Legislative Update | Week 4 | Sen. Howell

Week four of the 2026 Regular Session began with a delay because of severe winter weather that blanketed the Bluegrass over the weekend. Monday’s planned proceedings were postponed until Tuesday, giving state employees, lawmakers and the public a safer route into Frankfort. Many legislators live hours away, since the Kentucky General Assembly is a citizen legislature. I’m grateful to local officials, road crews and first responders whose work ensured the people’s business could continue at the Capitol.

By Friday, the General Assembly had reached the one-quarter mark of this year’s session. With momentum building around key priorities, we’re working diligently to advance meaningful legislation.

Budget begins its journey

Speaking of quarters, there are about 60 billion of them in Kentucky’s $15 billion biennial budget. This week, the House filed House Bill 500, its initial draft of the spending plan. The bill now begins its path through the legislative process. The Senate will take a disciplined, deliberate approach to the proposal, guided by our caucus and the professional budget staff supporting our efforts.

As Chair of the Agriculture Committee, I felt it was important to file Senate Bill (SB) 5 to sustain the procurement of Kentucky-grown agricultural produce. Essentially, the bill creates opportunities for a local school board or local school district in any of the United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs to purchase Kentucky-grown agricultural products, abiding by federal law. It also defines "agricultural product" and "Kentucky-grown agricultural product." This legislation forges a direct connection between education and our state’s agricultural sector. I partnered with Agricultural Commissioner Jonathan Shell to build on the work he has already done across Kentucky, solidifying that work in legislation. 

Complementing what’s included in SB 5 is Senate Joint Resolution 23, a product of the 2025 Interim Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force. SJR 23 establishes Kentucky as a "Food is Medicine" state and directs state agencies to advance nutrition‑based health strategies to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. The resolution affirms the role of nutrition as a core component of medical care and public health policy, encourages coordination among health systems, local food producers, hospitals and community partners to pilot programs like medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for

Livingston legend among storm's victim

Don Ringstaff

A seemingly larger-than-life Livingston County legend and sports hall of famer has died.

Don Ringstaff, 84, passed away Wednesday at his son’s home in Salem.

Gov. Andy Beshear said Ringstaff’s death was among a dozen attributed statewide to the winter storm that moved through Kentucky earlier this week.

Livingston County authorities explained that Ringstaff’s death was considered weather-related because after his vehicle became stuck in the snow, he exited it and walked a short distance to his son’s home, where he later suffered a medical emergency.

Ringstaff’s name is woven deeply into Livingston County sports history as both an elite player and a highly successful coach.

“When you hear the name Coach Ringstaff, that is Livingston Central basketball,” said current Livingston Central coach Matt Hargrove. “He’s legendary and embodies everything Livingston Central basketball was about, and you couldn’t find a better person.”

Hargrove and others in the community said it was a shock to learn of Ringstaff’s passing, which came just days after the Board of Education announced plans to memorialize what he meant to the school by naming the gymnasium floor for him.

“He was a legend, and I don’t say that about too many people around here,” said former Livingston Central basketball coach Jimmy Croft. “He was a walking, talking legend, and he’d talk to everybody. He never met a stranger and was just a gentleman.”

A 1959 graduate of Livingston Central, Ringstaff scored 1,838 career points and held the school record until this season when it was broken by Logan Wring. Ringstaff averaged 22.9 points per game during his senior season at LCHS. He was named First Team All-State in 1959 and selected to the Sweet Sixteen All-Tournament Team. His performance at the 1959 state tournament remains part of Kentucky high school basketball lore, highlighted by a 46-point game against Olive Hill - still ranked seventh all time in Sweet

Sixteen history - and a state tournament record 20 made free throws in that same game.

Ringstaff continued his career at Vanderbilt from 1959 to 1961, earning All-SEC Third Team honors. He averaged 11.5 points per game, which was second on the team, along with 5.2 rebounds per contest. He later transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a two-year starter from 1961 to 1963.

His impact on the game only grew during a two-decade coaching career at Livingston Central from 1966 to 1986. Ringstaff compiled 332 career victories, led his teams to seven Fifth District championships and 10 appearances in the Second Region tournament, and guided the Cardinals to a Second Region runner-up finish in 1978. He was a lifetime member of the Kentucky High School Coaches Association.

In 2002, Ringstaff was inducted into the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame as both a player and a coach, a distinction achieved by few.

Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson said he played under Ringstaff and was stunned by his sudden passing.

“He was an outstanding coach and just a wonderful man,” the longtime sheriff said.

In recent weeks, Ringstaff was also featured by the West Kentucky High School Basketball Heritage Museum in a video recognizing his career.

Ringstaff’s legacy lives on as his granddaughter, Kenley Ringstaff-Hefner, is currently athletic director at Livingston Central. The family has been a mainstay in Livingston County sports and education history for decades. The ballparks in Smithland are named for his brother, Roy Ringstaff.

Ringstaff’s wife, Sue, survives. Visitation is 5- 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31 at Boyd’s Funeral Home in Salem. The funeral is at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1 at the Livingston Central High School gymnasium. See the complete obituary at Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem.

Photo courtesy of West KY HS Basketball Museum

 

Water Emergency at CLWD affects Crittenden County

MARION, Ky. – A water distribution and supply emergency is affecting parts of Crittenden County following a major water line failure that sharply reduced water levels at a critical storage tank, county officials said Thursday morning.

According to a public notice issued by Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, maintenance crews with the Crittenden-Livingston Water District discovered a catastrophic leak on an 8-inch water line Wednesday afternoon. The line supplies the Wilson Hill water tank, located above the City of Marion, which serves a majority of water customers across the county.

The leak was discovered around 2:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and repairs were completed by approximately 7:15 p.m. that evening. Despite the repair, water levels in the Wilson Hill tank dropped significantly because the tank could not be refilled during the outage.

Water district officials said efforts to restore tank levels began immediately, but progress has been slowed by the limited size of the supply line combined with continued water demand overnight and into Thursday morning. As a result, water levels remained low.

Compounding the situation, the Webster County Water District notified CLWD that it could no longer continue supplying water to portions of the eastern and northern areas of the CLWD system, citing its inability to meet current demand. The loss of that supplemental supply affects roughly 1,500 meters of service area.

Because of the reduced supply, CLWD officials said a rolling water outage plan may be implemented for parts of eastern and northern Crittenden County until further notice. Specific areas impacted by potential outages had not been confirmed as of Thursday morning and will be announced as soon as possible.

CLWD management, Crittenden County Emergency Management, and the county judge-executive’s office are coordinating with state partners to manage the situation and minimize impacts to customers. Officials are urging all water customers to conserve water as much as possible.

Residents are specifically asked to turn off any dripping faucets, noting that warmer temperatures expected Thursday reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Officials said eliminating unnecessary water use will help speed the recovery of water levels at the Wilson Hill tank.

Additional updates will be released as more information becomes available.

Possibly wintry precip over Weekend & Next Week

Gov. Andy Beshear says 10 people died as a result of the winter storm that moved through the state starting late last week. Now, a prolonged stretch of dangerous cold is expected to impact West Kentucky beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday, with the potential for a Cold Weather Advisory or possibly an Extreme Cold Warning, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah.

An arctic cold front is forecast to move through the area late Thursday night into early Friday, bringing sharply colder temperatures and hazardous wind chills. Wind chill values are expected to remain in the single digits to near zero during the day Friday, then drop to between zero and 15 degrees below zero Friday night into Saturday morning. Daytime wind chills Saturday are expected to stay in the single digits, with bitter conditions lingering into Sunday morning.

Confidence is also increasing that scattered snow showers will accompany the cold air. The best chances for snow are Friday morning and again Saturday morning. While only light accumulations or a dusting of snow are expected, brief periods of reduced visibility are possible during heavier snow showers. At this time, widespread travel impacts are not anticipated.

Looking ahead, forecasters are monitoring another system that could affect the region Tuesday night through Wednesday night. While confidence remains low, conditions may support a light wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, or rain. Minor accumulations are possible, though it is too early to determine whether travel impacts will occur. Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts in the coming days. 

STATE FARM | THURSDAY NEWScast

 

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Convenience Center closing on Saturday

Due to continued impacts of the winter weather, Crittenden County Convenience Center will be closed on Saturday, January 31st.

The center will operate regular hours Thursday January 29 and Friday, January 30 – 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.

 

 

Local man changed with Salem vandalism

SALEM, Ky. – Livingston County sheriff’s deputies arrested a Salem man Wednesday after responding to reports of spray paint damage to multiple vehicles and structures across the city, including graffiti or "tags" of a potentially antisemitic nature discovered on a Salem Fire Department overhead door.

Chief Deputy Shannon Edging said deputies were called to the Salem area around 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28 and,

Watson

following an investigation, arrested 43-year-old Richard T. Watson of Salem. Deputies said Watson physically resisted during the arrest and had to be restrained.

Mayor Gary Damron said multiple locations were damaged, including a pharmacy, the fire department, a church, a healthcare clinic and four privately owned vehicles. Authorities continued checking the area for additional damage as the investigation unfolded.

Watson was charged with eight felony counts of first-degree criminal mischief and misdemeanor charges for public intoxication, second-degree disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. 

He was also served with a Livingston County District Court bench warrant for failure to appear on an original public intoxication charge filed Jan. 14. Court records show Watson was released on his own recognizance after spending the night in jail but failed to appear for a scheduled court date Jan. 22.

After his arrest Wednesday, Watson was medically cleared and lodged in the McCracken County Jail. Deputy Brandon Vargas is the lead investigator in the case.

More photos of the alleged damage around Salem can be found in an early post on our Facebook page.

School out in Crittenden for rest of week

Crittenden County Schools will be closed for the remainder of the week, due to continued hazardous road conditions and inclement weather.

The district will use NTI days for Thursday, Jan. 29, and Friday, Jan. 30. Kindergarten through 2nd grade students should complete paper assignments for Days 5 and 6, while students in grades 3-12 should complete work digitally on Google Classroom.

The school district says that, as always, teachers are available via email, ParentSquare, and Google Classroom for assistance. 

Printed newspaper will be late today

Due to delivery issues from our printing plant in Elkton, Ky., The Press will be a bit late today. We hope to have it in Marion by 1pm., or shortly thereafter. Digital subscribers will not see a delay.

Need help digging out of the snow?

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Don’t let winter weather slow you down.

Preferred Tree & Land is now offering snow plowing and clearing services.

Marion, Princeton, Fredonia, Eddyville and beyond.

📞 Call or Text: 270-625-1041

Fast • Reliable • Localam

Crittenden County Office Complex Open Tuesday

Crittenden County Office Complex will be open Tuesday on a regular schedule, including the clerk's office. 

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Lyon County Sheriff's Activity Report

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 5:35 a.m., Sheriff Brent White was dispatched to a single-vehicle, minor-injury collision on U.S. 62 in Suwanee. His investigation revealed a 2008 Ford pickup operated by Peter Morgan, 58, of Eddyville, was westbound on U.S. 62 when he encountered ice on the roadway while navigating a hill. Morgan lost control of the vehicle before it collided with a guardrail and overturned in the roadway. He declined medical attention at the scene but complained of upper torso pain. Lyon County EMS and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel assisted White at the scene.

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 6:10 a.m., White was dispatched to a single-vehicle collision west of Suwanee on U.S. 62. Following his investigation of the previously listed collision, he responded to this scene and located a 2007 GMC pickup driven by Stanley Walker, 86, of Grand Rivers. Walker encountered ice on the roadway near Dustin Road and lost control before exiting the right shoulder and colliding with a ditch. The vehicle came to rest off the roadway in a field. Walker was not injured.

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 10:15 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams arrested Keila Wynn, 46, of Eddyville. She was served with a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to pay. She later posted a cash bond and was released from custody.

- On Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, around 1:49 p.m., deputies charged Christopher G. Watkins, 48, of Auburn, with two Logan District Court bench warrants, both for contempt of court. Watkins awaits extradition to Logan County.

- On Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, around 7:15 p.m., Brian K. Odom, 43, of Eddyville, was located by deputies on Sarah Lane in Eddyville. Odom was arrested by Deputy Shannon Oliver on a Crittenden Circuit Court indictment warrant for flagrant nonsupport. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

Meeting cancelations | Area Closings

Includes updates posted Sunday afternoon

Because of weather, the City of Marion and Crittenden-Livingston Water District have both canceled meetings scheduled for early this week.

The water district was supposed to meet at 4pm Monday in Salem and city council at 5pm Monday at city hall. No makeup date was reported for either.

Additionally, Marion City Hall, Crittenden County Office Complex, Convenience Center and Animal Shelter will be closed Monday.

Schools are closed in Crittenden County through Wednesday.

Cave-In-Rock Ferry is closed Sunday.

The National Weather Service says the winter storm is wrapping up, but another inch or so may squeeze out before precip ends before 6 pm. Warnings remain in effect. The story, it said, now turns to extended below freezing temperatures and life-threatening wind chills. This weather is set in for about 7 days. 

Due to weather and travel issues, The Crittenden Press printed edition is likely to be one day late this week. Digital subscribers should receive it on time Wednesday. 

Cave-in-Rock Ferry is closed due to weather

CAVE-IN-ROCK, Ill. — Cave-In-Rock Ferry closed at 7 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, due to ice creating unsafe operating conditions.

Officials said the ferry will remain closed until further notice.

The photo is computer generated and not a realistic depiction of what exists at the ferry landing.

Library is closing Saturday

Crittenden County Public Library will be closed on Saturday, January 24 due to weather.

Emergency Management draws up storm plans

County officials and emergency responders met this morning in Marion.

CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ky. — Crittenden County emergency response and vital services officials met this morning to coordinate preparation and their anticipated response as dangerously cold weather and heavy snow are expected to move into the region overnight.

County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom declared a countywide state of emergency Friday morning. Marion Mayor D’Anna Browning issued a citywide state of emergency, and Gov. Andy Beshear has also issued a statewide emergency declaration.

Newcom urged everyone to stay home and stay safe and to avoid unnecessary travel. He said emergency response crews will be working diligently through the storm and afterward to make sure vital services remain available and major travel corridors are passable.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Department of Highways will prioritize snow and ice removal on U.S. 60 and U.S. 641, which it considers primary routes. Other highways, including KY 120, KY 723, KY 91 North, KY 365, KY 1668 and other secondary state highways, may not be cleared until major routes are passable and can remain so. Newcom said county crews will assist on some secondary state routes when possible, but conditions on lesser-traveled roads could remain poor depending on snowfall rates, which Emergency Management Director Jason Hurley said could reach up to 2 inches per hour at times.

County road crews began salting and preparing critical areas ahead of the storm and will continue extended operations through the weekend as conditions allow. Back roads with little or no residential traffic may not receive attention until later next week.

Emergency officials urged motorists who must travel to pack blankets, dress in layers, carry water, have a charged cellphone and avoid leaving their vehicles if stranded. Ambulance services, water departments and other essential operations have arranged staffing plans to ensure continuity of services, with some personnel prepared to remain on site if travel becomes impossible.

Officials reiterated that residents should stay off roadways if at all possible as the storm progresses.

Marion Police Chief Bobby West said officers will assist with travel for vital service personnel who reside in the city. Call 270-965-3500 to arrange assistance.

The Crittenden County Office Complex and Marion City Hall will remain open for emergencies.

The Crittenden County Emergency Operations Center on Industrial Drive has been activated but will not be continuously staffed, as emergency personnel will be deployed in the field. Hurley said he can be contacted as needed through normal emergency channels.

The Crittenden County Community Center, the former armory, is opening Friday afternoon as an emergency warming center and will remain open 24 hours a day until further notice. The facility is intended for human shelter only; animals will not be allowed on the property. No food will be provided, and amenities are limited to running water in sinks and restrooms. Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to bring their own cots or blankets. Law enforcement and emergency management personnel will check the site regularly, though it will not be continuously monitored. Parking lots will be kept as clear as possible.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press online and its digital platforms for further storm-related information.

WARMING CENTER OPENING TODAY

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Community and Recreation Center (former National Guard Armory on Rochester Street) will be open until further notice as an emergency warming center starting this afternoon as dangerously cold weather moves into the area.

Access to the facility will be 24/7. Animals will not be allowed on the property. Only humans. There will be no food available, and no amenities beyond warmth, running water in sinks and restrooms. Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to bring their own cots or blankets.

Law enforcement and emergency management personnel will check on the facility regularly, though it will not be continuously monitored. Parking lots will be kept as clear as possible.

Siemens plant here will expand manufacturing

MARION, Ky. – Siemens Mobility plans to add about 20 manufacturing positions at its Marion facility as part of a consolidation of operations previously based in Louisville, a corporate spokesperson confirmed.

Though the company said it could not provide a specific timetable these changes are expected in the coming months. The move will shift certain manufacturing functions into a single hub in Marion, while Louisville will continue to operate as an administrative office.

The work transitioning to Marion involves production tied to wayside control systems, including wayside houses, also known as bungalows. According to the company, these systems support rail crossings and other trackside infrastructure and provide real-time information to train crews, surrounding communities, and rail operations centers located hundreds of miles away.

Stay tuned for the full edition of The Crittenden Press for further details and local reaction to the expansion.

Here's the latest on what's ahead

 MARION, Ky. – The National Weather Service this morning says Marion is near a sharp snowfall gradient as a major winter storm moves through the region, with totals ranging from 6 to 8 inches in southern parts of Crittenden County to potentially 12 inches or more closer to the Ohio River.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect, and forecasters say the storm will bring major travel impacts. Confidence remains high that much of the area will receive at least 8 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.

Meteorologists say mixing along the southern edge of the system is expected to create a sharp cutoff in snowfall near the Tennessee border, limiting totals there. The highest snowfall projections have shifted farther northeast, with the heaviest amounts now expected closer to Evansville.

The coming weather is likely to affect our publication schedule next week as The Press is printed in Elkton, Ky., right near the Tennessee border where icing is projected. As of now, our printing agent tells us to expect a one-day delay so that means the paper may not hit the streets until Thursday. The Press will continue to post and publish online across our digital platforms. 

Below are the last projection maps from the National Weather Service. Click them to enlarge.