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Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Fishing team: Could Crittenden be angling for one?
MARION, Ky. – Could competitive bass fishing be coming to Crittenden County schools?
Local 4-H agent Leslea Barnes last week at the board of education meeting pitched a team idea for middle and high school students, proposing a start in the 2027-28 school year.
Her son Philip’s interest in fishing competitively helped inspire the proposal.
The school board also heard about a potential scholarship program to help families cover educational expenses. Read more in this week’s Crittenden Press.
Traffic stop leads to seizure of 238g meth
Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head stopped Jones’ vehicle about 11:05 p.m. Nov. 8. During the investigation, authorities reported finding approximately 238.3 grams of methamphetamine, prescription pain pills, marijuana, digital scales, plastic bags, drug paraphernalia and $760.11 in cash.
Jones was arrested and lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. Charges include first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second or subsequent offense, involving more than 2 grams of methamphetamine; first-degree possession of a controlled substance involving opiates; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; careless driving; possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle; and failure to wear a seat belt.
Deputy Bolin assisted Head with the investigation.
Veterans Day events in Marion, Fredonia
Veterans Day will be observed Wednesday, Nov. 11, honoring the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
A Veterans Day program hosted by Crittenden County School District will be held at 9 a.m., at Rocket Arena. All veterans and community members are welcome.
Crittenden County 4-H is hosting a meal for veterans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marion Baptist Church Family Life Center.
Also, the Fredonia Valley Veterans Memorial will host a Veterans Day event at 11 a.m.
Monday, November 9, 2026
Extensiosn hosts Christmas craft classes
Crittenden County Extension Office will offer three Christmas craft classes at St. William Catholic Church in Marion.
Crafting Christmas Memories, a class for adults and children, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30. An evergreen wreath workshop will be offered at 1 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7.
A Christmas kinusaiga class will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Participants will create fabric designs without sewing. The class costs $5 for supplies.
To register, call the Extension Office at 270-965-5236.
LBL considering off-road vehicles for some roads
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) is considering allowing street-legal side-by-side utility vehicles on its Kentucky roads, but no final decision has been announced, The Stewart County Standard newspaper in Dover, Tenn., has reported.
Scott Raymond, public affairs officer for the U.S. Forest Service at LBL, told the newspaper that discussions follow recent decisions by Trigg and Lyon counties to allow street-legal special purpose vehicles on local roads.
Tennessee already allows qualifying vehicles on certain public roads under a law signed by Gov. Bill Lee in April 2025, according to The Standard. The law permits their use on eligible state highways and county roads with speed limits of 45 mph or less, subject to local restrictions and other exclusions.
Vehicles must be titled, registered and insured. Operators must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver’s license. Drivers and passengers must wear helmets, and travel is restricted to daylight hours, including 30 minutes before dawn and after dusk. Equipment and passenger safety requirements also apply.
“Any changes to our current travel management policies on LBL will be shared as soon as final decisions are made,” Raymond told the Dover newspaper.
Raymond said visitors frequently request access for the vehicles and that allowing them could be a popular change.
Lyon Sheriff's Weekly Activiy
- On Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, around 8:15 p.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle collision on U.S. 62 East. Deputy Bobby Beeler’s investigation determined that a 2015 Toyota Highlander, driven by Sharon G. Smiley, 33, of Princeton, was eastbound on U.S. 62 when a deer entered her path. She was unable to avoid a collision with the animal. No injuries were reported in the collision.
- On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, around 6:45 a.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a single-vehicle collision on Ky. 274 approximately 12 miles south of Eddyville. His investigation determined that a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Zachary D. Bynum, 26, of Fredonia, was southeastbound on Ky. 274 when a deer entered his path. He was unable to avoid a collision with the animal. No injuries were reported in the collision.
- On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, around 5:15 p.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle collision on U.S. 641 North. Deputy Kip Darnell’s investigation determined that a 2021 Kia Sorento, driven by Kenneth D. Burrus, 45, of Eddyville, was southbound on U.S. 641 when a deer entered his path. He was unable to avoid a collision with the animal. No injuries were reported in the collision.
- On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, just before 8 p.m., deputies and Kentucky State Police troopers responded to a residence on Ky. 293 regarding a fugitive complaint. Upon arrival, deputies and troopers located Bruce L. Moore, 61, of Princeton, hiding in a closet. He was taken into custody
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Check out the latest Early Bird !
🍂 This week in The Early Bird 🍂
Your weekly look at what’s happening around the community!
There's plenty to discover in this week's Early Bird Shoppers Guide! From getting into the Christmas spirit to keeping your vehicle running smoothly, we've got something for everyone.
🎄 Get Ready for Christmas!
Bowtanicals is getting ready to welcome the holiday season with its upcoming Christmas Open House! Be sure to check out this week's Early Bird for details and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
🍳 Hunter's Breakfast Coming Up!
The Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department is gearing up for its Hunter's Breakfast! Take a look inside this week's edition for more information and make plans to stop by and support our local volunteers.
🚗 Automotive News & Local Businesses
Thinking about a new vehicle or needing a little work under the hood? Our automotive section features vehicles available at Belt's Auto Sales, car repair services from Atchison Auto Repair, and insurance information from Kentucky Farm Bureau Agent Brodi Sutton. Check out their advertisements and see what these local businesses have to offer!
🏷️ Don't forget the Classifieds!
Looking for a yard sale, something new, or a great local deal? Be sure to browse the Classifieds for upcoming yard sales and more!
🛍️ Shop Local. Read Local. Stay Connected.
The Early Bird is filled with ways to connect with local advertisers, businesses and community happenings. Remember, the advertisements are live links, making it easy to visit advertiser websites and Facebook pages with just a click.
🌐 Read online: earlybirdky.com
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Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Newcom wins 5th term as county judge
UPDATE TOTALS ARE FINAL BUT UNOFFICIAL
Incumbent Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom won another term IN Tuesday's General Election, defeating write-in challenger Kent Withrow 1,763 votes to 828 with all precincts reporting. Newcom received 68% of the vote.
Sheriff Evan Head also turned back a write-in challenge, receiving 2,246 votes, or 92%, to Scott Burke’s 202.
Cutter Singleton led the seven-candidate Marion City Council race with 468 votes. Joining him in winning six available seats were Randy Dunn with 415, Bobby Belt with 404, Scott Tabor with 373, Taylor Davis with 348 and Dwight Sherer with 347. Ricky Winders finished seventh with 276 votes.
In the District 2 school board race, James Eric LaRue defeated write-in candidate Kerianne Vasquez 343 votes to 34.
John Croft led voting for conservation district supervisor with 1,536 votes, followed by Robert Glinke with 889 and write-in candidate Susan Smith with 58.
In federal races, Andy Barr carried Crittenden County in the U.S. Senate contest with 2,265 votes, or 79.3%. Charles Booker received 501 votes and Christopher Campbell had 89. U.S. Rep. James Comer received 2,360 county votes, or 82.7%, to challenger John “Drew” Williams’ 495.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Lyon County Sheriff's Weekly Report
LYON COUNTY SHERIFF’S ACTIVITY
On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, around 10:30 p.m., deputies responded to U.S. 641 approximately 3 miles north of Eddyville for a two-vehicle injury collision.
Deputy Bradley Dunning’s investigation revealed a 2011 Dodge Ram pickup truck with a John Deere 8300 box drill in tow, driven by Jaxon R. Belt, 19, of Salem, was northbound on U.S. 641. A 2005 Ford Focus passenger car, driven by Michael D. Peek, 52, of Eddyville, was southbound on U.S. 641 when it collided with the oversized agricultural implement being towed by the Belt vehicle. After the impact, the Peek vehicle left the roadway on the southbound shoulder, where it then collided with a tree.
The Eddyville Fire Department extricated Peek from his vehicle before Lyon County EMS transported him to an area hospital for his injuries. In addition to these agencies, Deputy Dunning was assisted at the scene by Deputies Luke Fraley and Josh Travis, as well as the Eddyville Police Department and Kentucky State Police.On Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, around 11:15 p.m., deputies responded to a single-vehicle injury collision on U.S. 62 in Kuttawa. Deputy Luke Fraley’s investigation revealed a 2020 Subaru Forester, driven by Carrie J. Murphy, 65, of Kuttawa, was eastbound on U.S. 62 when a deer entered her path. Her vehicle collided with the deer. Lyon County EMS treated Murphy at the scene for minor injuries. Deputies Josh Travis and Bradley Dunning, along with Kentucky State Police, assisted Deputy Fraley at the scene.
On Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, around 5:34 p.m., deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision in Kuttawa. The investigation by Deputy Kip Darnell determined the collision occurred on the Interstate 24 eastbound off-ramp when a 2017 Hyundai Tucson driven by Hannah M. Terrell, 22, of Princeton, failed to stop in time behind a 2020 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Steven C. Stump, 62, of Greeley, Colorado, which was stopped at the intersection of I-24 and U.S. 62 waiting for traffic to
Clerk appreciates 4 more years
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appreciates the opportunity to serve the county for the next four years.
The county clerk is responsible for administering elections, maintaining property deeds and associated records, issuing marriage and other licenses and handling motor vehicle services.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Friday, October 30, 2026
Cupola added to top of Judicial Center
MARION, Ky. - Construction crews are installing the cupola atop the new Crittenden County Judicial Center on Main Street in Marion today.
Workers initially lifted the cupola into position to mark locations for anchor bolts, then lowered it so they could drill holes to secure the structure. Crews are preparing to lift it back into place and permanently fasten it to the building.
Meanwhile, contractors are continuing street and sidewalk improvements around the judicial center. Carlisle Street will close temporarily in the coming days as crews replace pavement, curbs and sidewalks.
Similar work is planned or under way along Main and Belleville streets, although both will remain open to traffic. Crews have also begun installing concrete curbs and sidewalks along Court Street behind the judicial center.
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Check the latest Bird ...
🍂 This week in The Early Bird 🍂
Your weekly look at what’s happening around the community!
Hello, Early Bird Readers!
Halloween weekend is here, and there’s plenty happening around the community! From local Halloween festivities to a fun night at Fohs Hall, this week’s Early Bird is filled with events, community news and information you won’t want to miss.
🎃 Friday Fun Around the Community!
🍬 All Treats and No Tricks at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Bring the family out this Friday from 4–7 p.m. for the All Treats and No Tricks Shine event at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
👻 Trick or Treat on Main Street
Get ready for a fun-filled Halloween evening! Trick or Treat on Main Street takes place this Friday. Make plans to get out and Trick or Treat around Main Street in Marion, KY. See participating businesses in this week’s Early Bird!
🎭 A Fun Night at Fohs Hall
Looking for something fun to do Friday night? The Tapestry and Fohs Hall are teaming up for a fun evening, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Check out this week’s Early Bird for more details and make plans to join the fun!
🗳️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: County Clerk’s Office on Election Day
Please plan ahead! The Crittenden County Clerk’s Office will be closed on Election Day for all business except election-related business. If you need to take care of other county clerk business, be sure to plan accordingly.
📰 There’s More Waiting in This Week’s Early Bird!
From community happenings and informative news to local businesses and opportunities, this week’s edition is worth a look.
🔎 Be sure to check out the Classifieds! Whether you’re looking for something to buy, a place to rent, services or other local opportunities, you never know what you might find. Have something to sell or an announcement to share? The Classifieds are a great way to get the word out!
🛍️ Shop Local. Read Local. Stay Connected.
🌐 Read online: earlybirdky.com
Thanks for reading and supporting your local community!
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City Council will meet in special session
Marion City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at City Hall, 217 S. Main St., to consider awarding work for zoning meters and meter installation at unique locations.
The agenda also includes a resolution authorizing an agreement with Integrity Water and Energy LLC for the meters and installation.
Letters to the Editor | Regarding Election
To the editor:
I have lived in this community my entire life, except for the years I spent serving in the U.S. Army. I also have had the privilege of serving this community as a county magistrate, judge-executive and city council member. For many years, my wife and I have been active in organizing the Crittenden County Food Bank.
Although my health prevents me from being as active in the community as I once was, I continue to keep up with what is happening. I have followed the current election cycle, and I have serious concerns about the future of our community.
Crittenden County has been through some very difficult times in recent years, including the pandemic, inflation and challenging economic conditions here at home. Through it all, I believe Perry Newcom has worked hard to keep the county financially sound. Considering the difficult hand he has been dealt, I believe he has done an excellent job as judge-executive.
Newcom has the experience and knowledge necessary to lead the county for another four years.
He won the Republican nomination and now faces opposition from a write-in candidate who regularly posts about county issues on social media. While I agree with some of the points the candidate makes, I believe his posts often leave out important context. In my view, he has not demonstrated the experience or understanding of government needed to work effectively with federal, state and local officials.
Decisions made by county government can have lasting consequences, and poor decisions could place this community’s future in jeopardy.
This election is important to Crittenden County’s future. I encourage everyone to take it seriously and vote Nov. 3. I will be supporting Perry Newcom, and I hope you will, too.
Fred Brown
Crittenden Judge-Executive Retired
Marion, Ky.
Voter says county has one choice for judge
To the editor:
I want to address my fellow voters of Crittenden County. We have another vote coming up in our county soon. I want to say how I think and feel about this.
We have a great county judge-executive and magistrates in office at this time trying to balance the budget. We have had a large problem with the Crittenden County Detention Center not being run efficiently. We have fixed that problem as voters and have got Robbie Kirk going back to the jail to help correct the shortcomings.
We do have other issues in our county that officials are working on and trying to address and find the right solutions. Judge-Executive Perry Newcom and his administration are the right choice for these issues at a critical time.
I have noticed we have a write-in candidate running for this office that I do not believe he knows anything about. He is someone who makes untrue statements about things and people he disagrees with. He has made what I believe to be inaccurate statements about matters of other county officials that should be none of his concern, and they appear only to cause hurt.
He is also someone who is hiding behind an assumed name “Jebediah Yoder” on social media to trash people and the reputations they carry.
I believe these actions show he lacks honesty and integrity. He is not someone who I want in any office in my community.
So ask yourselves this question: Who will get your vote?
I know who will be getting mine.
This individual doesn’t need an elected seat in our county now, or ever.
Perry Newcom is the perfect and only choice at this time to ensure that this county keeps going strong. He is the right person at the right time.
I am a sincerely concerned voter and long-time resident of Crittenden County.
Monty Riley
Marion, Ky.
Local voter endorses Newcom for county judge
To the editor:
I am writing to express my strong support for Perry Newcom's re-election as Judge Executive of Crittenden County. Having worked closely with Perry over the last few years, I have gained an appreciation for his leadership style, dedication to our community, and proven ability to deliver results.
What distinguishes Perry as a leader is his willingness to address difficult issues rather than avoid them. He understands that effective governance sometimes requires having challenging conversations and making tough decisions. Perry has consistently demonstrated the courage to advocate for our county's interests, even when facing significant obstacles. He approaches every challenge with determination and a clear focus on what's best for the people of Crittenden County.
Perry is not content with simply maintaining the status quo. Instead, he actively seeks solutions to longstanding problems that affect our residents' quality of life. Time and again, I have watched him navigate complex issues with patience, persistence, and a genuine commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes. His ability to work effectively with various stakeholders, from local officials to state representatives, has proven invaluable in advancing our county's priorities.
Beyond his professional capabilities, Perry possesses the integrity and character we should expect from our elected officials. He listens carefully to constituents' concerns, takes them seriously, and follows through on his commitments. He treats everyone with respect and maintains open lines of communication with the community he serves.
Perry has earned the trust of this community through his actions, and he has consistently demonstrated that he has both the capability and the determination to continue moving our county forward.
I encourage my fellow citizens to support Perry Newcom for re-election as Judge Executive. I am confident that he will continue to serve Crittenden County with the same commitment and effectiveness that has defined his tenure thus far.
Andy Hunt,
Marion, Ky.
-- Letters submitted to The Crittenden Press --
LADY ROCKETS ADVANCE TO SEMIFINALS
Crittenden County swept Madisonville-North Hopkins 25-17, 25-21, 25-21 Monday night in the opening round of the Second Region Volleyball Tournament. Braelyn Merrill led the Lady Rockets with 13 kills and four aces, reaching 500 career kills and breaking the school's single-season kills record.
The Lady Rockets (18-14) will face Christian County (24-13) Wednesday night at Trigg County in the regional semifinals.
Monday, October 26, 2026
Senate candidate Barr stops in Marion today
MARION, Ky. - Republican U.S. Senate nominee Andy Barr visited Crittenden County Monday, pledging support for Western Kentucky’s farmers, energy resources and economic future during a campaign meet-and-greet in Marion.
“I’ll work with him to fight for Crittenden County,” Barr said of Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, who endorsed him in the primary. Both Newcom and Livingston County Judge-Executive Michael Williams joined Barr at the event.
Newcom praised Barr’s record and said he could “hit the ground running on day one.”
Barr is seeking to succeed U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell in the Nov. 3 election.
Rocket runners headed to state meet
Crittenden County’s boys’ cross country team will compete in the Class A state championship Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The 5-kilometer race begins at 2:45 p.m.
The Rockets qualified by finishing third at last Saturday’s Region 1 Super Regional Championship at Trigg County High School. Crittenden scored 75 points, behind University Heights (41) and Trigg County (59).
Sophomore Noah Martinez led the Rockets, placing 10th in 18:53.16, followed by junior CJ Nelson, 12th in 19:02.26. Seniors River Rogers and Aiden Musser finished 15th and 17th in 19:14.09 and 19:27.51, respectively. Freshman Miles Yates completed the scoring, placing 32nd in 21:47.41.
Barrett Brown finished in 25:51.11 and Colt Hayes in 28:55.81.
Pictured are Rocket cross country runners who qualified as a team for the state meet. They are (from left) Aiden Musser, Miles Yates, Noah Martinez, CJ Nelson, Barrett Brown, Colt Hayes and River Rogers.
See more in this week's newspaper.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
LEPC will meet Tuesday
The Crittenden County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will meet Tuesday, October 27 at 5:00 p.m. in the Emergency Operations Center at 275 Industrial Dr. Marion.
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