Wood Curry's WW2 JOURNALS | A 4-Part Series

 WARTIME JOURNAL | PART 1

The Pacific Voyage Begins

The diary of centenarian Charles Woody Curry follows an 18-year-old Livingston County sailor from the familiar world of western Kentucky into the vast Pacific and toward the heart of World War II.

By Chris Evans | The Crittenden Press

Part 1 of Woody Curry's wartime journal begins with his voyage across

 the Pacific in August and September 1944.

Diary of Centenarian Woody Curry Provides Rare View Into World War II

Charles "Woody" Curry has spent a century rooted in western Kentucky, but the handwritten journal he began as an 18-year-old sailor offers a window into one of the most turbulent periods in world history.

Curry, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends at long-term care facility Salem Springlake in eastern Livingston County, grew up in Carrsville along the Ohio River where he first attended school. He completed his education at Hampton High School, and like many young men of his generation, Curry went off to war where he came of age during a remarkably frightening time. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 29, 1944, beginning a journey that would carry him far from Livingston County and into the Pacific Theater of World War II.

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That same day, Curry started keeping a diary. Service members generally were not supposed to write anything in their journals that might reveal military information, just in case the diary fell into enemy hands. Curry said no one ever told him exactly what was prohibited, so he wrote about almost everything, leaving behind a plainspoken, day-by-day record of a young Kentuckian learning military life while moving steadily closer to combat.

His diary endures as a rare local record of wartime service from the perspective of an ordinary sailor.

After enlisting, Curry first went through Louisville, then to Great Lakes Naval Training Station near Chicago. He also trained in California, including Treasure Island, before heading West. He later said the training

KDFWR wants your turkey survey info

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is asking Kentuckians to report sightings of wild turkeys this summer as part of its annual Summer Turkey Brood Survey, which runs through Aug. 31.

The citizen-science survey helps biologists monitor turkey populations and nesting success across the state, providing valuable information for future wildlife management decisions.

“Turkey populations naturally fluctuate from year to year,” said Zak Danks, the department's wild turkey program coordinator. “This survey helps us gauge numbers in all parts of the state.”

Residents who spot wild turkeys between July 1 and Aug. 31 can submit observations online through the survey portal on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website by searching "turkey survey." Participants may also use the agency's mobile survey app or download a printable survey form.

Danks said Kentucky and neighboring states experienced excellent spring turkey harvests this year, reflecting favorable hunting conditions and improved turkey hatches over the past several summers. He said the summer survey helps biologists continue monitoring the health of the state's turkey population.

Survey results are combined with ongoing scientific research to track long-term population trends and guide conservation efforts.

For more information, contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at 800-858-1549 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding state holidays.

Press closing at noon today

Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

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Illinois calls for KYTC to continue negotiations

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ill. - Two Southern Illinois lawmakers are urging Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Cave-In-Rock Ferry operator to continue negotiating in hopes of restoring ferry service after operations were suspended Tuesday night.

The ferry ceased operations at the end of the fiscal year after the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and ferry operator Lonnie Ray Lewis Inc. failed to reach agreement on a new operating contract. Service has been suspended since Wednesday, July 1.

In a joint statement released by the Hardin County Independent, state Sen. Paul Jacobs and state Rep. Patrick Windhorst said they have been working with transportation officials in both Illinois and Kentucky, the Ohio River Ferry Authority, the ferry operator and Kentucky legislators in an effort to keep the crossing in service.

The lawmakers noted the ferry provides an important transportation link across the Ohio River, saving many commuters as much as an hour of driving compared with using the nearest bridge crossing. They also emphasized the ferry’s importance to commercial traffic, tourism and regional commerce.

“The Ferry, which is a safe and reliable mode of transportation for commercial traffic, people going to work, and tourists, generates tens of millions of dollars in economic benefit to both Kentucky and Illinois each year,” the lawmakers said. “For the benefit of the State of Illinois, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the thousands of people who rely on the Ferry, we urge negotiations to continue.”

Kentucky and Illinois have historically shared the cost of subsidizing ferry operations, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet serving as the lead agency in negotiating the operating contract.

No timetable has been announced for resuming service, although local officials on both sides of the river have expressed hope that negotiations will continue and an agreement can still be reached.

How to respond to Cave-In-Rock ferry closing

MARION, Ky. – Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is encouraging residents and businesses affected by the shutdown of the Cave-In-Rock Ferry to contact state transportation officials and lawmakers to explain how the disruption is impacting them.

The ferry suspended operations Tuesday night after Kentucky and Illinois officials and the ferry operator failed to reach an agreement on a new operating contract. Negotiations remain ongoing.

In a statement Wednesday morning, Newcom said it is “very unfortunate” that an agreement has not been reached and urged those affected by the closure to make their voices heard.

Residents may contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at 502-564-8100 and the Illinois Department of Transportation at 217-782-7820 or 866-273-3681 to leave a message describing the impact of the ferry shutdown. Newcom asked callers to explain the effects on them or their businesses in a considerate and specific manner.

He also encouraged Kentuckians to contact members of the Kentucky General Assembly through the legislative message line at 800-372-7181.

“I encourage all parties involved, including the respective departments of transportation, the legislators, and the ferry ownership team, to continue to communicate and arrive at an amicable resolution as soon as possible,” Newcom said.

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is a vital transportation link connecting western Kentucky and southern Illinois, and its closure has forced motorists to use significantly longer alternate routes. Negotiations between the two states and the ferry operator are expected to continue.  

Avoid scams | Chamber program tells how

Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is providing a community event to help people avoid being scammed.

The Chamber will host a public Lunch & Learn event entitled "Avoiding Scams & Financial Abuse" at noon Tuesday, July 7. The event is open to members and non-members. 

First United Bank is sponsoring the luncheon at Rocket Arena. This informative session is billed as a great opportunity to learn practical ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while connecting with fellow Chamber members.

The Chamber is also asking members to complete its annual member survey to help guide future programming, networking opportunities and educational events aimed at supporting local businesses. It can be found online at the Chamber website.

High water keeps river dock out of Ohio

File photo of crews installing seasonal dock

MARION, Ky. – Persistent high water on the Ohio River continues to delay installation of the seasonal courtesy dock at Riverview Park.

The floating pier, first installed in 2021, is normally in place by this point in the summer boating season, providing a convenient place for recreational boaters and anglers to load and unload. However, river levels have remained too high to safely launch the dock.

Delays are not unprecedented. Last year, the dock was not installed until late July because of continued high water.

Riverview Park, also known as Dam 50, includes a concrete public boat ramp that remains available for use while boaters await installation of the seasonal floating pier. County officials are expected to launch the dock once river conditions allow.

Auditions for Macbeth begin Monday at Fohs

MARION, Ky. – Auditions for the Community Arts Foundation's production of Macbeth will be held Monday, July 6 at Fohs Hall. According to the CAF, the classic Shakespearean tragedy has been abridged and adapted for younger audiences. Auditions are open to students in fourth through 12th grades.

The production marks the CAF directorial debut of Marion native Katie Keene, a Hollywood actress best known for her role as Galina in Netflix's Rogue Warfare trilogy.

CAF officials Kim Vince and Braden Locke said the choice of Macbeth was intentional.

“It's recognizable, has an interesting storyline and is seasonably appropriate,” Vince said, noting the play's witches and ghosts make it a good fit for the fall season.

“We've been growing our youth program through musicals,” Vince said. “This gives local youth a different platform to showcase their onstage talents.”

Students interested in participating can register and obtain audition materials at communityartsfoundation.org.

The production opens Sept. 19 and is free to the public. Performances will be held outdoors on Hayward Lawn, across from Fohs Hall at the site of the former hospital. The show serves as CAF's pilot project for an annual outdoor production at that location.

BREAKING FERRY NEWS | Service is suspended

Cave-In-Rock Ferry suspended operations last night after the states and the ferry operator failed to reach a new contract agreement before the current funding agreement expired.

At this time, no contract has been agreed upon and the ferry will remain idle until a compromise can be reached.

Local officials remain hopeful negotiations will continue and that service could resume if an agreement is finalized in the coming days.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press. We will be working to provide any updates as negotiations continue. 

Ferry will stop running after Tuesday

MARION, Ky. - Cave-In-Rock Ferry will suspend operations Tuesday night if a new operating contract is not signed before the current agreement expires, according to a statement released Monday by owner Lonnie Ray Lewis, Inc.

The announcement comes just days after the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced they had presented the Ohio River Ferry Authority with a two-year agreement that would continue state funding for the ferry through fiscal years 2027 and 2028. The proposed contract provides $1.878 million annually, matching the level of state funding provided during the past two fiscal years.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said the proposal reflects a commitment to maintain ferry service despite declining state budgets.

“Given the vital role the ferry serves in regional transportation, we’re offering to maintain the same level of funding even as our agency faces declining budgets,” Goodman said. “This is a substantial commitment to support not just the ferry but the businesses and residents who rely on it.”

However, Lonnie Ray Lewis, Inc., which owns and operates the privately owned ferry, said it has rejected both KYTC’s initial funding offer made several weeks ago and a proposed contract received Friday, June 26.

According to the company’s statement, the proposed agreement contains no increase in funding from the allocation provided two years ago despite what it described as sharply rising operating costs.

The release also notes the ferry operator had previously submitted a proposal seeking additional state funding. KYTC said that proposal requested a 47% increase in state support with no increase in service levels. The transportation cabinet said state reimbursements for the ferry have more than doubled since 2018, increasing from about $804,000 to $1.878 million annually, while noting that Kentucky’s other state-supported ferries have experienced much smaller cost increases and that some also charge user fees.

If no agreement is reached by Tuesday, June 30, the ferry’s final trip will depart the Kentucky landing at approximately 9:50 p.m. and dock on the Illinois side around 10 p.m., ending service.

The company said ferry operations will resume once an agreement is reached and a contract is fully executed.

The statement was addressed to Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom and members of the Ohio River Ferry Authority.

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry has been owned and operated by Lonnie Ray Lewis, Inc. since September 1994. The ferry provides a free crossing between Crittenden County, Kentucky, and Hardin County, Illinois, and carries more than 200,000 vehicles each year through a funding partnership between Kentucky and Illinois.

Youth Football Camp Contest Winners

 

Rocket Youth Football Camp Awards

Rocket Youth Football camp was last week on the high school campus with 65 young athletes participating in three days of instruction, drills and competition. Pictured above are award winners from the event’s punt, pass, kick and obstacle course competition. They are (from left) Cade Collins, Max Brown, Carson Hill, Rowan Berry, Will Hurley, Davis Polk, Case Berry, Kayden Atwell, Jacob McKinney, Grayson Pritchett, Beckett Hunt and Chase Winders. In the 5-6 age division, Case Berry was first, Hurley second and McKinney third. In the 7-8 division Brown was first, Hill second and Rowan Berry third. In the 9-10 division, Winders was first, Collins second and Hunt third. In the 11-up division, Atwell was first, Polk second and Pritchett third.

This photo appeared in the June 25, 2026 print edition

Salem Council meets Tuesday on payroll tax

SALEM, Ky. – Salem City Council will hold a special meeting at 8 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Salem City Hall to consider final approval of an ordinance establishing an occupational tax.

The payroll tax proposal received its first reading during the council's regular June meeting. If approved on second reading, the ordinance would be approved.

The special meeting is scheduled solely to consider the second reading of the proposed ordinance and to open a bank account for the occupational tax receipts, if it passes. 

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Fire destroys family's home in Crittenden

TOLU, Ky. – A family escaped without injury after a house fire early Sunday morning on Irma White Road in rural Crittenden County.

Firefighters were dispatched to the blaze around 2:30 a.m. and found the home of Brian and Danielle Tinsley fully involved. The residence was declared a total loss.

Homeowner Danielle Tinsley said she and her family awoke just in time to escape.

“Not what you want to wake up to at 2:30 in the morning,” she wrote in a social media post. “I am so thankful my husband woke up and it made me wake up. We woke up just in time to get us, the kids and dogs out. Everything else we have lost.”

The family is accepting donations of clothing and other necessities but asked that people primarily keep them in their prayers as they begin the recovery process.

County Roads Closed due to Flooding

Blackburn Church Road at
Caney Fork intersection.

MARION, Ky. — Heavy weekend rainfall has damaged several roads across Crittenden County, prompting officials to close some routes while inspections continue.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said this morning that motorists should use extra caution on all county roads because additional damage or debris may still be present.

Three roads were closed as of Sunday morning:

• Blackburn Church Road near the Piney Creek bridge.
• Blackford Church Road at the Caney Fork Road intersection.
• Travis Cemetery Road.

County road crews worked through the night to clear reported downed trees. Newcom said crews believe all reported trees blocking roadways had been removed by Sunday morning, including one that had fallen across Irma White Road.

Officials will continue inspecting county roads throughout the day and expect the list of closures to be updated as additional damage is identified or repairs are completed.

Motorists are urged to slow down, remain alert for washouts and debris, and avoid driving around barricades or road closure signs.

Under 8 Crittenden softball girls dominate league

Click Image to Enlarge

Crittenden County’s two 8-under softball teams squared off last week in the Lakes Area Baseball and Softball League Tournament championship game in Marion. The LSU Tigers beat the Alabama Crimson Tide 5-4 for the title. Pictured are (front from left) Crimson Tide players Birdie Brown, Kora Freeman, Stevie Renfro, McKenna Croft and Stevie Jo McLevain; LSU players Faith Crotty, Lawson Davis, Breckyn Henager, Mirabelle Tinsley; (back) Crimson Tide players Emblery Mclevain, Caroline Williams, Lynleigh Hubbard, Allie Kirk, Eliza Nelson and Bryza Curnel; LSU players Brighton Guess, Hazel Riley, Lauren Boone, Presley Snyder, Harper Goldman, Annabelle Brown and Alexandria Vasquez. The Tide was coached by Chad Nelson, Aaron Brown and Cortne Curnel. The Tigers were coached by Colby Davis, Jake Tinsley and Mike Snyder.

PARADE IS OFF | More Event Updates

UPDATE : 4pm PARADE IS CANCELED 

UPDATE 2: 5pm s'mores and bonfire candelled

Trivia at 7:30pm at Fohs is still on!

ORIGINAL POST

This weekend's America 250: Legacy of Liberty celebration in Marion will go forward, with some schedule adjustments and venue changes due to the weather.

Friday night's parade and evening activities remain on schedule. The parade begins at 6 p.m., followed by history trivia at Fohs Hall and s'mores and a living history campfire presentation in the rear parking lot of Fohs Hall, complete with bonfires.

Any weather-related changes this evening will be made as conditions warrant.

Saturday's Civil War and Revolutionary War encampments will continue as planned. Several outdoor activities will be moved indoors. Children's activities and vendors will be located inside the Crittenden County Middle School gymnasium.

The vintage 1800s baseball game at the park is also expected to be played as scheduled unless additional rainfall forces a change.

All events and programs previously scheduled indoors will remain on schedule, but attendees should check the latest information on the website to see whether event locations have changed.

Check this link for live updates:

America 250 Marion Updates

America 250 Festival organizers adapting to weather

MARION, Ky. – Weather may force a few changes, but if history teaches us anything, it's that Americans have never let adversity have the final word.

With rain falling and more in the forecast, organizers of the Legacy of Liberty America 250 festival have been hard at work since early this morning reshuffling plans, considering events where possible and exploring every option to ensure this weekend's celebration goes on. Just as our forefathers adapted to whatever challenges came their way, today's volunteers are showing that same determination and resilience.

More details on schedule adjustments and locations will be released later today.

Whether activities take place under cloudy skies or beneath a roof, Marion stands ready to honor America's story. So, the invitation remains open to come celebrate our nation's heritage. 

Stay tuned for updates.

 

THURSDAY's NewsCast | Happy Birthday!

 

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Today, our interview with Mayor Browning 

about this weekend's big event in town