LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S ACTIVITY

On Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, just before 9:30 p.m., Kentucky State Police reported a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed on Interstate 24. Deputy Bobby Beeler and a state trooper made contact with the 2026 Hyundai on I-24 westbound near the 40-mile marker. Beeler arrested the operator, Sandera L. Reyes-Valenzuela, 36, of Granite City, Illinois, and charged her with no operator’s license and speeding. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center and later transported to the Christian County Jail because of an ICE detainer.

On Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, around 2 a.m., Beeler was dispatched to a suspicious incident on KY 730 West. A resident called dispatch to report a dump truck in the yard of a neighbor whom he believed to be in the hospital and not at home. Upon arrival, Beeler located the dump truck with a man passed out inside. The man was identified as Maxx T. Phebus, 32, of Madisonville. He was arrested and charged with third-degree criminal trespassing, second-degree criminal mischief, alcohol intoxication and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle. Phebus was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, around 3 p.m., the Eddyville Police Department and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a subject who had left Circuit Court and was driving a Nissan Titan pickup truck on a suspended operator’s license. The vehicle and its operator were located on West Dale Avenue. The driver was identified as Brandon S. Ausherman, 35, of Cadiz. He was arrested by Sheriff Brent White and charged with improper registration plate for having a plate on a vehicle to which it was not assigned, second-offense failure to maintain insurance, no or canceled registration receipt, no or canceled registration plate, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license and second-degree possession of a controlled substance. Ausherman was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, around 6:30 p.m., Beeler located Elizabeth L. Wright, 24, of Eddyville. She was arrested on a McCracken District Court bench warrant for failure to appear as it pertained to a fraudulent use of a credit card case. She later posted a cash bond and was released from custody.

On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, around 10:42 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a two-vehicle

Lane restrictions on I-24 this week

Daytime lane restrictions are planned along Interstate 24 in Livingston and Lyon counties Monday through Friday, Aug. 10-14, while crews cut brush and clear overgrowth along guardrails.

The work zone will extend from the Tennessee River Bridge near Exit 31 at Grand Rivers to Exit 45 at Eddyville. Crews will begin in the eastbound lanes and progress toward Eddyville before shifting westbound and working back toward the bridge.

Lane restrictions will be removed after each workday. Nearby entrance and exit ramps may be temporarily blocked as crews move through the area. Motorists should slow down and use caution.

Hudson Mine Rescue Tribute is Saturday

MARION, Ky. – A detailed presentation recounting the 1926 Hudson Mine cave-in and the extraordinary rescue effort that followed will be the featured attraction at a free centennial celebration Saturday, Aug. 8, in Marion.

“All Found Alive!” will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fohs Hall and the neighboring Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and organizers encourage visitors to arrive before the featured program starts promptly at 10.

Bo Moodie will lead the presentation at Fohs Hall, using historical photographs and A.M. Shelby’s written report to provide a play-by-play account of the disaster and rescue.

“People need to be here at Fohs Hall between 9 and 10 for registration,” organizer Andrea Clement said. “The stuff you don’t want to miss is at 10 o’clock.”

The program will explain the daunting conditions rescuers encountered and the repeated mechanical and logistical failures that complicated their work.

“It was Murphy’s law in effect,” Clement said. “Anything and everything that could go wrong did go wrong. And they never gave up.”

Five fluorspar miners — Randolph Cobb, Roy James, George Castiller, U.B. Wilson and Harry Watson — were trapped about 150 to 160 feet underground after a massive cave-in occurred between 9 and 10 p.m. Aug. 5, 1926, at the Hudson Zinc and Spar Mine southwest of Salem.

The mine had operated intermittently since the 1890s. Near the working area was an abandoned pit about 90 feet deep that had filled with water, mud, discarded timbers and other refuse. Older miners had warned

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UPCOMING Back to School Events

Crittenden County Schools’ back-to-school events are just around the corner as students prepare to return for the new academic year. All back-to-school events will be held on consecutive days Monday, Aug. 17 and Tuesday, Aug. 18. The schedule includes:

•Kindergarten 5 to 6:30 p.m., Aug. 17

•Preschool 4 to 5:30 p.m., Aug. 17.

•Elementary School grades 1-5 from 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 18.

•Middle School 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 17.

•High School 4 to 6 p.m., Aug. 17.

Families will have an opportunity to meet teachers and staff, visit classrooms and prepare for the start of school.

Local student completes KY Gov's School

Crittenden County High School student Creea Whitfield recently completed the 2026 Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts program, studying visual art.

Whitfield was among 275 students from 60 Kentucky counties who participated in the tuition-free program June 7-27 at Northern Kentucky University. It was the first year NKU hosted the three-week program.

Students participated in daily seminars, creative projects, master classes and lectures across 10 artistic disciplines. They also attended a performance of Broadway’s “The Lion King” in Cincinnati.

Since 1987, the Governor’s School for the Arts has provided more than 9,000 rising Kentucky high school juniors and seniors with intensive arts instruction and opportunities to qualify for college scholarships. 

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Decorated teacher is leaving classroom

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Middle School science teacher Neal Bryant is trading chemistry for counseling this year, as he becomes the elementary school’s next counselor when school resumes later next month. 

Bryant, an accomplished educator with teaching experience both at the elementary and middle school levels, said he is excited for a new journey and the opportunity to help students grow socially and emotionally.

“I love encouraging kids, helping them work through challenges, and being another trusted adult in their lives,” said Bryant. “Counseling just feels like the right fit for me.”

Bryant’s goals in his new role include building trust and forging relationships with students and families. 

“I want my office to be a place where kids feel safe, welcome, and excited to visit, not because they’re in trouble, but because they know someone cares about them,” he said. “I also hope to partner closely with teachers and families to help students be successful both in and out of the classroom.”

Known for bringing engaging and exciting lessons to his students, Bryant said he looks forward to infusing the same creativity into his counseling work. 

Bryant is a past winner of Paducah Challenger Center’s Outstanding Educator award, the Linda McDowell Outstanding Educator award, and the Regional Educator Partnership Excellence in Teaching award, among others. Most recently, Bryant has served as a GoTeach Kentucky Ambassador, sharing content expertise, teaching strategies, and engagement techniques with colleagues across the state. 

Bryant also serves as an assistant coach for Crittenden County High School’s boys basketball program. He enjoys running, being outdoors, and spending time with his family in his free time.

A NEW SCHOOL YEAR, SAFER JOURNEYS AHEAD

A back-to-school message from Sen. Jason Howell

As students across Kentucky head back to the classroom, a new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow and prepare for the future. Whether it’s a child’s first day of kindergarten or a student’s final year before graduation, every school year marks a new beginning filled with possibility.

This year is especially meaningful for my family because it marks our youngest child's senior year of high school. With every "last first day," "last football game" and "last school event," we're reminded that this chapter is quickly coming to a close. As parents, we're trying to savor every moment while preparing for the bittersweet transition that comes with watching our child take the next step into adulthood. I know many of you have experienced those same emotions, and my family shares that mix of pride, gratitude, excitement and nostalgia right alongside you.

As excitement builds for the year ahead, it is also a timely reminder that every student’s journey to and from school should be just as safe as the learning that takes place inside the classroom. While families return to their regular routines, it is important for every driver to understand the rules of the road around school buses. With the passage and implementation of House Bill 7, drivers are now required to stop whenever a school or church bus has its signal lights flashing and its stop arm extended on most roadways. This includes highways and four-lane roads with a center turning lane.

Drivers traveling in both directions must stop unless the roadway is divided by an elevated barrier or an unpaved median. A painted centerline or middle turning lane does not create an exception. These requirements help protect students as they enter or exit a bus and may need to cross multiple lanes of traffic.

HB 7 also allows school districts to use stop-arm camera systems to identify motorists who illegally pass stopped buses and strengthens penalties for violations. While these provisions increase accountability,

C-PLAN | Monday NEWScast

 

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Today we hear from Andrea Clement

about this weekend's fluorspar heritage event

to recognize the 100th anniversary of the

Hudson Mine Rescue

Fredonia Festival is Saturday, Aug. 8

The Fredonia Lions Club’s 61st annual Summer Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 8 at Buddy Rogers Park in Fredonia. The all-day event begins at 8 a.m. with Little League activities and includes bingo, cake walks, water balloons, a petting zoo, pedal tractor pulls, trophies, a pet show and washer pitching. 

Food will include smoked pork, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, homemade desserts and other festival favorites. 

Live music begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Fort Campbell Band, followed by local talent at 6:30 p.m. Large raffles and hourly cash drawings will be held throughout the day. Admission is free, and proceeds benefit the Fredonia Lions Club’s charitable projects.

Martin completes Washington learning mission

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County High School student Maeson Martin returned from Washington, D.C., with new friendships, greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for American history and civic engagement after participating in the 2026 Washington Youth Tour.

Martin was among three students sponsored by Kenergy for the weeklong experience coordinated by Kentucky Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. She was joined by Heath Ford of Henderson County High School and Carson Whitsell of Webster County High School.

The students visited Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon before touring the U.S. Capitol, museums and memorials in Washington. They also heard from U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and congressional staff members during a discussion about artificial intelligence, term limits and Federal Emergency Management Agency reform.

Martin said the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum was the most meaningful stop.

“You can talk about it over and over again in history classes all throughout years of school,” Martin said, “but looking at it through pictures and video, being able to actually walk through one of the cattle cars, it hits you different.”

The tour also included stops at the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, White House Visitor Center, World War I Memorial, National Air and Space Museum and Arlington National Cemetery. At Arlington, students watched the Changing of the Guard, and members of the Kentucky delegation placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Kenergy representatives Kristine and Jonathan Carrier served as chaperones.

Lane restrictions in Lake City next week

LAKE CITY, Ky. – A lane restriction is planned Monday, Aug. 3, and Tuesday, Aug. 4, along U.S. 62 between KY 453/Dover Road and KY 952/J.H. O’Bryan Avenue in Livingston County.

Crews will cut brush along guardrails from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The westbound right lane will be restricted Monday, followed by the eastbound right lane Tuesday. Traffic will shift into the left lane.

The northbound KY 453 exit ramp to U.S. 62 also will be blocked for part of Tuesday morning. Work is weather permitting.

School says Jackson is back as coach

 

Less than 24 hours after the school district announced that Crittenden County Rocket basketball coach Kenny Jackson had resigned, school officials issued a news release saying the coach had rescinded his resignation. 

Following is the release issued by the school district today:

Marion, KY—July 30, 2026… Following honest conversations and time for reflection between Coach Jackson, district, and school leadership, Jackson has rescinded his resignation and will continue leading Crittenden County’s high school basketball program. Superintendent Tonya Driver and Coach Jackson acknowledge that emotions were running high when recent decisions were made. Taking a step back created the opportunity for meaningful dialogue, fresh perspective, and a renewed commitment to moving forward together.

"Leadership sometimes means recognizing when it's time to slow down, listen, and reconsider," said Superintendent Driver. "I'm grateful that Coach Jackson, Principal Josh Cook, and I had the opportunity to have open and honest conversations. We share the same goal—to do what's best for our students—and I'm thankful we found a path forward together."

Driver and Jackson agree that the situation has led to the opportunity to demonstrate what healthy leadership and conflict resolution look like, and they are thankful for the chance to show staff, students, parents, and the community how adults can work together to put kids first and make a situation better. 

Coach Jackson added, "My love for Crittenden County, this school system, and certainly, these athletes, runs deep. The support shown by our kids, parents, alumni, colleagues, and community has been incredibly humbling. I’m grateful for the time I spent with Mrs. Driver and Mr. Cook this morning, and for the transparent conversation we have shared. I’m glad to continue to lead this basketball program, and I appreciate the trust and support we have placed in each other going forward.”

The district also recognizes the overwhelming support expressed by the community in regard to the situation. While the circumstances have not been easy, they have served as a powerful reminder of how deeply this community values the people who dedicate themselves to its children. 

“We are all partners in education,” said Driver, “and in shaping students into the kind of contributing citizens we want them to become. It takes all of us working together, working through times of harmony and times of challenges, to model what it means to take responsibility, listen to understand, admit our shortcomings, and move forward with a new perspective.”

Practice continues as scheduled for the boys’ basketball team, with Coach Jackson and assistant coaches Coley Rogers and Neal Bryant at the helm. Workouts start in mid-September. Jackson encourages any high school student interested in joining the program to attend workouts or reach out for more information. 

THURSDAY NEWScast - US Rep. Comer in Marion

 

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Jackson resigns from Rocket basketball

MARION, Ky. – Kenny Jackson has resigned after one season as Crittenden County High School’s boys’ basketball coach, the school district announced Wednesday.

Jackson, a 1993 CCHS graduate and former Rocket basketball player, inherited a program that had finished 0-26 the previous season. Crittenden went 2-29 during his only season as head coach.

Jackson said resigning was not something he particularly wanted to do but that school leaders had placed him in an uncomfortable and potentially untenable position. He said he was told too many players had quit during the past year and that the school would not retain him for another season if more players left the program.

A paraprofessional coach, Jackson had no other employment ties to the district. 

He was the Rockets’ fourth boys’ basketball coach in six seasons. The district has begun searching for his replacement.

“We are looking forward to the future of Rocket basketball,” CCHS Principal Josh Cook said.

The CCHS basketball squad has won just five games over the past three seasons, finishing last in the Second Region each year.

Rep. Comer in Marion today for big announcement

U.S. Rep. James Comer visited Marion today for the formal announcement of $1 million in federal funding for a parallel taxiway at Marion-Crittenden County James C. Johnson Airport. 

The Crittenden Press first reported the funding in February. 

Dozens of dignitaries and individuals were present for the official announcement this week.

Comer said the project will improve airport safety and support regional economic development. A full report will appear in next week’s newspaper.

911 Board hosts special meeting

Marion-Crittenden County 911 Board will meeting in special session at 2 p.m., Thursday at Marion City Hall for an update on the Harris Radio system and grant process. 

Big events remain for annual fair

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A few big events remain on the schedule for the annual Crittenden County Lions Club Fair.

4-H entries are being accepted and available for viewing in the Lions Club building at the fairgrounds.

On Friday, the late Beverly Herrin will be enshrined in the Ag Hall of Fame; followed by free admission on Family Night featuring activities for kids.

Events conclude Saturday with the demolition derby.

Duncan's Service Center closing for good

MARION, Ky. – Duncan’s Service Center, located on the northwest corner of Main and Gum streets in Marion, will permanently close Thursday after six years in business.

The business announced the closure Tuesday in a social media post, thanking customers for their support.

“After six years of serving our community, Duncan’s Service Center will be closing its doors July 30. Thank you to our customers for all the dedication and allowing us to serve you and this community. Thank you!”

No reason for the closure was provided in the post. See the post here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BU1aiRmBw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Lyon County Sheriff's Weekly Report

 

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, around 6:30 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler was dispatched to a theft complaint in the Confederate community. His investigation revealed a property owner had come to his property on July 18 and determined a building had been burglarized and multiple vehicles had been stolen. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a Kawasaki motorcycle, a go-kart and a Procraft bass boat, in addition to other personal property items, were stolen in the burglary. The value of the theft exceeds $33,000. If anyone has information about this burglary and theft, they are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 270-388-2311 or 270-388-0911.

On Sunday, July 19, 2026, just before 8 p.m., an off-duty Lyon County sheriff’s deputy observed a suspicious male wearing a backpack near a closed business in Kuttawa. The deputy contacted Sheriff Brent White, who dispatched Deputy Bobby Beeler and a Kentucky State Police trooper to the area. They located Cameron M. Mortensen (34) of Waukegan, Ill., at the closed business. After confirming with the business’s owner that he did not know Mortensen and that Mortensen did not have permission to be on the property, Deputy Beeler arrested him. During the investigation, it was determined that Mortensen had also shoplifted items at Huck’s Travel Center. Mortensen was charged with third-degree criminal trespassing and theft by unlawful taking-shoplifting. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Monday, July 20, 2026, just before 5 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler was dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on KY 293. His investigation revealed a 2000 Ford Explorer, driven by Linda F. Barnhart (79) of Eddyville, was backing out of a private lot onto KY 293 when she collided with the passenger side of a