Armory tank leaves Marion for Fort Knox

County showing red, but should not be

Although Crittenden is still appearing as a Red Zone county on the state’s color-coded COVID-19 map, actual numbers tell a different story. The county should have turned Orange early this week, and heading into the weekend the community remains “out of the red” so to speak, even though the Kentucky COVID map does not reflect it. Data lag is likely to blame for the discrepancy as public healthcare workers focus on vaccine logistics rather than data tracking. Go to the state map here.

Based on the number of positive cases complied daily by local public health officials, Crittenden Count had 18 confirmed coronavirus cases over the seven-day period from Jan. 15 through Jan. 22, including seven new cases on Thursday. Anything less than 25 cases should put the county in the "Orange Zone" on the state's map.

The new cases confirmed yesterday included a nine and 16 year old. The oldest was a 70-year-old female. None were hospitalized. Yesterday’s cases were the most recorded here in one day since Jan. 9 when there were also seven. Since that time, cases have been trending downward.

Local leaders calling for your response on surveys

Crittenden and surrounding counties are pushing for residents to participate in an internet speed and access surveys that they hope will help improve broadband in the area.

The effort got a statewide boost from Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman yesterday when she announced the fact-finding plan during the governor’s daily YouTube update then followed up with a statewide news release to media outlets.

The state’s online survey provides a link for internet customers to test their broadband speed. Additoinally, here in Crittenden County, your local government has commissioned its own paper survey, which is something akin to a petition, says Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom. It’s being made available at various locations in Marion.

“We’re taking it to schools and businesses and want everyone to have an opportunity to sign it,” the judge said. “We want as many signatures as possible.”

Below are links to the online speed test, and the hard copy survey/petition can be found locally at The Crittenden Press, county offices at the courthouse, city hall and private retail businesses. 

Watch for more on this important fact-finding mission in your next edition of The Crittenden Press.

http://ewdc.ky.gov/Initiatives/Pages/KBI.aspx
https://www.thinkrural.com/internent.html

Rusty Sign has Valentines in mind

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Valentine's Day is just around the corner. How about getting the love of your life something that will last a lifetime – galvanized metal or steel artwork from The Rusty Sign.

Call Brandy and Todd Clements in Clay to order your custom sign in time for Valentine's Day.

Personalize your husband's man cave, add a sign to the entrance of her She Shed or give the unique gift of a personalized piece of wall art this Valentine's Day.

You dream it, they can design it. Call the Clements today at The Rusty Sign (270) 836-6583 or (270) 871-4786.

Two cases Wednesday, virus trending downward

Two teenagers were Wednesday’s confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Crittenden County. Both are recovering at home.

Cases continue to decline in the county. Over the seven-day period between Jan. 14 and Jan. 20, there were 16 confirmations of the virus in Crittenden County. 

Since the pandemic began last spring, there have been 520 confirmed cases here. There have been 17 deaths associated with the virus. Although public health officials have not confirmed the identity of those who died with COVID-related issues, there is other information that indicates many of them were in a long-term care facility. 

Statewide, there have been 3,243 COVID-related deaths. Of those, 1,994 or 61 percent were long-term care facility residents.

Collyer's Tax Service closing

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Area residents who were former clients of Kim Collyer's Tax Service will need to find a new tax preparer.

Collyer has announced this week that she no longer is in business.

News is Good: COVID cases dropping dramatically

For the first time in weeks, Crittenden County’s COVID-19 cases have moderated to the point that it should fall out of the Red zone on the state’s color-coded incidence rate map.

Public health officials are not gathering and announcing caseload data as regularly now because they’re concentrating all resources on vaccine logistics. Because of that, this morning we have several days worth of cases to announce. The good news is that there are only a handful of positives. 

There were just nine new cases reported here over the extended holiday weekend. For the seven-day period from Jan. 13 to Jan. 19, there were 17 cases confirmed in Crittenden County. Anything under 25 in a seven-day period drops the county out of the so-called Red zone.

All of those diagnosed in the past several days are recovering at home.

Vaccine for school's faculty and staff today

As part of the state's four-phase plan to vaccinate the commonwealth's citizens in a priority fashion, today will be an opportunity for teachers and school staff to get their shots.

Crittenden County Health Department will be administering the vaccine starting at 9am with a group of teachers and staff that will include Superintendent Vince Clark. The school district will be sending small groups of teachers to the health department until 1pm, staging the vaccinations so as not to have too many gone from campuses at one time.

Faculty and staff will drive to the health department where healthcare workers will meet them in the parking lot and bring them inside to administer the vaccine. 

As for any residents who have received their first round of the two-shot vaccination, Crittenden County Health Department will soon be notifying individuals of their appointments for the second dose. There is no need to call the health department because it already has established a schedule for those shots and will be calling everyone who has already received the first round of vaccine. 

Sheriff's department warns of scam

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department says there’s a new phone scam targeting local residents.

Deputy Ray Agent said residents are being contacted by scammers alleging they represent Publisher’s Clearing House. 

“They’re saying you won a large amount of money and you need to send money for processing the winnings,” he said.

The deputy says residents should be vigilant against such fraud and never send money with the proposition of getting more later.

Owner Operator sought for regional truck route

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An established company serving western Kentucky is searching for a truck driver.

Position offers excellent pay and fuel rebates.

Call to learn more. (219) 663-5678, extension 17.

Fairbanks accepting patients at Family Practice

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Dr. David Fairbanks is now seeing patients at Family Practice Clinic in Marion.

He joins providers Dr. Jonathan Maddux and nurse practitioners Lee Anna Boone, Marcie Ellington and Jennifer Brown.

Fairbanks has 25 years experience in family medicine and emergency room services. 

Dr. Greg Maddux and Dr. Gary James, who started Family Practice Clinic in the early 1980s, retired in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Winds shut down ferry

The Cave In Rock Ferry closed around 1 p.m. today due to high winds. The ferry will re-open when winds subside and make it safe to resume operations.

Undefeated girls take on Lyon for All A crown

Live Game Today at 4pm

Crittenden County hasn't lost a game this season and Lyon County has lost just one – that was to Crittenden County a couple of weeks ago.

Now the two teams square off in the All A Classic Second Region championship this afternoon at Smithland. It's sure to be a hotly contested matchup with the winner advancing to the All A State Tournament in Richmond starting on Feb. 16.

The game will be broadcast live at The CrittendenPress on YouTube. Join former Lady Rocket Madison Champion and The Press's Chris Evans for play by play of the live action. Tipoff is at 4pm. Pregame show begins at 3:50pm

COVID death figures jump in county

According to new information released today by the Pennyrile District Health Department, Crittenden County has had 17 deaths since the pandemic began due to complications from COVID-19.

That number jumped significantly over the past week. As of last Friday, the mortality figure was nine.

No further information was immediately available. 

It’s likely that data lag resulted in a number of deaths associated with the virus going unreported for a period of time. Healthcare agencies are spending more resources working to get vaccine logistics finalized instead of tending to data tracking, according to recent information provided by state healthcare officials and local leaders.

Friday's Weekly Report from PDHD

Livingston contemplates full return to school

Livingston County School District has notified students that if the pandemic continues to trend downward and cases are mitigated by February, students may return full time to class.

It would mark the first time since last spring for Livingston students to be in school full time.

This academic year, Livingston students have operated on an A/B schedule with students alternating for in-person classes two days a week. There are no in-person classes on Monday.

The return to full-time in-person classes could largely hinge on the county dropping out of the so-called Red zone on the state's incidence map.

Crash blocking US 641 south of Fredonia

SITE CLEARED

U.S. 641 is blocked between Fredonia and Eddyville because of a tractor-trailer accident

This crash is near the one mile marker close to Eddyville.  The truck is loaded with tires that may have to be offloaded by hand.

Northbound traffic is blocked at the U.S. 62 intersection.  Southbound traffic is blocked at the Ky. 1943 intersection.

It is possible that the road could be blocked until around 11:30am.

 

Rockets in semifinal tonight; watch on YouTube

Crittenden County's basketball boys will be playing Caldwell County tonight in the All A Classic semifinal round at Lyon County.

The winner advances to play the tournament host Lyons at 7pm Saturday. 

Friday night's semifinal game will be broadcast live on YouTube, courtesy of Lyon County's channel. Go here to watch.

Trend in virus cases continues downward here

Cases continue on a downward trend in Crittenden County with 40 cases reported in the seven-day period between Jan. 8-14.

There were five cases confirmed here on Thursday. None were hospitalized. 

Pandemic affects crime, traffic in Marion

The pandemic created its share of chaos for most of the world, but in Marion it’s had one positive affect. That’s less crime and other personal mishaps.

Marion Police Chief Ray O’Neal says COVID-19 is probably responsible for curbing interactions between people and slowing traffic. With that came a decline in criminal cases and traffic accidents.

“People are just staying home more,” said the chief as he reflected on year-end data that show police activity in the city for 2020.

“March and April were flat out stay home months,” O’Neal said. “COVID is a big reason for some of our numbers being down.”

Traffic accidents were down 36 percent from 2019 and the lowest they’ve been in the past five years.

Likewise, criminal investigations were 35 percent from the five-year average. The 113 cases opened in... for the rest of this article please subscribe to the full version.

Regional vaccination sites announced by Beshear

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, state officials and the grocery chain Kroger announced a new partnership to significantly increase the speed of COVID-19 vaccinations across the commonwealth.

The first Kroger regional, drive-through vaccination sites will open the week of Feb. 1 for Kentuckians in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C. For more details on who is included in each phase, click here. On Jan. 28, the Governor said more details would be announced on site locations and how to sign up.

“Last year, when we were wondering when anybody who wanted a COVID-19 test would be able to get one, Kroger made that a reality. That testing partnership created the national model for surge testing,” said Gov. Beshear. “These drive-through vaccination sites are fantastic news all Kentuckians, and we’re grateful to the entire Kroger team for making it possible. Your help in this effort will save countless lives.”

The Governor announced that Transportation Secretary Jim Gray has also been named Director of the Vaccine Distribution Project.

“This is all about Team Kentucky delivering on an ambitious, life-saving project,” said Secretary Gray. “This regional system will grow over time to reach even more Kentuckians. As we speak, we are

Lady Rockets headed to small-school title game

Lady Rockets are one win from a seventh All A Classic Second Region championship after tonight's semifinal win over Dawson Springs.

Click here to read more about the game.

Crittenden's All A championship game on Saturday will be broadcast live by The Crittenden Press on its YouTube channel. 

Enon Church Road is now passable

Enon Church Road, which has been under water for several days, is now clear.

The Crittenden County Road Department announced today that all county roads that have recently been affected by backwater from rising creeks and streams, are now all clear.