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Today we share a visit the area's
newest game warden
Monday, June 22, 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Lyon County Sheriff's Weekly Report
Deputy Josh Travis responded to a single-vehicle collision at about 5:20 p.m. June 11 on U.S. 641 approximately 2.3 miles north of Eddyville. His investigation determined that a 2018 Nissan Versa driven by Aaron C. Hensley, 23, of Princeton, was traveling south when the driver failed to negotiate a curve and left the roadway. The vehicle struck a gutter on a shop building and a metal statue, then damaged a parked vehicle at a residence before hitting a mailbox and overturning at least twice before coming to rest on the opposite side of the roadway. Hensley was transported by Lyon County EMS to a local hospital for evaluation after reportedly losing consciousness following the crash. The Eddyville Fire Department and Lyon County EMS assisted at the scene.
At about 12:57 p.m. June 15, Deputy Bobby Beeler investigated a collision on the U.S. 62 Cumberland River bridge near Lake City. The investigation determined that Michael W. Skees, 51, of Fredonia, attempted to pull off the roadway after running out of gas just before reaching the bridge. As he pulled off the roadway, the vehicle nearly overturned on an embankment. Skees was not injured, but deputies determined his driver's license was suspended. He was charged with operating on a suspended or revoked operator's license and was issued a summons to appear in court.
Chief Deputy Sam Adams served a Lyon District Court bench warrant June 17 on Lee Adams, 33, of Kuttawa, for contempt of court in a child support case. Adams remained lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Deputies were dispatched at about 9:49 p.m. June 17 to a fight in progress at a business on Days Inn Drive in Kuttawa. Upon arrival, deputies detained Todd S. Brummett Jr., 44, of Kuttawa, who was allegedly
Cave-In-Rock Operating on Temporary Shorter Schedule
Beginning Monday, June 22 through Monday, June 29, the Cave-In-Rock Ferry will operate on a temporary 8-hour schedule.Temporary Operating Hours:
6:00 AM – 2:00 PM Daily
Last Run Times:
• From the Illinois side: 1:40 PM
• From the Kentucky side: 1:50 PM
Normal operating hours will resume on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Operating Hours:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Last Run Times:
• From the Illinois side: 9:40 PM
• From the Kentucky side: 9:50 PM
This news release was issued by the Cave In Rock Ferry. It also included the following message.
“Please plan your travel accordingly during this time period. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Thank you for choosing the Cave-In-Rock Ferry.”
Editor’s NOTE: This temporary change is not associated with the ongoing ferry contract negotiations.
Clement Mineral Museum is Marion's Gem
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Andrea Clement, granddaughter of museum namesake Ben E. Clement and “Geology John” show some youngsters how to make something akin to cave drawings. |
Earlier this month, the musuem held its annual show, a signature event featuring minerals, gems, jewelry that celebrates the community’s mining heritage.
A new generation of the Clement family is working to elevate the museum to new heights.
Andrea Clement, granddaughter of museum namesake Ben E. Clement, has taken a leadership role at the museum and is spearheading efforts to expand its reach. Her work is already attracting attention.
In May, the Marion Tourism Commission voted to offer up to $25,000 to hire a national consulting and marketing firm to help promote the museum and strengthen its position as a tourism destination.
The investment reflects growing confidence in the museum’s future and the momentum that has developed under Clement’s leadership.
“This place is for anybody,” Clement said during a recent interview inside the museum.
She said her grandfather and father before her envisioned a museum where anyone from all walks of life could come in and experience the beauty of God’s creation, where anyone could walk in and get a love for learning.
The museum traces its roots to the lifelong passion of Ben E. Clement, a pioneering fluorspar miner, scientist, historian and collector whose fascination with discovery began as a teenager after a sewing
Friday, June 19, 2026
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Frontier Days in Cave-In-Rock this weekend
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| Click Image to Enlarge |
Saturday's activities begin at 9 a.m. with gospel music and FFA horseshoe pitching, followed by children's games, fire hose bowling, a dunking booth and free family activities at First Christian Church. The annual car show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Main Street, with awards presented at 2 p.m. A free ice cream social honoring Ramona Douglas and the late John Douglas will be held at 3:15 p.m., followed by the Frontier Days Parade at 3:30 p.m. The day concludes with bingo at 5 p.m. and live music by Crossroads from 5 to 9 p.m.
Sunday's activities include a riverfront worship service at 11 a.m. hosted by First Christian Church of Cave-In-Rock, with Minister Brandon McCain delivering the message. Food vendors will be available throughout the weekend, offering barbecue, carnival favorites, hamburgers, brats, Mexican food and sweets. Organizers encourage visitors to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the festivities along the Cave-In-Rock riverfront.
For more information, listen to our Monday podcast at The Press Online.
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The remarkable story of the Tolu Fluorite Statue
One of Crittenden County's most intriguing archaeological discoveries is the famed Tolu Fluorite Statue, a prehistoric Native American carving found near Tolu in 1954.
Believed to date to the Mississippian culture nearly 1,000 years ago, the figure is considered one of the most detailed and realistic fluorite carvings ever discovered and remains one of the most significant artifacts associated with southern Illinois and western Kentucky.
This week's edition of The Crittenden Press explores the statue's discovery, its unique craftsmanship, its mysterious symbolism and the enduring legacy of one of the county's most fascinating historical treasures.
Monday, June 15, 2026
City council meets tonight in Marion
MARION, Ky. – The Marion City Council will meet tonight (Monday) at 5 p.m., at Marion City Hall with a relatively full agenda that includes surplus property, city lakes regulations, equipment purchases and the proposed city logo.
Council members are expected to consider a resolution declaring city-owned property as surplus, hear the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the city's fishing regulations at city lakes, discuss the purchase of a mini excavator and review the city's logo. Also on the agenda are second readings of the city's 2026-27 budget ordinance and an ordinance updating the pay plan for classified employees and non-elected officials, along with consideration of bids for the Clearwell Tank Rehabilitation Project and the sale of surplus property. Department reports and public comments will also be heard.
Livingston Board of Ed meeting
SMITHLAND — The Livingston County Board of Education recognized two district administrators for their leadership, discussed the possibility of providing free meals for employees and awarded Superintendent Amy Ramage exemplary marks during its regular monthly meeting June 8.
Board Chair David Kitchens called the meeting to order with all members present.
Before regular business began, Ramage presented the district's June LiveRED Staff Award to Instructional Supervisors Jennifer Gosselin and Kristy Nelson for their service to Livingston County Schools.
Ramage praised Gosselin for her work as instructional supervisor, gifted and talented coordinator and district assessment coordinator, noting her commitment to instructional excellence and student achievement. Nelson was recognized for her leadership as instructional supervisor, child nutrition director and public relations director, with Ramage citing her innovation, creativity and efforts to secure grants and strengthen district programs.
Following approval of consent agenda items, Ramage informed the board that a special called meeting
Lyon County Sheriff's Activity
On June 7, deputies and a Kentucky State Police trooper responded to a reckless driving complaint involving a suspected rolling domestic dispute on U.S. 62 East near U.S. 641. Authorities arrested Elizabeth A. Jones, 53, of Sedalia, charging her with fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle. Passenger Anthony J. Roberts, 39, of Paducah, was also arrested on a fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) charge. Both were lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Deputies responded June 9 to a disturbance on Valley Drive, where Trenton D. Riley, 51, of Eddyville, was arrested on a menacing charge after allegedly threatening family members with a multi-tool knife while intoxicated. The sheriff's office said Riley was already on bond from a March arrest at the same location and additional charges are pending.
Sheriff Brent White arrested Meagan N. Edwards, 41, of Eddyville, on June 11 after observing her driving on U.S. 62 East. Edwards was charged with second-offense driving on a DUI-suspended license and lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Also June 11, deputies served a Laurel District Court bench warrant on Heather R. Huskey, 27, of
MONDAY's C-PLANT NEWScast
News | Sports | Interviews
Today we cross the river and visit
with Kimberly Anderson to talk Frontier Days!
Friday, June 12, 2026
Union County Fair Next Week in Morganfield
Union County Fair Schedule of Events (June 15-20)
Monday, June 15
- 4:30 p.m. – Gates Open
- 5:30 p.m. – Baby Contest
- 6 p.m. – FFA/4-H Rabbit & Poultry Show
Tuesday, June 16
- 4 p.m. – Exhibits Open
- 5:30 p.m. – Little Mr. & Miss Pageant
- 7 p.m. – Miss Union County Pageant
- 7 p.m. – Moto Cross
Wednesday, June 17
- 4 p.m. – Exhibits Open
- 5:30 p.m. – Miss Pre-Teen Pageant
- 6:30 p.m. – ATV Rodeo
- 7 p.m. – Miss Teen Union County Pageant
Thursday, June 18
- 4 p.m. – Exhibits Open
- 6 p.m. – Pedal Tractor Pull
- 7 p.m. – Diesel & Dirt Drag Racing
- 8-10 p.m. – Special Entertainment
Friday, June 19
- 6 p.m. – ITPA Tractor Pull (Street Truck Pull to Follow)
- 7 p.m. – Youth Fun Rodeo
Saturday, June 20
- 8 a.m. – 4-H Ham Breakfast & Auction
- 9 a.m. – Livestock Shows
- Noon-4 p.m. – Sunshine Day & Mr. & Miss Sunshine Day Pageant
- 4 p.m. – Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
- 7 p.m. – Whippoorwill Rodeo
- 7 p.m. – Demolition Derby
🎡 Daily Attractions
- Food Court Open Nightly: 5-10 p.m.
- Local Entertainment on the Pavilion Stage: 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Carnival Rides Open Nightly at 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday)
US 641 Yard Sale Returns June 18-20
Click Image to Enlarge
Bargain hunters will have plenty of opportunities to shop local when the 2nd Annual US Highway 641 Yard Sale takes place June 18-20 in and around Marion.
The communitywide event features individual yard sales at locations along U.S. 641 and surrounding roads, along with participating downtown businesses offering special sales and vendor events. Participating businesses include Marion & Company, Louise’s Flowers and RUIE, each hosting sidewalk sales or special shopping opportunities.
Additional participants are still being accepted. Anyone interested in joining the event can call or text 270-969-1066 with their address and sale information. Organizers say flyers listing participating locations will be available at multiple sites to help shoppers navigate the event.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
State issues news release on ferry contract
Subscribe to the full edition
Following is a news release issued shortly after 12pm today by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This week's Crittenden Press has further details on the contract negotiations. Get the full edition for more.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE
Negotiations Underway for Continuing
Cave-In-Rock Ferry Service
Potential expiration of agreement
on July 1 could impact ferry service
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 10, 2026) – Team Kentucky and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are committed to supporting the Ohio River Ferry Authority (Ferry Authority) and its mission to oversee the operations of the Cave-in-Rock Ferry, which serves as a vital transportation link between Kentucky and Illinois.
The two states have jointly funded this ferry service for years, including granting the Ohio River Ferry Authority a 13 percent increase in funding two years ago.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) remains in negotiations with the Ferry Authority but has yet to finalize a new agreement for financial support of the ferry operations. A new funding agreement with the Ohio River Ferry Authority must be made before July 1, 2026, to avoid the potential disruption to the Cave-in-Rock ferry service. Should a new agreement not be reached, and ferry service becomes affected, travelers should be prepared to use an alternate route between Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, and Crittenden County, Kentucky.
Cave-in-Rock Ferry Funding
The current state-funded agreement with the Ohio River Ferry Authority will expire on June 30, 2026. The Ferry Authority was created by the Crittenden County Fiscal Court to oversee the management and operation of the privately-owned ferry. The 16-hour-per-day, 7 day per week ferry service is equally funded by Kentucky and Illinois.
To prevent service disruption, KYTC officials are in discussions with the Ohio River Ferry Authority to renew the agreement. Since 2018, bi-state reimbursements to the Cave-in-Rock Ferry have more than doubled, from $804,000 to $1,878,060 for Fiscal Year 2026. During that same period, Kentucky’s other state-funded ferry operations have seen significantly smaller increases in operational costs. Two of those ferries, Dorena Hickman and Augusta, charge a fee in addition to receiving state funding support.
State operations budgets are declining over the next two years, but given the vital role that this transportation link serves between Kentucky and Illinois, KYTC is proposing a continuation of the ferry service at FY 2026 contract funding levels for Fiscal Years 2027 and 2028. By contrast, the Ohio River Ferry Authority is seeking a 47% increase in state funding support for no increase in services.
The states remain supportive of the Ohio River Ferry Authority and its mission to oversee operations of the Cave-in-Rock Ferry, but cannot afford to increase the level of state financial support for the ferry over the next two years.
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry carries about 300 vehicles per day at no cost to travelers. The shortest alternative drive between Cave-in-Rock and Marion would use the KY 56 Shawneetown Bridge and take about 35 minutes longer than a trip on the ferry.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
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AREA ROADS closed for high water
Also closed
State highway KY 855 North is closed in western Crittenden County between US 60 and Frances due to high water over the roadway.
Also, state highway KY 902 is closed for the same reason at mile marker 5.
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