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers in the work zone. Caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

In case of rain, this project will automatically be pushed back a day until it is completed.

Kentucky firm recalls pork products

Knockum Hill Bar-B-Que, a Herndon, Ky. establishment, is recalling approximately 350 pounds of hickory smoked, pit cooked barbecue pork product due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products are formulated with a basting sauce containing margarine formulated with soy, a known allergen that is not declared on the label of the pork products. The soy in the margarine is in the form of soy lecithin, a liquid soybean oil, and partially hydrogenated soybean oil.

The products subject to recall bear the label:

• 1 lb., white tubs of “KNOCKUM HILL BAR-B-QUE HICKORY SMOKED PIT COOKED BARBECUED PORK”

The products were produced on April 11, 2014 and April 18, 2014. The recalled product has an expiration date of April 25, 2014 or May 2, 2014. The products bear the establishment number “Est. 18138” inside the USDA mark of inspection and the products were distributed to retail establishments in Kentucky.   

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during a routine label review. After investigation it was determined that the margarine used in the basting sauce contained soy products.

FSIS and the company have received no reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers or media with questions about the recall should contact Oscar Hill at (270) 271-2957.

Brisk business on Free Dump Day

Business has been brisk on Free Dump Day.

The county's biannual offering of good will to the community continues Saturday at the Crittenden County Convenience Center on U.S. 60 East.

Today, lines were out to the highway most of the day.

Average time to get through the line when it's that long is about 15-20 minutes.

Tires can also be discarded during Free Dump Day. Inmates will help unload your items.

Sporting goods position available in Marion

Hodge’s Sports and Apparel in Marion is taking applications for a full-time position in its sporting goods department. Apply in person at Hodge’s during normal business hours Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Don't forget your Alumni Game tickets today

Buy your advanced tickets today so half of the admission price will benefit the Rocket football team. If you wait and buy tickets at the gate, no money goes to the local program.

Tickets on sale at The Crittenden Press, NAPA Myers Auto Parts and Crittenden High School.

Game time is 7 p.m., Saturday.

Crittenden is playing Caldwell County... and it's real tackle.

Wet start to Backroads Tour

The annual spring Backroads Tour has gotten off to a wet start this morning; however, a number of visitors are expected. Watch for buses and additional traffic on Crittenden County's backroads today and tomorrow, especially in the Amish communities. The Backroads Tour is organized by Marion Tourism Commission to coincide with the big quilter's show in Paducah. Weather is expected to improve as the day progresses.

Get the Farmers Bank Mobile App

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Follow the links below to download your Farmers Bank and Trust mobile app today and have better banking at your fingertips.

Get the iPhone or iPod App

Get the iPad App 

Get the Android App 

Governor orders flags to half-staff

Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Friday in honor of a Kentucky soldier who died during World War II and whose remains were recently identified. 

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) recently announced that the remains of Army Pfc. William T. Carneal, 24, of Paducah who has been missing since World War II, have been identified and have been returned to his family for burial with full military honors. 

 

In mid June 1944, the 27th Infantry Division (ID) landed on Saipan as part of the Allied strategic goal of securing the Marina Islands. On July 7, 1944, enemy forces conducted an intense attack on the 27th ID, 105th Infantry Regiment (IR) position. During these attacks, elements of the 105th IR sustained heavy losses, killing and injuring more than 900 servicemen. As a result of these attacks, Pfc. Carneal was reported killed in action.

 

On March 21, 2013, a Japanese nongovernmental organization worker uncovered human remains, personal effects, and military equipment while searching for Japanese soldiers on the northern coastline of Saipan Island. The remains and equipment located suggested that the burial site belonged to an American soldier. The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) was notified of the findings. On March 24, 2013, two anthropologists from JPAC excavated the site. 

 

In the identification of Pfc. Carneal, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL) used circumstantial evidence and forensic identification tools, such as dental comparisons and mitochondrial DNA sequence data, which matched Pfc. Carneal’s maternal-line grand-nieces.

 

Funeral services for Pfc. Carneal will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Lindsey Funeral Home in Paducah, Ky.  Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Palestine Cemetery in Paducah.  Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

 

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died.  Today, more than 73,000 are unaccounted for from the conflict.

Officials investigate Cumberland River fish kill

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is investigating a massive die-off of Asian carp discovered Wednesday in the Cumberland River below Lake Barkley, which includes the shores along Dycusburg. The fish kill is estimated to have impacted tens of thousands of the invasive silver carp over a 24-hour period. Specimens will be collected and taken to Kentucky State University for disease testing.

Officials believe the fish-kill is related to a bacterial or viral infection largely contained to a single species of fish and not tied to a water quality issue.

Kentuckians can clean out medicine cabinets Saturday

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Kentucky State Police have partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency to hold a statewide "Take Back" on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will allow Kentucky residents to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from home medicine cabinets. Collections can be taken at all 16 KSP posts across the state, including Post 2 in Madisonville, Post 1 in Mayfield and Post 16 in Henderson.

Nationally, prescription painkillers are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and one in three Kentuckians has a friend or family member who has experienced problems as a result of abusing prescription pain relievers, according to the 2012 Kentucky Health Issues Poll. Additionally, a report by the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health lists Kentucky as having the third-highest rate of fatal overdoses in the country – the vast majority from prescription pills, according to a news release from Attorney General Jack Conway.

During a national “Take-Back” day in October 2013, 647,211 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription medications were turned in at 5,683 collection sites across the United States, according to the DEA. Kentuckians turned in 9,171 pounds of prescription drugs at 77 collection locations across the state during last year’s event.

Kentucky continues to make progress in its fight against the epidemic of prescription drug abuse. According to the 2012 Kentucky Incentives for Prevention School Survey, the percentage of Kentucky teens misusing prescription drugs has dropped dramatically over the past four years.

The “Take-Back” initiative is a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement and government agencies. The service is free and anonymous.

Registry aimed at preparing area for disaster

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is encouraging people to register participation in America’s PrepareAthon!, a nationwide campaign to improve the nation’s resilience against disaster. This National Day of Action takes place Wednesday.

By registering your participation in the first National Day of Action, you help build a stronger and more resilient nation. Learn your risks and what to do before a tornado, wildfire, flood or hurricane strikes your community. Learn the actions to take on how to prepare your family, community and business.

You will have access to these preparedness resources and more that can be customized to fit your needs:

• “How To” guides.
• Preparedness playbooks.
• Promotional materials.
• Events calendar.
• Discussion groups.
• Additional resources tailored to specific hazards and audience.

To register, click here.

Delays to be expected on Smithland Bridge

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge in Livingston County on Friday.

The lane restriction on the Smithland Bridge during daylight hours is to allow the KyTC District 1 Bridge Crew to clean and seal joints on the bridge deck.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers between approximately 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday. Delays should be minor, generally less than four minutes.

The U.S. 60 Cumberland River bridge at Smithland, also known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge and the Smithland Bridge, is at U.S. 60 Livingston County mile-point 12.348. The 1,817-foot through truss structure was opened to traffic in 1931. About 5,500 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.

The Smithland Bridge has a 35 mph speed limit.

Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers and inspection personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Woman seriously injured in alleged attack

Michael Tramble

A Burna man and his father were arrested last night shortly after 7 p.m. The son is charged with felony first-degree assault and the father with menacing.

Michael Tramble, 44, of Burna allegedly assaulted Stephanie Cowan, 26, with his hands. Police do not think a weapon was involved in the assault, but Cowan was so severely injured that she was flown from Livingston Hospital to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.

The alleged assault took place at Tramble's home at 875 Mitchell Road in Burna. Authorities were notified by another woman at the residence that Cowan was being assaulted. When an officer arrived, Michael Tramble's father, 73-year-old Roy Tramble allegedly caused problems for the Livingston County Deputy. Therefore, Roy Tramble was charged with a misdemeanor.

Michael Tramble had to be subdued with a Tazer, according to the police report. In addition to the assault charge, which is a Class B felony punishable by 10-20 years in prison, Tramble also was charged with resisting arrest and menacing.

The victim remains in serious condition at the Evansville hospital.

Both Trambles were taken to the McCracken County Jail.

Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson said Michael Tramble has a criminal history which includes assault.

Crittenden, Livingston hospital talks

Representatives from the hospitals in Marion and Salem have gotten together to discuss things they might be able to do. A collaboration of minds and sharing of resources might benefit both communities.

See this week's printed edition of The Press for more details.

Absentee voting now available

Eligible voters in Crittenden County may begin casting absentee ballots for the May 20 primary on the voting machine inside County Clerk Carolyn Byford’s office. She said only individuals who will not be able to vote in person on election day are eligible to cast their ballots early. In addition, mail-in absentee ballots may now be requested in Byford’s office.

McConnell seeks support for Jailer

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Get Alumni Bowl tickets before Saturday

In order for proceeds to benefit local programs, tickets to Saturday night's Double C Border Bowl alumni tackle football game must be purchased in advance.

Tickets are $10 each. Children under 6 are free. Youth football players who wear their jerseys will get in free.

Ticket Outlets: Crittenden Press, NAPA Myers Auto Parts, Crittenden County High School.

Election Day is Fast Approaching

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PSC grants natural gas rate increase to Atmos

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
The Kentucky Public Service Commission has granted Atmos Energy Corp. an annual revenue increase of $8.55 million, or 5.5 percent, which is $4.817 million less than the amount sought by the utility.

For a typical residential customer using an average of 5,000 cubic feet per month, the base rate portion of the bill will increase by $1.99 per month, or $23.88 per year. The monthly customer charge will increase to $16. Atmos Energy serves about 173,000 customers in Crittenden and 37 other counties in western and central Kentucky. 

The current monthly customer charge is $12.50, plus a $2.61 monthly surcharge that pays for speedier replacement of aging gas mains. The surcharge resets to zero with this rate adjustment. The gas delivery charge will rise from the current $1.10 per 1,000 cubic feet to $1.32 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In an order issued today, the PSC stated that the adjusted rates will be “fair, just and reasonable.” 

Tuesday’s order applies only to Atmos Energy’s base rate, which covers the utility’s cost of operating and maintaining its system, as well as any profit margin. The commodity cost of the gas itself, which is adjusted quarterly to reflect market prices, is determined separately and is passed through to consumers on a dollar-for-dollar basis by Atmos Energy, with no additional profit for the utility. 

Atmos Energy originally sought to increase its annual revenue from gas operations by $13.367 million, or 8.6 percent. The company proposed to increase the monthly customer charge to $16 from the current $15.11 – the $12.50 customer charge plus the $2.61 surcharge. 

Atmos Energy proposed to increase the gas delivery charge to $1.63 per 1,000 cubic feet. The increase sought by Atmos Energy would have increased the typical residential bill by $3.54 per month, or $42.48 per year.  

As permitted by Kentucky law, Atmos Energy put its proposed rates into effect Jan. 24. As a result of the PSC decision to set lower rates, the company will have to refund the amount it has over-collected since that date, plus interest, to its customers.  

The principal adjustment made by the PSC to the rates requested by Atmos Energy was a reduction in the company’s proposed return on equity, which represents the opportunity to earn a profit. The reduced rate of return will still permit the company to borrow money at reasonable rates, maintain service levels and financial integrity and invest for the future, all at “the lowest possible cost to ratepayers,” the PSC said. 

The PSC denied a request by Atmos Energy to charge $10 for placing door tags warning customers who are facing disconnection due to unpaid bills. Atmos Energy did not provide evidence that such warnings would be effective in reducing disconnections or supply data justifying the cost, the PSC said.

Area death

Eula Bradford, 96, of Marion died April 22, 2014, at Crittenden County Health & Rehabilitation in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of services.

Salem Day: Derby Pie Contest

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Question: To Pave or Not To Pave?

Leaders have differing opinions of when the new U.S. 641 between Marion and Fredonia will be paved.

Will it be in 2015 or 2017? Who knows?

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for the latest details – or lack thereof – which are coming out of Frankfort.

Area death

Margery Bell Johnson, 86, of Salem died April 21, 2014, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors is handling arrangements.

Relay for Life meeting moved tonight

Tonight's Relay for Life meeting has been moved to the Lions Club building due to an ongoing trial that will occupy the courthouse tonight. The meetings starts at 5:30 p.m.

Traffic Alert: Livingston County Dyer Hill Curve

The contractor on the U.S. 60 Dyer Hill Curve Project in Livingston County is ramping up and resuming dirt moving within the work zone. This will require flaggers in the work zone to stop traffic from time to time during the day starting today.

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

Motorists should be alert for stopped traffic as they approach this work zone at U.S. 60 milepoint 18.5 in Livingston County.

Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $2.2 million highway improvement project. The anticipated completion date is Aug 1.

Conrad's 2-Day Sale Starts Today

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Jasis seeks Jailer nomination

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Volunteers rescue stranded motorist

Crittenden County Rescue Squad and Shady Grove Fire Department assisted a stranded motorist this morning whose vehicle was swamped by Tradewater River backwaters off Cool Springs Road. No one was reported injured.

Mid-Continent to close June 30

The financial crisis at Mid-Continent University has reached the breaking point with all faculty and staff laid off and the school scheduled to close by June 30. The Mid-Continent University Board of Trustees met for more than three hours Tuesday night before announcing those decisions. The board also held a six-hour meeting on Saturday. Acting President Robert "Tom" Walden, who was appointed Saturday to replace Ken Winters, said every staff member from the president on down has been laid off because of lack of finances. Employee benefits will cease immediately.

For the full story, visit The Paducah Sun online.

Smithland bridge inspected Thursday

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet inspectors plan to conduct a walk-through inspection of the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland in Livingston County on Thursday. 

Motorists should be alert for one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers between the hours of 8 a.m. and noon Thursday. Delays should be minimal.

The U.S. 60 Cumberland River bridge at Smithland, also known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge and the Smithland Bridge, is at U.S. 60 Livingston County milepoint 12.348.   

The 1,817-foot through truss structure was opened to traffic in 1931. About 5,500 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.

All Kentucky bridges get a detailed inspection every two years. Long-span bridges get an additional walk-through inspection at least once a year.

Superintendent search nets nine applicants

Crittenden County's school superintendent screening committee has received nine applications for the position of superintendent of the Crittenden County Public Schools.

Six are in-state applicants and three are from out of state. One candidate has superintendent experience.

The screening committee will now begin the process of vetting all applications following the guidelines established in KRS 160.352 and Board Policy 02.1.

The screening committee will make its recommendation to the Board of Education by April 29.

The Board of Education is not required to accept the committee's recommendation. Any final decision rests solely with the elected members of the school board.

The school system has hired a consultant to assist with the screening process.

Pre-School and Kindergarten Registration

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Area death

Cosetta Faye Curnel, 72, of Marion, died April 14, 2014, at Baptist Health Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

CCMS SBDM meeting rescheduled

Due to scheduling conflicts, the CCMS SBDM meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday has been rescheduled for April 30.

Welcome Salem Foods to The Press Online

Salem Food Market has joined The Press Online.

Shoppers can find the market's weekly grocery advertisement in The Early Bird Shopper's Guide, or here online. A link in the left column will appear regularly with updates each Monday.

Click Here to See This Week's Grocery Sales

Trooper Island truck tickets available here

Kentucky State Police are giving away a loaded 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE pickup truck to help benefit their Trooper Island Camp, a non-profit organization. Only 20,000 tickets are being sold at $10. Drawing will take place at 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24 at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. Local Trooper Darron Holliman is selling tickets and you can buy them at The Critttenden Press. 

State parks offering 2-for-1 camping

Visitors to Kentucky State Parks can find a bargain on camping prices beginning next month and running through May 22.

The parks are offering two nights for the price of one Sundays through Thursdays during that time as well as during Camper Appreciation Weekend, which is April 25 through April 27.

The discount is available by making online reservations at http://www.parks.ky.gov. Use the "reservations'' tab at the top of the page and enter the promotion code "SPRING14'' to receive the offer.

Kentucky State Parks have 31 campgrounds across the state.  For more information, visit the website or call (888) 4KY-PARK, or (888) 459-7275.

History museum hosts open house

Crittenden County Historical Society will be hosting an open house from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight at the historical museum on East Bellville Street in Marion.

Crittenden County Middle School Student Technology Leadership Program participants and instructor Ben Thompson will be the tour guides, featuring audio-visual presentations the students have put together for different exhibits throughout the museum.

Refreshments will be served.

Area deaths

Jimmie Rudolph Croft of Salem died April 13, 2014, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Katie Catherine Heady, 76, of Blackford died April 10, 2014, at her home. Vanover Funeral Home in Clay is in Charge of arrangements.

Board of Ed work session cancelled

Crittenden County Board of Education work session for Tuesday evening has been cancelled.

Freeze watch issued for Wednesday

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a freeze watch for most of western Kentucky on Wednesday morning from 1 to 9 a.m.

According to the weather service, their forecasters expect temperatures late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to drop to between 28 and 32 degrees as early as 1 or 2 a.m.

They also predict that it is possible that temperatures could go lower than forecast and with little or no wind, widespread frost could also develop.

Prepare to cover or protect any tender young plants that have already emerged outdoors

GOP hosts Town Hall meeting Tuesday night

Crittenden County Republican Party will host a Town-Hall Meeting tomorrow night at Mattoon Fire Department from 6:30 to 8 p.m.  Each speaker will be given time to speak followed by time for questions and answers.
Those expected to speak are:

4th District Kentucky House Representative Lynn Bechler
Judge Executive Perry Newcom
Sheriff Wayne Agent
County Clerk Carolyn Byford
Circuit Court Clerk Melissa Guill
1st District Magistrate Jeff Ellis
1st District Magistrate Candidate Bob Trowbridge
Jailer Candidate Mike McConnell
Jailer Candidate Ricky Winders
Jailer Candidate Robbie Kirk
Constable Candidate District 1 Barry Brown
Non-Partisan Family Court Judge Brandi Rogers

7-Days Only: Washer and Dryer Sale

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126 W. Main, Princeton, Ky. 365-3882
118 N. Main St., Marion, Ky. 965-4242

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3.9 E-Star WASHER, SS Basket, Precise Fill

Reg. $649 SALE $599 

REBATE PRICE $549

GTDP490EDWS

7.0 DRYER, Sensor Dry

Reg. $649.00 Sale $599 

REBATE PRICE $549

Ask about E-Star Rebates $

This offer is good for 7 days only!!!

April 9-17

Area death

Martha Helen Patmor, 86, of Marion died April 10, 2014, at Crittenden County Health & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Injury accident on US 60 East near Stinnett's

There is an injury accident just outside of town on U.S. 60 East near Stinnett's Used Cars. It appears there is one person slightly injured. An ambulance and law enforcement are on the scene. The patient was transported to Crittenden Health Systems.

One-lane traffic this weekend on I-69

Anyone from western Kentucky who might be heading to Louisville this weekend should be prepared for work zone restrictions along Interstate 65 between Elizabethtown and Louisville.

Motorists traveling I-65 north toward Louisville this weekend will encounter one-lane highways. Backups should not be as lengthy as the previous weekends when work required closure of two lanes, say transportation officials. Motorists should still consider the possibility of using U.S. 31W or US 31E as alternate routes to Louisville.

Wild turkey season opens tomorrow

 Hunters could have the long winter to thank for what is shaping up to be a good start to Kentucky's statewide spring wild turkey season, which opens tomorrow, April 12, and runs through May 4.

"The timing of the first peak in gobbling and our season opener should be pretty close this year because the long winter somewhat delayed the arrival of spring," said Steven Dobey, wild turkey program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Often the peak gobbling period falls before the season opener, affording gobblers time to breed hens before they could potentially fall prey to a hunter. The late break in the weather this year sets up an ideal scenario across much of the state with breeding activity - and the gobbling that goes with it - approaching a crescendo. The birds haven't been disturbed and should be more responsive to a hunter's call.

Last spring, Kentucky outpaced all surrounding states in the number of birds harvested per square mile. Hunters reported taking 32,498 wild turkeys for an average of 0.82 per square mile, placing Kentucky slightly ahead of neighboring Tennessee.

"We're having this great success while doing so in a pretty narrow window of opportunity," Dobey said. "It reflects the large geographic area in which we have turkeys. People can go to almost any area in the state and have good success in the spring."

Approximately 90,000 people hunt wild turkeys in Kentucky and each is allowed a limit of two bearded birds during the spring season. Any combination of male turkeys, or female turkeys with visible beards, may be included in the season limit. No more than one bird may be taken per day.

Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, but hunters can be in the field before or after shooting hours.

Hunters are encouraged to consult the 2014 Kentucky Spring Hunting Guide before heading into the field in search of a boss gobbler. It is available online at fw.ky.gov> and includes information about current regulations, licenses and permits, legal equipment, safety tips and more.

7 Days Only Sale at Johnson's

GE SPOTLIGHT WASHER AND DRYER

Johnson's Furniture and Appliances, Inc.
126 W. Main, Princeton, Ky. 365-3882
118 N. Main St., Marion, Ky. 965-4242

GTWN4250DWS

3.9 E-Star WASHER, SS Basket, Precise Fill

Reg. $649 SALE $599 

REBATE PRICE $549

GTDP490EDWS

7.0 DRYER, Sensor Dry

Reg. $649.00 Sale $599 

REBATE PRICE $549

Ask about E-Star Rebates $

This offer is good for 7 days only!!!

April 9-17

Cave In Rock Ferry closed for wind

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is CLOSED due to high winds.  The ferry halted operation about  p.m. as winds were reaching about 20 mph, with gusts to about 30 mph.

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry will remain closed for the remainder of today. The forecast indicated the ferry should be able to reopen on the regular schedule on Friday morning.

Ferry closed due to high winds

The Cave In Rock Ferry is closed due to high winds. The ferry halted operation about 2 p.m. as winds were running about 20 mph, with gusts to about 30 mph.

The ferry will remain closed for the remainder of today. The forecast indicated the ferry should be able to reopen on the regular schedule on Friday morning.

Washer and Dryer Sale at Johnson's

GE SPOTLIGHT WASHER AND DRYER

Johnson's Furniture and Appliances, Inc.
126 W. Main, Princeton, Ky. 365-3882
118 N. Main St., Marion, Ky. 965-4242

GTWN4250DWS

3.9 E-Star WASHER, SS Basket, Precise Fill

Reg. $649 SALE $599 

REBATE PRICE $549

GTDP490EDWS

7.0 DRYER, Sensor Dry

Reg. $649.00 Sale $599 

REBATE PRICE $549

Ask about E-Star Rebates $

This offer is good for 7 days only!!!

April 9-17

Paducah hotel gains preliminary state approval

A new downtown hotel in Paducah moved one step closer to reality Wednesday with the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority giving the project preliminary approval for state tax incentives. The cabinet will begin today a two-month review of the project as the next part of its approval process. Developers and officials associated with the $19.5 million Paducah Convention Hotel will have meetings throughout the day in Paducah with Todd Cassidy, director of the Kentucky Department of Travel & Tourism Office of Financial Incentives and Tourism Development.

For the full story, visit The Paducah Sun online.

Students sue over Daymar College 'lies'

Brittany Dixon borrowed $30,000 to complete the paralegal studies program at Paducah's Daymar College — only to end up working for $8 an hour at a Sav-A-Lot store. Frustrated and angry, she joined 14 other former students in suing the for-profit college, accusing Daymar of enticing students to enroll through bogus statements about job placement, transferring credit and other false claims.

For the full story, visit The Paducah Sun online.

High risk for outdoor burning today

The National Weather Service office in Paducah warns that there is an elevated fire risk today.

Low humidities around 25 percent, and gusty winds up to 25 mph could help dry grass or other fuels on the ground to catch fire easily and spread quickly.

Exercise extreme caution or postpone any outdoor burning today.

The Kentucky Division of Forestry website does not currently list any official county burn bans in western Kentucky.

Area death

Allie Jean Collins, 86, of Providence died April 8, 2014, at Crittenden County Health & Rehab in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Have a DIY project?

Have a recent DIY project you'd like to share with The Crittenden Press? Share a photo or info at advertising@the-press.com and you may be featured in our spring home improvement section.

Morganfield Home Center RENTAL SPECIALS

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Man injured in hunting accident Saturday on WMA

The new Big Rivers WMA in northern Crittenden County had its first hunting accident last weekend during the youth turkey hunt when a man was accidentally shot with a 12-guage shotgun.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details.

Area death

Sherman "Wendell" Coffer, 85, of Marion died April 6, 2014 at his home. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

SCAM ALERT: KSP warns of possible scheme

The Kentucky State Police is advising the public of a possible scam. 

Over the weekend, KSP Post 2 Madisonville was contacted by a concerned citizen in reference to a possible scam. The concerned citizen advised that they received a call from Louisiana. A male caller stated that they were going to send the potential victim money from a pharmaceutical company because of faulty mesh from a surgery many years ago. When the potential victim advised that they had not had surgery, the caller stated that it was due to taking anti-depressant drugs related to pregnancy. When questioned where the caller received their information, the caller responded the Kentucky Department of Health. The potential victim responded to the caller that this was a possible scam and was going to contact law enforcement. The caller then hung up.   

At the present time, this is the only report of this type of scam received by Post 2. The KSP advise to never give out personal information to anyone that you are not familiar with. To report a possible scam, please contact the KSP Post 2 Madisonville at (800) 222-5555 or contact your local law enforcement agency.

Pre-School screenings are scheduled

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State urges drivers to consider work zones ‘No Phone Zones’

Many drivers in Kentucky will encounter at least one work zone during their daily travels. With 90 percent of adults in America owning a cell phone, it has become increasingly common to see multi-tasking drivers dialing, texting or talking on their phones while driving through work zones. National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 7-11. With April also being National Distracted Driving Awareness month, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to raise awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving – especially through work zones.

For more on the story, visit  Kentucky Press News Service online.

Prime Rib for Friday Nights at Just-a-Burgr

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Floodwaters keep U.S. 60 shut

UPDATE: U.S. 60 is now open.

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US 60 remains closed by floodwaters from the 24-25 mile marker in Union County.  A detour has been established along KY 359 and KY 136 through Smith Mills.  Motorists should be aware of heavy traffic along this detour, as well as a work zone with an automated traffic signal.