Rocket football hosts First Region Championship tonight

Crittenden County's football team will be playing for a berth in the state final four tonight when it hosts Mayfield in the First Region championship game.

The Rockets are 9-3 this season and ranked 7th in the Associated Press Class Football poll. 

Mayfield is 7-5 and unranked after being No. 4 in preseason. Mayfield lost at home 27-14 to Crittenden County in late September during the regular season. It was the Cardinals first loss ever to the Rockets.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., at Rocket Stadium. The crowd will be large so get there early for a seat. There will be tailgating in the west end zone parking lot prior to the game.

The winner will play in the state semifinal round Dec. 5 at either Beechwood High School in Covington or at Frankfort High School.

Hoover obituary

Marjorie Arflack Hoover, 92 of Marion, died at 6:50 p.m.Wednesday November 26, 2008 at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion, KY. 

Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements. The funeral is Saturday. See the funeral home's Web site for details.

Thanksgiving costs lower in Marion

Last year, the cost of the average Thanksgiving meal for a typical American gathering of 10 cost under $40, but is up to $41.12 in 2008 according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

But in Marion, the same gathering of people can be fed for considerably less by shopping for bargains at the city’s two groceries. According to advertised prices from Conrad’s Food Store and Food Giant, the cost to feed 10 would be $29.09.

The following Thanksgiving staples are listed with the price found in Marion with the American Farm Bureau Federation’s national average in parenthesis:

• 16-pound turkey, $12.48 ($19.09);
  
• Cube stuffing, 14 oz., $1.25 ($2.57);
  
• 30 ounces of pumpkin pie mix, $2.50 ($2.34);
  
• Two pie shells, $1.33 ($2.26);
  
• Three pounds of sweet potatoes, $1.77 ($3.12);
  
• A dozen rolls, $1.50 ($2.20);
  
• One pound of green peas, $1.25 ($1.58);
  
• One gallon of whole milk, $3.48 ($3.78);
  
• Fresh cranberries, 12 oz., $2.28 ($2.46); and
  
• Half pint of cream, $1.25 ($1.70).

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Thanksgiving holiday closings

Thanksgiving is a federal, state, county and city holiday. All government agencies and offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day. All state, county and city government agencies, including courthouse offices and city hall, will remain closed Friday and Saturday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Friday is not a federal holiday and mail will be delivered both Friday and Saturday.

The Senior Citizens Center in Marion will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday.

Crittenden County Public Library will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, but will be open from 9 a.m., to 1 p.m., Saturday.

The Crittenden Press will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday. Subscribers to the newspaper should expect delivery one day late and advertisers in The Early Bird will have until 5 p.m., today to place their ad. The Early Bird will be delivered as usual on Tuesday.

Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

Marion Convenience Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday, but will be open from 8 a.m., to noon Saturday to accept solid waste.

Coal severance funds will continue into 2012

Crittenden County officials got some good news this past week. They learned that coal severance tax receipts will continue flowing into the county's budget over the next four-plus years.

Because the coal mine in the northern part of the county has been idle for some time, concern was that state coal severance funds would dry up. You can read more about what this will mean for Crittenden County in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, due out on newsstands today at 3 p.m.

Additionally, The Press is following a story about the proposed new health department. Contractors' bids came in and county officials were pleased. The bid went to a Paducah company. Construction will begin soon. Read more about this in the Nov. 27 issue of The Crittenden Press or visit us online Wednesday afternoon at The-Press.com.

Governor asks for 4 percent off the top

Gov. Steve Beshear is asking state universities and government agencies to find ways to trim 4 percent from their budgets in order to meet the state shortfall head on.

The governor is calling for immediate action. He wants proposals in the next few days.

State economists predicted last week that Kentucky will be short about $1.3 billion over the next year and a half.

Read more in this morning's online edition of the Courier-Journal. Click here.

KSP offers dope tip hotline for drug activity

Kentucky State Police are asking for your help at combating illegal drug activity.

If you want to anonymously report any type of suspected illegal drug activity, citizens can call the KSP toll-free drug tip hotline at 1-800-DOPETIP. The 24-hour hotline is answered seven days a week.

State carries out execution

The state's first execution in almost 10 years and only the third since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976 was carried out tonight at Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville.

Marco Chapman, 37, was put to death by lethal injection and pronounced dead at 7:34 p.m., for the 2002 murders of two children. Chapman pled guilty to the killings and was sentenced to death in 2004. He refused to exhaust all of his appeals, claiming he deserved die for the crimes. Outside efforts to delay the execution were denied and the courts found Chapman competent to deny his appeals.

“Tonight, the state carried out the mandate of the court in a professional and solemn manner," Gov. Steve Beshear said shortly after the execution. "Let there be no question: Mr. Chapman committed a horrible crime, he pled guilty and was repeatedly found competent to make decisions. The state responded by doing its duty.

"My hope is that the Marksberry family, whose lives were torn apart by Mr. Chapman’s horrifying acts, can find some level of peace and the ability to move forward. I pray for them, and I pray for Mr. Chapman and his family on this difficult day.”

Chapman pled guilty to taking the life of a 7-year-old girl and 6-year-old boy in the early morning of Aug. 23, 2002. He also stabbed a 10-year-old girl and the children's mother, but both survived. The mother was also bound and raped. The crime took place in Warsaw, Ky.

Chapman's last meal, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal was a 32 oz., medium rare steak, 20 butterfly shrimp, salad with ranch dressing, iced tea and banana cream pie.

The last execution in Kentucky was that of 50-year-old Edward Lee Harper on May 25, 1999. A year earlier, Harold McQueen became the first person in Kentucky executed since the death penalty was reinstated 21 years earlier. There have been 165 men executed at Kentucky State Penitentiary since 1911. All but two, Chapman and Harper, died in the electric chair.

As of Nov. 1, 2008, 1,130 convicted murderers have been executed in the U.S. Four hundred and nineteen have taken place in Texas. There are currently 37 on death row in Kentucky, including one woman. Of the total, only six of the inmates facing execution are minorities. To view all of Kentucky's death row inmates, visit www.corrections.ky.gov/inmateinfo/deathrow.htm.

Obituaries

Rev. Leon Cochran, 86, of Carmi, Ill., died at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville. He is the father of the late Norma Cochran of Marion.

Patricia Ann “Patty” Sunderland, 56, of Salem died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at Crittenden County Convalescent Center.

Anna Carlene Hills, 85, of Marion died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab.

Pre-game tailgate party at tonight's playoffs

Rocket football fans are encouraged to join the tailgate party beyond the west end zone at Rocket Stadium. Tailgaters will have plenty of grills for anyone wishing to join the pre-game fun.

Tailgating will begin in the bus garage parking lot next to central office at around 5 p.m. Bring your hotdogs, wings, buns, drinks, etc., and join the football atmosphere. Everyone is welcome.

Kickoff for the regional semifinal game between Crittenden and Ballard Memorial is at 7:30 p.m.

Christmas programs at LBL in December

GOLDEN POND, KY -- Looking for a fun, family holiday outing? Come explore the customs and celebrations of the holiday season with the Golden Pond Planetarium shows at Land Between The Lakes (LBL).

The Golden Pond Planetarium offers two holiday programs Thurs-Sun, Dec. 4-21. A Story of Christmas explores the customs of Christmas, the origins of the Christmas tree, and the tradition of Santa Claus, the Wise Men, and Hanukkah. You’ll see the skies as they looked in the Holy Lands at the time of Christ. ‘Tis the Season looks at the seasonal, religious, and cultural rituals from around the world, and how the stars and planets have played an important role in these celebrations throughout history.

“The skies offer celestial beauty and important lessons to be learned this time of the year,” stated Jim Taylor, director of operations for the LBL Association. “It is a wonderful experience for both families and groups.”

“Friends of LBL” has arranged for Santa to be present at the Planetarium on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21st. Bring your camera for some great photo opportunities with Santa.
Admission to the Golden Pond Planetarium is $4 for ages 13 and up; $2 for ages 5-12; 4 and under, free. Organized groups may schedule either show at other times and receive group rates. Please call 270-924-2020 for more information. Show times are as follows:

A Story of Christmas
·Thurs. & Fri., 1 pm
·Sat. & Sun.,  11 am & 2 pm
‘Tis the Season
·Thurs. & Fri., 10 am & 2 pm
·Sat. & Sun., 10am, 1 pm & 3 pm

The Homeplace, Nature Station, North and South Welcome Stations, and Golden Pond Planetarium and Visitor Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures.

Additional LBL information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. You can find out more about “Friends of LBL” at www.friendsoflbl.org.

Expo draws big bucks & big crowd

Saturday’s Big Buck Expo at Marion Baptist Church’s Family Life Center was hailed a huge success by organizers, who say more than 250 people attended. 

Dozens of mounted deer heads were on display which drew the attention of many wishful onlookers. Hunters were asked to bring in their deer for showing. 

The event was staged to coincide with the second weekend of the firearms deer season and included a faith-based message by noted Christian outdoorsman Al Stone. 

The group that put on this year’s expo say they will have a second annual event Nov. 14, 2009.

Community Christmas in need of more funds

The local effort to help the less fortunate at Christmastime is struggling to raise enough cash and merchandise this year to make the holiday a normal one for more and more families.

Organizers of Community Christmas say that the spiraling economy is increasing the number of those in need this holiday season. More than 300 children have signed up for help. Christmas trees with information about those children can be found at Pamida and Dollar General in Marion, or contact Mona Hodges at the Pennyrile Area Community Services for details on how to help.

Read more about this issue and other local news in this week's Crittenden Press printed edition, which will be on newsstands today before 3 p.m.

Hunter found dead in deer stand

A Louisville man was found dead in his deer stand in Ohio County Monday. Investigators believe he was lifting his rifle up to his deer stand when it accidentally discharged, killing him.

Read more online at the Courier-Journal's Associated Press link.

Another man was shot near Reelfoot Lake in western Tennessee over the weekend. Authorities said John Burnett, 44, of Paris, Tenn., was shot by a high-powered rifle while walking through a wooded area. He and two other men were going to check on a duck blind.

Burnett was hit in the elbow by the bullet, which then pierced his abdomen. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later flown to a regional trauma center.

Investigators have not found the alleged shooter in that case.

Santa's knee ready for Crittenden children

Ho, ho, ho... Santa's on his way to Marion !

St. Nick will be arriving on the court square to offer his ear to children in want of Christmas goodies beginning later this month.

The small wooden building on the courthouse lawn will be Santa's headquarters on four consecutive Fridays and Saturdays starting the last weekend of November.

Here is Santa's schedule in Marion:

Dates:

Nov. 28-29
Dec. 5-6
Dec. 12-13
Dec. 19-20

Times:
FRIDAYS - 6-8 p.m.
SATURDAYS - 10 a.m. to noon and 6-8 p.m.

Only "good" children will be allowed to visit with Santa !

So, don't be naughty...

Fiscal court meets Monday

The Crittenden County Fiscal Court will meet at a different time than normal this month.

Magistrates will convene at 9 a.m., Monday, Nov. 17 at the courthouse for their regular monthly meeting. The court generally meets the third Tuesday of the month. However, scheduling conflicts this week with other governmental affairs meetings out of the county have prompted the court meeting to be rescheduled.

Of course, fiscal court meetings are open to the public.

Deer Expo today at Marion Baptist Church

The Deer Expo will be held from 11 a.m., until 1 p.m., today (Saturday) at Marion Baptist Church's Family Life Center.

There will be dozens of mounts, a speaker and FREE chili.

There is no admission. It's all free.

Dawson Springs Klan hit with $2.5 million verdict

A jury awarded $2.5 million in damages on Friday to a Kentucky teenager who was severely beaten by members of a Ku Klux Klan group because they mistakenly thought he was an illegal Latino immigrant.

The Klan group, which is headquartered in Dawson Springs, is considered the second largest Klan outfit in the United States.

Read more at CNN.Com.

The photo above is from the Princeton Times-Leader Online, which also has coverage on the lawsuit filed against the Klan.

Sale of Kimball property complete

An agreement has been reached on nearly 12,000 acres of Crittenden and Union County land owned by Kimball International. The furniture-maker confirmed the sale this morning. The land brought just over $2,090 per acre.

The nearly 18 square miles of farm and timberland sold for $24.539 million, nearly a week after the company rejected a high bid of $23.3 million at auction on Nov. 8. The agreement closed out Kimball's sale of 27,196 acres of Indiana and Kentucky property auctioned last week.

The property in Crittenden and Union counties was purchased by a Timber Investment Management Organizaton, or TIMO, partnered with the Commonwealth of Kentucky to make at least part of the 11,759 acres of land a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife-operated preserve. The name of the TIMO has yet to be released; however, sources close to the sale say it's Forestland Group, LLC based at Chapel Hill, N.C.

According to John Kahle, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Kimball International, the land was sold to fund the company's growth strategy, reinforcing an already-solid balance sheet. 

"Given the properties' significant value, but relative liquidity, we believed Kimball share owners would be better served by converting this investment into cash at this time," Kahle said in a news release from Woltz & Schrader Auctions, the company that handled the sale of the acreage.

See next week's edition of The Crittenden Press for full details on the sale of the Kimball property.

Kimball property update

The Evansville Courier newspaper has a story on the Kimball property in this morning's issue.

It adds some details not previously reported regarding the timber consortium and the state's partnership. The two are working together, trying to buy Kimball's nearly 12,000 acres of timber and farm land, most of which lies in Crittenden County.

The article says Kimball and the high bidder from last weekend's auction - believed to be the state and its timber company partner - are still negotiating, but hope to have a resolution by Friday.

Read the Evansville Courier story here.

Eddyville man dies in Lyon County wreck

David E. Holloman, 42, of Eddyville was killed Tuesday in a single-vehicle accident in Lyon County.

According to a Kentucky State Police report, Holloman was northbound on Ky. 373 around 6:45 p.m., when he apparently ran off the right shoulder of the road and lost control of his 1997 Ford pickup after overcorrecting. The truck struck a ditch and overturned, ejecting Holloman, who was no wearing a seatbelt.

An autopsy was requested by declined by the Lyon County coroner. The investigation is continuing by Trooper Daniel Jones.

Printable UK basketball schedule

University of Kentucky Wildcat basketball action tips off Friday at Rupp Arena. The season gets under way against VMI in Lexington, but the 'Cats will likely face their toughest opponent of the year just four days later when they travel to Chapel Hill, N.C., to face unanimous preseason No. 1 North Carolina. That Tuesday game will be televised on ESPN at 8 p.m.

UK then faces Delaware State and Longwood at Rupp Arena as part of the Findlay Toyota Las Vegas Invitational, before traveling to Sin City to face Kansas State (ESPNU) and the winner of the West Virginia-Iowa contest to finish up the tournament.

The Wildcats then return to Lexington for and eight-game homestand, the longest of the 2008-09 season. During the stay, the No. 17 Miami Hurricanes (ESPN) and arch-rival Indiana come to town. The new year then starts off with a trip to No. 3 Louisville (CBS) to face an in-state rival and former Coach Rick Pitino. 

The rest of the season is the most critical as the Wildcats enter the Southeastern Conference portion of the schedule beginning Jan. 10 against Vanderbilt. UK will face No. 14 Tennessee and No. 19 Florida twice in the Eastern Division. In fact, the season ends March 7 (CBS) in Gainesville, Fla.

Click on the image to the right to download a printable 2008-09 schedule with local times and local television and radio availability.

Veterans Day event moved to Fohs Hall

The annual Veterans Day ceremony in Marion has been moved indoors to Fohs Hall starting at 11 a.m. Rain forced the change of venue from the traditional location at Mapleview Cemetery's Veterans Memorial.

This week in the news

Readers of The Crittenden Press printed edition can expect a variety of news and sports this week.

The Press will have a full page of photos from the deer season and we're keep tabs on the Rocket football team, which is preparing for its opening round in the playoffs Friday at Marion.

In the news this week is a front page story on the dangers of congestion and pedestrian traffic on the north side of town where there are more retail and service sector businesses than anywhere else in the city. You'll read about what it might take for the city to install sidewalks on Sturgis Road.

Also, we are following the auction of Kimball timberlands in the northern part of the county. As of Monday, the Jasper, Ind., furniture maker had not accepted the highest bid from Saturday's big land auction.

The Crittenden Press printed edition will be on newsstands before 3 p.m., Wednesday.

More on Kimball property

The Evansville Courier is reporting this morning that negotiations could be completed today or tomorrow on the 11,759-acre land deal between Kimball and an unnamed buyer. The Press Online reported this weekend that the highest bidder was either the State of Kentucky or an agent or partner. 

State officials had said before Saturday's auction that it had discussed a partnership with a timber consortium.

The Evansville newspaper reported that the highest offer was $23.9 million, which includes a 3 percent buyer's premium over the $23.3 million high bid offered at Saturday's auction at Union County High School. The Evansville report also quotes a Kimball official as suggesting that another auction might be possible.

We will continue following this story and report details as they are available.

Read more in blog below or at the Evansville Courier online.

Crittenden Kimball property has not sold

The 11,759 acres in Crittenden and Union counties did not sell at auction Saturday.

The seller, Kimball International, did not accept the highest bid for the entire tract, which was apparently submitted by an agent of the State of Kentucky at $23.3 million.

Negotiations between the highest bidder and Kimball will resume on Monday, according to officials with Woltz & Schrader Auction Company.

What appeared to be a representative of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources was the highest bidder when all tracts were combined. Individual buyers stopped bidding when the price reached just over $23 million. The land had been offered in more than 70 individual tracts but when totaled those bids did not reach the cumulative offer.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife purchased 1,100 acres at Friday's $10.2-million sale of other Kimball property in northcentral Kentucky. There, the average price per acre was $1,709 on 5,993 acres in Butler, Breckinridge and Meade counties in Kentucky and southern Indiana. The state and 13 other buyers purchased those acres.

On Thursday, 9,422 acres of Kimball lands sold in Indiana to 72 buyers for $15.6 million.

Saturday's auction of the Kimball property that straddles the Tradewater River was the last of a three-day auction as the Jasper, Ind., furniture-maker divested itself of thousands of timberlands in Kentucky and Indiana.

Class on Islam offered Tuesday

The Ed-Tech Center in Marion will be hosting an array of community education classes the remainder of this year, including one on the religion of Islam.

Islam, Past and Present will be conducted over a two-hour period Tuesday and will answer the question, what is Islam and how does it affect us in the United States? 

Join Dr. Brent Brantley as he describes his experiences while employed by Wycliffe in Indonesia and the Middle East. His extensive travels have given him a unique perspective on the religious faith of Muslims. 

The class size is limited and registration closes Nov. 4. The cost of the class, which takes place from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, is $22.

Classes at the Ed-Tech Center are open to anyone. For further details on this or any other classes, contact Dulcie Hardin, community education coordinator, at 965-9294 or visit www.CrittendenCountyEDC.com on the Web.

Gas under $2 in Marion

For the first time this year, gasoline in Marion can be purchased for less than $2 a gallon.

Five Star Food Mart dropped the price of regular gasoline to $1.999 Friday, shortly after noon. It has been almost two years since a gallon of gas could be purchased for less than $2 in western Kentucky. 

According to Sue Farley with AAA national office, it was Jan. 25, 2007, when gas was below 2 bucks in western Kentucky. On that date, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $1.999 in the Owensboro Metro area. There are no statistics available specifically for Marion, Farley said. 

Gas prices have been steadily dropping across the nation the last few weeks, but the tumble did not begin until after the price of a gallon of regular gasoline reached an all-time high in Marion.

Less than two months ago, on Sept. 12, gas was selling for $4.149 a gallon at the same Marion convenience store. That marked the first time a gallon of gas sold for more than $4 locally.

Today, the average price of a gallon of gas in the nation is $2.314 and $2.104 in Kentucky, according to AAA's Web site.

Kimball's central Kentucky auction

For the second straight day, small bidders continued to emerge as victors in the competition for 27,212 acres of timberland being sold at auction by Kimball International, according to the auction company selling the land for the national furniture company.

Friday's sale included 5,993 acres in Butler, Breckinridge and Meade counties in Kentucky and southern Indiana. It sold for $10.243 million to 14 different buyers. The average in Friday's sale was $1,709 per acre.

The auction was conducted by Woltz & Schrader Auctions.

"For the second day in a row, the larger bidders were in there pitching, but the smaller buyers once again asserted themselves and purchased much of the land," said Rex Schrader, president of the auction company. "It will be interesting to see if this pattern holds Saturday when we sell the 11,729 acres in the Sturgis area."

Saturday's sale includes the land known as the "Game Trails" hunting property, which has been featured on numerous outdoor programs because of its world-class deer hunting. The Saturday sale will be at Union County High School.

"We're seeing bidders who are seeking to purchase the land for its investment value, which is considerable because of Kimball's careful management of the extensive hardwood timber stands. But we are also seeing many bidders – and buyers – seeking land for their own personal use for recreation and personal enjoyment as well as its investment value," said Schrader.

With a two-day total exceeding $26 million, Kimball officials were pleased with the turnout for the first two days. About nine thousands acres sold in Indiana sold on Thursday for over $15 million.

Merchants seeing green and orange this week

For some merchants and restaurants, today through Sunday will the be the biggest sales weekend of the year. 

Britt Hodge at Hodge Outdoors Sports in Marion said today, the Friday before opening of the modern rifle deer season, is the biggest single day of the year for the till. Hunters clad in bright orange flock to local stores, especially those carrying ammunition, hunting licenses and outdoors gear, such as Hodges.

Restaurants are also among local businesses that benefit greatly from an influx of hunters to Crittenden County. 

While hundreds of outdoors tourists pile into the county in the coming days, most local observers agree that there are not as many hunters as there once were when private property was largely open to hunting guests and public lands like Westvaco were available for hunters. 

Nowadays, most private lands are leased for $8 to $25 an acre, or they have been purchased by recreational-minded out-of-staters at values ranging from $1,800 to more than $2,000 per acre. 

There is no public hunting property left in the county.

Outdoorsmen and local leaders will watching closely the public auction of more than 11,000 acres in Crittenden and Union counties Saturday. The State of Kentucky has expressed an interest in buying a stake in the large unbroken tract of land that now belongs to Kimball International, a furniture company. The state wants the land for public recreation, including hunting. The sale will take place at Union County High School Saturday.

For outdoorsmen, this is the pinnacle of the hunting season. For local merchants, it's a stressful, yet rewarding period.

The rifle deer season runs for 16 straight days starting Saturday. It includes three full weekends of hunting before closing Sunday, Nov. 23.

In case you missed last week's podcast with local wildlife biologist Philip Sharp, a link is posted below. Sharp says this weekend should be one of the best hunting opportunities in years for those seeking to harvest a nice buck.

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Hart named to Academic All-District Team

Marion native Brad Hart is one of three University of Kentucky Wildcat football players to be named to the Academic All-District IV Team, according to a UKAthletics.com posting from today. The team selection is made by sports information directors and is sponsored by ESPN The Magazine.

Hart, a long-snapper for the 6-3 SEC football squad, has a 3.90 GPA with a major in finance. He has been Coach Rich Brooks' starter as snapper for field goals and extra points the last two seasons. The son of Keith and Valerie Hart of Marion, the 6-1 sophomore has also been active in community service.

Hart joins fellow special-teams player Tim Masthay, the Murray native who is the team's punter and kick-off specialist, and cornerback Robbie McAtee as selections made by SIDs. Hart, McAtee and Masthay will advance to the national ballot for the Academic All-America team, which will be announced in December. To be nominated for the Academic All-America process, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.30, be a sophomore or higher in academic and athletic standing, and be a starter or key reserve. The Academic All-District IV team is comprised of players from the states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama.

Voter turnout a record

Unofficial results from the 2008 general election indicate that more than 1,825,000 Kentuckians voted in the 2008 general election, setting a new record for voter turnout in the commonwealth. The Office of the Secretary of State estimates the turnout percentage to be 63 percent of the 2.9 million registered voters in Kentucky. Sixty-four percent voted in Crittenden County.

Final numbers will not be available for several months until after the precinct rosters are scanned and voter credit is assigned to registered voters.

The previous record, set in 2004, was 1,809,102, but was 64.7 percent of the 2004 electorate.

“I am delighted that so many Kentuckians chose to participate in this historic election,” remarked Secretary of State Trey Grayson, Kentucky’s chief election official. “The record breaking turnout speaks volumes to Kentuckians commitment to the democratic process.”

Grayson also noted the success of the election, “On the whole, this election was very successful. Outside of some isolated challenges, there were few complaints or issues for election officials to address. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our county clerks, county boards of elections, the state board of elections, and the thousands of poll workers across Kentucky who sacrificed to make this election run so effectively and efficiently.”

Livingston County election results (final)

Salem Mayor
Rell Peck - 245

Salem City Commission
Janet Hughes - 227

Judy Hodge - 193

Stanley C. Wallace - 161

Gary A. Ivey - 113

Jamie James - 76

Smithland City Commission

James M. Terry - 94

Joe A. Thomason - 67

Two seats remain open

Grand Rivers City Council

Brenda Lady - 155

Dianne Bingham - 131

Bill Huffman - 127

Oliver L. Hunt - 123

Frank J. Buchanon - 119

Pat Gorbett - 118

Rodney E. Gray - 107

William "Billy" McGee Jr. - 102

Randell O'Bryan - 99

Carrsville City Commission

No candidates ran; four seats remain open

Board of Ed District 2

Samantha Richie Williams - 470

Jack Cothran - 403

Soil and Water Conservation District

Darrell Jones - 1,877

Dale Calendar - 1,729

Deanna Brasher - 14

Bobby Williams - 13

President of the United States
John McCain/Sarah Palin - 2,890
Barack Obama/Joe Biden - 1,622
Ralph Nader/Matt Gonzalez - 58
Chuck Baldwin/Robert E. Thornberry - 12
Bob Barr/Wayne A. Root - 11

U.S. Senate
Mitch McConnell - 2,382
Bruce Lunsford - 2,142

U.S. House of Representatives
Edward Whitfield - 2,615
Heather Ryan - 1,848

Find complete statewide results

Click Here

See previous election results from Crittenden County

Click Here

Find complete nationwide results

Click Here - NPR Web site

Like our coverage?

Send us an email with your comments.

Election results from Crittenden County (final)

Totals from tonight's election will be posted as available by precinct.

Marion City Council (5 of 5 reporting)
James "Jim" Brown - 818
Janet Crider Pierce - 797
Dwight Sherer - 771
Michael R. Byford - 743
Donald Arflack - 700
Darrin Tabor - 630
Scott Tabor - 596
Bill Frazer - 503

Board of Ed District 4 (2 of 2 reporting)
Pam Collins - 361
Ronald "Red" Howton - 170

President of the United States (12 of 12 reporting)
John McCain/Sarah Palin - 2,604
Barack Obama/Joe Biden - 1,254
Ralph Nader/Matt Gonzalez - 40
Chuck Baldwin/Robert E. Thornberry - 12
Bob Barr/Wayne A. Root - 20

U.S. Senate (12 of 12 reporting)
Mitch McConnell - 2,268
Bruce Lunsford - 1,615

U.S. House of Representatives (12 of 12 reporting)
Edward Whitfield - 2,517
Heather Ryan - 1,323

Find complete statewide results

Click Here

See previous election results from Crittenden County

Click Here

Find complete nationwide results

Click Here - NPR Web site

Like our coverage?

Send us an email with your comments.

Caldwell selects new judge-executive

Sitting Caldwell County Judge-Executive Sherman Chaudoin, a Republican, was beaten Tuesday in his attempt to keep the seat he was appointed upon Van Knight's death in April. Chaudoin was bested by Democrat Brock Thomas, a Caldwell County sheriff's deputy.

Meantime, Fredonia elected a new city council. Glenna Rowland, Hannah Brasher, Hearl "Denny" Jones, Kenneth Rennison, Steve Stewart and Angela C. Blair will serve on the council beginning in January. Blair nudged out Melissa Faughn by only two votes to become the sixth member of the council.

Live from election headquarters

Visit periodically tonight for updates on the scene at the courthouse as results come in from around the county. Polls close at 6 p.m., so updates will come thereafter.

Election Blogging By Daryl K. Tabor of The Crittenden Press

8:44: Turnout in Crittenden County was 64 percent according to County Clerk Carolyn Byford. Last week, she had predicted turnout would be in the mid-60s.

8:40: With 85.3 percent of Kentucky's precincts reporting at this time, McConnell leads Democratic challenger Lunsford 52-48. In the First Congressional District race, 83.4 percent of precincts have reported and Whitfield is running away 2-1 from first-time candidate Heather Ryan. Republicans lead in three of the five other congressional races. McCain will easily claim Kentucky with its eight electoral votes.

8:03: Oops. Had to adjust totals after following the wrong line off my recapitulation sheet. It didn't change any of the outcomes, but total votes in some races are significantly different. Republicans still show a clean sweep in the county despite my mistake. The final totals are now reflected on the entry reflecting totals. McCain got 2,604, Whitfield 2,517 and McConnell 2,268. Clerk Carolyn Byford is ready to go home after her longest day of the year, so it's time to go. From about 5 a.m., to 8 p.m., makes a long day for election workers.

7:49: That's a wrap for Election 2008 in Crittenden County. All the numbers have been totaled, unofficially. McCain gained more votes than anyone in the county with 2,379, just slightly more than Whitfield's 2,308 and McConnell's 2,080 in their respective races. At least five separate election workers are tallying numbers to ensure they match and no mistakes have been made. Only election workers remain in the courthouse as they wrap up the election.

7:37: All 12 precincts have been filled in on my recapitulations sheet. Most of the crowd that has gathered in the hallway has dispursed, having totaled their sheets for results. The phone continues to ring inside Byford's office as The Paducah Sun and other newspapers call every 10 minutes for results.

7:29: Pam Collins bested Red Howton by a 2-to1 margin to join Chris Cook and Bill Asbridge, both of whom were re-elected tonight without opposition, and Eric LaRue and Phyllis Orr. Totals from two precincts remain uncounted.

7:18: All five incumbent city council members - Dwight Sherer, Darrin Tabor, Janet Crider Pierce, Jim Brown and Donnie Arflack - will return for two more years with former councilman and mayor candidate Mike Byford joining the group. Bill Frazer and Scott Tabor came up short on their bids to join the city government. Brown was the leading vote getter with 818. Frazer received the least with 503.

7:02: With only five of the 12 precincts total on my recapitulation sheet, it looks as if McCain, McConnell and Whitfield will run away with the county's favor, though the McConnell race is the closest. It will be a clean sweep for the GOP. At present, it looks like Howton will be ousted by Collins. Scott Tabor and Bill Frazer appear to the two lowest vote totals for city council.

6:55: All 12 precints are now in, but it will be some time before the final totals are available. Not sure what's going on outside, but the hallway just erupted in laughter as Byford read off the latest results.

6:47: All but two of the 12 precincts have reported in. Totals from each precinct are being tallied and read to the crowd gathered awaiting results.

6:22: Fords Ferry 5 followed right behind with the next precint totals. Frankie and Dennis Vailes, along with Roberta Shewmaker have completed their long day. "It went pretty smooth," Shewmaker said. "It wasn't that bad." Shewmaker is sticking around to hear results.

6:20: Precinct 1 at the courthouse is the first to report its totals for the day. Pat and Jim Carter brought up the totals from the basement and are headed home for the evening. "Oh my," Pat said when ask if it had been a long day. Her husband could only shake his head in agreement.

6:13: No problems reported by County Clerk Carolyn Byford as she awaits the first precinct to report in. Smooth thus far, she reports, as the chatter from the hallway grows louder.

6:01: Absentee totals are in. John McCain has almost double the votes Barack Obama has received - 163 to 86. In local races, Bill Frazer and Scott Tabor are the odd men out of the council race and Pam Collins has 16 votes to Howton's 7 in the school board race. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Ed Whitfield also hold commanding leads.

6:00: School board candidate Red Howton and councilman Jim Brown have joined a filling hallway awaiting returns.

5:50: Ten minutes until polls close and the absentee ballots are announced. Three of the eight candidates for city council - Mike Byford, Donnie Arflack and Bill Frazer - have taken a seat in the courthouse hallway awaiting totals. Each has grabbed a pencil and a recapitulation sheet to tally the votes from the city's five precincts.

Balloting heavy early Tuesday

Voting in Crittenden County to help elect a new president got under way at 6 a.m., with little waiting apparent from a spot check at four Marion precincts. A short line at Crittenden County Elementary School moved quickly just after polls open. Although lines are not too long, precinct workers say balloting is heavy so far.

Election officers at one Marion precinct said about eight people were lined up waiting to vote before balloting officially started. In Frances, poll officials said about a dozen were outside waiting for the 6 a.m., opening of the doors. 

Voting has been steady and it appears the will be a large turnout locally as is expected nationwide.

Among contested offices other than president are a tight race for Kentucky's U.S. Senate seat and District 1 congressman, as well as local contests for Marion City Council and one race for school board.

The Marion Woman's Club will host its annual Election Day Luncheon at its building on East Carlisle Street and the Lady Rocket basketball team is selling pork chops on Main Street.

Early voting brisk

In Crittenden County, early balloting was much brisker than usual, reports County Clerk Carolyn Byford. Early voting has been allowed for the past few weeks. Only registered voters who will be out of the county on election day are allowed to cast early ballots.

Polls open at 6 a.m., Tuesday.

The Press Online will post election returns as they are available Tuesday night. Polls close at 6 p.m.

Polls open at 6

It will be 75 degrees and sunny on election day, tomorrow.

Polls in Crittenden County open at 6 a.m., and close at 6 p.m. Be sure to have identification with you when you go to vote.

The Woman's Club of Marion will be hosting its annual election day luncheon. Tickets are available at the door. The club's dining hall is on East Carlisle Street next to the post office.