Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Write-in candidate's case on court docket Wednesday


MARION, Ky. – A case involving Kent Withrow, who recently filed as a write-in candidate for Crittenden County judge-executive, is expected to be formally resolved Wednesday in Crittenden District Court.

The case involves Withrow’s Alford plea entered a year ago to a misdemeanor charge of falsely reporting an incident to law enforcement.

Court records show Withrow entered the plea Sept. 3, 2025. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction. It carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

Special District Judge Brandon Knoth of Eddyville has presided over the case, with special prosecutor Lee Riddle of Madisonville representing the Commonwealth. No appearance by Withrow, Knoth or Riddle is expected Wednesday because the final order has been prearranged, barring further issues in the case. Details of the final order should be available following court proceedings Wednesday.

Kentucky State Police charged Withrow in March 2025 after investigating his claim that Crittenden County Attorney Bart Frazer grabbed him by the neck during an encounter at the Crittenden County Office Complex in December 2024.

Withrow also faced charges of criminal coercion, harassing communications and harassment without physical contact involving another man and woman. Court records show prosecution of those charges was deferred for two years as part of the September 2025 disposition.

Withrow has recently used the social media identity “Jebediah Yoder” to criticize local officials, government and other individuals. He publicly connected himself to that identity when the account announced that Kent Withrow, “Jeb Yoder,” had filed as a write-in candidate. The Crittenden Press has not independently confirmed that Withrow controls every account or authored every post attributed to assumed identities, including a previous social media page named Crittenden County for Change, which apparently no longer exists.

Crittenden County Jailer Athena Hayes also has named Withrow and others as defendants in a pending defamation lawsuit. Withrow previously sued the county over the awarding of a roofing contract, but Circuit Judge Daniel Heady dismissed that case. A separate open-records case filed by Withrow against the county concerning records related to the office-complex incident remains pending in Crittenden Circuit Court.

Links below are to surveillance footage from the 2024 county office complex incident, Withrow’s 911 call reporting the incident and the original article about the incident. 

[Listen to the 911 call]

[Watch surveillance video from the county office complex]

[Read more from original investigation]


The Bird is out !

 Check out this week’s

Early Bird Shoppers Guide

August 31, 2026



πŸ‘€ DID YOU SEE WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S EARLY BIRD?

There’s a LOT to discover in this week’s Early Bird Shoppers Guide!

From auctions and fall flowers to hunting season prep, local services and a historic Marion landmark — take a look at what our local advertisers have to offer!

πŸ”¨ DID YOU SEE THE AUCTIONS?

Railey Auction Service has an Estate Auction Saturday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. — and there’s plenty to see!

And Homestead Auction Realty is featuring the Larry Wood Estate Auction, also Saturday, Sept. 5. Check out the ad for all the details!

🦌 GET READY FOR HUNTING SEASON!

Superior Whitetail Habitats is ready to help you get set for the season with Banks Blinds and Titan Blinds — plus 10% off Titan Blinds!

They also offer food plot development, wildlife habitat development & restoration, drone services, forest stand improvement, hauling, private land management, CRP & government programs and more.

🌸 MUMS ARE BLOOMING!

Fall is coming — and Rooster Lane Farms has you covered! 🌼Check out their selection of mums, hanging baskets, asters and planters and add some color to your fall decorating.

⚖️ HAVE YOU HEARD? A NEW LAW OFFICE IS OPEN!

The Law Office of Abigail Barnes is now open and serving clients with a focus on family law and criminal defense.

Be sure to check out her ad and learn more about the new local office.

🏑 NEED SOMETHING DONE?

From painting to septic service, tree work and more, local businesses are ready to help!

🎨 Mr. Paint — Interior & exterior painting, staining and more.

🚽 James Septic Service — When the septic tank is full, call the local pros!

🌳 Preferred Tree & Land — Tree removal, landscaping, dirt haul, mowing, grade & dirt work and retaining walls.

πŸ”₯ Firewood for Sale — Need to stock up? Check out this week’s firewood ad.

🌾 FARMERS — DID YOU SEE THIS?

There may be money available for farm improvements!

The County Agricultural Incentives Program (CAIP) offers cost-share reimbursement to Crittenden County producers making qualifying investments. Most projects require a 50% match, with up to $2,500 reimbursed. Eligible areas include agricultural diversification, farm infrastructure, fencing and on-farm water, forage and grain improvement, on-farm energy, value-added marketing and more.

Applications are available through the Crittenden County Conservation District.

πŸ“° AND DON'T FORGET THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Looking for something to buy, sell or find? Check out the Classifieds!

πŸ‘€ SO… WHAT DID YOU MISS?

Don’t just scroll past the ads! Our local advertisers are offering products, services, opportunities and information you can use right here in our community.

πŸ‘‰ Check out this week’s Early Bird E-Edition at www.earlybirdky.com

Shop local. Hire local. Discover local.

Read this week’s Early Bird now and start clicking your way to

local deals, job opportunities, and more at EarlyBirdKY.com!

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SHERIFF'S REPORT | Lyon County

 

LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S ACTIVITY

  • On Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, around 1:41 p.m., Sheriff Brent White, Kentucky State Police troopers and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources game wardens were dispatched to a complaint of a domestic disturbance, reportedly with shots fired, on Hopewell Road. The investigation revealed there was a domestic dispute at a residence on Hopewell Road and firearms were involved, but no shots had been fired. Three adults were later arrested by White. All three were armed with handguns at the time of their arrests.

Those arrested included Chase A. Wren, 28, of Boaz, after it was determined he engaged in a verbal dispute that led to a physical confrontation involving two females at the residence. He pointed his firearm at one of the females and threatened to harm her. Wren was charged with two counts of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), minor injury; first-degree wanton endangerment (firearm); and interfering with communications. The latter charge was lodged because Wren took the cellphone of one of the victims and put it in his truck so she could not call 911 for assistance.

Also arrested was Andrena A. Soto, 32, of Kuttawa. She was charged with one count of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), minor injury. In addition, she was charged with violation of conditions of release because she had contact and communication and was in the company of Dominick D. West of Calvert City, from whom she was prohibited by a Marshall District Court order following an unrelated domestic violence arrest in that county on Aug. 2, 2026.

Lastly, Dominick D. West, 26, of Calvert City was also arrested and charged with violation of conditions of release because he had contact and communication and was in the company of Andrena A. Soto of Kuttawa, from whom he was prohibited by a Marshall District Court order following an unrelated domestic violence arrest in that county on Aug. 2, 2026.

All the victims who were assaulted in this incident declined medical transport at the scene. White was assisted at the scene by Lyon County EMS, KSP and KDFWR. All three offenders were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

  • On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, just after 8 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision on Jack Thomason Road. His investigation revealed a 2021 Toyota Venza, driven by Lisa Brasher, 55, of Kuttawa, was westbound on Jack Thomason Road when a deer entered the roadway. Brasher attempted to avoid the animal and lost control of her vehicle. Her vehicle left the roadway and came to rest in a ditch. Lyon County EMS transported Brasher to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. The Kuttawa Fire Department and Lyon County EMS assisted Adams at the scene.
  • On Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, just after 5:30 p.m., Deputy Kip Darnell arrested William T. Kirby, 45, of Eddyville on a complaint warrant charging him with second-offense DUI (aggravating circumstance). Kirby was the driver in a single-vehicle injury collision on Titus Road near the Kentucky 818 North intersection on June 20. He received extensive injuries in the collision and was airlifted to an out-of-state hospital. Deputy Luke Fraley’s investigation determined Kirby was operating his motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.24. Kirby was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
  • On Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, around 5:17 p.m., Fraley stopped a vehicle in Eddyville for expired registration. A roadside investigation determined the operator, Justin H. Phillips, 24, of Marion, was under the influence of an intoxicating substance. He was arrested by Darnell and charged with first-offense DUI, no or expired registration plates, no or expired registration receipt, second-degree criminal simulation and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle. The criminal simulation charge was in reference to a substance Phillips possessed on his person in order to pass a drug screening. Phillips was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
  • On Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, around 8 a.m., deputies served a Franklin District Court bench warrant on Larry W. Thomas, 47, of Georgetown, charging him with nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. Thomas awaits extradition to Franklin County.
  • On Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, around 11:25 p.m., deputies Bradley Dunning, Luke Fraley and Bobby Beeler answered a complaint of a reckless driver in Kuttawa. They located the vehicle on Beech Street, and following a roadside investigation, Dunning arrested Daniel Remon, 40, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and charged him with first-offense DUI (aggravating circumstance). Remon was later lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.


Tickets, sponsorships available for Fohs 100 celebration

MARION, Ky. – Fohs Hall is seeking community support for its centennial celebration planned Oct. 23-24 in Marion.

The celebration will begin Friday, Oct. 23, with a Centennial Ball. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner, wine service and entertainment by The Todd Hill Orchestra at 6 p.m. A dessert auction will be held during the band’s 7:15 p.m. break. A rededication ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, followed by a public reception at 3 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities are available and dinner and ball tickets and ball-only tickets are on sale.

Reservations and payments may be made at fohshall.org. For more information, contact Leah Keene at 270-704-2307 or [lkeene26@gmail.com](mailto:lkeene26@gmail.com). Payments may also be mailed to Fohs Hall, P.O. Box 1, Marion, KY 42064.

Quota Hunting opportunities in Kentucky

Hunters can now apply to participate in Kentucky’s fall quota hunts. From Sept. 1-30, 2026, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is accepting applications from both resident and nonresident hunters for quota hunts for deer, waterfowl, pheasants and sandhill cranes.

Hunters can apply for these annual quota hunts through midnight (CT) on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, via the MyProfile online portal at the department’s website (fw.ky.gov). Applications are not accepted over the phone, and the minimum fee is $3 per application. Applicants will receive a confirmation number, and results will be posted online by 5 p.m. ET/4 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, through MyProfile. Randomized drawings are conducted to determine recipients of the hunt opportunities that are each limited to a specific quota number.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers 38 deer quota hunts at various wildlife management areas (WMAs) and state parks; waterfowl quota hunts at five public land locations; pheasant hunts at three WMAs; and statewide permits to hunt sandhill cranes. Some hunts are mentored hunts for youth and accompanying adults, and several hunts are open to mobility-impaired hunters only.

Quota hunts control the number of hunters in an area to provide quality hunting opportunities and regulate harvests at specific areas. Residents and nonresidents are eligible, but a maximum of 10 percent nonresidents can be drawn in each deer quota hunt pool. Only the person successfully drawn for a quota hunt may hunt. Prior to hunts, drawn hunters must purchase applicable licenses and permits to legally hunt during quota hunts.

Visit the Quota Hunts webpage or the Waterfowl Quota Hunts webpage on the department’s website (fw.ky.gov) to see lists of all quota hunts, dates and special regulations. This information is also available in the annual Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide (printed copies of the guide are available at license vendors throughout the state) and the online-only Kentucky Hunting Guide for Migratory Birds and Waterfowl.

Questions about fall quota hunts may be directed to the agency’s Information Center at 800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding state holidays, or at info.center@ky.gov.



Sunday, August 30, 2026

Jailer files defamation lawsuit against 9

FROM THE PRESS ARCHIVES

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Jailer Athena Hayes on Friday filed a lawsuit against Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, all six county magistrates and two private individuals, alleging they defamed her and contributed to her defeat in the May Republican primary.

The complaint, filed Friday, Aug. 21 in Crittenden Circuit Court, names magistrates Chad Thomas, David Belt, Matthew Grimes, Robert Kirby, Scott Belt and Travis Perryman, along with Kent Withrow, who is running as a write-in candidate for county judge; and former detention center employee Gina Cox.

Hayes alleges the defendants made false statements portraying her as financially irresponsible, incompetent and dishonest in her management of the Crittenden County Detention Center. She also alleges they interfered with her ability to perform her duties and sought to damage her re-election campaign. Hayes lost the May 19 primary to former jailer Robbie Kirk by 16 percentage points.

The lawsuit asserts claims of defamation, false-light invasion of privacy and interference with contractual or business relationships. It also accuses Cox of wrongful use of civil proceedings stemming from an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint that Hayes says was dismissed.

Hayes is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial, along with attorney fees and other costs. The complaint represents Hayes’ allegations, and the defendants have not yet filed responses. Circuit Judge Daniel Heady is presiding.

As of early this week, the defendants had not been formally served with documents in the case, but they were on file in local court records.



Friday, August 28, 2026

Join Fredonia's Walk Through the Past

The Fredonia Valley Heritage Society will sponsor “A Walk Through Fredonia’s Past,” a ghost walk at Old Fredonia Cemetery and Centerville Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery, from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.

The cemeteries, two of the oldest in the Fredonia area, are near the Caldwell-Crittenden County line at the cul-de-sac off the U.S. 641 bypass between Fredonia and Marion. In conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary, the event will highlight Revolutionary War patriots who settled in the area following the war.

Parking will be available at the site. Admission is $5 per person, with children 12 and younger admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The event is a walking tour, but people with disabilities may bring a golf cart, mobility scooter or side-by-side. A tour guide will lead each group.

The tour will begin at Centerville Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery, where Don Boone will discuss the history of the cemeteries. Robert and Linda Ward will portray Revolutionary War patriot John Elder and his wife, Hannah.

At Old Fredonia Cemetery, Scott Giltner and Rhonda Hunt will portray Revolutionary War patriot Robert Leeper and his wife, Jane; J.D. Wilson will portray Civil War soldier James Byrd; Dennis and Patricia Winn will portray Matthew S. Freeman and his wife, Elizabeth; and Preston Driver and Donna White will portray Marion and Lucy Driver.

Centerville Livingston Presbyterian Church Cemetery is thought to be the oldest cemetery in Caldwell County and contains the county’s oldest tombstone. It marks the grave of Elder, who died in 1799. His

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Chamber, city pass resolutions for ferry's return


MARION, Ky. – The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce and Marion City Council adopted separate resolutions last week urging Kentucky, Illinois and the Cave-In-Rock Ferry operator to resume negotiations and restore ferry service across the Ohio River.

The Chamber’s resolution describes the ferry as a vital transportation link between Crittenden County and Hardin County, Illinois, that has served residents, businesses and travelers for generations. It says the ongoing closure has disrupted the movement of workers, customers, goods and services while forcing travelers to make lengthy and costly detours.

The resolution also cites adverse effects on commerce, tourism, employment, commuting, access to health care and other essential services throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois. It warns that continued interruption of ferry service threatens additional economic harm to businesses, employees, families and communities on both sides of the river.

The Chamber called on the two states and ferry operator to negotiate in good faith and make every reasonable effort to reach a “fair, workable and sustainable agreement” allowing operations to resume. It also pledged to support cooperative efforts to restore the transportation link and protect the region’s long-term economic interests.

Marion City Council approved a similar resolution last week supporting the restoration of dependable ferry service. The ferry has been closed since its operating contract expired June 30.

THURSDAY | Local NEWScast

 

News | Sports | More
On today's show we hear from new
elementary school SRO Amy Santiago,
who is pictured below with the new
high school SRO Joe Witherspoon




Wednesday, August 26, 2026

About Town | By Press Editor Chris Evans

What’s this? A white Blazer

In a few weeks, I will be eligible for Social Security.

It is hard to believe I have arrived at this milestone in one piece and still above ground. It has given me pause to reflect on a working career that began in the newspaper business in 1979.

Before that, I was what you might call a custodian. My first job was cleaning the office where my dad was an accountant for a large mining company. I emptied wastebaskets, swept floors and cleaned a lot of ashtrays. That was back when everybody smoked at their desks, in the breakroom and just about everywhere else.

Loyalty, punctuality, diligence and the virtue of a fair day’s work were drilled into my soul as a young lad. Strangely enough, one of my earliest lessons in those things came from the anonymous driver of a white Chevrolet Blazer.

You may find it odd that a boy barely old enough to go to school could conjure up such an image, but it is a fact.

We might be playing ball in the backyard where first base was a boxelder tree, shooting snakes near the creek with BB guns or riding bicycles around the neighborhood when, like clockwork, that Blazer would pass.

Once in the morning and once in the evening.

You could set your timepiece by him.

It was one of those big-bodied Blazers. The driver was never in a rush. He was methodical, slow through the turns and right on schedule, about 7:30 every weekday morning and again at 5 in the afternoon.

That white Blazer became a symbol of work to me.

Neither I nor anyone in my family knew the person driving it. That was unusual in rural West Tennessee, especially on a country road so far off the beaten path that it would remind folks around here of

somewhere between Sheridan and Tolu, or Mott City and Frances.

In our neck of the woods, we knew everybody. Neighbors were truly neighbors back then. They attended church together, had gone to the same country school or regularly crossed paths at the little country store. Most of the extended family was settled there, too, taking up nearly a mile of road frontage from Granny’s house to Uncle Jerry’s.

So it was peculiar, to say the least, that this commuter remained anonymous, if not somewhat mysterious.

To me, however, there was no mystery. He was a clock-puncher headed to the office, the store, the factory

School board will consider tax rate Sept. 3

Crittenden County Board of Education is proposing slightly higher property tax rates for the 2026 tax year, with the increase expected to generate about $161,000 in additional revenue.

The proposed general fund levy is 51.8 cents per $100 of assessed value on real property and 52.3 cents on personal property. Current rates are 51.6 cents and 52.1 cents, respectively.

The increase amounts to an additional $2 annually for each $100,000 of assessed property value.

The district collected $2.73 million under the current rates and expects the proposed levy to generate nearly $2.89 million, an increase of about 5.9%. According to district calculations,  $467,836 of the projected total will come from new and personal property.

Of the $160,827 in additional revenue, approximately $154,314 would be allocated to instruction, $6,433 to collection costs paid to the sheriff and $80 to the building fund, according to the school district’s formal announcement of the proposed tax rates, which is published elsewhere in this edition of the newspaper.

The compensating tax rate is 50.2 cents. Because the proposed real property levy is about 3.2% above the compensating rate – below the statutory 4% threshold – it is not subject to voter recall under Kentucky law.

The school board will consider final approval of these tax rates at a special meeting, which will be at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 3 at Rocket Arena. 

Monday, August 24, 2026

Lyon County Sheriff Report

 LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MEDIA RELEASE

  • On Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, around 3:15 p.m., Sheriff Brent White and Reserve Deputy Scott Wathen were dispatched to a vehicle submerged in Lake Barkley at the Kuttawa Springs/Lyon County Boat Ramp off Lake Barkley Drive (KY 295 South). The investigation determined that a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado High Country pickup truck had been backed down the ramp by Evan Hays, 20, of Fulton.


    After parking the truck on the boat ramp, Hays returned to the courtesy dock to load his personal watercraft. When he got to the dock, he observed his pickup truck rolling backward into the water. The truck and trailer were submerged approximately 60 feet from the shoreline. The Lyon County Water Response Unit’s dive team assisted Stinnett’s Towing with recovering the vehicle and trailer. No injuries were reported in the incident.

  • On Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, around 7:25 a.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to KY 274 approximately 10 miles south of Eddyville for a single-vehicle injury collision. The investigation determined that a 1997 Nissan Maxima driven by Benjamin M. Pawlowski, 20, of Rockcastle was traveling northwest on KY 274 when the driver failed to negotiate a curve. Pawlowski dropped his passenger-side wheels off the pavement before overcorrecting, crossing both lanes of travel, leaving the opposite shoulder, striking a ditch and coming to rest head-on against a tree. Pawlowski complained of head

C-PLANT | Monday NEWScast

 

News | Sports | More
Today we hear from one of the new
School Resources Officers
Sheriff's Deputy Joe Witherspoon




Saturday, August 22, 2026

StoryBoard will enhance park walking trail

Todd Riley of Riley Tool & Machine
fabricated the stands and placed them.
MARION, Ky. – A new StoryWalk featuring 20 permanent storyboards has been installed along the 1.25-mile walking trail at Marion-Crittenden County Park.

The displays will allow visitors to read a children’s book one page at a time as they walk the trail. The StoryWalk begins near the upper parking area and ends beside the playground off Old Morganfield Road.

Crittenden County Extension Agent Rebecca Woodall said the project is designed to encourage physical activity, early literacy and family bonding. Stories are expected to be changed monthly and may occasionally highlight community events, local history or educational topics.

Woodall hopes to place the first story in the displays by the weekend of Aug. 15. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held later after signs recognizing project sponsors are installed.





Agriculture Hall of Fame enshrines longtime farmer


In case you missed it... this happened during the county fair. Don't miss news like this, be a regular subscriber. You can get The Press for less than 62 cents a week. Subscribe on our web or call our office during regular business hours Monday through Friday 270-965-3191.

STAFF REPORT
The late Beverly Herrin has been named the 2026 inductee into the Crittenden County Agriculture and Rural Leadership Hall of Fame.

Born in 1927, Herrin began farming at an early age on his family’s farm in the Mattoon community. A 1945 graduate of Marion High School, he remained in Mattoon and farmed alongside his wife, Polly, and multiple generations of their family. He continued to be active in farming well into his 90s.

Throughout his career, Herrin worked to produce high-quality beef and pork by continually learning about new production practices, according to information provided by the Crittenden County Extension Service.

He was willing to experiment with different farming methods, including retained ownership of feeder cattle and the use of different feed components. One improvement he particularly enjoyed discussing – and proudly showing to others – was the addition of Romagnola bulls to improve his herd’s genetics through increased hybrid vigor.

Herrin was known for helping younger and less-experienced producers, offering both assistance and constructive criticism. He mentored many farmers and helped several build successful operations through his advice and willingness to share what he had learned. His best advice often began with the familiar phrase, “Well, there’s a little story behind that.”

His community involvement included service with the Masonic Lodge, Young Farmers Association, University of Kentucky Extension Council and Mt. Zion Cemetery Board. At Repton Baptist Church, Herrin served as a deacon, treasurer and Sunday school teacher.

Herrin also served more than 20 years as a supervisor with the Crittenden County Conservation District, including several years as board chairman. He played a major role in the district’s successful application for an atrazine remediation grant for Marion’s Lake George and Old City Lake watershed area. The district continues to receive and use funding from that grant today.

Described as a hard worker, provider, frugal farmer, good friend and mentor, Herrin was also remembered for his faithfulness to his family and church.

Herrin died in April. His legacy continues through his family and the many farmers he mentored during his lifetime.


Thursday, August 20, 2026

THURSDAY newsCast | A trip to city hall

 

News | Sports | More
Today we have an extended interview with
City Administrator Adam Ledford about some
capital spending on the horizon for Marion



Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Water leak blows a second time

SALEM, Ky. – Crittenden-Livingston Water District (CLWD) continues to wrestle with a troublesome water line break near its Pinckneyville plant south of Salem after two repair attempts failed on Monday.

The leak is on a line near the water plant, according to district Superintendent Abbie Adamson. The line feeds district customers on the south side of the Cumberland River. However, Grand Rivers and Ledbetter are not affected by the situation because they are being supplied by other means.

CLWD crews repaired the leak for a second time Monday night, but the repair failed when the pump was restarted.

“When we turned the pump on, it blew apart again because of the initial surge of pressure,” Adamson said.

The district has called Murtco, a company which has been working on a zone-metering project for the water system, to assist with the repair. The contractor was expected on site early this morning with ductile iron pipe, a more durable material than what district crews had available for the previous repairs. Adamson said Murtco will make the repair.

For a second day Livingston schools are out because of the leak.

CLWD customers on the north side of the Cumberland River, such as Salem, Burna and Crittenden County, are not affected by the leak.






Monday, August 17, 2026

UPDATE: Shelby Road WORK DELAYED south of Salem


UPDATE: This work has been postponed due to weather and will begin August. 26.

ORIGINAL POST
SALEM, Ky. – Shelby Road in Livingston County will close at the Crittenden County line beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, for repairs to the bridge over Claylick Creek.

The bridge is about 4.5 miles south of the U.S. 60 and Ky. 133 intersection in Salem. Shelby Road connects with Axel Creek Road in Crittenden County.

Motorists should plan to self-detour. Message boards will be placed ahead of the closure, including along Ky. 70 in Crittenden County.

The road is expected to reopen around 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, after repair materials have cured. About 440 vehicles travel that section of Shelby Road daily.

BOIL WATER ORDER IN LIVINGSTON

ORIGINAL POST : SALEM, Ky. – Crittenden-Livingston Water District has issued a boil water advisory for all customers south of the Cumberland River following a major water line break.

The advisory affects Livingston County customers between the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, except those in Grand Rivers and Ledbetter. Grand Rivers is receiving water from North Marshall Water District, while Ledbetter is producing its own water. The City of Smithland has also issued a boil water advisory.

The advisory is expected to remain in effect for 24 to 48 hours while water samples are collected and test results are returned. The break disrupted schools and caused water service issues across much of Livingston County.