According to the ferry operator, service will run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The final departure from the Illinois side will be at 5:40 p.m., and the final departure from the Kentucky side will be at 5:50 p.m.
Normal operating hours will resume Tuesday, March 10.
Beshear vetoed House Bill 314, which would shift oversight of the authority from the governor’s office to the Commonwealth Office of Technology. In his veto message, Beshear argued the measure would improperly remove powers granted to the governor under the state constitution. He also said the authority is currently working to hold a vendor accountable for fulfilling its contract, and warned that restructuring the agency could allow the vendor to avoid responsibility.
Several other measures advanced in the legislature Friday.
The House approved HB 67, clarifying rules governing communication between school personnel and students. Lawmakers said the bill is intended to prevent inappropriate private communications that could lead to grooming while allowing legitimate communication between educators and students.
In the Senate, lawmakers passed SB 8, which creates new types of districts intended to encourage housing development. The measure passed with mostly Republican support, with five Democrats voting against it.
The Senate also approved SB 11, creating a Residential Safe Room Rebate Program designed to help homeowners build storm shelters to protect against tornadoes. Other measures passing the Senate included SB 94 regarding dealer warranty work requirements, SB 197 establishing a tiered county system for economic development incentives, SB 245 related to tobacco and vapor product licensure, and SJR 54, which directs exploration of ways to increase enrollment in Dolly Parton’s Imagination
Deputy Josh Travis responded about 5:47 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, to a two-vehicle collision in Suwanee at the intersection of U.S. 62 West and KY 810 South. Investigation showed a 2013 Ford Edge driven by Maryline F. Mead, 77, of Kuttawa, was stopped in traffic waiting to turn from U.S. 62 onto KY 810 South. A 2000 Freightliner driven by Leyva R. Oniel, 45, of Louisville, was traveling west on U.S. 62 and overtaking the Mead vehicle. Authorities said Oniel was inattentive and did not realize the Mead vehicle was stopped. As he approached the rear of the vehicle, he swerved left in an attempt to avoid a collision; however, the passenger side of his semi-trailer struck the Mead vehicle, forcing it into a guardrail. No injuries were reported. The Eddyville Police Department, Kuttawa Fire Department and Lyon County EMS assisted at the scene.
Around 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, Chief Deputy Sam Adams served a criminal complaint and court summons on Colby W. Cubbedge, 26, of West Paducah, charging him with theft by deception (including cold checks) $1,000 to less than $10,000. Cubbedge is scheduled to appear in Caldwell District Court on March 16 to answer to the charge.
Deputy Shannon Oliver responded about 7:17 p.m. Thursday, March 5, to a single-vehicle crash on KY 818 North near Dulaney Road. Authorities said Christopher C. Pierce, 17, of Eddyville, was traveling north on KY 818 when a deer entered the roadway. Pierce swerved to avoid the animal but lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway, traveled up a steep embankment and overturned. Pierce refused
The next speaking event for candidates will be at Mattoon at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12.
Going forward, forums are planned at Tolu on April 18 at 2 p.m., and at Marion’s Fohs Hall on May 9 at 5:30 p.m.
The accompanying image includes a photo of an old Crittenden County ballot box that once served this community during elections when paper ballots were more common.
The Lady Rockets reached the regional final for the third time in the past four seasons but again ran into the long-dominant Lady Colonels program.
Three Crittenden players were named to the All-Region Tournament Team: Anna Boone, Elliot Evans and Jordyn Hodge. Senior center Bristyn Rushing also had an outstanding tournament and turned in one of her best stretches of play of the season, particularly in the semifinal victory over Caldwell County.
The game marked the final outing for a senior class that helped lift Crittenden to the winningest season in program history, with some of those players having been part of the varsity lineup since their eighth-grade year. Read More.
This will be an unprecedented second straight appearance for Crittenden County's girls in the regional championship game, and their third in four years.
Henderson County, a school with roughly four times the enrollment of Crittenden County, has long ruled the Second Region. The Lady Colonels have won 19 of the last 21 regional championships, including the past seven in a row.
Twice in the last three seasons Henderson has ended Crittenden’s run in the title game. The Lady Colonels defeated the Lady Rockets 71-53 in the 2023 regional championship when Crittenden’s current senior players were freshmen, then followed with a 66-31 win in last year’s title game. Henderson also beat Crittenden 72-44 in the opening round of the 2024 regional tournament when this senior group was sophomores.
Read more HERE.
LeNeave said the idea is inspired by a similar event held in Marion years ago during the Easter season. Under the concept being developed, representatives from various local churches would take turns carrying a wooden cross along Main Street in a relay-style procession leading up to the service.
This year Good Friday falls on April 3, with Easter Sunday on April 5.
Following the procession, LeNeave envisions a short community worship service at noon at Marion First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, followed by a light lunch in the church’s fellowship hall.
The church is just a block from Main Street, and the pastor said it would be a convenient location.
LeNeave said he hopes other congregations will participate in this interdenominational initiative. Churches interested in participating or seeking more information may contact LeNeave at 731-414-8232.
As the Kentucky General Assembly enters the ninth week of the 2026 Legislative Session, our work in Frankfort continues to move forward at a steady pace. With only a few weeks remaining in the 60-day session, much of our focus is on advancing legislation through the process while continuing discussions on the state budget.
Passing a balanced two-year budget is one of the most important responsibilities the General Assembly has during even-numbered years. Budget discussions are ongoing as lawmakers review spending priorities, agency requests and the commonwealth’s long-term fiscal outlook. The House of Representatives has advanced its initial proposal, and the Senate will carefully review and amend the plan. As conversations continue, my focus remains on ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly while maintaining the core services Kentucky families rely on.
Earlier this session, the Senate Majority Caucus identified 10 priority pieces of legislation aimed at addressing some of the most pressing issues facing our commonwealth. I’m pleased to report that all 10 Senate priority bills have now been filed. Several have already passed the Senate and are now being considered by the House of Representatives, while others continue advancing through committee hearings.
These measures address a range of issues, including education, economic development, and regulatory reform. Many of these proposals were developed during the interim months through conversations with constituents, local leaders and stakeholders across Kentucky.
Several bills have passed the Senate this week including one I sponsored. Senate Bill (SB) 199 which approves a pesticide label by the U.S. EPA to be used as a warning label under Kentucky law for state duty-to-warn claims. It effectively aligns Kentucky law with EPA standards while preserving liability from manufacturers.
SB 8, a priority bill, modernizes Kentucky’s Public Service Commission to improve oversight and expertise in regulating utilities. It increases the commission from three to five members, sets qualifications, requires political balance and formalizes it as an independent state agency. The law ensures the PSC is an independent entity that will receive administrative support from the state auditor's office. It also clarifies rules for reviewing electric projects, and sets standards related to those who may intervene in a case while maintaining organizations ability to bring concerns before the commission.
SB 11 creates a rebate program to help homeowners build FEMA-compliant storm shelters that are open to neighbors during emergencies. The program covers up to $5,000 or 50 percent of construction costs and prioritizes community safety by requiring shelters to be listed for public use during severe weather. The program will be supported through gifts and grants, not state funds.
SB 34 allows Kentuckians to transfer a home or vehicle directly to a named beneficiary at death without going through probate. Like naming a beneficiary on a bank account, the owner keeps full control during life and may change or revoke the designation at any time. Ownership transfers only at death, and existing
In “Just Wait: When Gravity Renegotiates, and Confidence Gets Louder,” Blackburn reflects on the surprises of aging, the lessons that come with experience, and the confidence that eventually replaces self-doubt.
It’s a relatable read for women of every generation. Find it in this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press.
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Judge-Executive Perry A. Newcom announced that Blackburn Church Road is closed from the bridge at mile point 5.0 to the old Blackburn Church at mile point 5.75 due to flooding and resulting roadway damage.
County road crews will assess the extent of the damage once water levels recede. An inspection is planned for Friday, March 6 with hopes that repairs can be made and the road reopened if conditions allow.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes until the roadway can be safely reopened.
After two nights of auditions last month at Fohs Hall, organizers announced the 10 finalists who will compete in a live vocal showdown for a $500 grand prize.
Adriel Barnes of Burna, Autumn Dunaway of Wickliffe, Cade Crider of Marion, Dominic Rorer of Paducah, Karen Harris of Marion, Lacie Duncan of Marion, Rachel Pears of Marion, Rebecca DeMoss of Salem, Sean Markwell of Marion and Tammy Heady of Marion will compete in the upcoming Top Voice 270 live competition.
The event begins at 7 p.m. at Fohs Hall. Tickets will be available at the door for $5 per person.
Organizers describe the evening as a high-energy celebration of local talent. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Community Arts Foundation’s Student Support Fund, which helps expand access to arts opportunities for area students.
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| The detention center's monthly reports are published the last week of every month in The Crittenden Press full edition. |
A recent staffing analysis presented to Crittenden Fiscal Court shows the Crittenden County Detention Center is operating well below the minimum number of full-time employees recommended by the state.
Jailer Athena Hayes told magistrates at last week’s fiscal court meeting that the requested staffing study verifies “what the state says we need to safely and securely operate the facility.” The analysis, conducted through the Kentucky Department of Corrections using a National Institute of Corrections model, outlines minimum staffing levels necessary to meet regulatory and operational standards
According to the report, the detention center would require 44 full-time employees to meet the recommended minimum, a figure that does not include the elected jailer, canteen operations or certain outsourced services
Currently, the jail operates with 33 staff members, Hayes said.
Hayes noted that recent budget pressures led to some staffing reductions in an effort to cut payroll and insurance costs. However, those reductions have placed the facility below the level recommended to safely operate.
The Department of Corrections’ advisory letter stresses that correctional facilities require sufficient staffing to maintain safety for the public, employees and inmates, and warns that operating below recommended levels could jeopardize that priority.
Magistrates asked whether the state would mandate additional hires. Hayes said the state does not directly force counties to hire more staff but cautioned that operating below recommended levels could expose the county to liability, particularly if litigation arises and the county is aware it is below the suggested minimum.
The staffing model is based on facility capacity rather than current inmate population. While jail populations across Kentucky are currently down, Hayes said the recommended staffing level is tied to the jail’s design and capacity for holding inmates.
No formal action was taken by fiscal court, and there was no further discussion on how the county might address the staffing gap.
After the meeting, Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the analysis amounts to guidance and that it would be taken into consideration next month when budget talks begin on planning for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Here is Crittenden County Elementary School’s honor roll for the previous 9 weeks grading period.
SECOND GRADE
Teacher Cappello
All As:
Lincoln Martin
As and Bs:
Cynthia Brown
Beau Byford
Harper Cox
Phoenix Ford
Sebastian Gutierrez
Brailee Harris
Zephan Ottosen
Mia Overfield
Matthew Payne
Alieah Rowley
Caleb Stiles
Paisley Witherspoon
Diesel Wood
Brodie Wright
Teacher B.Guess
All As:
Henley Zimmer
Jameson Watson
Boomer Snyder
Jolea Sigler
Amaryllis Shewcraft
Harrison Schultz
Head reported deputies investigated seven vehicle collisions during the month while responding to 45 calls for service. Officers served 52 legal papers and made 91 total service attempts. Deputies also assisted motorists 13 times and conducted 28 building checks.
Enforcement activity included 12 criminal citations, eight misdemeanor arrests and five felony arrests. Deputies also opened five new cases and completed 15 follow-up investigations.
Other activity included 63 special details, 129 instances of general policing and 36 vehicle inspections. Deputies issued seven verbal warnings but no DUIs or courtesy warnings during the reporting period.
The sheriff’s department reported a total of 966 manhours worked during the month, including 155.25 hours providing bailiff services for court. Officers also logged 297 hours of training.
Sheriff Head’s detailed monthly activity report is published regularly in the full edition of The Crittenden Press.
Crittenden County Fiscal Court at its February meeting approved limited cost-of-living adjustments for certain elected officials Monday night, while others voluntarily declined raises amid ongoing budget concerns.
The 2026 CPI increase was set at 2.7 percent under KRS 64.527.
Approved were raises for the coroner and deputy coroner. Bradley R. Gilbert’s salary will increase from $10,061.76 to $10,333.43, and Deputy Coroner Keith C. Gilbert’s pay will rise from $5,031.00 to $5,166.84.
The motion was made by Magistrate Dave Belt, seconded by Scott Belt, and passed unanimously.
When the county attorney and assistant county attorney salaries were considered, County Attorney Bart Frazer asked the court to only consider the assistant’s increase and to forgo his own raise given the county’s current financial condition. Frazer’s salary would have increased from $14,171.52 to $14,554.15, while Assistant County Attorney Cobie Evans’ pay will rise from $2,515.44 to $2,583.36.
The court approved the assistant’s increase only.
Magistrates also declined their CPI adjustment. Magistrate salaries would have increased from $9,342.00 to $9,594.23, but the court rejected the raise. One magistrate noted the fiscal court has never taken an increase.
Those officials who received the approved raises were not present at the meeting. Frazer and the magistrates were in attendance when discussion took place.
On Friday, Feb. 27, deputies served a Lyon Circuit Court bench warrant for failure to appear on Anthony D. Simmons, 39, of Atlanta. Simmons was extradited from Georgia to face charges in a felony case involving cocaine, marijuana and tampering with physical evidence. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
In a separate case, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office announced additional charges following a Feb. 24 standoff at the Dollar General store on KY 293 south of Eddyville. Investigators continued processing evidence from the scene beginning early Feb. 25 and executed a search warrant on the stolen vehicle involved, working through after midnight Feb. 26.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, Thomas J. Prevatte, 46, of Princeton, was charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, involving more than 2 grams of methamphetamine, and buying or possessing drug paraphernalia. He remains lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
Angela F. Egbert, 48, of Princeton, was also charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, involving more than 2 grams of methamphetamine, and buying or possessing drug paraphernalia. She remains lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
On Saturday, Feb. 28, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler, Deputy Josh Travis and Lyon County EMS responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of KY 93 and KY 293 south of Eddyville.
According to Deputy Beeler’s investigation, a 1999 Ford F-150 driven by Jeffery L. Carroll, 63, of Eddyville, was traveling on KY 293 and pulled into the path of a 2014 Toyota Sienna driven by Patricio Gabriel Jara Tapia, 50, of Mount Juliet, Tenn., who was southbound on KY 93. Both drivers and their passengers declined medical treatment at the scene.
A 29-year-old Amish man was killed Saturday morning in a tree-cutting accident off KY 654 North near Mattoon.
Eli Bontrager was reportedly alone cutting down a tree when the incident occurred. He was later found unresponsive, and first responders were called to the scene at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Crittenden County Assistant Coroner Keith Gilbert said Bontrager was pronounced dead at the scene.
