Two injury accidents overnight in county

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department investigated two injury crashes within a span of several hours from Monday evening into early Tuesday morning.

Just before dark Monday, deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Ford’s Ferry Road and Pickering Hill Road. Authorities said one male occupant, who was the driver, was transported to Livingston Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A second crash was reported early Tuesday morning on KY 723 South. Deputies were called to the scene around 4:30 a.m. after a vehicle rolled multiple times. A male occupant was taken by ambulance to Livingston Hospital’s emergency room. No additional details were immediately available.

Mediacom prices going up in 2026

MARION, Ky. - Mediacom customers in Marion will see several programming-related rate increases beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The changes include an increase in the Local Broadcast Station Surcharge from $28.67 to $33.22, a $4.55 increase, and a slight increase in the Regional Sports Surcharge from $6.11 to $6.28. Mediacom’s Varied TV package will also increase from $130 to $140 per month. Mediacom cites higher programming costs, inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges as the reasons for the adjustments. 

Mediacom has a non-exclusive franchise to sell its telecommunications offerings in the City of Marion. 

National reporting and industry data show that television programming and related fees have been rising across the United States, driven by higher programming costs and retransmission fees that cable and TV providers pay to broadcasters and content networks - costs that are typically passed on to customers.

Fiscal court will meet in special session

Crittenden County Fiscal Court meets in speciall session at 4:30pm Tuesday at the county office complex. 

Nashville Murder Suspect found in Eddyville

- On Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, around 11:45 a.m., Sheriff White arrested a 16-year-old male juvenile from Oak Grove in Eddyville. He was charged as a fugitive from justice due to a warrant from Davidson County, Tenn., where he is charged with first-degree murder — premeditated and intentional, four counts of attempted first-degree murder — premeditated and intentional, and accessory after the fact. The juvenile was lodged in the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Facility, where he awaits extradition to Nashville, Tenn.

- On Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, just after 11 a.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 93 South near KY 778 in the Lamasco community. His investigation determined a 2005 Honda Accord, driven by Braxton Hargrove, 19, of Cadiz, was southbound on KY 93 when the driver reportedly saw a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in his lane of travel. Hargrove stated he took evasive action to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. His vehicle left the right shoulder and collided with an earthen embankment. The driver was not injured in the collision. The other vehicle failed to stop or render aid. Anyone with information concerning the accident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311.

- On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 8 a.m., Sheriff White arrested Randall J. Kyle, 39, of Eddyville and charged him on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with first-degree sexual abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age. Kyle was already listed on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry at the time of his arrest. He posted a $10,000 cash bond and was later released from custody.

- On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., School Resource Officer Deputy Cory Jessup charged a 12-year-old juvenile with third-degree terroristic threatening. An assault complaint reported Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, which occurred just outside school property, was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy

Launch Pad lifting off January 5

 Marion's New Sports Complex

Located on the former Marion True Value property 

West Kentucky Launchpad is preparing to open its doors in Marion as a new athletic training facility serving athletes of all ages and skill levels. The facility will provide training resources for baseball, softball and jiu-jitsu, along with open facility time, athlete development services and community-focused programming.

Ahead of the official opening, West Kentucky Launchpad is offering a free hitting assessment for baseball and softball players on January 3-4. Space is very limited and advance RSVP is required.

The facility will officially open for training on January 5, with baseball, softball and jiu-jitsu programs available. Additional amenities, including a community gym and expanded training opportunities, are planned and will be added in the near future.

West Kentucky Launchpad is located on Sturgis Road in Marion at the former Marion True Value property. 

For more information or to RSVP for the free hitting assessment, contact Colby Davis at 270-994-2019.

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Choose Fohs Hall for your special event

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Planning a bridal shower, class reunion or special 

event? Consider holding that event at Fohs Hall.

Fohs Hall, a beautiful 100-year-old cultural arts 

center, is the area's premier special events venue. 

For rental information, contact Elliot West.

 

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I-24 blocked by semi rollover

Interstate 24 eastbound was closed Wednesday morning at the 29-mile marker near the Marshall-Livingston county line because of a crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer.

Officials said the wreck may have resulted in a spill, though details were limited. There was no immediate estimate on how long the closure or cleanup would last.

Eastbound traffic is being detoured at Exit 27. Motorists are routed along U.S. 62 and KY 453 before rejoining I-24 at Exit 31.

Motorists are urged to use caution and expect delays in the area.

Special meeting called by Riverport Authority

The Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority, Inc. will hold a special called meeting at 11 a.m. Dec. 17, 2025, at 630 W. Dale Ave., Eddyville, Ky.

The agenda includes call to order, roll call, establishment of a quorum, discussion of the Dolphin Construction Project, discussion of the PIDP Inlet Construction Project, and adjournment.

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Lyon County Sherifff's Activity Report

 

- On Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, just after 12 p.m., Sheriff Brent White received a trespassing complaint from a property owner off U.S. 62 West in Kuttawa. On Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, around 9:40 p.m., following an investigation of the complaint, Deputy Bobby Beeler charged Brian T. Boone, 22, of Marion, with third-degree criminal trespassing. He was cited to Lyon District Court.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m., members of the sheriff’s office, led by Chief Deputy Sam Adams, served multiple arrest warrants on the following offenders:

• David Peek, 48, of Eddyville, was charged with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant for procuring or promoting use of a minor by electronic means. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
• Daniel Kelley, 47, of Richmond, was charged with a Madison Circuit Court indictment warrant for trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives). He is awaiting extradition back to Madison County.
• Andrea M. Breedlove, 37, of Eddyville, was charged with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant for second-degree burglary, violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO and third-degree criminal trespassing. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
• Richard King, 52, of Bardwell, was charged with a Ballard District Court bench warrant for nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. He is awaiting extradition back to Ballard County.
• Benita A. Festervan, 40, of Bardstown, was charged with a Marion Circuit Court bench warrant for failure to appear. She is awaiting extradition back to Marion County.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., Sheriff White arrested Michael S. Conger, 53, of Eddyville, following a several-month investigation into complaints of illegal drug trafficking in Eddyville. Conger was served with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance, second degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a persistent felony offender, first degree. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, around 3:37 p.m., Chief Deputy Adams arrested Steve E. Asher, 56, of Salem, and served him with a Livingston District Court complaint warrant charging him with six counts of distributing sexually explicit images without consent, first offense. Asher was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. The case was investigated by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

- On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., deputies served Carl Donley, 42, address unknown, with two arrest warrants from Carroll District Court, both for failure to appear in court. Donley is awaiting extradition back to Carroll County.

HOLIDAY EVENTS | Don't Miss Out!

Deer Creek Baptist Church has announced a schedule change for its Live Nativity Scene due to extreme cold weather.

The church will host the Live Nativity Monday and Tuesday, but the event will not be held Sunday (tonight) as originally planned. Organizers said the decision was made out of concern for the safety and comfort of volunteers and visitors amid the frigid temperatures.

The public is invited to attend on the remaining nights to experience the traditional Nativity presentation.

Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass will help lead a communitywide Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at Marion Baptist Church next Sunday night, Dec. 21.

The free event begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Organizers say the sing-along is intended to bring the community together through traditional Christmas music while celebrating the meaning of the season.

The program will feature familiar carols, including “The First Noël,” popularized by Andy Williams. No admission is charged.

Today is last chance to see Lessons and Carols

Practice session last week at Fohs Hall under the direction of Corey Crider

A warm glow of Christmas spirit is filling Fohs Hall this weekend as the Community Arts Foundation’s newest holiday offering, “Lessons & Carols,” makes its debut with Sunday’s program the final opportunity for the public to attend.

The festive blend of scripture and song opened last night and concludes today, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a free-will offering accepted.

Adapted and directed by local performer and arts leader Corey Crider, the program draws inspiration from a centuries-old Anglican tradition while adding the musical variety and community flavor Marion audiences have come to expect from CAF events.

The lineup includes a community choir, a local children’s choir directed by Michelle Crider, the Marion Methodist Church handbells team directed by John Michael Gage, and bluegrass favorites Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass. Additional performers include Michelle and Cade Crider, Lacie Duncan, Adam Guess, Hannah Peek, Teresa Beavers, George Whelstone, Bek Schmidt, Payne DeHaven, Declan Bingham, Isaac Carter, Gordon Hein, Brennan Cruce and Gage.

My Turn John Boy | From an October Press

This column by Editor Chris Evans was originally published in October, but its message still resonates today. If you’d like to receive The Crittenden Press each week, a subscription costs less than 62 cents an issue. We would be glad to have you as a reader. The editor’s column appears regularly in the newspaper. Click the subscribe button at the top of this page to get the full edition of The Press each week.

Every Thursday night when I was a boy, I called my grandmother to remind her that The Waltons was about to come on television. I didn’t want her to miss it. 

She had lived through the Great Depression as a young wife and mother, and while she spoke of those years with a certain fondness, I later came to realize the reality was far harsher than her stories let on. 

For her, that show was both reminder and comfort, an idealized reflection of a time that had been bitter in practice, yet sweet in memory. She had lived in a place along the Tennessee River known as the Old 23rd District. I wrote extensively about those days in my book South of the Mouth Sandy.

As a child, I didn’t fully grasp why it meant so much to her. Only later, when I understood the weight of what she had endured, did I see the deeper truth. She needed those familiar voices from Walton’s Mountain to tell her that hardship could coexist with love, dignity and grace.  

I always identified with John Boy Walton. He was a writer with his own newspaper, The Chronicle, forever scribbling down thoughts about people, places and the quiet lessons tucked inside everyday life. He was pragmatic and a little philosophical, and he saw in ordinary moments something worth preserving. Perhaps that’s where I, too, caught the bug – the notion that words on a page could help a community see itself more clearly and even find some redeeming value in the telling. 

The other night, I caught a rerun I hadn’t seen in decades, an episode titled The Pony Cart. The story

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Clerk announces holiday closings

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Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor has announced holiday closing hours for both Christmas and New Year's.

The clerk encourages citizens to note the closure dates to ensure important end-of-year business is conducted prior to Dec. 24 or beween Dec. 27 and Dec. 31.

Social Media Ban for children under 16

Australia on Monday became the first nation to enact a full ban on social media use for children under 16, a sweeping law that shifts responsibility from parents to tech companies and threatens platforms with multimillion-dollar penalties for violations.

The ban applies to major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and X. Companies must take “reasonable steps” to keep minors off their services, including age-verification measures and the removal of suspected underage accounts. Serious or repeat noncompliance could draw fines of up to $33 million.

Australian officials framed the measure as a response to mounting evidence of online harms, noting research showing 96 percent of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media and many report exposure to harmful content, grooming or cyberbullying.

Critics argue the law will be difficult to enforce, risks driving teens to less-regulated corners of the internet and raises concerns about how platforms will collect and verify sensitive age data.

Ferry closed today for high winds

 

Cave-In-Rock Ferry closed Wednesday due to high winds

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry shut down Wednesday because of high winds, according to the ferry authority. Officials said the service will reopen once conditions improve.

The ferry connects KY 91 in Crittenden County with Illinois Route 1 in Hardin County across the Ohio River.

CRH hosting Christmas benefit Dec. 19

MARION, Ky. – A new holiday tradition is taking shape at Fohs Hall later this month as Cumberland River Homes hosts “A Very Merry Christmas Benefit,” an evening of music, comedy and community support.

The free event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. at Fohs Hall, 201 N. Walker St. in Marion. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. so guests can choose their seats and browse a Holiday Silent Auction before the program begins.

Organizers say the benefit is designed to celebrate the season while spotlighting the work of Cumberland River Homes, a nonprofit that provides residential, day training, behavior supports, case management and other services to people with disabilities. Its mission is to offer each person a safe, happy, healthy and respected life.

This year’s lineup features The Todd Hill Quintet with vocalist Kayla Marie Little, comedian Jamey Ragle and The Cumberland River Homes Choir directed by Julie Wedding. The program will combine classic Christmas favorites with big band flair, sing-along moments and family-friendly comedy.

The Todd Hill Quintet will be making its first appearance at the benefit, bringing a big band sound to traditional holiday carols. Little will be featured on vocals throughout the concert. Ragle, a returning crowd favorite, will add his signature quick-witted, story-driven comedy. The CRH choir will showcase the voices and talents of individuals served by the organization.

Ahead of the performance, attendees can take part in the Holiday Silent Auction. Items will include handmade creations from clients in Cumberland River Homes’ Day Training Program, along with goods and gifts donated by community members. Proceeds from the auction will support CRH services and future growth.

Several area businesses have already signed on as sponsors for the 2025 benefit, including Livingston Hospital, Boyd Funeral Directors, Farmers Bank & Trust, Dr. Debra Wilder and The Kuttawa Clinic, KeeFORCE, Superior Exteriors LLC, Johnson’s Furniture & Appliances, A Cut Above Meat Market and Kountry Quisine. Their contributions help keep the event free to the public while backing programs for individuals with disabilities.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting the event may contact Braden Locke at 270-704-5333.