The Crittenden Press Online

Area death

2012-01-29T18:18:00.000-06:00

William R. “Ricky” Kiebler, 55, of Paducah died Jan. 28, 2012 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Funeral services are Tuesday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Program to recognize black heritage

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-06:00

Pam Smith

Crittenden County Historical and Genealogical societies are presenting a one-night program on Feb. 16 in recognition of Black History Month.

In the presentation, Pam Smith of Chicago will discuss her African-American family research with a focus on her Crittenden County ancestors — Todd, Threlkeld and Hodge. She will also talk about her Kentucky family lineage that connects with Thomas Jefferson's sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis of Livingston County.

Along the way she will share stories about finding other white Kentucky descendants of the people who enslaved her ancestors and what those initial encounters were like. The event will conclude with a question and answer period.

The program is free and begins at 6:30 p.m., at Crittenden County Public Library. It is funded in part by the Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Area death

2012-01-28T22:17:00.006-06:00

Eugene “Sonnie” Ferrell, 70, of Salem died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. Funeral services are Monday at Myers Funeral Home with Bro. Junior Deason officiating. Masonic services are Sunday.

Youth baseball, softball meeting tomorrow

2012-01-28T06:48:00.000-06:00

Anyone interested in helping organize and operate the youth program should attend the meeting at 3:30 Sunday at Crittenden County Middle School gym.

Jury finds Hughes guilty of raping 12-year-old

2012-01-27T21:33:00.000-06:00

Ethan Thomas Hughes
aka Bradley Frazier

A Crittenden County Circuit Court Jury deliberated for almost two and a half hours Friday night before finding Ethan Thomas Hughes, 22, of Central City guilty of statutory rape.

Hughes impregnated a sixth-grade middle student in November 2008. Police learned about the situation and charged him in May of 2010 on one count of second-degree rape.

Hughes admitted on the stand to having sex with the 12-year-old girl, who no longer lives in Crittenden County. However, he testified that he thought she was 16, which is the age of consent in Kentucky. He was 19 at the time of the crime.

Following the verdict, Hughes had to be taken from the courtroom by officers because of outbursts and statements he made about the jury and the family of the victim. The jury's verdict came at almost 9 p.m., after a full-day of testimony.

The jury fixed his punishment at 10 years in prison.

The Crittenden Press printed edition will have details of the trial in next week's printed edition.

Tax returns offer cancer research aid

2012-01-27T17:00:00.000-06:00

Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton) encourages Kentucky taxpayers to “check” a box on line 36 when they complete their tax returns this year. By doing so, they will contribute to the Breast Cancer Research and Education Trust Fund to help fund research, education, treatment and screenings throughout the commonwealth. At right, Rep. Cherry is pictured next to an enlarged tax return form highlighting box 36.

Central City man on trial for rape today in Marion

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-06:00

A Central City man will stand trial today in Crittenden Circuit Court, accused of second-degree rape.

Ethan Thomas Hughes, 22, of Central City is accused of the crime. Investigators believe he impregnated a 12-year-old Marion girl in 2008.

Hughes will be represented by public defender Paul Sysol. Zac Greenwell will prosecute the case.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin around 9 a.m.

Official promise quick fix to collapsed bridge

2012-01-26T21:07:00.001-06:00

UPDATED 10:30 P.M., JAN. 28

Two sections —about 300 feet — of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge at the western entrance to Land Between the Lakes (LBL) collapsed Thursday night after a cargo ship struck the bridge, according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials. The bridge carries U.S. 68/Ky. 80 traffic between Marshall and Trigg counties over Kentucky Lake. Officials visiting the scene on Friday promised expedited efforts to restore the flow of traffic.

The pilot of the ocean freight vessel Delta Mariner told the Coast Guard that he saw no vehicles on the deck when the boat struck the bridge, according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) officials. Search teams in boats from the Aurora Fire Department and Marshall County Rescue Squad reported there was no indication that vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the strike.

No one was injured on the ship, either, though it carried away part of the decking and truss of the bridge on its bow before it could stop. It was traveling downstream toward the dam.

About 2,800 vehicles per day cross the bridge which is the only Kentucky access to LBL from its western shores. U.S. 68/Ky. 80 runs through the recreational area, with another bridge over Lake Barkley in Trigg County. The next nearest road crossing into the recreational area west of Kentucky Lake is at Grand Rivers at the northern tip of LBL where The Trace begins. LBL can also be accessed at the southern end of The Trace at Dover, Tenn.

Authorities are asking people to stay clear of the area. No injuries have been reported, either to traffic crossing the bridge or on the tow that hit it. Kentucky State Police request that motorists who normally travel westbound on U.S. 68/Ky. 80 through LBL to please avoid the recreation area and Ky. 453 or The Trace. KSP request motorist to instead use the Interstate 24 corridor to the Purchase Parkway to access the portion of western Kentucky west of LBL.

PHOTO BY MARK BEDUHN

Jeff Ellis, a sales executive with the aggregate, paving and road construction company Rogers Group, said the collapsed bridge has really hurt the business. Ellis, of Marion, reports about 70 percent of the trucks from its Canton quarry on the opposite side of LBL pass over the collapsed bridge on an average work day.

Several officials visited the site today, including Congressman Ed Whitfield, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, KyTC Secretary Mike Hancock and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson. In fact, Gov. Steve Beshear ordered today an immediate review of options for restoring traffic flow over the bridge.

“We’ll turn our attention to a full inspection of the bridge and determine what steps we can take next to speed up the replacement of that important artery," the governor said in a news release.

"At this moment, we're assessing the situation to see whether repair is feasible. We also will be exploring whether construction of the new bridge can be accelerated," added Sec. Hancock.

The bridge was first opened in 1932 before the Tennessee River was dammed forming Kentucky Lake. In 1943 the bridge was shut down in order to be raised to make room for boat traffic along the higher water level of the lake. During that time, a ferry was established to carry traffic across the river.

Just two months ago, part of the under-structure of the bridge was hit by a tow, closing the bridge for an inspection period.

Both the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley U.S. 68/Ky. 80 bridges that allow access to LBL are scheduled to be replaced in 2017 by modern four-lane spans at the cost of about $350 million.

The Delta Mariner, without a load, displaces two tons of water at 312 feet in length and 56 feet across. According to The Journal of Commerce, Boeing uses the Delta Mariner, owned by Foss Maritime Co., to ship Delta IV rocket parts, including booster cores, to air force bases in Florida and California. The vessel carries rockets from a plant in Decatur, Ala. to the Gulf of Mexico and then to Cape Canaveral in Florida or to California via the Panama Canal.

For more, visit WestKentuckyStar.com or WPSD Local 6 online.

More candidates file in Kentucky

2012-01-26T20:00:00.000-06:00

The candidate filing deadline for Kentucky’s May primary election is Tuesday, and as an update and clarification to this week's print edition of The Crittenden Press, there will be two contested races on May 22, but only one for countywide office.

Candidates who have filed to represent Crittenden and Livingston counties as of the close of business Wednesday are:

Crittenden County Circuit Clerk

Melissa Guill (R)
Vanda Adamson (R)

Livingston County Circuit Clerk

Debbie Harth Knoth (D)

Kentucky Judicial District 5 Commonwealth's Attorney
Crittenden, Union and Webster counties

Zac Greenwell* (D-Marion)

Kentucky Judicial District 56 Commonwealth's Attorney

Livingston, Caldwell, Trigg and Lyon counties

G.L. Ovey* (D-Eddyville)

Kentucky House District 4

Crittenden, Livingston, Caldwell and a portion of Trigg County

Lynn Bechler (R-Marion)
Raymond Giannini (D-Princeton)

Kentucky Senate District 1

Livingston, Lyon, Trigg, Calloway, Graves, Hickman and Fulton counties

Carroll Hubbard (D-Mayfield)

Kentucky Senate District 3

Crittenden, Union, Caldwell and Christian counties

Joey Pendleton* (D-Hopkinsville)

First Congressional Representative

Western Kentucky, though congressional redistricting is not finalized

Ed Whitfield* (R-Hopkinsville)

President of the United States

Mitt Romney (R)
Newt Gingrich (R)
Barack Obama* (D)

*Incumbent candidate

Unopposed candidates in the primary will not appear on the ballot. Non-partisan city government and school board races will appear on the General Election ballot in November.

See next week's edition of The Press for the final filings for the primary election.

Area death

2012-01-26T17:44:00.003-06:00

Ann Marie DiMarco Tabor, 86, of Salem died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. Funeral services are Sunday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Chapel Hill Road closed Sunday to through-traffic

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

Chapel Hill Road in Marion will be closed to through-traffic Sunday for repairs to the roadway.

Marion City Administrator Mark Bryant said the road will be closed from about 7 a.m., to 4 p.m., while a forming hole due to drainage issues is repaired. The closure will be between Hickory Hills Avenue and Arlene Street.

Bryant said everyone living in the area will have access to and from their homes and only through-traffic at the point of the repairs would not be permitted.

KSP warn of online scams

2012-01-26T11:54:00.005-06:00

Kentucky State Police wish to remind citizens of various online scams which could be a financial danger to anyone responding.

Over the past several weeks, KSP has received reports of various scams coming mostly in the form of email messages randomly sent to unsuspecting individuals. These scams are commonly referred to as phishing scams. These scams often look official, but have common details which are easy to spot. Phishing scams are defined as a way of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Most scams are relatively easy to spot. These messages usually include poor grammar and often ask for correspondence to be sent to a foreign country. The best rule of thumb is to immediately delete any messages which appear suspicious. Never respond to a suspected scam. For more information regarding scams, you can visit the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General website at www.ag.ky.gov.

NWS: Crittenden under flood warning

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-06:00

KPA News Content Service
Most of Kentucky will see rain off and on all day today through late tonight. Some areas could see as much as two inches, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Louisville.

A flood warning has been issued by the NWS Paducah office for all Ohio River counties in Kentucky from Daviess downstream to its confluence with the Mississippi. This includes Crittenden, Union and Livingston counties, as well as Webster County, which will be mostly affected by the Tradewater River, a tributary of the Ohio. All Mississippi River counties in the commonwealth also under flood warnings today.

The ground is already saturated with water from earlier rains. That will result in fast runoff to rivers, streams and creeks, the weather service said.

The heaviest rains in Kentucky today are expected to be in eastern Kentucky.

U.S. 60 in Union County down to 1 lane

2012-01-26T08:34:00.000-06:00

UPDATE:
The roadway is now open to all traffic, though crews continue cleanup of the spill. Motorists should be cautious of crews working along the roadway.

An overturned semi on U.S. 60 in Union County has traffic restricted to one lane, and motorists are asked to avoid the area.

The restriction of traffic about one mile from the junction with Ky. 56 is expected to be needed until about 10 a.m. while the truck is removed. This area is at the east end of the U.S. 60 Morganfield bypass. Union County authorities are providing traffic control.

The overturned truck reportedly ran a stop sign at the end of the bypass where it meets the main line of U.S. 60. The crash caused it to spill a load of rubber and approximately 150 gallons of diesel fuel, which is in a ditch that has been dammed with sand.

Liberty Fuels offers pay at the pump 24/7

2012-01-26T07:47:00.000-06:00

County turns 170 years old today

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

Crittenden

Crittenden County turns 170 today. The county was formed from an eastern portion of Livingston County on Jan. 26, 1842, the first of five Kentucky counties established that year.

Named for John J. Crittenden — a Kentucky politician who served in both chambers of Congress, twice as U.S. Attorney General, in the state legislature and as governor of Kentucky from 1848 to1850 — the county was the 91st to be formed in the commonwealth. Crittenden, an aide-de-camp in the War of 1812, is one of 30 figures from that war to have a Kentucky county named for him.

For more on the county’s birthday, see Brenda Underdown’s weekly column inside The Crittenden Press.

Violations of weight restriction threaten to close U.S. 60 bridge to all traffic

2012-01-25T16:33:00.002-06:00

Over-rotated and deteriorated rockers connected to piers at the
base of the structure are just part of the problems that led to a
three-ton weight restriction on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River
bridge at Paducah.

More than 60 citations have been written to violators of the strict three-ton weight limit on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River bridge at Paducah, but local official and law enforcement are still concerned at the very real possibility that the span could be closed to all traffic if load limits continue to be exceeded.

Representatives of area law enforcement agencies met today to determine how to best enhance enforcement of the load restriction on the bridge, built in 1931.

While there has been a fairly continuous law enforcement presence at the bridge since the load limit was placed on the structure, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) and participating agencies have continued to get reports of trucks and large commercial vehicles crossing the bridge during hours when police are not present.

Last night, Livingston Fiscal Court discussed ways of supporting the enforcement effort on their side of the span to make it less likely the bridge would have to be closed to all traffic. Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson, McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden, KyTC engineers and representatives of the Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement also met today to better coordinate enforcement of the weight limit.

State police and vehicle enforcement units have written 23 citations for violation of the weight limit in nine days. McCracken County deputies wrote more than two dozen citations during that period, and Livingston County deputies estimated they have also written more than two dozen citations.
The minimum fine and court costs for violating the load limit is about $245, with several trucks having received additional citations for up to $600. State police reported one truck had been even cited twice for violating the load limit.

Livingston County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher expressed concern that if violations continue, the bridge would have to be closed to all traffic. KyTC highway engineers indicated that would be an option if trucks and other large vehicles continue to ignore the load limit.

Engineers continue developing plans to make some repairs to the structure in order to improve the likelihood that it can remain open to passenger vehicles and empty standard pickup trucks until a new bridge being constructed just upstream can be completed in mid-2014.

Inside this week's Press

2012-01-25T15:40:00.003-06:00

Redistricting
With the stroke of a pen Friday, Crittenden County lost its elected state senator when Gov. Steve Beshear signed into law a legislative redistricting plan that has lawmakers and constituents across the state crying foul. Also, read our editorial on the need to change Kentucky's redistricting policies and weekly columns from the county's state legislators.

Pamida-Shopko merger
It could be up to a year before the makeover is complete, but shopping in Marion will be undergoing a significant change beginning this summer. Pamida, the city's largest retail store, is undergoing a merger with Shopko.

New water main extended
An extension of Marion’s new water main should alleviate several infrastructure problems on the north end of town, but will reduce traffic to one lane while construction crews work to complete the project.

Marion firehouse near complete
Marion’s new firehouse is nearly ready for the city’s volunteer fire department to move in. At press time, the exterior of the building was almost finished, with clocks being installed on the tower of the facility. City Administrator Mark Bryant calls the building likely the nicest fire stations in western Kentucky.

Pets and more
Also, find our regular features like columns from Brenda Underdown, Linda Defew, Nancy Hunt, Regina Merrick, Daryl Tabor and a special two-page ode to our favorite pets.

Pendleton files for Third District re-election

2012-01-25T15:31:00.000-06:00

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Sen. Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville) has filed for re-election to his Third District seat.

Under the new redistricting plan signed by Gov. Steve Beshear Friday, the district will include Christian, Caldwell, Crittenden and Union counties.

Sen. Pendleton has been a member of the state Senate since 1993.

"Serving the people of the Third District has been one of the greatest privileges of my life and I look forward to getting to know and working with people in the new counties of the Third District – Caldwell, Crittenden and Union counties," Pendleton said. "I want to continue to use my seniority and position on key committees to increase opportunities and improve the quality of life for the people of the Third District and Kentucky. Education, health care and jobs for our citizens must be the priorities of Kentucky state government."

While serving in the state Senate, Sen. Pendleton has sponsored several pieces of legislation to address the concerns of military families and veterans.

Pendleton has a close relationship with many local officials in his district and looks forward to building similar relationships with the local officials in the new counties in his district. He said he also welcomes input on projects from the local officials and wants to hear their concerns and ideas.

A farmer who owns a 140-acre farm in Christian County, Sen. Pendleton raises dairy heifers. A 1964 graduate of Christian County High School, he attended Hopkinsville Community College and Murray State University. He served in the Kentucky National Guard from 1968-74.

Sen. Pendleton encourages constituents to stay in contact with him. To leave a message for the senator, call the General Assembly’s toll-free Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Pendleton can be contacted at his office at (502) 564-8100 or by e-mail at joey.pendleton@lrc.ky.gov.

Deadline for grazing, livestock losses aid nears

2012-01-25T14:43:00.000-06:00

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director John W. McCauley reminds eligible ranchers and livestock producers who had livestock losses or grazing losses during the 2011 crop year that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program is Monday.

For more information, including eligibility requirements, on FSA’s livestock disaster assistance programs, contact the FSA center in Salem at 988-2180 or KYSALEM-FSA@ONE.USDA.GOV. Information may also be obtained on line at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.

Area deaths

2012-01-25T11:54:00.001-06:00

Ruby L. Frantz, 87, of Marion died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 in Burna. Services are Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Donnie Miller, 65, of Grand Rivers died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Funeral services are Saturday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Pharmacy to host Chamber luncheon

2012-01-25T11:30:00.000-06:00

KB Pharmacy will host Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly luncheon on Tuesday. The catered meal will be served at Marion Baptist Life Center and is free to guests. Special speakers at the meeting will be Mike Keller, R.Ph., and Larry Orr, CPA.

Those wishing to attend should RSVP the Chamber at 965-5015 by Thursday.

Reception honors retiring Rushing

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-06:00

A reception at the courthouse will be held Friday to honor Greg Rushing for his years of volunteer service as director of Crittenden County’s Emergency Management Agency. After 20 years in the position, Rushing retired last month, handing over the reins to one of his deputies, David Travis.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said everyone is invited to the gathering, which begins at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Superintendent's contract renewed for 4 years

2012-01-24T19:31:00.001-06:00

Dr. Yarbrough

Superintendent of Crittenden County Schools Dr. Rachel Yarbrough had her contract renewed for four years tonight by the board of education. The board's decision at its monthly meeting will keep Yarbrough here through at least 2016. She started as superintendent of the school district four years ago.

Future of youth ball teams discussed Sunday

2012-01-24T11:46:00.002-06:00

Crittenden County Dugout Club, the group that sponsors summer youth baseball and softball at Marion-Crittenden County Park, will meet Sunday to discuss the future of the program. Sagging interest by parents to oversee leagues is the primary concern, Dugout Club members say.

Anyone interested in helping organize and operate the youth program should attend the meeting at 3:30 Sunday at Crittenden County Middle School gym.

Circuit clerk's office closed Saturday

2012-01-24T05:59:00.000-06:00

Crittenden County Circuit Clerk's office will be closed Saturday because the state computer system will be down for maintenance.

Area death

2012-01-23T15:02:00.001-06:00

George Raymond Shire, 84, of Marion died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 at Crittenden County Health and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services will be Thursday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Ferry resumes normal runs across Ohio River

2012-01-23T14:11:00.002-06:00

The Cave In Rock Ferry, closed most of the day because of high winds, resumed normal operation shortly before 2 p.m., today.

Police: Hickman mayor shot, killed at home

2012-01-23T12:31:00.003-06:00

From the KPA News Content Service
The mayor of Hickman, in Fulton County, in far Western Kentucky, has been shot and killed at his home, the Hickman police chief said early Monday.

Police chief Tony Grogan said Mayor Charles Murphy was shot and killed at his home. A suspect identified by police as Tommy Lattus, 30, gave himself up at the police station after the shooting. Grogan did not give a motive, according to WPSD-TV in Paducah.

Murphy was in his second term as Hickman mayor. The shooting reportedly occurred about 1 a.m. Monday.

Ferry closed today due to high winds

2012-01-23T08:08:00.002-06:00

The Cave In Rock Ferry is closed because of high winds. The ferry will likely be closed most of the day based on the weather forecast.

Lawmaker proposes Amish buggy safety plan

2012-01-22T22:28:00.000-06:00

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Sen. Kenneth Winters, a Murray Republican, has

proposed Amish buggy safety legislation agreeable

with the communities across the state.

First District Sen. Ken Winters has proposed a plan that may put an end to dissension between officials and Kentucky’s Amish population regarding placement of safety-warning symbols on horse-drawn buggies. Winters (R-Murray), a native of Crittenden County, says Senate Bill 75 would implement changes to increase visibility of buggies and not offend the Amish religious beliefs. He says he’s spoken to Amish leaders and they find his proposal acceptable.

For the full story, visit the Murray Ledger & Times online.

Area Death

2012-01-21T12:01:00.001-06:00

Paul Manker, 77, of Lola died Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Services are Monday at St. William Catholic Church in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

U.S. 641 blasting to resume Monday

2012-01-20T21:34:00.001-06:00

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) plans to start production blasting on the new U.S. 641 corridor in southern Crittenden County on Monday.

A test blast allowed engineers to calculate the optimum amount of explosives required for excavation at the site as work goes forward.

Completion of the test blast is expected to allow production blasting to begin about noon on Monday. The contractor plans to set off explosives about every one or two days, with all blasting scheduled at approximately noon. Blasting on the project will be isolated to the area between Crayne Cemetery Road and Lloyd Road southeast of the Crayne community. An audible safety warning horn will provide an advance notice near the blasting site.

The blasting site will be in the knobs area east of existing U.S. 641 between mile point 2.565 and mile point 3.188.

Road Builders and Parkway Construction of Greenville is the prime contractor on this $18.6 million highway improvement project to build a four-lane section between Marion and Fredonia.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Area deaths

2012-01-20T16:45:00.004-06:00

Harold “Buddy” Rogers, 82, of Fredionia died Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 at Princeton Health and Rehab Center. Services will be Saturday at Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton.

Robert Louis Chittenden, 67, of Joy died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. Funeral and Masonic services will be Sunday at Myers Funeral Home.

PrayerGate up and running

2012-01-20T10:39:00.000-06:00

PrayerGate, a Marion-based prayer request hotline, is now functioning with live answering eight hours a day. The rest of the time, an answering machine will take requests. Local certified public accountant Larry Orr, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, started the program. It currently has a list of 30 individuals seeking daily prayer. Last year, Orr said the program's prayer warriors provided intercessory prayer for 41 individuals. Calls are being answered at 965-4300.

State's jobless rate drops to 3-year low

2012-01-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

KPA News Content Service
Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary unemployment rate dropped to a three-year low of 9.1 percent in December from 9.4 percent in November, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training.

The preliminary December jobless rate was 1.2 percentage points below the 10.3 percent rate recorded for the state in the same month a year earlier. The state’s December 2011 jobless rate is the lowest since the December 2008, when it was 8.5 percent.

The U.S. seasonally adjusted jobless rate fell to 8.5 percent in December from 8.7 percent in November, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working.

Princeton man to run for House seat

2012-01-19T20:00:00.000-06:00

Giannini

A Princeton man has announced his intentions to seek the Kentucky House District 4 seat to be vacated by Rep. Mike Cherry at the end of his current term. Raymond Giannini, friends with his fellow Caldwell County Democrat, said he has always respected the work of politicians but never really considered a run for office until now.

“I’ve been giving this a lot of thought and prayer,” the former director of Pennyrile District Health Department said. “The support has been great, and if not for that, I wouldn’t have considered it.”
Giannini, 58, is a native and longtime resident of the House district. He is married with two children in college and one a senior in high school.

Thus far, only Lynn Bechler (R-Marion) has filed for Cherry’s seat. However, Giannini plans to make his run official by filing paperwork later this week. Each man would run unopposed in the May primary if no other candidates file.

The filing deadline is Jan. 31.

Fohs Hall Ball tickets now on sale

2012-01-19T16:59:00.000-06:00

The first-ever Fohs Hall Ball in 2001 was a big success and helped
commemorate the 75th anniversary of the building's construction.

The ninth Fohs Hall Charity Ball will be held Feb. 18 at historic Fohs Hall in Marion. The elegant, semi-formal event feature fine dining from the Main Street Italian Grill, dancing, and music by the legendary Temple Airs of Evansville, Ind.

Tickets are on sale now for $75 per person and can be reserved by contacting Allison Evans at (270) 704-0447. Dance only tickets can also be reserved for $25 per person.

A fund-raising auction will be held during the event. Auction items include a weekend at Green Turtle Bay, fine jewelry from Michelson’s, lunch with well-known cookbook author and community icon Ethel Tucker, a hand-crafted tiger maple corner cupboard by renowned woodcrafter Michael Wheeler and many other items. Jody Selph of Selph Portraits is the official photographer for the evening.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this very important event. Proceeds will be used to maintain Fohs Hall for all the citizens of Marion and surrounding areas to enjoy for many years to come. Tax deductible contributions are accepted by mail to P.O. Box 1, Marion KY 42064

For more information contact, Michele Edwards, Marion Tourism Commission director, at (270) 965-5015 director@marionkentucky.us.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-19T11:30:00.000-06:00

Bill would allow for younger candidates
Legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly might encourage younger politicians by dropping the minimum age to run for city offices to 18.

Kentucky law currently sets the minimum age to run for mayor at 25 and for a city legislative body at 21.

For the complete story, visit The Kentucky Enquirer online.

Lady Rockets play tonight in All A Classic semifinal

2012-01-19T06:40:00.000-06:00

Crittenden County's Lady Rockets will play University Heights, one of the top teams in the region, at 7:30 p.m., tonight at Dawson Springs in the semifinal round of the All A Classic.

Livingston Central plays Webster County at 6 p.m., tonight in the other semifinal game at Dawson.

Police investigate park vandalism

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Marion Police Department is investigating vandalism at Marion-Crittenden County Park over the weekend. Police say someone, probably juveniles, painted obscene remarks on the front the bathrooms, using spray paint. Police Chief Ray O'Neal said city employees report almost weekly damages of some sort at the park. Anyone with information can call Crittenden County TipLine and remain anonymous. There is a $100 reward for information leading to an arrest .

Senate plan drastically reshapes districts

2012-01-19T00:39:00.001-06:00

UPDATE

Legislative restricting, which include the state Senate plan below, has now passed both chambers, clearing the House Thursday by 58-39 margin. Crittenden County's legislators, both Democrats, were left on different sides of the partisan-fueled redistricting plans. In the House, districts were redrawn to favor Democrats, who control the chamber. In the Senate, lines were reshaped to favor majority Republicans, leaving several of their Democratic counterparts scratching their heads at their new districts.

Rep. Mike Cherry voted in favor of the final measure, which favors House Democrats, and Sen. Dorsey Ridley opposed the plan, which leaves him representing a portion of Lexington that includes the University of Kentucky, where he has a son attending college. Ridley, who lives in Henderson 200 miles west of Lexington, will represent his new District 4 until re-election in 2014.

Thursday's House passage now sends the bill to the governor for his signature, making it law until redistricting rolls around again in 2022.

Ridley responds to redistricting
From The (Lexington) Herald Leader: Under the bill, central Lexington would be represented by Sen. Dorsey Ridley, a Democrat from Henderson, in far Western Kentucky, through 2014.

Rep. Kelly Flood, D-Lexington, said the move was "a perversion of democracy" and urged her colleagues to vote against the measure. Rep. David Watkins (D-Henderson) was the only other Democrat in the House to follow her lead.

Stein said she would not move from Lexington and was keeping her options open.

One scenario discussed Thursday could have kept Stein in the Senate, but it was shot down quickly.

Under that scenario, Ridley would file to run for the state House seat held by Watkins in Henderson County. If he won the House seat in November, Ridley would resign from the new 4th Senate District in Lexington, setting up a vacancy. The governor would call a special election to fill the vacancy, and Stein would run.

But Ridley said Thursday that he had "no plans at all" to run this year for the state House.

Asked again whether he might run for the state House this year, Ridley said, "Not just 'no,' but capital 'N,' capital 'O.'"

A Kentucky Senate plan for its own redistricting required after every U.S. Census would drastically reshape the boundaries for all 38 districts, move Crittenden County from its current district alongside Livingston County and change its representation in Frankfort.

House Bill 1 redraws Congressional and state House, Senate and Judicial districts. Congressional and state House plans have already been approved by both legislative chambers, but the Senate passed its own plan Tuesday with a 22-14 vote split almost entirely down party lines. The map is expected to be approved by the House today.

Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson) who currently represents Crittenden, Livingston, Caldwell, Union, Webster and Henderson counties, would not even represent his home county in the redistricting plan. His District 4 has been shifted to Fayette County, leaving him to represent Lexington residents until his term ends in 2015.

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Sen. Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville) (center), discusses
legislation with Sen. Joe Bowen (R-Owensboro) (left) and
Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Erlanger, in the Kentucky Senate.

Crittenden County would be shifted to District 3 along with Union, Caldwell and Christian counties. Sen. Joey Pendleton (D-Hopkinsville), who represents District 3 and is running for re-election this year, said he would be happy to represent agrarian counties from the Tennessee border to Illinois, even though constituents he has represented for more than 20 years would be moved to another district.

"I plan on representing these people just as I have these others in the past," Pendleton said on the floor Tuesday in being the only minority Democrat breaking ranks to vote for the bill. "I cannot stand here today and tell these new counties I have gained that I'm voting against you."

Sen. Ridley voted along with other Democrats who declared the GOP remapping was politically charged in order to punish the opposing party by essentially adding as many as four more seats to the 22-15-1 majority Republicans already have in the chamber.

"I've been here through several redistrictings and I understand the process," Pendleton said of the highly controversial plan.

Beshear: Painful cuts required to balance budget

2012-01-18T23:30:00.000-06:00

Some proposals could help Crittenden County
Gov. Steve Beshear presented his biennial budget proposal to the General Assembly Tuesday night, singling out at least two areas that directly affect Crittenden Countians, including a resolution to protect Kentucky's coal industry, which employs a number of residents of the county. He also plans on sending state inmates from private prisons to county lock-ups that earn the county money for each prisoner they house.

He termed his budget “inadequate for the needs of our people.” Beshear pointed to slow-to-recover revenues and loss of one-time funds, combined with the lingering effects of a devastating recession, as the culprits for the dismal budget outlook.

“We should be making substantial investments in our physical and intellectual infrastructure to bring transformational change to our state. This budget does not allow us to do enough of that,” Beshear said. “Instead, it requires painful cuts that may well force us to retreat on some core services, and that risk jeopardizing progress we’ve made over decades in education.”

Most state agencies will see cuts of 8.4 percent in the first year of the biennium, Fiscal Year 2013, and then straight-lined budgets in the second year, Fiscal Year 2014. These reductions are in addition to cumulative cuts of 30 percent or more made to many agencies over the last four years. While some services are protected from the deepest cuts, including education and public safety, very few programs are fully exempted from reductions.

However, declaring that he refused “to simply accept the status quo,” Beshear recommended several critical investments designed to better protect vulnerable populations and to attack persistent, generational problems that continue to hold Kentucky back.

Finally, according to a press release from his office, the governor reminded lawmakers that in order for Kentuckians to thrive, the state must have more revenue, and the best ways to grow revenue are through expanded gaming and vigorous tax reform.

Cuts to Agencies and Services

State revenues are growing, but not quickly enough to keep pace with the increasing cost of mandatory expenses such as Medicaid, state employee health insurance, retirement benefits and debt service.

Most state agencies will receive 8.4 percent cuts, including the Governor’s Office and all other constitutional officers, the Cabinets of Economic Development, Energy and Environment, Finance, Labor, Public Protection and Tourism and many other areas. (Please see attached charts for the full list of agencies receiving 8.4 percent cuts.)

Beshear warned that the easy cuts to state agencies were made long ago, and the proposed reductions will have real impact not only for state employees but also for Kentuckians who utilize those services. While there will be no furloughs of state employees, the cuts will likely lead to delays in service, loss of federal funds, possible facility closures, unfilled positions, and possible layoffs.

The cuts will not be made across the board. Some areas, including classroom funding, corrections, the Department for Community Based Services, veterans’ affairs, and behavioral health, are exempt from reductions.

SEEK, the main funding formula for classrooms, will be maintained at the same funding level as 2012 for the upcoming biennium. SEEK has been protected through ten prior rounds of budget cuts. Base funding for higher education will be cut by 6.4 percent in the first year and straight-lined in FY 2014, which is a smaller cut than most other agencies will experience. While corrections budgets are exempted from cuts, the remainder of public safety services will be cut at a rate of 2.2 percent in the first year, then straight-lined in the second year. Again, that’s a smaller cut than the 8.4 percent most agencies will experience.

The proposed budget would authorize $778 million in bonds for new projects, including those supported by the General Fund and agency bonds. This is the smallest capital program since 1996.

Sustained Investments for Jobs, Public Protection, and Efficient Health Care

The proposed budget also includes support for several major initiatives designed to create jobs, provide better services and save money.

Beshear’s says his top priority throughout his administration has been attracting and maintaining jobs in Kentucky. This budget, the governor said, helps Kentucky's economy by reinvesting in programs that retain and create jobs, including $20 million in bonds for the high-tech grant and loan program. This nurtures our cutting-edge companies, especially small companies, which create many new jobs.

HB 463, the landmark penal code and corrections legislation passed last year, will continue to decrease the state’s prison population, reduce incarceration costs, reduce crime and increase public safety. The savings resulting from the lower prison population will be reinvested into expanded treatment programs, parole services, pre-trial release, and other approved programs. The governor also plans to end contracts with private prisons that house as many as 1,400 state inmates that could otherwise be housed in county jails like Crittenden County Detention Center, earning counties more than $30 per day per inmate.

In November, 560,000 Kentucky Medicaid recipients transitioned to a managed care program, which is projected to save $1.3 billion in taxpayer funds through Fiscal Year 2014. While total Medicaid costs are increasing due to increasing enrollment and increasing cost of health care, those increases are significantly blunted by the savings provided through managed care. The savings realized this biennium through managed care total $294 million in state funds.

Strategic Investments to Protect Vulnerable Groups, Attack Persistent Problems

Despite the budget challenges, Beshear told legislators that Kentucky had to make investments in key areas, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations and attacking persistent problems that cripple our workforce.

Reduce social worker caseloads: Beshear proposed investing $21 million over the biennium to reduce caseloads for Department of Community-Based Services employees. Caseloads for social workers have increased 8 percent since 2008 while staffing levels have dropped by 12 percent in the same time period. This investment will not only reduce above-average caseloads for these critical employees, but will also help ensure that Kentucky families in jeopardy will get the timely services and protections they need.
Expand preschool for 4-year-olds: Kentucky currently provides funding for 4-year-olds in families whose income is at or below 150 percent of poverty level to attend preschool, and fully funds preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds with certain disabilities. Beshear’s budget proposal recommends expanding preschool eligibility for 4-year-olds to 160 percent of poverty level in Fiscal Year 2014, and called for increasing it to 200 percent by the end of his term. The initial expansion to 150 percent would cost $15 million, allowing 4,430 more Kentucky children to participate in this critical program, a huge step that greatly improves their chances at a successful life. Expanding to 200 percent would add an additional 3,920 children, for a total of 8,350 more children.
Fund an Adult Abuse Registry: Beshear urged the General Assembly to create an adult abuse registry that would record any incidents of abuse or neglect by caretakers hired to aid elderly Kentuckians, so employers can make sure potential hires don’t have prior problems with assisting the elderly. Approximately $2 million over the biennium is included in the budget to fund the registry.
Provide Colon Cancer Screening for Uninsured Kentuckians: Beshear recommended investing $1 million for colon cancer screening, to be matched dollar-for-dollar by a new private foundation, for a total of $2 million to be spent over the biennium. Kentucky has the highest incidence rate of colon cancer in the nation, and the second highest death rate, though the disease is highly preventable with screening. This funding will provide screening for 4,000 uninsured Kentuckians, and save both lives and money.
Enhance drug abuse prevention and treatment efforts: Beshear recommended adding $4 million to expand the use of the state’s prescription drug tracking program, KASPER, in order to better track and target illegal prescribing habits. He also recommended adding $8 million to expand substance abuse treatment in the Medicaid program for both adults and teens. The proposal would allow 5,800 Kentuckians to receive community-based drug treatment, such as intensive outpatient treatment, case management, and peer support.

New Revenue is Critical

Beshear reminded lawmakers that increasing revenues, not just continued deep cuts, is the only way to ensure Kentucky will prosper in the future.

“We’re at the point where drastic cuts will do more damage to Kentucky’s long-term future than realized savings will help,” said Gov. Beshear. “There are those who continue to insist that Kentucky can cut its way to prosperity. If that were the case, we’d all be wealthy.”

In order to bring more revenue to the state and help balance the budget, Beshear proposed a tax amnesty and enhanced compliance program, the first in Kentucky in a decade. To encourage taxpayers – both individuals and businesses – to make payments on back taxes, the state will waive penalties and one-half of the interest owed. Additional penalties and enforcement efforts will be imposed after the amnesty period. Forty states have held similar amnesties. The program is expected to net $61 million over the biennium.

The real answers to Kentucky’s revenue woes, Beshear said, are tax reform and expanded gaming.

Beshear recently announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform. That group will study ways to better align our state’s tax system with the principles of fairness, business competiveness and adequacy. Recommendations are expected to be finalized toward the end of this year.

In addition, legislators will have the opportunity in this session to allow Kentuckians to vote on expanding gaming.

“Kentuckians have made it clear that they want to vote on this issue,” Beshear said. “The only question is whether we listen to them, or we ignore them.”

The governor noted that Kentucky’s neighboring states are enhancing their budgets with hundreds of millions of dollars they rake in by taxing Kentuckians who visit casinos in their states.

According to a just-released economic study, Kentuckians spent $451 million in casinos in surrounding states in 2010. This study’s scenario predicted Kentucky would receive $266 million in one-time license fees and $377 million in annual tax revenues if gaming were expanded here.

Road Fund Continues to Grow

The Transportation Cabinet is funded through a separate budget from the rest of the executive branch, and is supported largely by the Road Fund. For the fourth and fifth years in a row, the Road Fund is expected to show growth in revenues. In year one of the biennium, state revenues are expected to increase 6.1 percent; in year two, 4.6 percent.

This growth will allow the state to increase revenue sharing with local governments, as well as to fund projects in the Six-Year Highway Plan that aggressively invest in Kentucky’s primary road system. That plan, unveiled Tuesday, bodes well for the area, at least in its present form.

In Crittenden County, Kentucky’s half of funding for the Ohio River Ferry shows $402,000 each year through 2018. Once approved, however, road plans assure funding for only the first two years of the transportation schedule.

Additionally, the plan reflects $3.12 million in 2013 for design of the second phase — Fredonia-to-Interstate 24 — of a new U.S. 641 and another $9.68 million for acquisition of right-of-way and utilities relocation in the out-years, or last four years of the plan not guaranteed of funding.

In Livingston County, $2 million shows for 2013 design work on replacing the U.S. 60 Cumberland River bridge in Smithland. Another $31.65 million in the out years through 2018 would allow for all phases of the project into construction.

Other highlights of the road plan:

Funds the Louisville Bridges Project.
Completes the six-laning of I-65 between Bowling Green and Elizabethtown.
Completes the final leg of the 25-year widening of the U.S. 68/Ky. 80 corridor between Bowling Green and Mayfield, including the bridges over Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.
Advances the Interstate 69 project in western Kentucky by enabling the ultimate conversion of many more miles of parkway to interstate status.
Provides about $80 million toward the four-laning of the Mountain Parkway between Campton and Salyersville.
Widens a stretch of Ky. 15 in Perry County near Bonnyman to the Hazard bypass.
Completes the construction of U.S. 460 in Pike County between U.S. 23 and the Virginia state line.
Completes the construction of U.S. 119 in Letcher County between Partridge and Oven Fork.
Completes the Newtown Pike Extension Project in downtown Lexington.
Constructs new Interstate 75 interchanges and builds a new frontage road system between Richwood Road and Mount Zion Road in Boone County.
Spends over $500 million to repair or replace more than 240 substandard bridges across the Commonwealth.
And dedicates over $100 million a year to pavement repairs on primary roads.

Gov. Beshear’s proposed executive branch budget and Transportation Cabinet budgets are available for review at www.osbd.ky.gov. The Six-Year Highway plan is available at www.transportation.ky.gov.

Area death

2012-01-18T16:16:00.002-06:00

Harold Riley "Cotton" Tabor, 72, of Marion died Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012 at his home. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Services are Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Frances Cemetery.

KSP invites farmers to outreach program

2012-01-18T15:01:00.001-06:00

The Kentucky State Police/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is partnering with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to provide a "Farmer Outreach" forum that will forge enhanced relationships between law enforcement and the agricultural community.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday in the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center on Hopkinsville Road in Princeton. Topics of discussion will include safety regulations, licensing requirements and driver qualifications and new legislation in effect for Kentucky farm operations.

For more information about the program, contact Officer Chris Green at (270) 388-2979 or Shane Bogle at (270) 365-2787

Five arrested in Livingston County drug raid

2012-01-18T10:30:00.000-06:00

Five people were arrested Saturday night and charged with numerous offenses as the result of an investigation conducted by the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.

The investigation began as an anonymous complaint about possible drug activity. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department raided a property used as a deer hunting cabin on Carrsville Road
in northeast Livingston County in the early morning hours of Sunday.

Individuals arrested include:

Scott Ringstaff, 42, of Hampton — charged with criminal trespass, first degree; possession of controlled substance (meth); manufacturing methamphetamine and trafficking in a controlled substance (meth).
Tony C. Williams, 26, of Hampton — charged with Criminal
trespass, first degree; possession of controlled substance, first degree (meth); manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense; and trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (meth).
Jeremy See, 30, of Salem — charged with criminal trespass, first degree; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession of a controlled substance, first degree (meth) and; manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense.
Jessica Myrick, 30, of Hampton charged with criminal trespass, first degree.
Misty Alexander, 32, of Salem — charged with criminal trespass, first degree.

Two vehicles and several firearms were seized as a result of this investigation. The Livingston County Sheriff's Department encourages citizens to report suspicious activity and possible drug activity in their
community.

Welcome Longbeards and Whitetails

2012-01-18T09:58:00.002-06:00

The Crittenden Press Online welcomes a new partner this week.

Dale Willingham and his outfitting company Whitetails and Longbeards have been operating in the community for several years.

Now, we are proud to have them as part of our online community.

Visit them online at http://www.longbeardsandwhitetails.com/

Or contact them today at
info@longbeardsandwhitetails.com

Inside this week's Press

2012-01-18T09:55:00.000-06:00

After being closed for more than a year, it looks like the livestock market on the northeast side of Marion could reopen as early as next month, and legal troubles continue to mount for a Marion merchant accused of selling synthetic marijuana. Also, in a rare sequence of events, a special-called Crittenden County Grand Jury on Tuesday re-indicted a Central City man who allegedly impregnated a then-12-year-old Marion girl in 2008. Find many more stories from the crime and court beats as well.

And find out how the governor's road plan and budget, as well as redistricting could directly affect Crittenden County, both negatively and positively.

On the lighter side, read the romantic story of how a local woman's parents met from a simple message in a bottled floated 600 miles down the Ohio River. And another exercise class has started with more than 100 signed on to shed the pounds.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

Beshear outlines 'inadequate' budget proposal
Gov. Steve Beshear outlined one of the most austere state budgets in recent history Tuesday, proposing 8.4 percent spending cuts for many agencies and limited money for new construction projects. Beshear called the two-year, $19.5 billion General Fund budget "inadequate for the needs of our people." Lawmakers will take the next few months to evaluate and alter Beshear's proposal before approving a final two-year budget by mid-April.

For the complete story, visit The Herald Leader online.

K-12 schools' funding would revert to 2008 levels; colleges take hit in proposed budget
Schoolchildren might see bigger classes while college students are sure to pay higher tuition under the budget proposed by Gov. Steve Beshear. The governor said he had protected K-12 and higher education as long as he could. But next year, basic funding for K-12 students will revert to 2008 levels, while state universities could lose as much as $65 million.

For the complete story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Clerk says phone scam pirated her number

2012-01-18T08:32:00.001-06:00

Crittenden Circuit Clerk Madeline Henderson says someone pirated her office phone number and has called at least one local resident as part of what could be a scam.

 Henderson has investigated the claim and found that it is feasible for someone to us a caller identification signature that give credibility to the scam.

 "It appeared as coming from 1-1-965-4200," Henderson said.

 The caller told a local woman he was from the clerk's office and that she owed for a long overdue parking ticket. The woman didn't fall for the scam and the caller became offensive.

 Henderson said anyone who receives a suspicious phone call allegedly from her office should call police.

Enforcement of bridge weight limit stepped up

2012-01-17T17:02:00.002-06:00

For more pictures of the deteriorating bridge, visit our Facebook
page at www.Facebook.com/TheCrittendenPress.

Area law enforcement agencies have stepped up enforcement of the three-ton weight limit on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River bridge between Paducah and Ledbetter. The bridge was reduced to a three-ton maximum load limit last week after a review of the structure’s most recent inspection report mandated the restriction.

Over the last few days enforcement agencies have received a number of reports of vehicles exceeding the weight limit crossing the bridge. Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department have responded by stepping up enforcement at the bridge this week.

There are multiple signs on each side of the bridge, including message boards, that clearly communicate the three-ton limit to drivers as they approach the bridge from all directions. Officers say a basic citation for violation of the load limit carries a fine and court costs of $245. Additional fines may be included for drivers of commercial vehicles that are cited for violating the load limit.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers have placed the bridge on an accelerated inspection schedule. The bridge will now be examined by inspectors every 30 days. The three-ton load limit is to help maintain the safety of the 81-year old bridge while a new $93 million bridge is being constructed upstream. Construction of the new bridge is expected to be complete in mid-2014.

Also known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, the existing US 60 Tennessee River bridge connects McCracken County to Livingston County between Paducah and Ledbetter. The bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 and carries approximately 7,700 vehicles across the Tennessee River in an average day.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-17T07:45:00.001-06:00

Study puts 1st-year value on casinos at $1.7 billion
Allowing casinos at eight Kentucky racetracks would have an estimated $1.7 billion economic impact on the state during the casinos' first full year of operation, according to a study released Monday by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. That would include $464.7 million in gaming tax revenue, $164.6 million of which would go to racing-industry programs, according to the Kentucky Gaming Market Analysis and Impacts Report, which was paid for by racing-industry interests. Eight casinos also would create nearly 11,000 full-time jobs with a payroll of $289.3 million, the study found.

For the complete story, visit The Herald-Leader online.

Bill to allow school bus ads could go for House vote

UPDATE: The bill passed the House Jan. 18 by a 69-27 vote with Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton) voting against the measure.

A bill that would allow advertising on school buses could go to a vote in the House this week. House Bill 30, proposed by Rep. Terry Mills, D-Lebanon, and co-sponsored by six other legislators, would enable school district’s to sell exterior advertising on buses. Similar legislation proposed last year passed the House but died in the Senate.

For the complete story, visit the Kentucky Enquirer online.

Beshear's budget plan likely to be painful
From the KPA News Content Service
Gov. Steve Beshear will address the General Assembly at 6 p.m. today with a message that is likely to detail state spending cuts of 7 to 9 percent for the next two-year state budget.

Agencies that escaped earlier rounds of cuts are unlikely to receive such exemptions this time around.

Education, which escaped the earlier cuts, is likely to face significant cuts, some key legislators said. Corrections and health care are other areas likely to face cuts in the future.

The governor appointed a commission to review Kentucky's tax code but it won't make recommend changes in time to help fix the current situation.

The address can be seen on KET or heard on 91.3 WKMS FM.

Meeting to discuss Ky. 91/Ky. 293 connector

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) has scheduled a public meeting to gain input on efforts to design a new connector from Ky. 91 around the northeast side of Princeton to connect to Ky. 293 near the future Interstate 69 corridor along the Wendell H. Ford Western Kentucky Parkway.

The meeting will be from 5 to 8 p.m., today at the University of Kentucky Research Center at1205 Hopkinsville St. in Princeton. KyTC District 2 Design Engineer John Rudd said design alternatives being considered for the project will be shared with the public.

“This new connector is an effort to improve connectivity and help reduce traffic congestion in downtown Princeton. Transportation employees and our consultants will have exhibits to share with the public at this meeting. We’ll be asking for comments and input during and following the meeting,” Rudd said.

Both written and oral statements will be accepted at the meeting. A recorder will be made available for those who desire to make oral statements and a comment sheet will be distributed to make it more convenient to provide written comments.

“We’re urging anyone with an interest in this project to attend the meeting to provide input on the alternates under consideration for this project,” Rudd said. “The format is informal, with opportunities for the public to view displays and ask questions.”

Even after the public meeting, exhibits will be available for public review. They may be viewed from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for 15 days at the Kentucky Department of Highways District 2 Office, 1840 N. Main St., Madisonville.

In addition, written statements also will be accepted for 15 days after the public meeting. Written statements should be addressed to Everett Green, Branch Manager Project Development, KYTC, 1840 N. Main St., Madisonville, KY 42431. Recorded and written statements will become part of the official record. Once compiled, the meeting record will be made available for review and copying under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Open Records requests must be submitted to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Office of Legal Services, 200 Metro St., Frankfort, KY 40622.

Handheld devices banned in commercial vehicles

2012-01-16T17:00:00.000-06:00

Kentucky authorities are reminding operators of commercial vehices to put away their smart phones and keep their eyes on the road.

On Jan. 3, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration banned the use of all handheld mobile communication devices while operating a commercial vehicle. The ban also prohibits the use of any such handheld device while stopped at a temporary traffic control device such as a traffic light or a stop sign.

The new regulation allows for a one button use for the purposes of initiating, answering or terminating a call and for full operation of a mobile device in an emergency situation in order to contact police or other emergency services.

The law is an attempt to lessen the number of collisions caused by inattentive drivers. Anyone having questions relating to the changes may contact the Kentucky State Police in Madisonville at (270) 676-3313.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

Governor to give budget address Tuesday
As state legislators take the day off to observe the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Gov. Steve Beshear prepares to address the General Assembly Tuesday about the state’s budget. Area legislators still can’t say specifically how deep they expect cuts will be in this year’s budget cycle.

“We haven’t had any leaks out of the administration or anywhere else,” said state Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green. “The Senate will not get the budget probably until about two weeks before we’re supposed to be done.”

Beshear warned in his State of the Commonwealth address this month that cuts would be deep.

The budget address will be broadcast on KET and on the WKMS 91.3 FM at 6 p.m., Tuesday.

For the full story, visit the Bowling Green Daily News online.

Anti-meth bill gets mixed reviews
Kentucky lawmakers may soon vote on legislation that would require a prescription for cold medicines commonly used for making methamphetamine. Several local officials believe meth production in Kentucky will drop dramatically if such a law takes effect. The chemical in this medicine, pseudoephedrine, is the only ingredient absolutely necessary for making meth, Commonwealth’s Attorney Lynn Pryor said.

For the full story, visit the Kentucky New Era online.

Crittenden teams open play in All A Classic

2012-01-15T21:26:00.002-06:00

The Lady Rockets open play in the All A Classic at 7 p.m., Monday at Dawson Springs. An article in last week's newspaper incorrectly said the game was to be in Marion.

The Rockets open play Tuesday at 7 p.m., at Smithland in the All A Classic. They play Livingston Central.

Monday closings include schools

2012-01-15T18:30:00.000-06:00

All city, county, state and federal offices, including the postal service, will be closed Monday in observance of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. The public library, Extension service and Crittenden County schools will also be closed Monday.

Due to the postal holiday, delivery of The Early Bird will be one day behind schedule, but The Crittenden Press will be open as usual.

Area death

2012-01-15T17:58:00.000-06:00

Robert Wayne Coleman Millikan, 70, of Salem died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 at Salem Springlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services are Tuesday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Superintendents are skeptical of school bus ads bill

2012-01-15T10:53:00.000-06:00

UPDATE: The bill passed the House Jan. 18 by a 69-27 vote with Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton) voting against the measure.

Some area school superintendents are skeptical of the benefit of proposed legislation that would allow school districts to sell advertising on the exterior of school buses. House Bill 30 is currently awaiting a full vote in the state House scheduled for Tuesday.

For the full story, visit the Murray Ledger & Times online.

Area death

2012-01-14T16:44:00.004-06:00

Timothy Allen Sparks, 55, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2012 in Kansas City, Mo. Funeral services are Wednesday in the Chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Livingston library to open next month

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-06:00

For Livingston County's 9,000-plus residents, a trip to the library used to mean as much as a half-hour trip across county lines to Marion or Paducah. But that will change early next month as Livingston opens the first ever public library in the county. Livingston County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher says the library project has been almost a decade in the making. It started in earnest about five years ago when designs were finalized and fundraising started.

For the complete story and an audio interview with Lasher, visit WKMS online.

Smithland dam project takes centerstage for AMP

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

For American Municipal Power Inc., a nonprofit wholesale power supplier to municipal electric systems based in Columbus, Ohio, hydropower is the No. 1 renewable energy source. To this end, AMP is moving forward with four developments along the Ohio River that will provide more than 300 megawatts of generating capacity for a majority of its 129 members in seven states.

AMP Chief Executive Officer Marc Gerken says hydropower has been “largely ignored” in recent discussions about alternative energy. “Hydro is not a new, shiny, sexy technology,” he said. It’s true, hydropower is not new. Hydroelectric generation comprised about 40 percent of total generation in the early 1900s. But by 2011, hydroelectricity accounted for just 7 percent, according to the National Hydropower Association.

The 72-megawatt Smithland project near Smithland, Ky., just one of AMP's four developments, will divert water from Smithland Locks and Dam through three horizontal 25.3-megawatt bulb turbines to generate an average gross annual output of about 379 gigawatt hours. The gross head of the project is 22 feet. The site will include an intake approach channel, a reinforced concrete powerhouse and a tailrace channel. A two-mile-long 161-kilovolt transmission line interconnection is planned to connect to MISO.

The $450 million Smithland project experienced some construction delays in May 2011 when continuous rains and backwater effect from the Mississippi River caused water to rise nearly to the crest of the cofferdam being installed to construct the powerhouse. Elevation at that part of the river had not reached such levels since 1937.

For the complete story, visit RenewableEnergyWorld.com.

Blasting for U.S. 641 begins in Crayne

2012-01-13T17:17:00.000-06:00

After blasting today, work resumed on cutting a path through
the Crayne Knobs for the new, four-lane U.S. 641. Blasting will
continue until the adjacent knobs are tapered from the top down
in the form of a V in order to create a road bed between the two
topographic features.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC)completed a test blast today as part of construction on the New U.S. 641 Corridor in Crittenden County. The test explosion was set off just before 1 p.m.

The test blast was to allow engineers to calculate the optimum amount of explosives required for excavation at the site as work goes forward.

Completion of the test blast should allow production blasting to begin in about seven to 10 days. The contractor plans blasts about every one to two days with all blasting at approximately noon. Blasting on the project will be isolated to the area between Crayne Cemetery Road and Lloyd Road southeast of the Crayne community. An audible safety warning horn will provide an advance notice near the blasting site.

The blasting site will be in the knobs area east of existing U.S. 641 between mile-points 2.565 and 3.188.

The contractor and transportation engineers will coordinate efforts to provide updated information to the public as the blasting schedule firms up.

Road Builders and Parkway Construction of Greenville is the Prime contractor on this $18.6 million highway improvement project to build a 4-lane section between Marion and Fredonia.

For pictures of today's activity, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheCrittendenPress.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-13T12:25:00.000-06:00

Pressure on to change state law on cold meds
More than 35 law enforcement officers from across the state packed into a Senate judiciary committee meeting Thursday in Frankfort to support proposed legislation that would require a prescription to buy pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter cold medicine that is the primary ingredient used to make methamphetamine.

For the complete story, visit The Bowling Green Daily News online.

House redraw would put three lawmakers in same district
A House redistricting plan puts three southcentral Kentucky Republicans in the same District: 17. Under the plan approved Thursday, all of Butler and Edmonson County and a portion of Warren County where Rep. Jim DeCesare lives would be lumped into one district. Butler is represented by C.B. Embry and Edmonson County is represented by freshman Michael Meredith.

For the complete story, visit The Bowling Green Daily News online.

Kindergarten birthday cutoff date may be pushed back
Some Kentucky kindergartners could start the school a year later than expected if legislation succeeds in pushing the birthday cutoff back two months. Senate Bill 24 would require that kids turn 5 by Aug. 1 to enroll in kindergarten that fall. If approved, it would take effect with the 2013-2014 school year.

For the complete story, visit The State Journal online.

KU officially opens Morganfield facility

2012-01-13T12:18:00.003-06:00

KU and area Morganfield officials get ready to cut the ribbon to
officially open a new facility in Morganfield. They include (from left)
Kevin Sheilley of Northwest Kentucky Forward; Morganfield mayor
Bill Young; Union County Judge-Executive Jody Jenkins; Chris Hermann,
Senior VP, Energy Delivery for LG&E and KU; Brad Rives, Chief
Administrative Officer for LG&E and KU; Bob Burrow, KU
Morganfield Operations Team Leader; and former Morganfield mayor
Jerry Freer.

Fifty-four new jobs, improved customer service and a better command center for coping with weather emergencies — those are the benefits that Kentucky Utilities Co. officials said their $4.2 million newly opened customer service and operations center in Union County will provide.

For the complete story, visit The Gleaner online.

Basement activities cancelled for tonight

2012-01-13T12:14:00.002-06:00

There will be no Basement activities at Marion Bapitst Church this evening for for Grades 6-12 due to no school having been held today.

Cheer Clinic cheerleaders perform tonight

2012-01-13T10:59:00.002-06:00

Cheer Clinic cheerleaders will be performing during tonight's basketball games at Rocket Arena. Cindy Crabtree, the cheer coach, said the cheerleaders to be there by 7 p.m.

Tonight's basketball games still on

2012-01-13T10:54:00.000-06:00

Though school was cancelled today due to the weather, tonight's basketball games will still be played as scheduled. Today's sunshine and road treatments have eliminated the risk from travel due to wintery weather.

No school Friday for snow; Monday, too

2012-01-12T20:09:00.001-06:00

There will be no school in Crittenden County on Friday due to hazardous road conditions because of Thursday's snowfall.

School will also be out Monday for Martin Luther King Day, giving students and teachers a four-day weekend.

3-ton limit placed on U.S. 60 Ledbetter bridge

2012-01-12T15:53:00.000-06:00


The deteriorating condition of the U.S. 60 Tennessee River bridge between Ledbetter and Paducah has forced transportation officials to reduce the span's weight limit to only 3-ton vehicles. For more photos of the areas of concern along the bridge, visit The Crittenden Press' on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheCrittendenPress.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is reducing the load limit on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge to three tons. The weight restriction was posted on Tuesday, essentially limiting the bridge to passenger vehicles and standard pick-up trucks only.

Jim LeFevre, chief district engineer of Department of Highways District 1 at Paducah, said the three-ton load limit is necessary for the safety of citizens who depend on the bridge to get to and from work. It also will help ensure that the bridge can remain in service until a new bridge currently under construction upstream can be completed, LeFevre said.

The new bridge, which is under construction 1,500 feet upstream from the existing structure, is on track for completion in mid-2014.

Also known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge and the Ledbetter Bridge, the span connects McCracken County to Livingston County between Paducah and Ledbetter. The two-lane bridge was opened to traffic in 1931 and carries approximately 7,700 vehicles across the Tennessee River in an average day. About 80 percent is private passenger vehicle and commuter traffic that will be unaffected by the three-ton limit.

However, the limit will restrict truck traffic for a number of major businesses, including the ADM Livingston Point Elevator, Three Rivers Boat and Barge in Ledbetter, Livingston County Livestock Auction and additional businesses in Livingston, McCracken and Crittenden counties.

LeFevre said he and other engineers involved in the decision recognize that the load limit reduction will mean a lengthy detour that will pose a hardship to area truckers and some businesses.

“However, we believe at this time it is best to use caution as we work to maintain the existing structure while the new bridge is being constructed,” LeFevre said.

LeFevre said engineers will evaluate the possibility of repairs, though repair work that would force temporary closure of the bridge, perhaps for several months, would be impractical.

In 2007 the bridge was reduced to a 28-ton load limit for several weeks to allow deck reinforcement and pier cap repairs. Completion of that work allowed trucks to again cross with load limits only on certain types of trucks.

However, cabinet engineers in District 1 and at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet central office in Frankfort concluded, after analyzing results of an inspection completed in October 2011, that the deck, superstructure and substructure of the bridge had deteriorated enough to require the lower weight posting.

"Our prime concern here is the safety of the public. The bridge is safe for passenger vehicles and standard pick-up trucks. We are not comfortable allowing larger vehicles to cross the bridge at this time," LeFevre noted.

Livingston County Judge-Executive Chris Lasher said he recognized the hardship on the affected businesses. However, he said he agreed that maintaining the safety of the bridge for everyone should take priority.

Portable message boards have been placed at each end of the bridge to alert motorists of the load limit. Signs are also up on U.S. 60 near the nine-mile marker in Livingston County and at the west edge of Marion in Crittenden County to alert trucks and travelers well before they reach the bridge. These message board are expected to remain in place several weeks to familiarize drivers with the weight restriction. More permanent signage should be up by the end of the week.

McCracken and Livingston County authorities will strictly be enforcing the weight limit. According to Kentucky law, violators can be fined up to $500 and/or sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Redistricting plan passes, keeping Crittenden in same House District 4 with Livingston and Caldwell counties

2012-01-12T15:41:00.002-06:00

The Kentucky House of Representatives voted 63-34 Thursday afternoon to approve a redistricting plan that reshapes the commonwealth's 100 House districts. The new boundaries would remove McCracken County precincts from District 4 that includes the entirety of Crittenden, Livingston and Caldwell counties and replace them with precincts in north to central Trigg County. (Click on the above map to enlarge.)

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton) chair of the House State Government
Committee, presides over consideration of a redistricting bill.

An earlier report here had erroneously depicted a Republican proposed map introduced as an an alternative to the above map. That map was defeated in favor of the redistricting now shown here.

The bill passed by the house was filed by Cherry with lines drawn by House leadership, including Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg). The final vote was largely along party lines in the House, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 59-41.

The House-approved map now heads to the Senate for approval. Changes to the plan are expected.

NWS issues winter weather advisory

2012-01-12T14:04:00.002-06:00

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from until midnight for southern Illinois, western Kentucky and southeast Missouri.

Light snow is spreading east into western Kentucky and southern Illinois and across the rest of Kentucky and southwest Illinois

Accumulating snow will be possible through the day and gradually tapering off from west to east late this afternoon and this evening.

Snow is expected to accumulate on roadways and cause travel issues with one to possibly two inches expected.

Gusty northwest winds at 15 to 20 mph with gusts of 30 to 35 mph will cause blowing snow at times which may further reduce visibilities.

Wind chill readings will drop into the teens and possibly even single digits.

A Winter Weather Advisory for snow means that periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.

Blowing snow may also cause visibility issues from time to time especially in open areas.

Survey will help drive health services in area

2012-01-12T10:39:00.000-06:00

Local officials are asking residents to take a moment to complete the Crittenden County Quality of Life and Community Perceptions Survey. The purpose of this survey is to get your opinion about community health problems.

The Crittenden Health Improvement Partnership committee will be provided with the results of this survey to help identify the most pressing problems and help address them in Crittenden County.

All information provided will be kept confidential. Your opinion is important, and the survey takes fewer than 10 minutes. Thus far, the following number of people have completed the surveys:

Crittenden: 47 completed
Caldwell: 98 completed
Livingston: 108 completed
Lyon: 34 completed
Trigg: 46 completed

Click here to begin taking the survey if you are from Crittenden County. If you live in another county directed by the Pennyrile District Health Department, click on the respective link below:

Highway crews ready for wintery weather

2012-01-12T10:20:00.002-06:00

Highway crews across Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) Districts 1 and 2 of western Kentucky are prepared to respond to an approaching winter weather system.

For the most part, the area has had light snow reported in all counties. The heaviest snow squalls have been across the northern half of the area. The pavement temperatures are holding in the mid 30’s.

KyTC rews are monitoring bridges, overpasses, and other potential trouble spots across the region. All crews have trucks loaded and are on standby to roll out quickly as the developing weather system requires.

"Our main concern is that as temperatures drop through the day and high winds help chill roadway surface temperatures there will be a potential for slick spots to develop fairly quickly," said Keith Todd, KyTC spokesman. "Crews are prepared to operate 24/7 as required over the next few days as temperatures are expected to drop into the 20’s the next two or three nights."

Motorists are asked to do their part to improve their own safety by reducing their driving speed to meet localized weather conditions. Drivers are advised to monitor area news media outlets for weather updates, particularly through the evening and overnight hours.

For timely updates, visit KyTC's facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict1 or http://www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict2. District 1 covers Crittenden County.

Say hello to your sweetheart

2012-01-11T18:00:00.000-06:00

Say hello to your special Valentine in the Feb. 9 edition of The Crittenden Press.

Also, share with us a fascinating story of how you met your

Valentine and the unique love that you share.

Wanted Marion man apprehended

2012-01-11T14:56:00.000-06:00

UPDATE

At approximately 2:30 p.m., today, James “Eddie” Millikan was arrested after authorities received an anonymous tip. Millikan was lodged in the Henderson County Jail.

- - - - -

Crittenden County TipLine is now offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest of James "Eddie" Millikan.

Millikan

State Police have issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of third-degree burglary, a Class D felony.

Millikan, 35, is wanted in connection with a burglary on Long Branch Road in rural Crittenden County in which more than $10,000 in items were stolen, including a number of cases of ammunition.

Millikan is 5-foot-10 and weighs 190 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information can call 965-3000 and remain anonymous.

Whitfield to seek re-election

2012-01-11T14:23:00.000-06:00

Rep. Whitfield

Congressman Ed Whitfield, a Hopkinsville Republican, has announced his intentions to seek a 10th term representing Kentucky’s First Congressional District on Capitol Hill. No one has yet to file against the incumbent, who has held the office since 1995. If re-elected, he would become the second longest serving representative of the district. Noble J. Gregory, a Democrat, held the seat from 1937 to 1959.

In other election filings, former Congressman Carol Hubbard (D-Mayfield) has filed to run for the Senate District 1 seat in Frankfort. The seat is currently held by Crittenden County native Ken Winters, a Murray Republican. Winters has not decided if he will seek re-election to a third term.

Area death

2012-01-11T12:24:00.002-06:00

Edgar "Clay" Richardson, 86, of Marion died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Health Services. Funeral services are Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Inside this week's Press

2012-01-11T10:45:00.000-06:00

Marion Police recovered a stolen backhoe last week that

belonged to a Henderson construction company.

The peaceful community of Crayne in southern Crittenden County is about to get a little noisy, thanks to a road project more than 10 years in the making. The contractor for construction of a new 5.2-mile U.S. 641 corridor from Marion to Fredonia was slated to begin blasting today to make way for the four-lane roadway.

Also, Crittenden County TipLine has already paid a $500 reward for information police say has helped them bring burglary charges against a Marion man. Now, the crime-stopper-styled organization is offering another $500 to anyone who helps police track down a second suspect.

And, there will likely be a more formal announcement in the near future, but it has been confirmed that the purchase of about 2,400 acres near Sturgis has been completed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) and the U.S. Forest Service.

Read these stories and more inside this week's edition of The Crittenden Press.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-11T10:36:00.001-06:00

Advertisements on buses passes education committee

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Sen. Dorsey Ridley (standing) confers with
Sen. Denise Harper Angel (D-Louisville)
Tuesday on the floor of the Kentucky State
Senate. Sen. Ridley (D-Henderson) represents
the Fourth District that includes Caldwell,
Crittenden, Henderson, Livingston, Union
and Webster counties.

The House Education Committee passed a bill Tuesday allowing public school districts to sell advertisements on buses. House Bill 30, sponsored by Rep. Terry Mills (D-Lebanon) is primarily concerned with adding additional sources of revenue to school districts, according to a Kentucky legislature news release.

The bill passed the education committee with 19 members voting yes, two voting no and four passing, according to committee staff. The bill bans advertisements catering to tobacco, alcohol and political campaigns. Other than that, districts are allowed to decide what businesses can buy space on the buses.

For the full story, visit the Kentucky New Era online.

House redraws congressional districts
The state House split mostly along party lines Tuesday in approving a bill to redraw the boundaries of Kentucky's six congressional districts. Republicans in the Democratic-controlled House protested that House Bill 2 was designed to protect Democratic U.S. Reps. Ben Chandler and John Yarmuth. The bill now goes to the Republican-led Senate, where it is expected to undergo major changes.

For the complete story and a graphic showing the redrawn boundaries for each district, visit The Herald Leader online.

Area death

2012-01-10T19:01:00.001-06:00

Cozette Ray Casper, 102, of Hampton died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 at Paducah Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Funeral services are at 1 p.m., Thursday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-10T09:11:00.001-06:00

House expected to act on redistricting this week

Rep. Mike Cherry

The state House is expected to act this week on the controversial issue of redrawing the boundaries of legislative and congressional districts.

House State Government Committee chairman Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, said Monday that his panel was scheduled to take up legislation to redraw boundaries for the 100 state House districts on Wednesday. He also said the full House might vote today on a congressional redistricting plan in House Bill 2 that emerged from his committee last week.

For the complete story, visit the The Herald Leader online.

Senator readies bill for gaming vote
A constitutional amendment dealing with expanded gambling in Kentucky could come before the General Assembly as early as this week, state Sen. R.J. Palmer II (D-Winchester) said.

“I think the people of the commonwealth have made it pretty clear that they are ready to vote on this issue. There has to be a constitutional amendment passed by the General Assembly before it can be voted on by the people of the state,” Palmer said.

Currently, Palmer is working on a draft of an amendment that he hopes to sponsor, getting input from Republicans, gambling industry insiders and the governor.

For the complete story, visit The Winchester Sun online.

Teacher evaluation bill clears House Education panel
A bill that would require the state to create a uniform teacher evaluation system for Kentucky’s 174 school districts for implementation during the 2014-2015 school year has cleared the House Education Committee.

Currently, each school district in the state has its own evaluation system for certified personnel, according to House Education Committee Chairman and House Bill 40 sponsor Rep. Carl Rollins, (D-Midway). By creating one system of teacher evaluation, Rollins said HB 40 would “promote continuous professional growth of our teachers so that they can become better.”

“It’s one-size-fits-all, but it should be,” he said.

“In most districts, you have a principal observation that may last an hour once every three years if you have tenure and once every year--at least once a year--if you don’t have tenure. That’s very subjective,” Rollins said. “I think it would be much better if a peer (a certified employee who teaches the same subject matter) evaluated that teacher once every three years to help determine that teacher’s content knowledge.”

Multiple measures, including principal observation, parent and student feedback, would likely be part of the new evaluation system, he said.

School districts that already have a multiple measure system of evaluation could apply to the state Department of Education to have the requirements in HB 40 waived, Rollins said.

The Department of Education would work with professional school and teacher organizations to develop the system prior to the 2014-2015 school year, according to the bill.

Consumers warned of 'tech support' scam

2012-01-10T08:01:00.004-06:00

Attorney General Jack Conway is alerting consumers about a new telemarketing scam that is making its way across Kentucky. Conway’s Office of Consumer Protection has received more than two dozen complaints since mid-November about a “Tech Support” telemarketing scam. Consumers report that the scammers impersonate tech support specialists who claim to have detected a virus on the victims’ computer.

“This is just another attempt by scammers to gain access to personal financial information and for the purpose of identity theft,” Conway said. “Never share personal information over the telephone with a stranger.”

For the complete story, visit the Kentucky Enquirer online.

Governor urges Kentuckians to apply for IRS's Earned Income Tax Credit

2012-01-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Gov. Steve Beshear Monday joined other officials to launch his annual campaign to urge eligible Kentuckians to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal tax credit for low- and middle-income working individuals and families.

“This tax credit is an extremely valuable resource for low-wage earning taxpayers struggling in this difficult economy, and I want to make certain that every Kentuckian eligible for this benefit receives it,” Beshear said. “In addition, an estimated 97 percent of received funds from this credit are infused back into local communities, thus boosting Kentucky business and benefiting local economies.”

In tax year 2010, Kentuckians filed nearly 400,000 EITC claims for a total of more than $876 million in benefits statewide. The average awarded credit was $2,200. According to the Internal Revenue Service, an estimated 15 to 20 percent of eligible workers still do not claim their EITC benefits, mostly due to lack of awareness.

Beshear announced a list of nearly 200 free tax preparation sites across the state where trained and IRS-certified volunteers will assist Kentuckians with filing their taxes and applying for EITC. To find information about these sites, including addresses, phone numbers and if appointments are required, visit http://assistance.ky.gov/.

For information about tax preparation, taxpayers may call Community Action Kentucky at 1-800-456-3452.

Eligibility for the EITC is based on income and household composition, as is the amount of the credit. Families who earned up to $49,078 in 2011 can be eligible for EITC. More extensive qualification information is also available at http://assistance.ky.gov/.

Beshear applauded the many organizations across the state working to bring awareness and provide easily accessible and free tax assistance to Kentuckians.

Tell your pets how much you love them

2012-01-09T21:02:00.001-06:00

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-09T13:30:00.000-06:00

Bill would keep kids out of criminal justice system
Should 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds face criminal charges?

In 2009 and 2010, complaints were filed against at least 748 Kentucky children younger than 11 for offenses that included being out of control, minor injury assaults and criminal mischief. Sixty-three of those children were ages 5, 6, and 7, according to a 2011 Herald-Leader analysis of state records. Eight of those children were 5 years old.

State Rep. Darryl Owens, D-Louisville, last week introduced House Bill 143, which would prohibit children 10 or younger from being charged with criminal offenses. Instead, those children could be found neglected or dependent on the state for services.

For the complete story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Winter about to invade Kentucky

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

From the KPA News Content Service
So far, this winter hasn't behaved much like a typical winter. But all that is about to change later this week.

Tuesday and Wednesday will remain mild with highs in the mid-40s to low 50s, according to the National Weather Service's Paducah office.

But all that changes on Thursday and Friday as cold air from Canada invades Kentucky. That will mean temperatures in the 30s and 20s later in the week, but it also means there will be a slight chance of snow showers Thursday afternoon and evening, the Weather Service said.

Lows will be in the teens during the upcoming cold spell.

Area death

2012-01-09T09:52:00.002-06:00

Leealema Pauline Duncan Nichols, 67, of Providence died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. Services are scheduled for Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Police: Bath salt abusers sometimes turn violent

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

A Frankfort-area official said authorities have run into four incidents involving bath salts and violence within the last two weeks. And after three jailers at Franklin County Regional Jail were bitten by alleged users of the synthetic drug, Franklin County Sheriff Pat Melton says the issue has “unequivocally exploded.”

An emergency amendment to House Bill 185, which bans some chemicals used in bath salts within the state, was introduced in the state House of Representatives Tuesday to “expand the definition” of chemicals that are on the ban list.

For the complete story, visit The State Journal online.

Blasting for U.S. 641 project to start in Crayne

2012-01-06T22:35:00.000-06:00

As part of construction on the new U.S. 641 corridor in Crittenden County, Kentucky transportation officials say test blasting has been scheduled to take place next week, possibly as early at Wednesday.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) reports production blasting in the Crayne area is expected to begin seven to 10 days after the test shot has been performed next week. Once this starts, blasting will continue about every one to two days and will take place at noon on the days it will be done.

Blasting for the $18.6 million project will be isolated to the area between Crayne Cemetery Road and Lloyd Road southeast of the Crayne community. Residents living in that area will hear an audible warning signal before blasting takes place.

The contractor, Road Builders and Parkway Construction of Greenville, and KyTC engineers will coordinate efforts to provide updated information to the public as the test shot schedule firms up over the next several days. Once the test blast is executed, production blasting is expected to commence approximately one week from that day

The highway improvement project to build a four-lane section between Marion and Fredonia has been more than a decade in the works.

Area death

2012-01-06T15:49:00.001-06:00

Judy Easley, 65, of Marion died Friday, Jan. 6, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. She was a retired elementary teacher from Crittenden County's school system. Services are scheduled for Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-06T10:46:00.000-06:00

Panel moves congressional redistricting plan forward

A state House committee redrawing the boundaries of Kentucky's six congressional districts voted along party lines Thursday on a proposal that would reshape the districts, making the commonwealth's First Congressional District represented by Ed Whitfield of Hopkinsville more representative of western Kentucky among other significant changes.

The plan in House Bill 2, filed by Rep. Mike Cherry of Princeton, moves Daviess County from the Second District to the First District, and eliminates the current boundary that stretches along the Tennessee border up to the heart of the Bluegrass State. Whitfield's district, which includes Crittenden and all surrounding counties, would lie almost completely west of Interstate 65 if the proposal is approved.

The plan now goes to the House of Representatives for a vote.

For the complete story, visit The Herald Leader online.

State House, Senate redistricting plan to be heard
Meantime, House Bill 1, also filed by Cherry who chairs the chamber's State Government Committee that must OK the legislation before it goes to the floor for a vote, shows no significant changes to Crittenden County's state House or Senate districts.

House District 4 would still include the entirety of Crittenden, Livingston, and Caldwell counties, as well as western precincts in McCracken County. Senate District 4, represented by Sen. Dorsey Ridley (D-Henderson) would still be comprised of Crittenden, Livingston, Caldwell, Union, Webster and Henderson counties.

The committee is expected to review the House Bill 1 on Monday.

Audio cuts from legislators

Legislative week in review: A two minute wrap-up of this week's General Assembly activity in Frankfort.
Senate President David Williams: A 67-second audio with Senate President David Williams of Burkesville offering his thoughts on tax reform during this session of the General Assembly.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo: A 59-second audio with House Speaker Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg stating his preference for a clean and simple proposed constitutional amendment to address expanded gaming in Kentucky.
Sen. Jerry Rhoads: A 73-second audio with Sen. Jerry Rhoads of Madisonville commenting on his bill that would ban those convicted of methamphetamine crimes from purchasing key over-the-counter components like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine that are used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process.

Crash has U.S. 60 in Ledbetter down to 1 lane

2012-01-06T08:47:00.001-06:00

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has a report of a crash involving multiple vehicles, including a tractor-trailer, on U.S. 60 in front of the convenience store in Ledbetter. This is on U.S. 60 in Livingston County near the intersection with Kelly Road at the two-mile marker.

Livingston County Dispatch reports a semi has rear-ended another semi and one is in the ditch.

One lane of traffic is reported open at this time with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. Motorists should use caution in the area due to emergency response personnel in the area.

Passenger vehicles may self-detour via Cody Cooper Road and Rudd-Spees Road.

Local man wanted for questioning by authorities

2012-01-06T07:50:00.000-06:00

Police say they are looking for a local man wanted in questioning regarding some active burglary cases in the county.

James Edward "Eddie" Millikan, 35, of Marion is believed to be in Crittenden or Webster counties. He is described as a white male, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes.

Kentucky State Police, Marion Police Department and the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department are each involved in the investigation.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Millikan is asked to call the Marion Police Department at 965-3500.

KSP Citizens Police Academy taking apps

2012-01-05T18:00:00.000-06:00

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 1 in Graves County is now accepting applications for the 2012 KSP Citizens Police Academy. The 10-week academy is slated to begin on Feb. 15 and conclude April 18.

Students will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays where they will learn about the many facets of the KSP including patrol, criminal investigations and drug investigations. Students will also get to take part in simulated law enforcement training during the course.

The Academy's first week will be held at the KSP post on Ky. 45 North in Hickory. The following nine weeks of the academy will be held at the Murray-Calloway County Transit Authority Community Room located at 1111 Transit Way in Murray.

Applications can be obtained by contacting Post One at (270) 856-3721. Applications can also be obtained online by visiting www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/post1.htm.

Anyone 18 years of age living within the Post 1 district, which covers 11 counties including Livingston and Lyon, is welcome to apply. There is no cost to attend. Class size will be limited to the first 30 approved applications.

Area death

2012-01-05T16:58:00.005-06:00

Juanita Hobbs, 80, of Marion died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. Funeral services are Saturday at Myers Funeral Home.

Financial aid still available for winter heating

2012-01-05T13:43:00.002-06:00

The crisis phase of Kentucky’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has begun, offering financial assistance to those in need of help to pay their utility bills.

LIHEAP’s first winter funding phase, for all eligible families who need heating assistance, ended in December. The program’s crisis phase, for families facing a home-heating emergency, ends March 31 or when funding runs out.

To apply or for further information, contact the Community Action Agency in your respective county listed below:

Crittenden: 402 N. Walker St., Marion, 965-4763.
Livingston: 502 Redd St., Smithland, 928-2827.
Caldwell: 116 E. Main St., Princeton, 365-5097.
Union: 227 Richards Lane, Morganfield, 389-3742.
Webster: 64 N. College St., Dixon, 639-5635.
Lyon: Courthouse, Eddyville, 388-7812.

Kentucky General Assembly news

2012-01-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

Coalition: Support for state's public schools fallen
A new education coalition said Wednesday that state support for Kentucky public schools has fallen during the past four years despite perceptions to the contrary. It urged Gov. Steve Beshear and the 2012 General Assembly to reverse the trend with more money.

The Kentucky Education Action Team, calling itself KEAT, contended that inflation, combined with state funding that has remained flat or been cut in some areas, has led to declines in seven key programs, including the basic Support Educational Excellence in Kentucky, or SEEK, funding that supports school operations.

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Stumbo proposes moving drug monitoring to AG's office
Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo hopes to crack down on doctors who overprescribe pain medications by moving the statewide prescription monitoring system to a law-enforcement agency.

Stumbo said Wednesday that he soon would file a bill to transfer the state's Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System, known as KASPER, from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to Attorney General Jack Conway's office.

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Area death

2012-01-05T11:21:00.001-06:00

Rosa Lee Lynch, 87, of Marion died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. Services are Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Beshear outlines aims for legislative session

2012-01-05T07:36:00.000-06:00

LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Gov. Steve Beshear (left) greets Senate President David
Williams (R-Burkesville) as House Speaker Greg Stumbo
(D-Prestonsburg) looks on prior to the governor's State
of the Commonwealth Address Wednesday evening.

Gov. Steve Beshear projected deep cuts in the next two-year state budget, pushed for a constitutional amendment to allow expanded gambling and called for overhauling the state's tax structure in his fifth State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday. The cuts could be as deep as 7 percent to 9 percent during the next two years, state officials said. Beshear, speaking before a joint session of the House and Senate, asked legislators to be "decisive and aggressive" and to take bold steps to fix the state's finances, better prepare its work force and attack Kentuckians' addictions to prescription drugs.

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.