Saturday, April 29, 2017

Lady Rockets win consolation bracket

Crittenden County's appearance in the All A Classic started off with a tough 4-0 loss to Raceland, but the Lady Rockets won their next three to finish as winners the consolation bracket Saturday at Owensboro.

After losing in the opening round of the rain-shortened event, CCHS beat Wolfe County 16-6, then Carlisle County 10-0 before knocking off Washington County 3-2 in the final matchup of the consolation bracket.


Inmate escapes from Crittenden RCC

Local authorities and Kentucky State Police are looking for an inmate who escaped custody this afternoon in Crittenden County.

About 4:05 p.m., Brandon Brasher, 31, walked off from the Restricted Custody Center located at 208 West Carlisle Street in Marion.

Jailer Robbie Kirk said jail personnel chased the inmate for about two blocks before losing sight of him.

Brasher was last seen wearing gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt.

He is a Class D felon inmate who was serving time in the Crittenden County Detention Facility for a third-degree burglary conviction in Caldwell County.

Brashser is 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. He has blond hair, blue eyes and fair skin.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of this escaped inmate, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 2 at 270-676-3313 or call 911.  Callers may remain anonymous.


Lady Rockets in consolation bracket



UPDATE: Crittenden beat Carlisle County and was set to play Washington County Saturday night in the consolation bracket final.

Original Post: 
Crittenden County's Lady Rocket softball team lost its first game to Raceland 4-0 today in the All A Classic state tournament.

They came back to beat Wolfe County 16-6 in the consolation bracket. 

The girls were set to play Carlisle County at 6:30pm tonight.

Cassidy Moss homered for CCHS in the win over Wolfe. 

Friday, April 28, 2017

Rain shortens plans for All A Classic

Due to rain and wet fields, the All A Classic State Softball Tournament has been shortened.

What was to be a two-day event this weekend in Owensboro is now set to be completed on Saturday in a single-elimination bracket to the championship, and a consolation bracket.

The Lady Rockets (16-4) open at 11:30am with 16th Region champion Raceland (18-3). If the Crittenden County girls win that game, they will likely face defending All A champion and 16th-ranked Holy Cross (13-9) at 1:30pm.

If a team loses its first game of the day, it moves into a consolation bracket. Any team that loses in the winner's bracket is immediately eliminated.

Lady Rocket coach Stephen Smith said he'd never seen a bracket drawn up in such a fashion.

Below is an image of the bracket.

Click Image to Enlarge 



Lady Rocket sendoff to All A Classic

If the rain holds off, Crittenden County will play
starting tomorrow in the All A Classic State Softball Tournament
at Owensboro. There was a big sendoff today at school.

City water affected by flushing

City of Marion will be incrementally flushing hydrants Sunday night through Thursday night. Utilities Director Brian Thomas said throughout this routine maintenance customers may experience dingy water, air in their water lines or various hiccups associated with the process.

Caldwell crash blocking Ky. 91

UPDATE: The site was cleared and the road opened as of 10:30 a.m.

ORIGINAL POST: There is a report of a crash blocking Ky. 91 in Caldwell County. Ky 91 is blocked near the 17-mile marker in the Skinframe Creek area between Princeton and Fredonia by a two-vehicle crash.

Detour for this location would be via Ky. 139 and Ky. 70.

The estimated duration is 3 hours.

Swim Team holds registration

Click Image to Enlarge

Annual Backroads Tour starts today

Backroads Tour Activities and More in Marion Today !
Click Image to Enlarge



Marion man accused of raping teen

A Marion man is being held at the Crittenden County Detention Center on $100,000 cash bond, charged with first-degree rape of a 13-year old female.

Marion Police Department is investigating the alleged crime. Officer George Foster filed the complaint and arrested Donald James Morris, 33, on Monday at a residence on Cherry Street.

The police report claims that Morris forced the girl to smoke marijuana, threatening her if she didn’t, then tied her to a metal bed, took off her clothes and raped her in August of last year.

He is charged with first-degree rape of a person incapable of consent-physically helpless, a Class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Morris has an extensive criminal record that includes convictions in Crittenden and Hopkins counties for disorderly conduct, fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), trespassing and three arrests for alcohol intoxication.

When police arrived to arrest Morris on Monday, they found pot in a nightstand in his bedroom, charging him with misdemeanors for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Area death

Audrey R. LaBuda, 82, of Marion died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements. 

Quilt Show Friday in Marion

Click Image to Enlarge

What's news this week in Crittenden County...

Lady Rockets gear up for state softball
A Marion man is being held at the Crittenden County Detention Center on $100,000 cash bond, charged with first-degree rape of a 13-year old female. Marion Police Department is investigating the alleged crime. Officer George Foster filed the complaint and arrested Donald James Morris, 33, on Monday at a residence on Cherry Street.

For more on this top story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
  • EMS bleeding red ink
  • Settlement would lessen KU increase
  • Crittenden native taking his operatic voice to new levels by blending in rock
  • Quilters welcomed to county
  • Suspected burglar nabbed
  • Community mourns Perryman family’s loss
  • Revolving loan fund economic starter for 30 years
  • GUEST OPINION: Investment in our students, schools is investment in our community
  • County prepares for budget; jail staying full
  • No public pool this summer, but facility open to members
  • NRSC tax possible if county balks
  • Middle-schoolers bring prom to local seniors
  • DEFEW'S VIEWS: Making bed installs sense of pride
  • VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Baker great fit for Kentucky basketball
  • SPORTS: Summer youth baseball, softball league page returns
  • SPORTS: Girls gear up for state tournament
  • SPORTS: Beating Lyon key win for Lady Rockets
  • SPORTS: Rockets on roll, win three of last five

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Area death

Linda "Jo" Nelson, 72, of Marion died Tuesday at Continue Care in Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Educational opportunities in Marion

Crittenden County Elementary School students got a tour of downtown Marion this morning, complete with a close up look at fire trucks, police cars, the post office and banks.

Many of the students got a big kick out of the flashing lights on the cruiser and the water pumped out of the fire truck.

Pictured her is Deputy Ray Agent addressing students on the courthouse lawn.

Monday, April 24, 2017

Area death

Billy G. Vinson, 82, of Marion died Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Webster County escapee sought by KSP

Kentucky State Police are requesting the assistance of the public in locating an inmate that escaped custody in Webster County and is now on the run.

At or around 11:45 a.m., Monday, Jack Wayne Phillips, 61, walked off from a work release detail at the Webster County Animal Shelter.

Phillips was last seen wearing a long sleeve orange shirt and khaki pants.

Phillips is a Class D felon inmate who was currently serving time in the Webster County Detention Facility for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Heroin)-1st Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Drug Paraphernalia and traffic offenses out of Grant County.  He also has several other drug related convictions and traffic offenses out of Mason County.

Phillips is described as a white male about six feet tall and 140 pounds. He has gray hair, blue eyes and fair skin.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of this escaped inmate, please contact Kentucky State Police Post 2 at 270-676-3313 or call 911. Callers may remain anonymous.

Marathon week lined up for Lady Rockets

Young players like 8th grader Chandler Moss are making
the Lady Rockets go this season. Moss is a third baseman
and is shown here coming in to cover a possible bunt.
It's a marathon week for the Lady Rocket softball team starting with today's showdown at Marion against 38th-ranked Webster County.

The 14-3 Lady Rockets are ranked 37th themselves, but will be fully tested with three district games this week before they play for the first time ever in the All A Classic State Tournament this weekend at Owensboro. For a complete state tournament pool play schedule, click here. The girls will open pool play on Saturday and the single-elimination tournament is Sunday for the top teams from pool play.

Before heading to Owensboro, however, the girls play at Lyon County Tuesday, at Trigg County Wednesday and host Livingston Central Thursday for three Fifth District games in a row.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for complete coverage of this week's games and state tournament preview.

A taste of this week's deals


Saturday, April 22, 2017

Football interest too low right now at high school

Livingston County doesn’t have enough interest to begin football at the high school or middle school levels at this time, but chances are that a little league program will be developed.

When registration for football was held recently, the school district found that interest among younger boys warrants further exploration, but school officials said in a statement released last week that registration was too low to start it at the higher levels.

Numbers in the third and fourth grade exceeded the minimum requirement to field a team. All other grade levels except those in their junior year of high school failed to reach the mark.

Fifth and sixth graders needed to reach a combined number of 18 students, but had 17 sign up. The middle school needed 30 students but after registration was held, the mark was short by half.
Interest at the high school level was even lower.

Typically, participation at the varsity level would not happen for a minimum of two seasons, or the third year of a new football program, school officials said. For that reason no benchmark was set for the 11th and 12th grade.

For the varsity program to become viable in the future, local interest for the middle school program needs to be higher than demonstrated by the recent registration.

School officials said that at this time, the football sign-ups did not provide sufficient student athletes or booster parents to support football programs at the middle and high school levels.
More than 20 showed interest in the lower elementary grades. School officials said there are enough parents willing to volunteer to create a little league booster club.

Based on the results, the school district said it would not be sponsoring a football program in the 2017-18 school year. If the community wants a program at the middle and high school level, it would need to provide a feeder program at the little league level, officials said.







Friday, April 21, 2017

Tree closes street, damages property

Property was damaged and Old Shady Grove Road at Country Lane was closed Friday after this monster red oak fell across the street.

If you look closely, there is a backhoe behind the tree.

The photo illustrates how large the trunk was on this big oak.

Immediate Job Openings


Thursday, April 20, 2017

Another trailer reported stolen

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is investigating the disappearance of a 6x10 dump trailer which was taken Wednesday afternoon from a residence at the corner of US 60 East and Conner Road.

The trailer was taken sometime between 2-5pm. It belongs to an area construction company and is valued at about $4,500.

Anyone with information may call 270-965-3500 and you could be eligible for a TipLine reward.

This is the second utility trailer reported stolen this week.

Area deaths

Atler Bunk Perryman, seven month old son of  Ali and Travis Perryman of Marion, died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Former Crittenden County librarian Janice J. Pritchett, 70, of Calvert City died Monday. Imes Funeral Home & Crematory in Murray is in charge of arrangements.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Police looking for stolen ATV

RECOVERED
The stolen ATV was recovered in Union County.

Original Post
Local police are looking for a 4-wheeler stolen from 110 Arleen Street just off Chapel Hill Road late last week.

The ATV is a yellow 2002 Honda 250EX. There is some original red paint visible around the edges and under fenders.

Marion Policeman Heath Martin said the key was not in the rig and the owner still has it. So, whoever took it will likely be trying to hot-wire the ATV or find a workable key for it.

It was taken at some point between Wednesday and Friday of last week.

Anyone with information can call Marion Police Department at 270-965-3500. TipLine is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.

What's news this week in Crittenden County...

Concept for new Crittenden County High School
It appears Crittenden County Board of Education may soon be ready to move forward with its proposal to add a “recallable nickel” to the county school tax. But the 5.8-cent levy for construction of a new high school is far from a foregone conclusion. At a special board meeting and working session last week, the five-member body heard extensive details on tax particulars from its own superintendent of schools and  two independent advisers with Ross, Sinclaire & Associates who have decades of combined experience in guiding school districts through the straits of taxation and facilities construction.

For more on this story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
  • Weight limit on failing street pitched
  • Sexual abuse against minor pleaded down
  • 9 involved in Saturday wreck
  • Arrest made for theft of water utility funds
  • Market on Main dedicated
  • Thefts, burglaries on rise in Marion
  • FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Remembering school days of long ago
  • SPORTS: Lady Rockets making history in Classic run
  • SPORTS: Interest too low for Livingston High football
  • VAUGHT'S VIEWS: ESPN’s ‘30 for 30’ takes look at Calipari
  • Event features CCHS art, music
  • Alexander plays role in First Lady’s doll
  • Son of local educators headed to Gatton Academy
  • CHS Auxiliary looking for additional volunteers
  • Crittenden hay production among best in west

Police looking for stolen trailer

Marion police are looking for a 16-foot utility trailer stolen Monday from the lawn at a vacant home on Old Morganfield Road near the National Guard Armory.

The trailer has old Chevy hubcaps which might make it quickly identifiable.

If you can help, call Marion Police Department at 270-965-3500. You could be eligible for a reward.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Chamber recognizes museum

Click Image to Enlarge

Free Dump Days Coming this Week

With spring comes cleaning, and local officials want to help residents of the county clean out their basements and garages.

Twice a year, Crittenden Fiscal Court opens the county convenience center for a couple of days to allow no-cost disposal of many items dragged from the dark corners of garages and deep recesses of attics. The first opportunity this year comes this week, when the convenience center off U.S. 60 East offers free dumping 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The courtesy typically draws long lines for the opportunity to rid homes, businesses and farms of junk. Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is urging a little discretion.

“Lines are generally long, so we ask patience and to not park on the highway or in other businesses driveways,” he said.

Solid Waste Coordinator Sue Padget said that has been a big problem in the past. She hopes people will simply drive past and come back if the facility is full. The restaurant across the highway is not intended as a waiting room.

Only Crittenden County residents will be allowed to empty their trucks and trailers on either day of the program. Those who cannot produce local identification will be turned away.

Neither household trash nor chemicals will be part of the program. While daily garbarge can be dumped, regular charges will apply. Paint and oil will be accepted, but both must be dried with an agent like cat litter or oil absorbents. The convenience center will accept tires of all sizes, so long as they are off the rim; and all types of electronics, furniture and appliances. Other common items disposed of may be lumber, plastics and recylcables. Those with questions as to whether their items will be accepted may call Padget at (270) 965-5251.

Plant materials are taken at no charge at the community brush dump off Bridwell Loop. Though hours have been restricted due to illegal dumping, it is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Friday and at other times by prearranging with Crittenden County Road Department at (270) 965-0862 or Marion City Hall at (270) 965-2266.

Faith-based movies big draw at Capitol

When it comes to box office demographics, Christians are high on the list in western Kentucky.

Capitol Cinemas in Princeton is now showing “The Case for Christ” which started Good Friday, and if history is any indication, ticket sales will soar all this week.

Mike Cherry at the theater doesn’t know what to expect for the newest faith-based movie, but he knows the track record of others. When Passion of the Christ was shown over a three-week period a few years back, it provided the Capitol Theater with the largest grossing movie in its history.
“Faith-based movies are a strong calling card for us,” Cherry said.

The theater manager explained that his film distributor told him that Princeton had the nation’s highest number of ticket sales per capita for Passion of the Christ.

“We have two exceptionally strong faith-based movies coming up,” Cherry said. “After Case for Christ, we will open Champion on May 19.”

Cherry said a group of local ministers have already guaranteed 250 ticket purchases in order for the small Princeton theater to get the Champion for viewing there. Champion is an inspirational movie about a dirt track racer whose life runs out of control before it collides with another. It’s about how one man must fight for his family and the other must fight to forgive.

The Case for Christ is a Christian drama based on a true story that inspired the 1998 book of the same name by Lee Strobel. The film follows an atheist journalist who looks to disprove his wife's Christian faith and ends up becoming a believer.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Event Thursday for expectant moms

Click Image to Enlarge

Area death

Charles H. Hicklin, 65, of Marion died Friday. He was the former president of Par 4 Plastics. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory in Owensboro is in charge of arrangements.

Youth Camp in Crittenden County

Register Today
Located in northeast Crittenden County on 6,000 acres of pristine Kentucky woodlands is Riverbend Whitetails lodge and outfitting service.

Riverbend Whitetails is opening its facility and property to a youth camp for the first time this summer. It's an opportunity for youngsters to enjoy a time of fun and learning in the great outdoors.

Click here for a registration form, or call for more information.

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Area deaths

John Collyer, 71, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Josephine Cullen, 98, of Marion died Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Join us for Easter

Click Image to Enlarge

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Multi-vehicle crash on 60

Local rescue personnel are on the scene of a multivehicle accident on US 60 east about 3 miles from Marion. 

There are a number of injuries but to what extent we do not know at this time.

Hiring at Marion Location


Friday, April 14, 2017

Market on Main dedication

 
The Imogene Stout Market on Main was formally dedicated this morning during a ceremony at the facility, which was paid for through grant funds from the State of Kentucky and a local tourism tax.

The facility will be home to the seasonal farmers market as well as a venue for other community activities.

The facility is named for the late Mrs. Stout, who lived across the street for many years and was a community volunteer and civic leader. Her son, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Alan Stout, had previously owned the empty lot where market was developed. For a long time, he had allowed local farmers to sell their produce there.

Now Hiring in this Area


Farm Retirement Auction Tomorrow


Click Image to Enlarge

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Water district employee Giltz-Black arrested

Giltz-Black
Kentucky State Police arrested Kimberly Giltz-Black, 53, of Marion on Thursday on a felony theft charge. The arrest resulted from an investigation into a reported theft from the Crittenden-Livingston County Water District.


The investigation has shown a former employee, Kimberly Giltz-Black, had stolen nearly $9,700 by manipulating customer payments. All stolen funds have been accounted for and the majority of the stolen money has been recovered. The investigation has also shown no customer accounts have been adversely affected by this theft.


Giltz-Black was charged with theft by unlawful taking, over $500 but less than $10,000 (Class D felony) and was lodged in the McCracken County Detention Center.

KSP was assisted during the investigation by the Crittenden-Livingston County Water District.

The investigation is continuing by Detective Michael Robichaud.

Lady Rockets headed to state tournament

Crittenden County High School's fast-pitch softball team is headed to the All A Classic State Tournament for the first time ever.

The Lady Rockets (14-2) beat Caldwell County 3-0 Thursday at Smithland to claim the Second Region championship.

The girls beat University Heights, Livingston Central and then Caldwell in the small-school tournament this week.

The Class A Tournament will open April 29 with pool play in Owensboro.

Crittenden is off to its best softball start in school history. Its only loss to a Kentucky team was 3-2 against then-24th-ranked Union County.

Debris dump closed except for Fridays

As a result of continued illegal dumping, residents of the county will no longer have unlimited access to the brush dump on Bridwell Loop in Marion.

The site is now open only from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Friday or at times arranged through the county or city. Before several illegal dumping activities started creating problems, the site was open most any time.

On March 24, officials were alerted to the illegal dumping of three dump truck loads of plastic bags, burn barrel debris, kitchen cabinets and other construction materials at the county-operated disposal site. Apparently, someone gutted a home during a remodeling project and took everything to the brush dump, said County Judge Perry Newcom. He said the cost of legally dumping the items at the county convenience center would have been about $200.

The dump site is intended for free dumping of waste organic material – limbs, leaves, brush, etc.

Anyone who would like to gain access to the site for legal dumping of brush and yard debris on days outside scheduled Friday times can call the county road department at (270) 965-0862 or Marion City Hall at (270) 965-2266.

Biblical drama Saturday in Marion

Click Image to Enlarge

County democrats reorganize tonight

Democratic leaders will be hosting a meeting at 6 p.m., tonight at the Ed-Tech Center in Marion to reorganize an executive community in the community.

Mike Cherry, a former Democratic state representative from Princeton, serves on the Kentucky Executive Committee and will chair the meeting until a local chairperson is elected. State Sen. Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, will also be attending.

Cherry said he met with local party leaders about a month ago to discuss refining the Democratic organization in Crittenden County. He said just over a dozen attended the pre-organizational meeting, and he anticipates a good turnout this evening.

In order to have an official county executive committee, there must be at least 10 members and no more than 20. Plans are to elect party officers, including a chair, vice chair, secretary and treasurer.

Good Friday closings


Good Friday is a full holiday for most local government offices and a half-day for state workers in Kentucky. Closed Friday for the Christian holiday will be all courthouse offices, city hall, the senior citizens center, Crittenden County Assistance Center, convenience center and animal shelter. No courthouse offices will be open on Saturday, either.

The Crittenden Press will be closed Friday. Due to an adjusted print schedule, the deadline for The Early Bird has passed.

Open Good Friday will be the public library, Extension service and all federal offices, including the postal service.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

U.S. 60 in Livingston restricted next two days.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on a section of US 60 in Livingston County on Thursday & Friday, April 13 & 14, 2017.

US 60 will be restricted to one lane at mile point 17.15 in Livingston County to allow a persistent sinkhole to be filled along the right-of-way.  This work zone is along US 60 between Dyer Hill Mine Road and Three Rivers Rock Road just west of the Dyer Hill Curve area.  It is approximately halfway between Smithland and Burna.

KYTC personnel filled in the sinkhole in 2013.  A Geotech team did some test drilling around the site and determined the sinkhole did not extend under US 60.  KYTC District 1 engineers have continued to monitor the hole on a regular basis.  During record rainfall last June, July, and August the sinkhole started enlarging again

Last fall, A Geotech crew took additional soil samples around the site and again determined that the sinkhole did not extend under the pavement of US 60.  To reduce erosion at the site and protect the integrity of the ditch line, KYTC personnel have returned to the site to pack the sinkhole with rock.

Due to trucks off-loading from the roadway and equipment required for the sinkhole repair, US 60 will be restricted to one lane at this site.  There may be some delays of 10 minutes or more in the work zone.

This work zone will be in place from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday and from approximately 7:30 a.m. to about Noon on Friday.


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

Join Us Saturday for Lunch



CCHS SBDM to meet Thursday

The Crittenden County High School SBDM will meet on Thursday, April 13, at 3:30 p.m. The meeting will be in the high school conference room.

What's news this week in Crittenden County...

Ryan McDaniel is sworn Tuesday as
the new school board member.
It’s been 13 years since Marion implemented a 3-percent tourism tax that goes a bit beyond collecting cash from visitors. The toll affects everyone who eats out or spends the night in one of the city’s few overnight lodging facilities. Local residents have often questioned why they’re burdened with footing the bill for the community’s tourism efforts, but those in charge say the tax goes much further than luring visitors.

For the full story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
  • McDaniel takes board seat
  • New farmers’ market opens Friday
  • Free dumping next weekend
  • Chamber seeking Person of Year, Unsung Hero
  • Distinguished Alumni sought
  • Crittenden unemployment falls in February
  • MY 2¢ WORTH: Perception reality in the case of some
  • Christian films big on Capitol’s silver screen
  • Judicial redistricting left for another year
  • $1.33B plant investment at Georgetown good for Par 4
  • IN PICTURES: CCHS history students visit DC
  • Caldwell Springs VFD adapts plans after finding inferior superstructure
  • Region 1 FBLA champions heading to state competition
  • FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Interesting names on county landmarks
  • VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Ohio basketball star turns to UK gridiron
  • SPORTS: Lady Rockets swagger into All A Classic title game
  • SPORTS: Swat Sisters turning heads with long balls
  • OUTDOORS: Foster captures Archer of Year in Kentucky

New business opens today in Marion


Tuesday, April 11, 2017

No injury in US 60 East crash

A Henderson man was not injured in a pickup crash about 13 miles from Marion on US 60 East this morning about 7:30am. According to state police, Jared Eirwin, 34, of Henderson traveling westbound when he topped a hill and lost control of the Ford F-150, sliding off right side and hitting and earthen embankment.

Livingston Middle in Burna getting Solar Plant

Livingston County Middle School at Burna is among about a half dozen sites selected to help turn sunshine into electricity.

Big Rivers Electric Corp., recently announced that the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved its proposal to build seven small solar power facilities across its service territory.

Victor Zimmerman, superintendent of Livingston County Schools, said Big Rivers had approached the school district about locating solar plant at either the high school or middle school, both of which are located on U.S. 60 between Salem and Paducah. Zimmerman said the middle school was chosen because it had the most space available. The solar panel will be about 750 square feet, about a quarter of the size of a tennis court. It will be located on the west side of the school’s property right along U.S. 60.

Big Rivers wanted the panel to be put in a high-visibility area, Zimmerman said.

“There will be educational benefits,” Zimmerman said. “Our science students will get to work with the data it produces, but there will be no energy benefit for the school district. All of the power it makes will go onto the grid.”

The solar panel at the middle school will be a 10 kW unit. Based upon sunshine in this part of the country, it would produce about enough energy to supply electricity to nearly 20 homes for one year.

The seven solar facilities, with an aggregate output of 120 kilowatts (kW), will be located at schools, parks or other public facilities. The other sites, with their generating capacity and cooperative, are:
- McCracken County High School, Paducah – 10 kW – Jackson Purchase Energy.
- Mike Miller Park, Benton – 10 kW – Jackson Purchase Energy.
- Kenergy offices, Henderson and Owensboro – 30 kW each – Kenergy.
- Meade RECC offices, Brandenburg - 20 kW; and Hardinsburg - 10 kW – Meade RECC.

The total cost of the facilities is estimated at $500,000. Big Rivers said it will pay for the facilities out of its cash reserves and hopes to recoup $125,000 of the cost through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program.


Salem Springlake has opening

Click Image to Enlarge

Monday, April 10, 2017

Area death

Glenn Cox, 74, of Fredonia died Friday. Morgan's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Join local fitness program starting Tuesday

Full Body Fitness Studio in Marion is kicking off a new program designed to shed body fat, tone muscles and leave you feeling awesome! Register today and begin receiving meal plans and recipes and meal prep tips to help you drop unwanted pounds.

The 3-day-per-week session runs April 11-June 1. Class times are 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. most advanced).  Bonus workouts will be held at 8 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

Cost is $159, also available in two payments of $80 and $79. Call Serena Dickerson, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, at (270) 704-1871 to register or find out more! Go to FBFS Facebook Page.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Foaming with irritation



Vandals have struck at the newly developed farmers market on Main Street in Marion. Police got a call this afternoon about vandalism. Someone had put soap in the new decorative fountain, creating a sudsy mess.

Local officials are irritated by the mischief. The grand opening is Friday. 

Help Wanted in Marion


Friday, April 7, 2017

Area Deaths

Juanita Ruth (George) Fraley, 81, of Salem died Friday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Jerome Albert Deore, 78, of Salem died Sunday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary LaDone James, 55, of Marion died Wednesday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Semi crash on Ky. 120

A tractor-trailer ran off Ky. 120 three miles from Marion this afternoon.

No serious injuries were reported.


Salvage Grocery Darben Plaza


Local job opportunity

Click Image to Enlarge

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Crittenden County men who died in World War I

Military and ancestry records from 100 years ago are not what they are today, with much of the information missing to time. What is found can often be contradicted in another place. This list of men killed in World War I was compiled by The Crittenden Press from local genealogical files; draft cards, birth files and death certificates accessed through Ancestry.com; and information gathered from local historians and descendants of the men in uniform.

Pvt. Edwin R. Baird
He died of disease at the age of 27 on Oct. 13, 1918, at Camp Zachary Taylor in Louisville, which opened in 1917 to train soldiers for the war. The Army soldier is buried in Crayne Cemetery.

Sgt. Maj. Freeda Ellis Baker
Jan. 28, 1894–Oct. 16, 1918
A physical disability claimed on his draft card didn’t save Baker from his fate at the hands of disease...

Click here to download a PDF and keep reading