Merry Christmas to our readers, friends and neighbors

As we celebrate this joyful Christmas season, we at The Press want to take a moment to thank you, our cherished customers and readers, for your continued support and trust. You have been a vital part of our story for generations, and we are deeply grateful.

Christmas is a time to reflect on the blessings we have received, the connections that sustain us and the light of hope that guides us forward. 

It is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, whose love and sacrifice remind us of the true meaning of this season—peace, joy and goodwill to all.

May your Christmas be filled with the warmth of family, the love of friends and the joy that comes from giving and sharing. We pray that the hope of this season fills your heart and home, lighting the way to a blessed New Year.

From all of us at The Press, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As a reminder, there will be no newspaper next week.

$6 Million Vocational School rehab in Livingston

Pictured is Livingston County's newly renovated $6 million Local Area Vocational Education Center already bustling with activity. 

Students are engaged in hands-on learning within the state-of-the-art facility. 

Despite being in use, the official grand opening ceremony has yet to be scheduled.

In this week's Press, Livingston Superintendent Dr. David Meinschein and other school leaders talk about the facility's potential and others milestones and plans within in their school district.

Caldwell County Sheriff's Activity

- On December 21, 2024 Caldwell County Deputy Ashley Copeland was dispatched to a residence where an unknown male was knocking on doors and shinning a flashlight through the windows. Upon arrival and further investigation, Deputy Copeland charged and arrested Joshua Hilton,32, of Cadiz Ky., driving under the influence of Alcohol 1st offense . Mr. Hilton was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail. 

- On December 21, 2024 Caldwell County Sheriff's Deputy Mac Englebright was dispatched to Marion Road and Skinframe Creek Road, in reference to a single -vehicle collision. A Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by Dale Haberlock , 67, of Princeton KY., was traveling southbound when it went off the right side of the roadway, traveling down into a ditch, then coming back up an embankment making contact with several trees before coming to final rest . Mr. Haberlock was airlifted to Evansville, IN ., due to injuries sustained in the accident . The accident is and ongoing investigation with speed and alcohol possibly a factor.  Deputy Englebright was assisted on scene by Deputy Brown and Deputy Copeland, AmeriPro EMS, Princeton/Caldwell Frie Department ,Air Evac Life Team and Trice Hughes Towing and Recovery Services. 

- On December 22,2024 Caldwell County Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to a single-vehicle fatal collision on I-69 Southbound at mile marker 76. Upon arrival and future investigation, a 2009 Toyota Camry operated by Jacob L. Martin, 25, of Kuttawa ,Ky., left the right side of the highway for unknown reason and it then hit the embankment, spun and rolled onto its top. Mr. Martin was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.  Caldwell County Deputies Copeland and Brown were assisted on scene by Princeton Fire, AmeriPro EMS, The Caldwell County  Corner, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky State Highway Dept, and Trice Hughes . The investigation is still ongoing. 

Expert surgical services at Crittenden Hospital

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Trust the services of Dr. Eric Kivisto, a general surgeon at Crittenden Community Hospital.

Dr. Kivisto provides expert surgical services and compassionate care for outpatient and short-term inpatient procedures. Mary Jo Shuecraft said Kivisto and his wife Liz treated him like family.

Contact Dr. Kivisto directly at Family Practice Clinic (270) 965-5238 or ask your provider for a referral. 

Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

- On Sunday, December 15, 2024, around 9:23pm, Deputy David Carroll responded to a two-vehicle collision on US 62, 5 miles West of Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2023 Dodge Durango, operated by Richard N. Thompson (35) of Kuttawa was traveling East on US 62 near the intersection with Hopewell Road, in a construction zone. Thompson became distracted, and failed to merge into the proper lane in the construction zone before colliding with a 2010 Ford Focus, operated by Kyler Andrews (23) of Eddyville. No injuries resulted from the collision.

- On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, around 5:16pm, Deputy David Carroll responded to a single-vehicle collision on US 62, 5 miles West of Kuttawa. His investigation revealed a 2015 Toyota Rav4, operated by Kimberly Coffman (42) of Kuttawa, was traveling between Hopewell Road and Dustin Road when a deer entered her path, resulting in a collision. No injuries were reported in the collision.

- On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, around 2:15pm, Sheriff Brent White was at the Food Giant parking lot for a Cram the Cruiser event when he witnessed a two-vehicle collision in the parking lot. His investigation revealed a 2006 GMC Envoy, operated by Julia Linzy (74) of Fredonia backed into a 2009 Chevrolet Impala, operated by June Koch (62) of Eddyville. No injuries were reported in the collision.

- On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, around 6:30pm, Deputy Shannon Oliver was on patrol when he observed a vehicle at a high rate of speed on US 62 West in Kuttawa. He made a traffic stop on a 2020

Cutter & Cash at Marion Methodist Church

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable morning of music and celebration! This Sunday, December 29th, at 10:45 am, join us Cutter and Cash at the historic Marion Methodist Church for a special program honoring the season of Christ’s birth.

This joyous occasion will feature an extraordinary performance by Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, a vibrant bluegrass ensemble deeply rooted in their West Kentucky origins. Known for their energetic performances that span coast to coast, this talented group brings a fresh yet authentic approach to bluegrass traditions.

Having recently performed on the prestigious Grand Ole Opry stage to two standing ovations, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass are on a meteoric rise in the bluegrass scene. Their latest project, produced by CMA and Grammy Award winner Jeannie Seely, includes their new single, "Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys", which is making waves on radio and streaming platforms alike.

Expect a show filled with infectious enthusiasm, masterful musicianship, and captivating vocals that will make this morning one to remember. Their love for the music resonates in every note, inviting you to an immersive bluegrass journey that celebrates the season’s spirit.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the irresistible charm and talent of Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass in the beautiful and historic Marion Methodist Church setting. Gather your friends and family, and let’s come together for this festive celebration! See you there! 🎶✨

Farm Bureau closed for Christmas, New Year's

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Crittenden County Farm Bureau will be closed 

Tuesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 25 in 

observance of Christmas.

The office will also be closed Tuesday, Dec. 31 and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year's.

MONDAY NEWScast | One More Day until Christmas!

 

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Monday's NewsCast

Nunn Switch Closure: Jan 6-10

Attention, Crittenden County residents: A section of Nunn Switch Road will be temporarily closed to traffic early next year to allow for repairs.

Closure Dates:

January 6–10, 2024 (weather permitting)

Closed Section:

From the Cave Springs Road “Y” to the Cool Springs Road “Y.”

Crews will be performing major repairs to the road base and surface to ensure safer and more durable travel in the area.

The work schedule is subject to adjustments depending on weather conditions, so stay tuned for updates if inclement weather delays progress.

Surveillance Footage: County Office Complex

This video features two clips captured by ceiling-mounted surveillance cameras at the Crittenden County Office Complex. The footage, recorded without audio at approximately 10:34 a.m., was obtained by The Crittenden Press through a Kentucky Open Records Request. It shows a verbal confrontation between local resident Kent Withrow (wearing a ball cap) and County Attorney Bart Frazer shortly after the adjournment of the December fiscal court meeting. Following claims by Withrow that he was physically assaulted and choked, Kentucky State Police used this video to conclude that no physical assault occurred. The investigation determined Withrow’s complaint to be unfounded.

FRIDAY NEWScast | Local News on the Go

 

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Today's NewsCast catches you up on everything

from TikTok to the Burna earthquake.

Get A Jump Start on The News Right Here

brought to you

Cumberland Presbyterian Church's Christmas Eve Communion

BP Cruce Company | Crittenden Community Hospital

and Marion Recycling Center, buying scrap right now

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Methodist Church communion is Christmas Eve

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The annual Christmas Eve communion at Marion Methodist Church will feature come-and-go service between 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24.

The candlelit sanctuary will welcome members of the community who are welcome to kneel at the alter together as families and accept the communion sacraments.

KSP finds that alleged assault unfounded

Kent Withrow (left) and Bart
Frazer in a verbal exchange.

A situation brewing recently on social media reached a boiling point this morning when County Attorney Bart Frazer and local businessman Kent Withrow had a verbal exchange after the Crittenden County Fiscal Court meeting. The situation led to raised voices and tempers flaring, prompting Sheriff Evan Head to intervene. 

Withrow later filed an assault complaint against Frazer, alleging he was grabbed and choked, according to authorities. However, Kentucky State Police reviewed surveillance footage from the county office complex and found no evidence to support Withrow's claims. The footage, which lacked audio, showed only what appeared to be a verbal exchange, and the investigation was closed.

This incident follows a history of criticism from Withrow, whose social media posts against Frazer and Judge-Executive Perry Newcom began after a roofing contract was awarded to a lower bidder over Withrow’s company. Withrow sued the county over the decision but lost in court, with the ruling upheld on appeal.

Upon request today, The Press was provided an opportunity to view the entire video. We have also asked for a copy of the video in order to make it public. 

For the full story and more details, check out the upcoming issue of The Press. 

Year end sale at Bluegrass Farm

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A year-end sale begins Thursday, Dec. 26 at Bluegrass Farm Supply in the Amish community.

Storewide discounts will be offered on hardware, plumbing, farm tools and more during the five-day sale Dec. 26-31.

Family Foods has apples & more

Winter Keeper variety fresh apples are available at Family Foods near Mattoon.

Stop in and see the selection of fresh jellies and jams, honeys, fresh maple syrup and sorghum. You'll also find a wide variety of bulk baking supplies and other staples at Family Foods, located at 2761 S.R. 654 North.

First Cumberland Presbyterian hosts communion

First Cumberland Presbyterian Church invites the community to a Christmas Eve Communion service beginning at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Bro. David LeNeave will serve communion to all who wish to participate at the church, located at 224 W. Bellville St., Marion. 

The church also welcomes anyone who does not have a home church to join First Cumberland Presbyterian's growing congregation.

Schools out due to illness

Due to a high incidence of illness among students and staff, school is cancelled for the remainder of the week in Crittenden County. Students will complete Days 3 and 4 of their NTI packets. 

Tonight's girls' and boys' basketball games with Lyon County were cancelled as a result of illness. 

Incidence of illnesses opens walk-in clinic

Crittenden Community Hospital is opening its emergency room as an after-hours walk-in clinic beginning at 4 p.m., today. The incidence of flu, strep and respiratory viruses has taken a toll on attendance at Crittenden County's three schools and has packed area doctors' offices.

The ER opened in its new location today, Tuesday, Dec. 17, on the southwest of the building where intensive care and later the cardiology clinic was located. 

CCH CEO Shawn Bright said the walk-in clinic will be open 4-9 p.m., weekdays and from 9 a.m.-9 p.m., on weekends as needed.

Bright said masking is advised for individuals who are symptomatic for flu or strep. He said it is important that strep is treated with antibiotics because it can cause heart trouble if left untreated.

As a reminder, handwashing is crucial to stopping the spread of infection, and patients who take antibiotics for 24 hours should replace their toothbrush to avoid reinfection.

WEDNESDAY NEWScast | Sickness and tons of other news

 

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Get building supplies at Lone Star

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Lone Star Building Supply in Princeton offers a full lumber yard and sells building supplies for all types of construction.

Musgove Overhead Doors is part of the business, and both divisions offer free quotes.

Lone Star Building Supply is located on U.S. 62 between Princeton and Eddyville. 

High-speed chase of stolen car in Marion

 

Local authorities were involved in a high-speed chase of a suspect believed to have stolen a vehicle from Greenwood Heights.

The chase began KY 91 North around 1 p.m., and went through Marion before heading into the rural eastern part of the county.

After about 30 minutes, the driver was eventually caught on Providence Road by Sheriff Evan Head.

Water over Livingston County road

KY 133 is closed due to high water between the 3 and 4 mile marker in Salem. 

Motorists should exercise caution by never driving through flooded roads.