Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Farm Bureau open, reduces hours


Marion's Farm Bureau office has temporarily reduced its weekly office hours.  Continuing with recommendations for social distancing, the office is open but its lobby is closed.

All calls are being answered as staff works to assist Farm Bureau members with their policies and others interested in obtaining quotes. 

For the time being, the office will close at 3 p.m. weekdays. 

Call or email the office for your insurance needs.




Monday, March 30, 2020

River forecast predicts ferry reopening soon

Based on the latest Ohio River observations and forecasts, it appears the Cave in Rock Ferry could re-open sometime on Wednesday.

The ferry closed at 7 p.m., Thursday when floodwaters covered highway Ky. 91 at the Kentucky Landing.


Monday Update: Virus Testing in Crittenden County

The latest laboratory result is in from local COVID-19 testing, and like all those previous it too was negative.

Over the past two weeks, eight individuals have been tested for the virus at Crittenden Community Hospital and seven have proven negative. One test remains outstanding.

The Crittenden Press printed edition this week will have the latest on local efforts to combat the disease, including observations from local bankers with regard to the CARES legislation – the U.S. relief package passed last week in Congress.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Copyright 2020
The Crittenden Press

Pool, golf & meal specials at MG&P

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Mulligans Pizzeria & Pub is offering a free pizza every week while also committing $25 each week to a local food pantry. Every time you place an order, you have a chance to win a pizza of your choice.


Special golf and pool discounts were also announced this week. Marion Golf & Pool is offering extreme savings for annual memberships for both the golf course and pool. First-year membership for unlimited use of the golf course and pool is only $500.

While social distancing is in place, Mulligans continues carryout and delivery of made-from-scratch pizzas and other menu items including wings and fresh, hand-patted burgers Wednesday through Sunday.

Call for more information on any of these special savings.





Water district open, lobby closed

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Like many businesses, the Crittenden-Livingston Water District remains open but its lobby is closed.

Payments may be made in the dropbox at the Salem office.

Anyone who needs to reach the water district, which serves rural customers in the two counties, may call during normal business hours.


Fiscal Court special session Tuesday morning

Crittenden Fiscal Court will have an emergency called meeting at 9 a.m., Tuesday morning at the courthouse.

There is one lone item on the agenda, which is consideration of an emergency ordinance relating to payroll during the COVID-19 work schedule adjustment period.

This is a public meeting, but access being guarded. If you would like to attend, contact the county judge-executive's office ahead of time and arrangements will be made for access.

Saturday, March 28, 2020

Crittenden under tornado warning

Crittenden County's community tornado sirens were set off at 7:12pm tonight.

The sirens are located at various communities around the county.

Severe weather is forecast throughout the evening that could produce strong winds, hail and a tornado.

The National Weather Service says winds could be 60-70 mph. Crittenden remains under a warning or watch for tornado and severe weather until almost 9pm.

More Crittenden test results coming in


The latest information on COVID-19 testing in Crittenden County was announced early Saturday morning by Emergency Management Director Chuck Hoover.

Of the eight individuals who have now met the testing protocol in Crittenden County, five results are in and all have been negative.

Another three remain at the lab.

Stay tuned to The Press Online for all the latest on this current pandemic and how it's affecting Crittenden Countians.

Family Practice amends appointment procedures

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The Family Practice Clinic in Marion has amended the way it sees some patients in light of COVID-19. 
 
As a result of approval by health officials, the clinic can now see patients through online interaction, known as telehealth visits. Secondly, practitioners can now meet with patients outside the clinic through drive-up appointments when deemed necessary or preferred.

These changes were implemented this week. More information is shared with patients when they call to schedule appointments. At this time, due to these changes, the clinic temporarily is not accepting new patients.


Friday, March 27, 2020

Four out of 8 tests are negative here

The latest information on COVID-19 testing in Crittenden County was announced late Friday afternoon by Emergency Management Director Chuck Hoover.

Of the eight individuals who have now met the testing protocol in Crittenden County, four results are in and all have been negative.

Another four remain at the lab.


Friday Crittenden C-Virus News Conference

Another individual from Crittenden County was tested today for COVID-19. That brings the total to eight people from here who've met the protocol to be tested. Three of those tests are now complete and were all negative. Five are now outstanding and the individuals are being quarantined.

Today’s C-Virus Crittenden County News Conference is brought to you Tom Potter, your local State Farm agent. Panelists are Mayor Jared Byford, Emergency Room Physician’s Assistant Joey Jones and 4-H Agent Leslea Barnes. The news conference is hosted by Crittenden Press editor and publisher Chris Evans.





Friday Update: Results are in on a third local case

Kentucky's positive case map. Click Image to Enlarge.
A third test of a Crittenden County resident has come back negative this morning for COVID-19.

To date, there have been a total of seven local residents who met the testing protocol and were tested, then isolated. Three of those tests have come back negative. The others remain outstanding, awaiting results from the lab.

Here are some other Friday updates:

•The Press will be hosting its third Friday Community Update Live at 3:30pm today on Facebook. You can view the news conference later on YouTube, Facebook or The-Press.com. Today’s guest panelists will be community leaders and 4-H Agent Leslea Barnes, who will discuss things you do with your children during this period of isolation. Today’s news conference is being presented by Tom Potter, your local State Farm Insurance agent.

•Cave in Rock Ferry is closed due to high water on the Ohio River. It could open back up by Monday.

•The schools are getting packets ready for student assignments for the next three weeks. Some are already prepared posted on Google Classroom. They can also be picked up at schools, but you must call ahead to the school first.


Unemployment app now by last name

The Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet is working expeditiously to better serve those who have been displaced from work during this frustrating and challenging time.

To expedite the process, Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims will be filed on a specific day of the week based on the first letter of your last name:

Sunday: A – D
Monday: E – H
Tuesday: I – L
Wednesday: M – P
Thursday: Q – U
Friday: V – Z (And all who missed their day)

(877) 369-5984 Unemployment Benefits - Telephone Claim Filing

Thursday, March 26, 2020

High-touch points taped off at parks

While the community’s parks remain open, local officials have made an effort to shut off high-touch areas at most of them. Playground equipment has been made off limits and users are encouraged to avoid picnic tables at the pavilions.

There are three parks in the county: Marion-Crittenden County Park, Veteran’s Park and Riverview Park. 

Restrooms are Marion-Crittenden County Park are closed.

Officials say park users in the city should be reminded that there is a leash law in Marion.

Another negative test comes back in Crittenden


One of six outstanding COVID-19 tests administered to a Crittenden County resident has come back negative.

Crittenden County Emergency Director Chuck Hoover made the announcement just before 5pm on Thursday.

Hoover said that results of the other five outstanding tests that have been administered over the last several days on local residents have not been returned from the lab.

Now, a total of seven local individuals, who met the testing protocol, have been tested. Two have been negative. One came back negative last week.

Deer Lakes open with restrictions

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Salem's Deer Lakes Golf Course is open amid Gov. Andy Beshear's executive order that certain businesses close in order to ensure social distancing.  A few restrictions do apply, however.

Members may use their personal golf carts and are allowed only to share carts with immediate family members.  Non-members are restricted to walking while playing the course.  The pro shop is closed during the governor's order.

For more information, contact golf manager Ric Hughes.



Floodwaters will close ferry today

UPDATE: Ferry will close at 7pm today. It will likely be closed through Monday.

The Cave in Rock Ferry is expected to close sometime late this afternoon due to rising floodwaters on the Ohio River.

The anticipated halt in service comes more than a day earlier than expected. Ferry operator Lonnie Lewis says the Ohio River has been rising about a half inch an hour this morning, putting floodwaters at the edge of Ky. Hwy. 91.  At that rate, the ferry will have to halt service sometime late this afternoon, a more specific time could be announced later.


H&H offers curbside service & local delivery

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H&H Home & Hardware in Marion remains open, however owners say they are being cautious and maintaining prescribed social distancing within the store.

If you need parts for home improvement projects or repairs, the staff will also meet you curbside to eliminate a need to enter the store.  

H&H will also send staff on local deliveries during the foreseeable future due to ongoing health concerns.  


Let Grant Rogers explain the WoodmenLife Annuity

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WoodmenLife offers investment options with guarantees.  An annuity is the ideal choice for many people, and Marion financial representative Grant Rogers can explain the benefits.

WoodmenLife Variable Annuity is an ideal place to put a maturing Certificate of Deposit or a 401(k) from your previous employer. There are also guaranteed death benefits.

Contact Grant Rogers at (270) 965-3333 to learn more.




Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Area Death

Naomi Lois Peek Rushing, 65, of Dycusburg died Tuesday. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Two more individuals meet test profile here

More Crittenden Countians are meeting the threshold for testing, but so far no positive tests have been returned, according to local authorities.

Two more individuals met the testing profile at midweek and have been tested and quarantined.

That brings the total of outstanding tests awaiting results to a half dozen, Crittenden County Emergency Management Director Chuck Hoover said at about noon on Wednesday. 

At least one local test has come back negative.

UPDATE: In nearby counties, COVID-19 has been found. There is one case in Union County and one in Webster County, according to the Evansville TV stations WFIE 14. Read More.


Farm Bureau available for insurance assistance

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To honor Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's request to practice social distancing, Marion's Farm Bureau office is open, but its lobby is not.

As with most businesses in town, office staff remains available to assist customers with any number of insurance needs.  Call, email or stop by and a Farm Bureau representative will assist you.



Schools roll out new student assignments

The following is a letter being sent to students this week about their new assignments:

Rocket Nation:  We miss our students, and our thoughts, first and foremost, are that our Rocket families are healthy. As we prepare for the next two weeks of NTI work, we want to share some helpful reminders and procedures for access to school work at each of our schools. 

Students will now complete work for March 30-April 3 and April 13-April 17. The week of April 6-10 remains spring break, and no work will be assigned. Please note, however, that April 13, originally scheduled as a teacher planning day, is now an NTI day for students. 

At CCES, here are options for accessing new work:

  • Paper packets can be picked up and dropped off in the lobby between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., beginning Thursday, March 26.
  • Google classroom assignments will be added as needed.
  • Please contact your child’s teacher, or call the CCES office at 270.965.2243, if you have any questions.
For CCES Pre-K

  • Packets available in the CCES lobby, beginning Wednesday, March 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  • Boxes will be labeled with each teacher’s name. Pick up new packets (work for March 30-April 17 and sign for them. (You can return work for the first nine days in those teacher boxes.)
  • If you cannot come to the school, please contact your child’s teacher to make other arrangements.

At CCMS, your child’s Care Connect teacher has contacted your student to see which method works best for him or her. Here are options for accessing the new work:

  • Work for both weeks will be uploaded to students’ Google classrooms for those with Internet access by Sunday, March 29.
  • Paper packets for both weeks may be picked up in the CCMS office, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning Monday, March 30.
  • Packets can be delivered to students via bus feeding routes, beginning Thursday, April 2. (Your student should have indicated this preference with his or her CC teacher, but parents also may phone the school at 270.965.5221 to confirm a delivery address.)
  • If you are currently a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader enrolled in art this nine weeks, the work will be completely paper-based. Please pick up at CCMS or let us know if you need it delivered by phoning 270.965.5221.

At CCHS, here are options for accessing new work:

  • Paper packets of work for Week 3 will be ready for pick up in the high school front office, beginning Friday, March 27. Work for Week 4 will be available by Thursday, April 2.
  • All electronically-accessible work will be on course Google Classroom pages. If a student has electronic access, he/she will not receive paper copies.
  • If a student needs paper copies of assignments, he or she must contact his or her teachers (many are available via email or Google Classroom) or the front office directly by phoning 270. 965.2248.

Electronic Access and Submissions:
As a reminder to all students and parents, free WiFi is available in the following business parking lots:

  • CCES, CCMS, and CCHS (closest to the building)
  • Marion Baptist Church
  • Crittenden County Public Library
  • McDonald’s
To practice social distancing and health precautions, we ask that you remain in your vehicles while accessing the WiFi at any of these locations.

Paper Submissions:
Collection boxes are available in each school lobby for paper/pencil submitted work and can be dropped off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. If turning in work using this method, please observe social distancing rules and remain 6 feet away from the nearest person. After hours and on weekends, paper submissions can be left in any of the schools' outdoor mailboxes. Please make sure your student’s name is on his/her work and the teacher’s name who should receive the assignment is clearly labeled.

Here's How We're Adapting in Crittenden County


Austin Weist, a young pastor at Seven Springs Church in rural Crittenden County, is like many other ministers, he's trying to find new ways to reach his congregation and others.

Seven Springs Church hosted a drive-in style service last Sunday and more than 20 cars, with people in them of course, came to worship. Some were visitors who'd heard about the novel idea.

In response to his message, instead of getting 'Amens' those in cars were honking their horns.

"I thought that was pretty neat," the pastor said.

The pastor says he has some new ideas for this coming Sunday.

In this week’s newspaper, read more about this minister's ongoing plans, and how other people around Marion are adapting to the current crisis.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Need some at-home schooling ideas?

Need some home school ideas?

Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has some resources available.


Big Changes in School Food Distribution

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Beginning tomorrow, there will be major changes in the way the school food distribution program will continue. No longer will there be meals prepared, served or delivered five days a week.

Going forward, the program will operate just two days a week, but will provide enough food in packs for five days. 

There will be no meals provided or distributed during spring break week of April 6-10.

See the schedule below for further details and schedules. Deliveries are being made just two days a week and routes have changed.







YTG continuing to serve customers

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Like many local businesses, YTG Insurance staff is continuing to serve customers, but is taking recommended health precautions by keeping its lobby closed.

YTG clients may continue to call and discuss policies, request documents and file claims by calling (270) 965-3133.

Though the way business is conducted looks different in light of ongoing public health precautions, YTG remains committed to serving policy holders.


Monday, March 23, 2020

Area Deaths

Betty L. Croft, 82, of Marion died today. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Debra Ann "Debbie" Roberts, 65, of Marion died Sunday, March 22. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Paula Gene Phelps, 62, of Salem died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Christina Marie Cook, 30, of Marion died Thursday. Myers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Charles "Charlie" Glenn Barrett, 68, of Salem died Saturday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.



Farmers' Digital Banking convenient, easy

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Farmers Bank & Trust Company's locations in Crittenden, Livingston and additional counties in Kentucky remain open to drive-through traffic. Lobbies are closed but are open by appointment. 

Bank officials say people may need to come into the bank to access safe deposit boxes or to meet with a lender, and that is acceptable by appointment. Foot traffic is discouraged, but appointments are welcome. 

The FDIC has issued a list of Frequently Asked Questions to assure individuals about the safety of their money. It is accessible at https://go.usa.gov/xduUY.







Gas prices continue to fall $1.99 at most stations

For the fourth straight week, the national average price of gasoline has fallen, plummeting 12.8 cents over the last week to $2.08 per gallon today according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. The average price of diesel, meanwhile, fell 6.5 cents to $2.66 per gallon.

At gas pumps, the decline has been significant- one of the most notable declines seen in history, so far rivaling the decline seen during the Great Recession, but ultimately this drop may soon outperform the latter. Better than one in four gas stations nationally stands under $2 per gallon as of Monday morning, with 5% under $1.75 per gallon. The most common gas price across the country stands at $1.99 per gallon, followed by $1.89, $1.79 and $1.69. The average cost at the priciest 10% of stations stands at $3.03 per gallon, while the lowest 10% average $1.59 per gallon. The median U.S. price is $1.97 per gallon, down sixteen cents in the last week while about 11 cents lower than the national average.

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Governor orders more businesses to close

Sports goods and clothing shops like Hodge's in Marion
are among the types of businesses that will have to close to
in-person, in-store traffic Monday. Here, owner Leroy Hodge
checks the store's stock of ammunition on Saturday after a 

recent run on bullets and shotgun shells. See this week's printed
newspaper for more on how the closings will effect
Marion's retail industry and others who are out of work.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that new further restrictions are being placed on retail businesses in Kentucky.

The state also announced that the number of coronavirus cases in Kentucky and eclipsed 100.

The new restrictions begin Monday at 8 p.m. All nonessential retail businesses are ordered to close to in-person traffic.

Among those that the closure order applies to are the following stores:
  • Clothing
  • Entertainment 
  • Sporting goods 
  • Shoes
  • Jewelry 
  • Florists 
  • Furniture 
  • Bookstores
  • Auto dealers 
Among the essential businesses that may remain open to foot traffic are the following:
  • Auto repair
  • Auto parts stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Gas stations
  • Liquor stores 
  • Banks
  • Veterinary 
  • Pharmacies
  • Drug stores 

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The Crittenden Press online posts obituaries on this website free to viewers. We are able to do this because of the generosity of funeral homes and readers who either advertise on this page or donate.

Additionally, The Press does not charge to print or post obituaries as do most newspapers across the country. Some charge hundreds of dollars. Like any business, however, we have to be supported by our customers and viewers. 


Funeral Homes - Flowers - Monuments
Gilbert Funeral Home / Myers Funeral Home / Boyd Funeral Directors
Louise's Flowers / Henry and Henry Monument Co.
-------------------------------------------------------
ARCHIVED OBITUARIES BY YEAR
2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009 - 2010 - 2011
2012 - 2013 - 2014 - 2015 - 2016 - 2017 - 2018 - 2019
-------------------------------------------------------






If you would like to ensure that this site continues to bring you free current obituaries and archives, please consider making a one-time or recurring contribution. The Press Online has been free for almost 20 yeas. It's now time to ask for a little help from our readers. Please consider making a contribution, however small or large it might be. Thank you.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Two more here are awaiting test results

NO POSITIVE TESTS IN CRITTENDEN

LYON'S CASE OUT OF QUARANTINE

While Crittenden County’s number of patients tested for COVID-19 has reached five, the individual in Lyon County who was reported to be positive on March 17 has been released from quarantine.

Pennyrile Public Health Director announced Saturday afternoon that the first positive case in the immediate area was allowed to leave isolation at about noon.

In Crittenden County, there are four outstanding tests awaiting results, but as of 4pm today no positive case of the virus has been found in this county. 

Crittenden County Emergency Management Director Chuck Hoover said that two new tests were administered on Saturday. Two others had already been awaiting results. One test administered a few days ago on a local individual came back negative. 

Hoover said the four local individuals who are awaiting test results have been quarantined.

For the latest on the virus’s affect on your community, stay tuned to The Crittenden Press printed edition and our website.

Area deaths

Patronella “Pat” Hart of Marion died Friday, March 20, 2020 at Crittenden Health and Rehabilitation Center. Gilbert Funeral is in charge of arrangements.

Frank Vasseur, 73 of Sebree died Thursday. Tomblinson Funeral in Sebree is in charge of arrangements.



Friday, March 20, 2020

Get The Press sent to your doorstep

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Don't worry about getting out to buy a paper, we'll send it to your doorstep!

You can save money and a trip to the store if you subscribe to The Crittenden Press. And you can do it without ever leaving home.

Starting your discounted subscription is easy – just give us a call or subscribe via our website using PayPal.

Home-delivered Presses in Crittenden and surrounding counties are $20 off the newsstand price.

Stay informed. Never miss an issue. Save money. Subscribe.


WEBCAST NEWS CONFERENCE


Crittenden Press
NEWS CONFERENCE

Featuring Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, Emergency Management Director Chuck Hoover and School Supt. Vince Clark.

This news conference videoed LIVE at 3pm local time Friday, March 20, 2020 provides the most recent local information with regard to the virus and its concerns.

Gov. Andy Beshear has listed a number of essential or critical businesses that may remain open at this point, among them are insurance companies. Today's news conference is brought to you by Tom Potter, the local State Farm agent.

Other businesses that have been deemed essential are those providing food, food processing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, feed mills, construction, trash collections, retail grocery and consumer goods, home repair and hardware, auto repair, pharmacy, medical facilities, biomedical and healthcare, post offices, banks, gas stations, laundromats, veterinary clinics, pet stores, warehousing, storage, distribution centers, public transpiration and hotel and commercial lodging, which is subject to CDC controls.


Signs, Flyers and Much More at The Press


Whether you need a window sign or color flyer to get your message out right now, The Crittenden Press is your local one-stop shop for printing, signs, cards and more!

Color Flyers
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Deposit Stamps
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We also provide
Print & Online Advertising and Notices
See Us for Your Complete Marketing Plan

We Have Thousands of Daily Views on Our Multiple Online and Social Media Platforms including Twitter, SnapChat, Facebook, Blogger, YouTube.

All Printing Needs
The Crittenden Press
(270) 965-3191
Marion, Ky.

FINAL STATS: In this week's newspaper

Does your child or grandchild play basketball?

If so, this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press has a complete wrap-up of season-ending individual and team statistics.

Don't miss your chance to have this keepsake edition for the family scrapbook. It's on sale now at local newsstands.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Thursday, March 19, 2020

PODCAST: Today's Crittenden Fiscal Court meeting


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The Crittenden Press, in cooperation with the Crittenden County Public Library, is providing a podcast of today's complete audio from the Crittenden County Fiscal Court meeting.

Due to social distancing suggestions, today's meeting was scantly attended yet remained open to the public. In order to make the meeting's discussions available to the general public, we are posting the audio here.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Library has free digital services

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Despite the current climate of social distancing, there are a wealth of materials you can obtain from the Crittenden County Public Library without leaving home.

The library has digital resources that can be accessed, including Libby and Freading, online databases of book titles. The number of items that can be checked out at one time have increased as a result of the temporary closure of the library.

Genealogy research is being offered by library staff. Call or email the library, and the staff can search Ancestry.com for you.

WiFi is available outside the library. Stop street side or in the library parking lot to take advantage of the free WiFi.



THROWBACK THURSDAY from Tolu 2000


Here is a Crittenden Press photo from a Tolu benefit supper back in 2000.

Since 1879 we have been here reporting on community news. 

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. 

We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. 

You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Results are in on first Crittenden COVID-19 test

The first COVID-19 test in Crittenden County has come back negative, according to Judge-Executive Perry Newcom.

An individual has been tested and the results were negative for the virus.

In Kentucky, there have been 489 tests administered and 35 of them have proven positive, including one man in Lyon County.

If you think you might be positive for the virus, do not go directly to ER, clinic or hospital. First, call the Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725 and file a report. You will then be advised how to proceed. See more at www.kycovid.ky.gov.

Edition for the Archives: Get Your Press Today

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press is certain to be one that you will want put away and keep for posterity's sake.

In addition to archival value, this week's printed edition of your community newspaper is complete with almost four pages full of local updates on the COVID-19 pandemic and how it is affecting daily lives in Marion and Crittenden County.

Get yours today at our office or at any of our local vendors.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Marion Welcome Center closed to public

Marion Welcome Center has closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns.

It will be shuttered until further notice.

You can reach the tourism commission office at 270-965-5015 or director Michele Edwards at 270-388-2532 or the Marion Main Street director, Susan Alexander, at or 270-704-0046.



First United Bank limits lobby traffic


NEWS RELEASE FROM THE BANK
At First United Bank, we have made the decision to serve customers at the drive thru and by appointment only, to keep our staff safe and to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Effective March 18, 2020, customers whose transactions cannot be handled through the drive thru can make an appointment by calling 270-821-5555 to be connected to the banking center of their choice.
This is a very fluid situation.  If further changes in our service model are needed, we will communicate those changes in a timely manner.

Our goal is to continue to serve our customers’ needs, while following the guidelines of the State and Federal Government during this pandemic event.

We appreciate your confidence and your business.

Let's take a tour at Big Rivers WMA




Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area in northern Critttenden County and southern Union County is well on its way toward maturing into one of the state’s top WMAs, particularly for trophy whitetails, doves and small game.

Manager John Zimmer has been developing and overseeing the WMA since it opened six years ago.

The Press visited with the biologist recently and took note of his Top Six Points of Pride for the WMA.

Get the full story in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.


Tuesday, March 17, 2020

COVID-19 Briefing today at Crittenden Courthouse


Jim Tolley, director of public health for the Pennyrile Region, briefed local leaders Tuesday afternoon on the latest information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's coming to Crittenden County," Tolley said. "Don't think it isn't."

The meeting was held at the Crittenden County Courthouse. Listen to the entire one-hour briefing, which includes information and statements from Crittenden Community Hospital CEO Jon Gleason and Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom. The panel also took questions, which might be a little difficult to hear, but each response should be audible.

Click Here to Listen


Monday, March 16, 2020

Auction Saturday near Mattoon

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A farm machinery auction is scheduled for Saturday near the Mattoon community in Crittenden County.

The auction will begin at 10 a.m. on Ky. 654 South.

For more information, contact Red Hat Realty or visit its website, redhatrealty.com.

Community Update on COVID-19

County leaders met today at the courthouse for a teleconference about
the most recent updates on the pandemic in Kentucky.
Here is an update outlining the ever-evolving situation in Marion and Crittenden County with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for more critical information. Subscribe to the full e-edition or the traditional printed edition Click Here.

SCHOOLS
Crittenden County Schools are closed through March 27. Meantime, students will be operating on alternative learning programs, commonly known as Rocket Way Learning Day or Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI). If students complete the required work at home, they will not have to make up these days at the end of the school year.
Each student in grades 2-12 have been issued a Chromebook for NTI. The school district says the electronic tablets should be handled with care, but if something happens to the Chromebook or it becomes inoperable, the student may call their respective schools for assistance. If the Chromebook is broken or damaged, parents are responsible for the cost of repairs, which vary depending on the problem. 
On Monday, the last day of school, students should have downloaded lessons onto their Chromebooks and changed the operating setting to “make available to work offline.” By doing this, students may work on lessons without internet service. Once the student encounters WiFi access, the work will upload – even if that is not until the return to school. Some resources have supplementary links and web-based resources, and some teachers may choose to post Google Hangout lessons in real time. While it’s not necessary that students access these Internet-based activities, here are some locations that offer free WiFi, if you or your student has the means to travel there: Parking lot at Crittenden County Public Library, parking lots at any of the schools (the closer to the building the stronger the signal is likely to be), parking lot at Marion Baptist Church and McDonald’s restaurant. 
The district will providing a free food program for students on weekdays while school is out. Lunches will be served every weekday, from 11 a.m., until noon. Parents or students can drive to the back of the Crittenden County Elementary School campus, near the cafeteria doors to pick up meals. A staff member will deliver the sack lunches, including a breakfast item for the following morning, to the vehicle.
There will also be 40 locations across the county where food will be delivered between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. (CLICK HERE FOR LOCATIONS AND SCHEDULE). To request meal deliveries, call 270-965-5052.
School staff will be delivering the meals on school buses. The staff will be available to help students if they need to send schoolwork back to a teacher, request delivery of school or hygiene supplies or have Chromebook with problems that needs to be returned to the school.
Anyone needing the school’s Mountain Comprehensive Services should call the Princeton Clinic at 27-365–7684.

CHURCHES
Pastors and church leaders say it’s difficult to know what to do because they want to be responsible and not exacerbate the spread of the virus. They and many congregants know that in troubling times, people need their faith and the support of their church family more than ever.
Marion Baptist Church has cancelled Upward Basketball season and closed its Family Life Center, including the gym and walking track. The church has also ended on-site Wednesday evening activities; however, its offices remain open. Many other churches are following suit. Some are limiting their services to Sunday morning only.
Marion United Methodist Church asked churchgoers on Sunday to avoid hugging or shaking hands, but otherwise Sunday school and morning worship was routinely held. Each entrance way included a hand sanitizing station.
Many have online options, such as Facebook Live or YouTube broadcasts of their services. Pastors say that if congregants are concerned about being around others, they should stay home. Also, if they are sick they should stay home.
A handful of churches cancelled services last week, and church leaders at some of the larger congregations in Marion and Crittenden County say they will continue to monitor the situation and will make decisions as necessary about their services. Life in Christ Church announced Monday afternoon that it is cancelling its revival worship services Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the church. It and other churches say they will continue to evaluate the situation and make decisions regarding Sunday worship later this week. Some have already cancelled worship. 

FOOD & RESTAURANTS
After the governor issued an order for bars and restaurants to close by 5 p.m., on Monday, most local made arrangements for continued service through carryout and delivery. Some may be offering special options for their customers, such as curbside carryout and drop-off delivery at prescribed locations. 
Local groceries remain fairly well stocked other than on items such as sanitizing hand gel and toilet paper. Some were having a bit of trouble keeping bread on the shelves, particularly white bread. Wheat bread seems to be staying on shelves a bit longer, as are most healthier type foods.

CHILDCARE
Gov. Andy Beshear has asked childcare centers to develop a plan for closure that they could enact within 72 hours and he is asking Kentucky hospitals to cancel all elective procedures by the middle of this week to allow for extra capacity to treat those with the virus.
Locally, Jonathan James, who operates Bright Beginnings childcare center on U.S. 60 West, said the facility will remain open unless forced to close by governing authorities. 
“We have been contacted by the state licensing authority and Livingston County and surrounding areas and asked to be willing to care for children of essential workers such as doctors, nurses, EMTs etc.,” James said. “We have been inundated with calls from parents with school age children desperate to find care. We are currently running at full capacity and have petitioned the state to waive capacity limits so that we can meet the need.”
James said that as a means to be proactive in fighting the virus, the daycare center is following all state licensing requirements as to cleaning and disinfecting. 
“Further, we are cleaning as much as possible common areas and surfaces and continually checking children for any signs of illness. Our policy is to send home children who have certain symptoms, fever being on that list. We are aware that this virus is different and are doing all we can to prevent it’s spread while maintaining a vital service to our community,” he said.

CITY HALL
Due to evolving concerns related to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Marion on Tuesday will until further notice close Marion City Hall and all other city buildings to visitors. City of Marion employees will continue to report to work, and departments will remain active. Mayor Jared Byford said the city intends to maintain essential functions and services at full capacity. 
Any payments may be delivered to the city’s drop box located outside of city hall.
“The City of Marion request that residents and other individuals seeking to attend to city-related business do so remotely when possible, online, by phone or through the mail, or delay any business that requires in-person interaction with City of Marion employees until a future date,” the mayor said in a news released issued Monday.
Individuals encountering urgent, time-sensitive situations requiring the city attention are advised to contact the appropriate department to determine if an accommodation can be made.
“As there are no confirmed or presumptive cases of coronavirus in Marion at this time, this measure is precautionary, and is intended to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus locally and avoid widespread disruptions to city services,” Byford said.
The city will closely monitor the status of coronavirus locally to determine when City buildings can be safely re-open to the public.
As of early this week, Crittenden County Courthouse was operating as normal. County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said 

POLICING
Local authorities say patrols will continue and keeping the community safe remains the top priority of the Marion Police Department and Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department. 
The police department’s lobby is closed, the chief said, because it’s too small to maintain social distancing protocol.  

CRITTENDEN JAIL
Jailer Robbie Kirk says Crittenden County Detention Center is taking a number of precautions, some mandated by the Department of Corrections, others in-house to protect staff.
There are no transfers within the corrections system statewide, Kirk said, and because Kentucky has shut down its court system, there are no inmates going out to court. As of early this week, however, federal court was still being held.
“We had two federal inmates out to court Monday in Paducah and Nashville,” Kirk said. 
Inmates whose sentences have been fulfilled will be released from jail, but there will be no transfers within the corrections systems, that includes inmates who may be scheduled for a scale-down to a lesser restrictive facility such as a halfway house.
The jail’s work release program is partly shutdown due to concern over spreading the coronavirus. Those programs where inmates would commonly come into person-to-person contact with the public has ceased, Kirk said. Those include custodial staff at a number of public facilities, including the courthouse, and assistance for public works centers and programs like the garbage convenience center and county food bank.
All incoming inmates are being isolated for a full 14 days before they are put into the general jail population, the jailer explained. 
There is no personal contact between inmates and anyone outside the jail. Lawyers are being provided a private phone line to speak with clients inside the jail.
The jail was holding 208 inmates as of Monday. That is more than a half dozen fewer than normal. Kirk said statewide police forbidding transfers within the corrections system is preventing him from keeping the jail full, which could affect the bottom line if this situation persists. 
“We don’t know what this will be like next week,” Kirk said. “We don’t even know what it will look like by the end of the day.”

SENIOR CENTER
In response to Gov. Beshear’s recommendation last week that senior centers temporarily close, Crittenden County Senior Center was closed starting this week.
The temporary closure of senior centers across Kentucky to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the governor said.
All nine senior centers in the Pennyrile Region are shuttered until at least March 27. Alternate service delivery methods will be implemented. After two weeks, officials will reevaluate the situation.
In-home services will continue to be provided as well as transportation services. All in-home service staff are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines. An alternate plan will be implemented for providing meals on wheels and meals to the congregate clients (“drive thru” meals). Call your local senior center for further information and to make reservations for “drive thru” meals. The number in Marion (270) 965-5229. Meals on Wheels program, for home delivery, requires application. 
Crittenden County has about 35 Meals on Wheels clients and on Monday 14 “drive thru” meals were provided by the center.

LIMITED COURT
In an effort to minimize social interaction in Kentucky’s busy courthouses and judicial centers, the Supreme Court of Kentucky has issued an order placing restrictions on dockets, jury trials and jury service through April 10. 
Courthouses and judicial centers will remain open and offer limited services. However, trials, hearings and motions will be postponed and rescheduled, according to the order. 
The order affects District Court, Circuit Court and Family Court. Only emergency hearings will be heard during this order and it’s likely those could be heard remotely. 
Crittenden County Circuit Court Clerk’s office is operating on a limited basis. To limit in-person exposure, call the clerk’s office with your questions at 270-965-4200. As of early this week, driver’s license testing remained on schedule for Friday.

COLLEGES
In response to the COVID-19 concerns, West Kentucky Community and Technical College has cancelled in-person classes and is using remote learning. Remote learning occurs when students and instructors cannot meet in a traditional classroom. Information is typically transmitted via technology such as email, discussion board, videos, audio, etc. Students will be receiving additional information about classes from their instructors.
•Madisonville Community College has transitioned all of its in-person and hybrid classes to online delivery through March 27. Students can expect emailed instructions on accessing their online instruction. Depending on the program and at the discretion of faculty, some off-campus clinical instruction may occur. For now, one computer lab will remain open on the North Campus.
•Murray State is on spring break this week. Beginning on Monday, March 23, class instruction will continue through online or alternative delivery methods, but not face-to-face instruction is planned through April 5 at Murray State or any of its regional campuses. While residence halls remain open, the university is urging students to go home and remain there if at all possible. All campus activities and non-essential resource buildings such has gyms, wellness centers, Racer Area and Lovett Auditorium are closed.
•Western Kentucky University has extended its spring break through this week. Students were also on break last week. Beginning next week, classes for WKU students will be transitioned to online or alternate delivery methods. As with other universities, non-essential services will be closed.

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