News & Sports from the Area
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Monday, August 25, 2025
City Council will propse tax rates Wednesday
Marion City Council will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at city hall.
On the agenda is first reading of Ordinance 25-15, which sets the city’s 2025 tax levy.
Livingston leaders will discuss solar setbacks
Magistrates are expected to give second reading to a solar farm ordinance and discuss earthquake insurance under old business.
The solar ordinance has gained a good bit of attention. Setbacks were originally proposed well beyond the normal scope for such projects. The court will make the final determination of those setbacks during Tuesday’s meeting. A company is exploring a solar farm between Carrsville and Hampton in the northern part of Livingston County.
New business includes the treasurer’s report, annual settlement and $30,000 in EMS claims. The court will also hear committee and department reports on EMS, county transfer stations, the sheriff’s department and the road department, which is considering hiring two Livingston County High School co-op students.
Parks and recreation matters are also on the agenda, including repairs at Roy Ringstaff Ball Field and alterations to the Lady Cardinals’ dugout. Other items for consideration include Octoberfest T-shirt sponsorships, a health board appointment, a Hazmat-1 contract, 2025 tax rates, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 80/20 resolution and pressure washing the county office and library building.
A closed session is scheduled under KRS 61.810(1)(f) to discuss personnel matters.
Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report
On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver took a theft report from a Lamasco citizen who stated he ran out of gas on his black Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle on U.S. 62 near Major’s Loop (eastbound side) on Aug. 10, 2025, in Kuttawa. The victim walked toward the Huck’s Travel Center to obtain fuel. Upon his return, his motorcycle had reportedly been stolen. This was the only mode of transportation the victim currently had. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311. Note: The picture below is for reference purposes as it is the same make and model of the stolen motorcycle; however, it is not a picture of the victim’s exact one.
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, around 7:30 a.m., Sheriff Brent White was on patrol on Ky. 93 South when he observed a vehicle at a residence that was the subject of an extra patrol request. Sheriff White investigated and detained three subjects, one of whom was a previous acquaintance of the property owner, who was not present at the home, and who had been told not to be on the property. Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrived shortly thereafter and all three subjects were charged with criminal trespass. They were identified as follows
- Maranda M. Driver, 34, of Princeton
- Christian E. Romero, 27, of Princeton
- Brett Sherill, 52, of Fredonia
Beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, and continuing through Aug. 20, 2025, deputies arrested the following offenders:
- Melissa Mills, 60, of Fredonia, was served with a Knox Circuit Court bench warrant for nonpayment of costs, fees or fines. Mills awaits extradition to Knox County.
- Ashley N. Rollins, 32, of Corryton, Tenn., was served with a Lyon Circuit Court warrant charging her with failure to appear in a case from 2021 involving a vehicle pursuit. She was also served with a warrant charging her with a probation violation stemming from the same case. Rollins was extradited from Knox County, Tenn., back to Kentucky on this date. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, around 8:15 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a rollover collision on Ky. 93 South near Lamasco. His investigation revealed a 2001 Nissan Altima driven by Tana S. Stewart, 34, of Cadiz lost control of her vehicle after she stated a deer ran into her path of travel and she attempted to avoid it. Stewart’s vehicle went off the left side of the roadway and overturned. She refused medical treatment at the scene. Chief Deputy Adams charged Stewart with no insurance.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, after 8 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a single-vehicle collision on Ky. 810 North near U.S. 62. Chief Deputy Sam Adams, Sheriff Brent White and Lyon County EMS responded to the scene. The investigation revealed John M. Huddleston, 29, of Kuttawa was southbound on Ky. 810 North when he failed to negotiate a curve and left the roadway before coming to rest in a creek. After refusing medical transport, Huddleston was arrested by Chief Deputy Adams and charged with DUI (first offense), no motorcycle operator’s license and no insurance. Huddleston was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis and other members of the Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance complaint on Ky. 810 South involving several adults with children present. Upon arrival, all parties were separated, and the incident was mediated. One of the adults, identified as Mae N. Frazier, 51, of Lexington, was arrested and charged with a Hardin District Court bench warrant for failure to appear and a Fayette District Court complaint warrant charging her with
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Friday, August 22, 2025
Bus driver positions available
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| Click Image to Enlarge |
Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers. Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Magistrates ask for jailer's resignation
Hayes, who delivered her monthly jailer's report and fielded questions about cash flow earlier in the meeting, had left before the vote.
Reached afterward, Hayes said she had been informed of the action and has “respectfully denied the request” to resign, adding that a more detailed response will be released later.
Stayed tuned to The Crittenden Press for more details and further developments.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
KENTUCKY FARMERS | Raising Hope Publication
The Farmer’s Pride: Celebrating Kentucky’s Farmers
The latest edition of The Farmer’s Pride is now available — both inside the Aug. 21, 2025 issue of The Crittenden Press and online at The Farmer’s Pride. This special publication from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope program shines a light on the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of Kentucky farmers.
Among the many stories featured:
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Weathering the Wettest Year on Record – Kentucky farmers share how they’ve adapted to a historically rainy start to 2025, which delayed planting and added stress across the state.
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The Launch of the MASH Barn – The Mobile Agriculture Safety and Health Barn, a vision of Dr. Cheryl Witt, is now traveling the state to bring health screenings, training, and resources directly to farmers in a setting that feels like home.
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“I Can Hear the Birds Again” – A powerful personal story from farm safety leader Dale Dobson about discovering life after hearing loss, thanks to a new partnership with KY HEARS and the Heuser Hearing Institute.
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Handshakes That Change the World – How decades of outreach, training, and simple connections have saved lives and built the foundation for today’s farm safety programs.
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Grain Bin Rescues – Union County firefighters share firsthand accounts of how specialized training and equipment provided through Raising Hope have made the difference between life and death in dangerous grain entrapments.
Read Now -
Farmers’ Appreciation Day – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell invites all Kentucky farm families to Murray State University on Sept. 17, 2025 for a celebration filled with free food, health screenings, giveaways, and awards.
This issue is packed with resources, encouragement, and inspiration for the farm families who keep Kentucky fed, clothed, and strong.
📖 Read the full publication here: www.the-press.com/TheFarmersPride.pdf
📰 Or pick up a print copy inside the Aug. 21, 2025 edition of The Crittenden Press.
Monday, August 18, 2025
Lyon County Sheriff's Report
- On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, around 11:52 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver served an arrest warrant for failure to appear from Lyon Circuit Court on Luis Baquero, 29, of Davenport, Fla., after he was extradited back to Kentucky from Oklahoma. Baquero was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 1:20 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 818 North. His investigation revealed a 2006 Saturn Vue, operated by Jessie Biggs, 25, of Eddyville, was northbound on KY 818 when a rat reportedly ran up the driver’s leg, causing the driver to panic and lose control of the vehicle before colliding with a mailbox. No injuries were reported.
- On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, around 10:51 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to Hayden Drive in Eddyville for a two-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a 2017 Nissan, driven by Jennifer Mathiew, 46, of Eddyville, collided with a parked 2009 Ford owned by John Balthus, 43, of Kuttawa. No injuries were reported.
- On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, after 8 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to a theft complaint at the Coleman Bridge boat ramp off KY 730 East. His investigation revealed a Princeton resident was at the boat ramp filming a video when he reportedly set his backpack on the pavement and continued filming. As he walked away from his vehicle, a dark-colored Suburban pulled into the parking area before a person exited and stole the backpack. The vehicle left the area on KY 730 East, but not before the victim was able to capture pictures of the suspect and the vehicle. On Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, around 9 a.m., Sheriff Brent White identified the suspect, recovered the stolen property and charged George W. Grove, 57, of Eddyville, with theft related to the incident.
City Council Meets Tonight in Marion
MARION, Ky. — The Marion City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at city hall.
The agenda includes the second reading of three ordinances — one amending the city pay plan and setting compensation for elected officials, one regulating street-legal special purpose vehicles, and one amending golf cart regulations.
Council will also consider a resolution to authorize filing a funding application for a Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program project, hear the mayor’s recommendation for a vacant Chamber of Commerce board seat, and receive code enforcement and planning and zoning updates from Tanya Scholtz-Byers.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
USDA EQUIP registration open until Sept. 26
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Landowners, farmers and producers have until Sept. 26 to apply for assistance through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) if they want to be considered for the next round of funding.
While the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications year-round, funding selections for EQIP and other conservation programs are made at set times during the year. Applications received by the September cutoff will be evaluated for potential cost-share contracts during this cycle.
EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners to address concerns related to soil, water, air and other natural resources. Participants work with NRCS to implement voluntary conservation practices in exchange for reimbursement for a portion of the costs.
The program is open to those engaged in livestock or agricultural production, as well as owners of eligible forestland. In fiscal year 2025, Kentucky NRCS provided more than $25 million in EQIP assistance.
For more information, visit www.ky.nrcs.usda.gov, contact the Crittenden County Conservation Office at 118 E. Bellville St., Marion, or visit the USDA Service Center in Salem.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Davises purchase former True Value property
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| Colby Davis goes over sale documents with Master Commissioner Rebecca Johnson, who was in charge of the public auction. |
The sale was ordered to settle a Byline Bank of Chicago lawsuit over a defaulted business loan involving Coffer Stores Inc. and multiple associated parties. The Davises bought the building, lumberyard, two storage buildings, a nearby residence and the store’s remaining contents.
For months, Colby Davis has pitched plans for an indoor sports complex to the local economic development corporation, tourism commission and other public groups, seeking support for the project. He previously purchased undeveloped land adjacent to Marion-Crittenden County Park.
Just under 35 people attended the sale, conducted by Buntin Auction Co., but only two entered bids, including Davis.
For more details, see next week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.
UPDATE: Highway 297 has reopened
LATEST UPDATE 10:46am – The Roadway is now open.
UPDATED 7:52am — Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head reports that KY 297 is temporarily closed between Tom Minner Road and KY 723 due to a crash that damaged a utility pole.
Kenergy crews were summoned to the scene, and the road will remain shut down until repairs are made. Outages and traffic delays expected for at least 4 hours, until about noon today.
Power outages affecting almost 400 customers are reported in the area.
The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Highway 723 shut down for accident
A utility boom truck has flipped over.
Estimated duration is 4 hours. Motorists should seek alternate routes, if possible.
Traffic will be detoured at the intersection of KY 723 and KY 838, or mile point 5.8; and also at KY 723 and U.S. 60 in Salem.
Monday, August 11, 2025
School system hiring bus drivers
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| Click Image to Enlarge |
Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers. Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.
Lyon County Sheriff Weekly Report
- Michael J. Simmons, 29, of Bowling Green was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. Simmons remains in state custody.
- Phillip M. Hobdy, 39, of Owensboro was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. Hobdy remains in state custody.
- Bryan M. Enoch, 36, of Smithland was charged on a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to appear in a traffic case. Enoch was also served with a Livingston Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with receiving stolen property valued at \$500 to less than \$1,000, first-degree criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, destruction of a VIN number, no registration receipt and no registration plates. He was later lodged in the McCracken County Jail.
- Joshua W. Calvert, 29, of Lebanon was charged with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. He was also served with a Marion District Court bench warrant for nonpayment of fines, fees and costs. Calvert remains in state custody.
- Lovell Turner, 28, of Louisville was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with third-degree assault (inmate assault on a correctional employee) and being a persistent felony offender. Turner remains in state custody.
On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, around 11:25 a.m., Sheriff Brent White and Capt. Dennis Beckett served
City Declares New Water Conservation Order
The order comes amid ongoing low-water conditions at Lake George, one of Marion’s primary raw water sources. City officials say already low water reserves are being worsened by excessive evaporation and limited rainfall. The National Weather Service predicts continued dry weather for our region, the mayor said, and August, September and October are typically the driest months of the year for Marion.
Under Stage 3, residents are prohibited from washing vehicles, sidewalks, or porches, and from using municipal water to irrigate non-food-producing plants. The goal, according to the city’s Water Conservation Plan, is to ensure essential water needs can be met while minimizing unnecessary usage.
The conservation plan, established by Ordinance 22-10 originaly in 2022 and amended in March 2023, also calls for increased public awareness and education about best water use practices, along with encouraging all residents to conserve wherever possible.
“We must be proactive in protecting our water supply,” Browning said. “The city will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation, and further orders will be issued should conditions change.”
This is the first time Marion has returned to Stage 3 restrictions since May 2023, when the city enacted the order after Lake George was purposely breached to prevent a levee failure. Plentiful rains later eased the crisis, allowing the city to drop to Stage 1 restrictions.
With current forecasts offering little hope for significant rainfall, city leaders are urging the public to take the restrictions seriously to avoid more severe shortages.
The emergency order remains in effect until further notice.
DISCOLORED SHORELINE: Sign of Troubles
City officials say this is a sign of elevated manganese levels in the water, which can occur naturally when minerals in surrounding soil and rock dissolve into the lake.
The city’s assessment could be correct because manganese, like iron, is a naturally occurring element found in many soils and rocks. In low-oxygen areas of a lake, especially near the bottom manganese can dissolve into the water.
When that water is exposed to oxygen near shorelines or riprap, the manganese oxidizes and precipitates out, coating rocks with dark brown, reddish or even black stains.
While iron typically leaves a brighter orange or red color, manganese can mix with iron deposits, altering the hue. This natural process can lead to higher manganese concentrations in the raw water drawn for treatment.
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