Thursday, May 31, 2018

Area Death

Keith Guess, 81, of Marion died Wednesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Service in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Lady Rockets' semifinal game is tonight (maybe)


UPDATE: Game is postponed again. Will be played Friday night, same time, same place.
-------------------------------------------------------
Despite a chance of strong storms this evening, the Second Region Softball Tournament is scheduled to get back underway after two nights of rain delays at Hopkins Central in Morton's Gap.

Crittenden (22-7) will play Caldwell County (17-11) in the semifinal round. This is the Lady Rockets' first ever berth in the regional semifinal round. They beat Hopkinsville Monday in the opening round and Caldwell beat Webster County.

The Crittenden-Caldwell game starts after the completion of the Christian County vs. Madisonville game, which was in the bottom of the fourth inning with Christian leading by a run when the rains hit Tuesday night. That game will be finished starting at 5:30pm with the nightcap to follow.


Special fiscal court meeting next week

Crittenden Fiscal Court will convene at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 7 for a special meeting at the courthouse to approve a loan for Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department's purchase of a used fire truck. Also on the agenda will be the appointment of a member to the tax appeal board.

Marion General Baptist hosts VBS

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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Lady Rocket semifinal tonight is postponed

Due to heavy rains, tonight's Second Region Softball Tournament semifinal between Crittenden County and Caldwell County is postponed.

The game – plus the completion of another semifinal contest between Madisonville and Christian County – is expected to be tomorrow. However, no times have been announced. Stay tuned for details.

The 2Region Baseball Tournament at Christian County is still on go for tonight with Trigg County facing Union County and Christian County taking on Henderson.


Death Notice

Micaela Knight, 70, of Oklahoma City, Okla., formerly of Marion, died Saturday. Services are Monday at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

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

Tick-borne diseases are becoming more prevalent in Kentucky as the number and types of ticks increase. Britt Wright, who operates Hodge’s Sports and Apparel, says she hears people in the Marion store and even her employees talking about an increase in tick bites. One of her employees had to miss work because of effects of a bite, and she said a man who works with her husband can no longer eat meat after being infected by a tick. “Where are they all coming from?”

For all of this story, the following headlines and all of our School's Out! coverage you can't find anywhere else, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
  • IN PICTURES: Commencement photos
  • IN PICTURES: Class night photos
  • IN PICTURES: Photos of each individual graduate
  • CCES academic awards presented
  • CCMS awards earned
  • CCHS academic awards presented to teens
  • Caldwell ATC awards KOSSA certifications
  • Grads earn work ethic, readiness certificates
  • Dozens of scholarships awarded

Shred Day Saturday

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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Lady Rockets on historic run at regional

UPDATE: Rain has postponed the Lady Rockets' semifinal game until 6:30pm on Wednesday.

Crittenden County’s girls’ softball team was set to play in the regional semifinals Tuesday at Hopkins Central against Caldwell County before the rain set in.

This is the first time in school fast-pitch history that the Lady Rockets have been one victory away from the regional championship. This is the team’s fourth trip to the regional tournament and the first time it has won a game in that post-season series, beating Hopkinsville 14-0 last night.

The only time Crittenden (22-7) and Caldwell (17-11) have met this season was on April 10 when Lady Rocket starting pitcher Chandler Moss was out of the lineup with a finger injury. Caldwell won that matchup 8-0, but coach Stephen Smith says don’t read too much into the outcome of that game. He anticipates a slugfest tonight.

The Lady Tigers upset Webster County 1-0 in a pitching duel in Monday’s opening round game of the region. Caldwell hurler Katie Franklin’s best pitch is rise ball, said the Rocket girls’ coach. 

Franklin pitched a three-hitter Monday to beat 22nd-ranked Webster County.

Earlier this year, Caldwell was the All A Second Region champion and was 1-2 in the small-school state tournament, losing to Lexington Christian and Louisville Holy Cross.

A Lady Rocket win tonight against Caldwell would pit CCHS against the state’s No. 3 team, Christian County or No. 23 Madisonville, who play in the other semifinal game this evening at Morton’s Gap.

Follow all the action on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CrittendenPress

Today's coverage of the girls' softball regional tournament is brought to you by Randy Book and RB Building of Marion, Kentucky.



Summer lunch program begins June 4

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Different results for local ball teams

Crittenden County's Lady Rockets won their opening round game of the regional softball tournament easily over Hopkinsville on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Rocket baseball team was knocked out of the Second Region Tournament by host Christian County in a lopsided affair.

The softball team is scheduled to play Caldwell County in the semifinal round tonight at 7:30pm at Hopkins Central.

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


Among the Specials this week 
at Minton's Hometown Foods

Monday, May 28, 2018

Crittenden Countians observe Memorial Day


There were a number of opportunities for Crittenden Countians to observe Memorial Day and remember our country's war dead.

Among today's events was the annual Shady Grove Cemetery Memorial Day Celebration where County Attorney Rebecca Johnson was the featured speaker.


Remembering Crittenden County's fallen soldiers

TODAY'S MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES

- Mapleview Cemetery,
Marion, 10 a.m. Monday.

- Shady Grove Cemetery,
11 a.m. Monday. County Attorney
Rebecca Johnson will
be the speaker. Lunch will
follow in the fire station adjacent
to the cemetery.

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Sunday, May 27, 2018

KSP raffling 2018 Charger R/T


The Kentucky State Police are taking a walk on the wild side this year to support their Trooper Island Camp for underprivileged children. The agency is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a new 2018 Dodge Charger R/T 392 ScatPack, a four-door, five passenger ride that combines legendary muscle car heritage with safety and comfort features suitable for family duty.

Cloaked in a destroyer grey exterior and a black interior, it features an iconic design with a low, lean profile, scalloped body sides and an imposing crosshair grille. Built to run, its V8 SRT Hemi MDS engine delivers 485 hp and 475 pound-feet of torque – enough performance for any job from navigating superhighways to driving the kids to school. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle blends classic hot-rod performance with modern sensibility. (A full list of features and equipment can be found on the KSP website at KentuckyStatePolice.org.

Edmunds.com described the 2018 Charger as “an unapologetic American sedan with massive power and brash style. It looks cool and makes cool noises.” Kelly Blue Book called it “a modern sedan that displays rowdy, All-American bravado backed up with plenty of horsepower. It looks tough. It looks mean. It looks you right in the eye.”

Tickets are $10 each and are available at The Crittenden Press, any KSP post or commercial vehicle enforcement region office located throughout the state. Tickets can also be purchased online by debit or credit card payment at TrooperIsland.org.

Only 20,000 tickets will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn on Aug. 26 at the Kentucky State Fair. Ticket holders do not have to be present at the drawing to win. Raffle winner is responsible for all tax and license fees.

Trooper Island is a free summer camp for underprivileged boys and girls age 10-12 operated by the Kentucky State Police on Dale Hollow Lake in Clinton County. It is financed entirely by donations, no public funds are used. Each year, the camp hosts approximately 700 children, providing good food, fresh air, recreation, guidance and structured, esteem-building activities designed to build good citizenship and positive relationships with law enforcement officers.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Chamber presents its annual awards

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I-69 work to ramp up June 2

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to ramp up construction work along Interstate 69 in Caldwell County starting June 2.

The contractor has initially been working along right of way with lane and shoulder restrictions for drainage work, guardrail upgrades, and other prep work leading up to pavement repairs and an asphalt overlay. This work zone is along I-69 at Princeton from milepoint 79.35 near the KY 2617/Old Fredonia Road Overpass extending through the KY 91 Exit 79 Princeton-Marion Interchange to milepoint 82.934 about a mile north of the KY 293 Interchange, a distance of 3.58 miles.

Pavement repairs are expected to start June 2, to be followed by milling on June 7 and asphalt paving starting around June 11. This next phase of work will increase construction activity along this work zone. Some traffic shifts will be required from time to time to facilitate the work.

Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and construction personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.  This work zone includes a strictly enforced 55 mile per hour work zone speed limit with enhanced enforcement.

Rogers Group, LLC, is the prime contractor on this $3.7 million rehabilitation project. The project has a target completion date of Aug. 1.

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

Navigatge traffic at GoKY.KY.Gov or at WAZE.com or via the WAZE App.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Area Deaths

Karen Rebecca “Becky” Cook, 68 of Marion, died Wednesday. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Loleta "Eatsie" Enoch, 83, of Lafayette, Teen., formerly of Marion, died Wednesday. Anderson & Son Funeral Home in Lafayette is in charge of arrangements.

Softball gets good draw, baseball plays Christian

Rocket softball coach Stephen Smith talks
with catcher Ellie Smith during the district
tournament last week at Marion.
Crittenden County's Fifth District champion Lady Rockets have drawn Hopkinsville (7-24) in the opening round of next week's Second Region Softball Tournament at Hopkins Central. Crittenden beat Hoptown 20-0 during the regular season. Additionally, Crittenden (21-7) is in the bracket opposite of Christian County, the state's third-ranked team.

The district runner-up Rocket baseball team plays Second Region Tournament host Christian County in the opening round. The Colonels are 17-12 this season while the Rockets are 10-20.

2REGION Tournaments
Baseball
At Christian County
Monday’s Results
Trigg County vs. Hopkinsville, 10am
Caldwell Co. vs. Union Co., 1pm
Christian Co. vs. Crittenden Co., 4pm
Henderson vs. Madisonville, 7pm
Tuesday’s Semifinals
Semifinal Game, 5:30
Semifinal Game, 8:00
Wednesday
Championship Game, 6:30

Softball
At Hopkins Central
Monday’s Results
Madisonville vs. Henderson, 11am
Christian Co. vs. Trigg Co. 1pm
Webster Co. vs. Caldwell Co. 3pm
Crittenden Co. vs.Hopkinsville 5pm
Tuesday’s Semifinals
Semifinal Game, 5:30
Semifinal Game, 8:00
Wednesday
Championship Game, 6:30

Hospital lists job openings

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Thursday, May 24, 2018

Area Death

James Edward “Jamie” Champion Jr., 73, of Marion died Tuesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Class of 2018 graduation and class night

Crittenden County's Class of 2018 will be graduating Friday night with its top three seniors leading the ceremony. This year's two valedictorians are Mauri Collins and Madison O'Dell. Madison Champion is the salutatorian.

Here is the schedule of events for Thursday and Friday night.

Class Night
6 p.m. Thursday at Rocket Arena

Commencement
6 p.m. Friday at Rocket Arena

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Get the news you can't find anywhere else

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom effectively won a third term Tuesday as the county’s top elected official, while a sitting member of Crittenden Fiscal Court was defeated and Kentucky state Rep. Lynn Bechler staved off a tough challenge despite losing his home county in the primary election. Democrats also picked their nominee for Congress.

For the story behind the election numbers and the news from the following headlines you cannot find anywhere else, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
  • City budget: Services cut, taxes up, sewer fee rising
  • 2 valedictorians top class of 66 graduates
  • Person of the Year awarded to Tim Capps
  • U.S. 641 – existing, new – hot topic at fiscal court meeting
  • High-speed pursuit leads to arrest
  • Board of ed recognizes efforts of FRYSC
  • SPORTS: Spring sports roundup
  • SPORTS: Rockets perform well at State track meet
  • SPORTS: Rockets can’t grab title against Trigg
  • SPORTS: Girls smoke Trigg to capture second 5th District title
  • FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Crittenden men heroes of World War II’s 83rd Division
And find our tribute to men from Crittenden County killed in foreign wars.

Softbal wins district, baseball settles for No. 2

Lady Rockets celebrate after beating Trigg Tuesday.
Crittenden County's girls' softball team beat Trigg County 15-1 on Tuesday at Marion-Crittenden County Park to capture just its second Fifth District title ever.

The Rocket baseball team lost 11-1 to Trigg County in the district championship game at Marion.

Both boys' and girls' teams advance to next week's regional tournaments. The baseball tournament is at Christian County and the softball tournament at Central Hopkins.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Crittenden County primary election results


Ky. House District 4 (GOP)
STUBBLEFIELD: 530/1,184
BECHLER: 345/1,371 (Winner)
County/District totals, all precincts reporting

County Judge-Executive (GOP)
NEWCOM: 701 (Winner)
WINDERS: 167

Magesterial District 2 (GOP)
PERRYMAN: 168 (Winner)
WATSON: 38

Magesterial District 3 (GOP)
BLOODWORTH: 41
GUILL: 74 (Winner)
MILLS: 39
WALLACE: 17

U.S. House District 1 (Democrat)
WALKER: 270 (Projected winner)
PENNINGTON: 148
District totals pending

Washouts block neighboring county highway

UPDATE, 3:45 p.m.: According to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Spokesman Keith Todd, there was water over the road only. There was no washout and the road is now open.

ORIGINAL: Ky. 139 is blocked in Caldwell County between Princeton and Fredonia due to a washout.

Emergency Management reports a severe downpour moved through the area. The rush of water has caused a washout estimated to be along Ky. 139 around the 17-mile marker.

Ky. 139 is blocked at this time.

Win a La-Z-Boy at Johnson's

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Livingston Hospital has job openings

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Area death

Ozella Lorene Bailey, 93, of Marion died Sunday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Regional tournament berths galore!

Crittenden County's baseball team pulled off a surprising 2-1 Fifth District victory over Livingston Central Monday at Marion-Crittenden County Park to earn a berth in next week's regional tournament at Christian County. Freshman Tyler Boone pitched a 3-hitter and junior Ethan Dossett drove in two runs to the Rocket effort.

In softball, Emmie Smith drove in two runs to lift CCHS over Lyon County 2-1 in the Fifth District Tournament Monday at Marion. That, too, gives the girls' a chance to play in the regional tournament next week at Hopkins Central.

The baseball and softball teams both play Trigg County tonight at 6pm in the Fifth District championship games at Marion.

Polls open 12 hours today in Crittenden County

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All 12 county precincts will be open for balloting today from 6am to 6pm.

A handful of local races highlight the primary election, but voter turnout is expected to be light.

Contested races on today's primary ballot are at right.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Area Deaths


Patricia Lynn "Patti" Stalion, 69, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

William Leon Belt, 71, of Salem died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

David Allen Flanary, 82, of Fredonia died Friday. Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.

Primary Election Polls open 6 to 6 on Tuesday


Sunday, May 20, 2018

Baseball and Softball Tournaments Here this Week

5DISTRICT
TOURNAMENTS
At Marion-Crittenden Co. Park

BASEBALL
Monday
Rockets vs. Livingston, 5:30
Trigg Co. vs. Lyon Co., 7:30
Tuesday
Championship, 6pm

SOFTBALL 
Monday 
Trigg vs. Livingston, 5:30
Crittenden vs. Lyon, 7:15
Tuesday
Championship, 6pm

Admission $5

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Suspect caught at home today

William Thomas Mayer Jr., the man police had been looking for since yesterday after he allegedly eluded police, crashed a car on Ky. 506 and then fled on foot through a wooded area, has been caught.

Marion Police found Mayer at his home late this morning and took him into custody without incident. Several charges are pending. 

Area death

Alfred Deon Tabor, 75, of Marion died Wednesday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial Day services planned


Friday, May 18, 2018

Authorities still looking for subject who fled on foot

Marion Police Officer Heath Martin stands by as a vehicle involved in a high-
speed chase is pulled from a wooded area just outside of Marion on Ky. 506.
As of 5 p.m., local authorities were still on the lookout for a subject who fled on foot after a high speed chase ended with the suspect crashing into a wooded area just outside of town around 11 a.m. Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal said William Thomas Mayer Jr., who lives on First Street in Marion, is facing as many as 10 different charges when he is apprehended.

Mayer
O'Neal began the pursuit on West Depot Street after seeing a Mazda Tribute driven by Mayer shoot across South Main Street without stopping at the busy intersection. The pursuit continued on East Depot Street/Ky. 506 at speeds up to 75 mph, according to radio traffic. It continued outside the Marion city limit, and just beyond the Briarwood Subdivision, the suspect left the roadway, traveling through a field and into a wooded area down a steep bank. The car came to a rest after striking several trees.

A man in the passenger seat was held for questioning but released.

O'Neal said camera footage outside Marion City Hall showed Mayer's vehicle narrowly missed slamming into a truck traveling down Main Street

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mayer, or if they suspect they may have seen him, should contact Marion Police Department at (270) 965-3500 or call 911.

Hardin County Golf offers Ky rates

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Thursday, May 17, 2018

Sign Up Now for Library's Summer Reading


Leaf collection, airport, food targeted

Leaf Collection is getting axed in Marion.
Leaf collection, street sweeping, food bank, airport and other services and groups are targeted for cuts as the city mulls ways to save money in the coming year.

The City Council is also proposing a 4% tax increase to help balance its budget, which will be finalized at Monday's council meeting.

In this week's printed edition of The Press, you can read about the elimination of the leaf collection program in the fall, and cuts to Senior Citizen Meals on Wheels and Crittenden County Food Bank as part of the belt-tightening measures.


Dozen CCHS athletes qualify for today's state meet

CCHS track and field athletes headed to state meet
are (front from left) Kate Keller, Kenlee Perryman, Grace
Driskill, (back) Preston Morgeson, Branen Lamey,
Sawyer Towery, Tyson Steele, Aaron Lucas, Devon
Nesbitt, Gavin Davidson and Eli Moss.
In her final year as track and field coach at Crittenden County, Angela Starnes hopes to cap off a largely successful season with some top finishes at the Kentucky State Track and Field Championships today in Lexington.

A dozen Crittenden County athletes have qualified for the state meet by virtue of either finishing first or second in last weekend’s regional meet or by having one of the state’s best overall performances in their respective events. Two Rocket relay teams are among the berths for this week's state finals.

Leading the pack will be junior Kenlee Perryman and freshman Kate Keller. Both have set new school records this season and are expected to compete at a high level in Lexington. Perryman has qualfied for the state meet in triple jump and Keller in the 1600 meters. Those are events in which they set new school standards this track and field season. Keller has also qualified in the 3200 meters.

Eighth grader Grace Driskill qualified in the high jump and senior Aaron Lucas in the 1600 meters.

The CCHS 4x800 relay squad will run at the state meet. It is comprised of Gavin Davidson, Sawyer Towery, Preston Morgeson and Aaron Lucas. Tyson Steele is the qualifying alternate.
The second relay team to qualify for state was the 4x100. That group includes Eli Moss, Davidson, Branen Lamey, Devon Nesbitt and alternate Doug Conger.

After 27 years as coach of the track team, Coach Starnes will be retiring after today's state meet.

Primary Election is Tuesday


Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Home and Garden Special Section

In case you missed it...

The Crittenden Press published its Home and Garden Special Section last week.

Here is a PDF copy, but if you want the traditional version, stop by our office at a 125 E Bellville Street.

Area Deaths

Jason Ira Norris, 44, of Marion died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John William Woodall Sr., 73, of Smithland died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carl “Denny” Harris, 66, of Salem died Tuesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

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

On Monday, a $1.38 million spending plan for the City of Marion was introduced at a special meeting, presenting a tax increase and cuts in services in order to meet the increased cost of municipal government. Despite the implications of the lean budget proposal for the coming fiscal year, discussion focused on fewer than $10,000 for three line item appropriations.

For more on the city's proposed budget and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
  • Program to feed kids in June, July
  • Crittenden tourism up 22 percent over 2016
  • Local man serving time for home invasion pleads in separate case
  • Crittenden Relay slated for June 1
  • Woman’s conference brings 200 closer to God
  • ABOUT TOWN: Kids deserve voice on dress code
  • MY 2¢ WORTH: Budget season time to pick up phone
  • Family Foundation honors Rep. Bechler
  • Ky. eyes record wheat yield
  • Bass tourney to benefit patients
  • ELECTION: Bechler, Stubblefield debate in Hoptown
  • FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Only memories remain of Forest Grove, Oak Grove
  • SPORTS: Dozen qualify for state in Starnes’ final meet
  • SPORTS: Spring sports roundup
  • VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Pelphrey regrets missing mate’s funeral

Tolu fundraising for 4th of July fireworks

The community of Tolu is currently fundraising to support its annal Fourth of July Fireworks Show.

Drawing thousands each Independence Day to the tiny hamlet on the Ohio River, Tolu residents are ready to open their arms and lawns to one of the biggest events in Crittenden County.

In order to help fund the project, the community has set up a Fundraising Page on Facebook. You can Donate Here.

Watson seeks magisterial post

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Tuesday, May 15, 2018

State senate candidates at forum tonight

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said both candidates – current Sen. Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson, and current state Rep. Robbie Mills, R-Henderson – for the Kentucky Senate District 4 seat up for election in November will be at tonight's candidate forum at the Marion Ed-Tech Center. Candidates for state representative and local offices are also expected to speak. The forum begins at 6 p.m.

Graduation slated for next Friday at CCHS

GRADUATION
Crittenden County Class of 2018 will have its commencement ceremonies starting at 6pm Friday, May 25 in Rocket Arena.

OTHER GRADUATION ACTIVITIES
Baccalaureate is next Wednesday, May 23 at 6pm at Rocket Arena.

Class Night is Next Thursday, May 24 at 6pm at Rocket Arena.

Among the Deals: Gatorade 5 jugs for 5 bucks!

At Hometown Foods in Marion
- Formerly Conrad's - 

Area death

Bobby Joe “Drop” Lewis, 75, of Marion died Monday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Youth ball games underway nightly at park

Youth softball and baseball is in full swing at Marion-Crittenden County Park with games being played on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Pictured here is Levi Suddoth delivering a pitch to a batter during a recent 10-under baseball game.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Area deaths

George Brian Belt, 46, of Morganfield, formerly of Marion, died Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Louise Kayse, 95, of Salem died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

U.S. 641 between Fredonia, Eddyville blocked

UPDATED AT 4:15 P.M.: The site is now cleared and both lanes are open.

ORIGINAL POST: US 641 is restricted to one lane at the 2mm in LYON County due to an overturned truck.

This is along US 641 between Eddyville and Fredonia just south of the KY 1943 intersection.

At this time traffic is restricted to one lane with alternating flow controlled by flaggers.  Traffic may have to be blocked for a time while the truck is uprighted.

Estmated duration is 90 minutes.

Coupon part of savings at Hometown Foods


EARLY MEMORIAL DAY SPECIALS


Sunday, May 13, 2018

Special Marion council meeting Monday

Marion City Council will meet in special session at 5 p.m. Monday at city hall to consider several issues, including introduction of the new municipal budget for 2018-19. Download the agenda, packet and entire spending plan proposal by clicking here.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Class of '68 plans 50th reunion

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Area Deaths

Livingston EMS founder Phillip Ray Ramage, 65, of Burna died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Dianne York, 74, of Marion died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Hunt is Marion's new postmaster

Rhonda Hunt’s career in the U.S. Postal Service has come full circle, landing her a position as postmaster in Marion, the very place she started her career 24 years ago.

Hunt spent 14 years as postmaster in Mortons Gap, but moved around quite a bit as officer in charge at a half dozen western Kentucky towns, including Marion for a time. She started in 1994 as a rural carrier on routes 2 and 9 in Crittenden County.

Hunt said she was always willing to transfer to new positions within the postal service, perhaps because she relocated frequently with her parents, Glenn and Agnes Keel, now of Fredonia, who moved often as a result of his job in the U.S. Military.

“I started here and hope to end here,” said Hunt, who is excited about a few capital projects at the Marion Post Office including improvements to the interior and exterior of the building including painting and striping the parking lot.

“I want to participate in everything around here, I’m glad to be here,” she said.

Hunt, 58, is married to Mike Hunt. The couple has two adult sons, Jamie Hunt and David Hunt.
Hunt replaces Anthony Brooks, who was reassigned to Earlington after serving as Marion Postmaster for 5 1/2 years. Since Brooks’ departure in March, Troy Utley of Cadiz had been serving as interim postmaster.

Save money with DirecTV

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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Gorman Pond Rd closed to through traffic

Crittenden County Road Department will be closing Gorman Pond Road in southern Crittenden County on Thursday to complete a road improvement project.

Road Foreman Audi Maraman said the work will last into the middle of next week as crews repair and tile and retaining wall.

The road is approximately two miles long and will be closed at near its midpoint.

Gorman Pond Road connects Ky. 70 and Paddy's Bluff Road.

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

Unless there’s an increase in funding, some changes are inevitable for the Cave In Rock Ferry. Lonnie Lewis of Cave in Rock, owner of the private ferry franchise, says that after almost 24 years of operating the service across the Ohio River, he’s losing money and cannot continue under the current contract, which he is trying to renegotiate.

Also, find our primary election preview of all races and all candidates, our 12-page spring Home & Garden guide and the following headlines:
ELECTION: County races feature JE; Democrats shut out
ELECTION: Dems to pick Comer’s foe; Bechler faces challenger
ELECTION: Find our survey of all candidates
ELECTION 411: Answering the 5 Ws (and 1 H) of voting
CHS medical records safe from hackers
PSC lowers Atmos bills to reflect fed tax changes
Marion woman ends long path to American citizenship
Chamber offers membership discounts
HOME & GARDEN: Local couple flips shabby home into house of their dreams
Century-old MUMC stained glass windows to undergo restoration
SPORTS: Tumblers head to nationals
SPORTS: Spring sports roundup
SPORTS: Freshman Keller sets new 1600 school record
SPORTS: Six football players headed to combine
VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Montgomery ‘low key, low maintenance’
Gobin new CEO of Health First organization
WRITE NOW: Vocabulary comes in from left field

Watson seeks magisterial position

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Staff Appreciation Week at Crittenden Schools


Monday, May 7, 2018

US 641 temporarily closed

Emergency Management crews have closed US 641 south of Marion from Industrial Drive to Weldon Road.

It appears a gas leak my have prompted the temporary closure.

At 2:40pm today, Billy Arflack, deputy director of Emergency Management, said the road will be closed for 2 hours.

Passenger vehicles are able to self-detour via side roads, including Chapel Hill Road.  Motorists are urged to use caution as they detour.  There is no practical detour for trucks travelling this section of US 641.

Greenhouse, bakery closed Thursday

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Sunday, May 6, 2018

Area Death

John Scott Gregory, 74, of Marion died Saturday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Friday, May 4, 2018

Crayne's Real Life Rosie the Riveter

By ALEXA BLACK, STAFF WRITER
During World War II, America needed to utilize all of its citizens to ensure victory over its enemies. As a result, women were encouraged to join the workforce in factories and other industrial jobs to take the place of the men. And Crittenden County is a part of that history.

Men’s conscription into the war led to a shortage of workers in the male-dominated labor market.

While 19 million women held jobs during World War II, only 3 million new female workers entered the workforce during that period. To give women incentive to join the workforce, the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” image was created, depicting a feminine woman, with sleeves rolled up and a look of determination, ready to take on the factory work to supply the military with needed equipment like planes, tanks and guns.

The women worked as lathe and punch-press operators, grinders, riveting-machine and crane operators, assemblers and other similar positions. Though less common, women also helped design planes in engineering departments, built on the production line and operated machines such as rivet guns and stamp presses. Once women accepted the challenge of this type of work, they continued to make strong advances toward equal rights well after the end of World War II.

Ninety-six-year-old Elsie Price Stone, a Union County native who now lives in Crayne, was one of the so-called “Rosie the Riveters” who played a critical role in World War II. A woman whose philosophy is “don’t get old, it’s no fun,” does all she can to maintain her youth and believes her positive attitude and gratefulness to God is the reason for her good mental and physical health.

Stone can work a computer with ease, does most of her own housework with the help of her daughter, former Crittenden County educator Paula Porter, and was still doing some of her own gardening up until recently.

Stone was just 20 when the U.S. went to war against the Axis Powers in 1941. Soon after, she was transferred to work night shift at Briggs Manufacturing in Evansville, Ind., where her coworkers gave her the name of “K-tuck.”

It was after she joined the workforce that her first husband, Byron Nunn, was drafted. Stone worked in Evansville until her husband began training in Texas. She relocated there some time later so they could be together before his shipment overseas.

At Briggs Manufacturing, the women made 75 cents an hour, which is the equivalent of about $11 today.

“We felt rich!” Stone said. “Up until that point, I hadn’t a dime to my name, and that was the case for a lot of us. I worked at Briggs for two years, maybe a little longer. We worked hard but also had lots of fun. One fun thing we liked to do was whistle at some of the male visitors!”

Stone and a dear friend and coworker, Martha Martin, were tasked with assembling and riveting together plane wing sections for the U.S. Navy. The wings were put together in segments, and the two women riveted them to a panel to be connected to the fuselage. They completed segments before they were shipped to Detroit, where the wings were fastened to the fuselage.

Stone and her friend stayed in contact throughout the years until Martin passed recently, and Stone remains one of the few women still living in Crittenden County who worked in the factory during the war. She believes women joining the workforce not only aided the military in such a difficult time, but also helped to break down social barriers and prove what working women were capable if given the chance.

“It was a very liberating experience. We were at the forefront of all of it, I think,” Stone said. “The trend followed, as you can see.”



Thursday, May 3, 2018