Welcome to 2010

From The Crittenden Press staff:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Princeton theater movie lineup

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Retirement reception today

There is a retirement reception today from 9 a.m., to 5 p.m., for State Farm insurance agent David Wigginton. The reception is at his office on West Gum Street. Everyone is invited.

Ferry open

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is open.  The ferry resumed regular service this morning after being closed due to high winds.

Ferry closed again

The Cave-in-Rock Ferry is closed again due to high winds.  The ferry reopened at 6:00 a.m., today.  However, a shift in the wind is again generating high waves on the Ohio River forcing the ferry to temporarily halt operations.

Crash update

Kentucky State Police are on the scene of a plane crash in rural Calloway County. State Police, Calloway County deputies, and other emergency responders arrived at the scene just after 3 p.m., to find the wreckage of a small aircraft fully engulfed in flames.  

The aircraft had clipped several trees before crashing in a side yard of a residence on Redbud Road, northeast of Murray. 

The pilot of the aircraft, Michael Davis, 52 of Pleasant View Tennessee, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Calloway County Coroner.  

According to sources close to Davis, Davis's aircraft took off fromLeitchfield, Ky., at approximately 2 p.m., en route to Union City, Tennessee.  

Kentucky State Police will be conducting the death investigation and will remain on scene overnight to await the arrival of Federal Aviation Administration officials.  FAA officials, who are expected to arrive tomorrow, will begin an investigation into the collision.  State Police was assisted by Kentucky Emergency Management, Calloway County Fire and Rescue, and Calloway County DES.

Aircraft crash

Police and NTSB oficials are on the scene of a fatal crash of a small
plane in Calloway County. No other details are available at this time.

Ferry closed

The Cave-in-Rock Ferry is closed due to high winds.  The wind has generated high waves on the Ohio River forcing the ferry to temporarily halt operations.

The high wind conditions are expected to last much of the day.

The ferry connects KY 91 with ILLINOIS Route 1 across the Ohio River between Crittenden County, KY, and Hardin County, IL.

The ferry normally operates from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. central time, 7 days a week.  The ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day.

Obituary: Gillespie

Frank A. Gillespie, 91, of Marion died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at his home. He was a retired river boat pilot and U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

Surviving are his three daughters, Helen McConnell, Sue McDowell and Carolyn Hinchee, all of Marion; 10 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; and 27 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Margie Gillespie; parents, Jack and Stella Gahgan Gillespie; and two brothers.

Graveside services are Sunday, Dec. 27 at Mount Zion Cemetery in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Traffic Advisory

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are preparing for the possibility of heavy rain during the Christmas holiday driving period. They are asking holiday travelers to do the same.

Crews have been out today clearing drains of debris in flood prone areas in preparation for up to 2 inches of rainfall across the region over the next 2 days.

Crews have prepared trucks with Water Over Road signs and other appropriate supplies to be ready to roll out quickly if the are called to respond to flash flooding during the holiday.

Highway crews are on call 24/7 to assist with emergency situations that may disrupt transportation.

Motorists can do quite a lot to assure their own safety by slowing down whenever rain or snow creates less than ideal driving conditions. During heavy rain motorists should adjust their driving speed to localized weather conditions. Drivers should be alert for running water and debris that may be washed onto the roadway.

There is also a chance of snow showers over the weekend.

Motorists should monitor local news media to get regular weather and road condition updates.

Marion United Methodist Christmas Eve Communion

Early Bird flies earlier

Anyone interested in publishing an item in next week's Dec. 29 issue of the Early Bird Shopper Guide should contact The Crittenden Press office by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 23 to schedule space. Thank you.

Area Deaths

Rebecca G. Stallion, 74, of Marion, died Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services. The funeral is Sunday.

Shelby Ray Lanham, 90, of Marion died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. He was a member of Union Baptist Church and retired coal miner. The funeral is Saturday.

Community Christmas Drop-Off Day

Today is Community Christmas donations drop off at the National Guard Armory. All sponsor items are due between 9 a.m., and 5 p.m., Thursday (today). 

Bags along with unwrapped items need to be labeled with the child’s number and letter. 

If you have questions concerning Community Christmas, contact Nancy Hunt at 965-5236 or Mona Manley at 965-5229.

Area Death: Riley

Cornelia Riley of Burna died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 at Livingston Hospital. The funeral is Saturday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem. Visitation is Friday.

This week's issue

The Crittenden Press printed edition will be on newsstands after 3 p.m., today. This week's issue includes coverage of the Marion Christmas Parade; a story on Community Christmas reaching its goal for sponsorships and more than $11,000 in donations; and the tragic followup on that automobile wreck in Joy that killed a four-year-old Crittenden preschooler a couple of weeks ago. The mother has now been charged.

Marion Christmas Parade Saturday

The Marion Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday on Main Street. 

More than 85 entries have registered to participate. 

Entries will line up on West Elm Street. There will be no residential parking along the street prior to the parade. 

Santa will be in the parade, and at the courthouse Saturday night to visit with children. There will also be free wagon rides around town Saturday evening. Boarding will be at the courthouse on the hour starting at 6 p.m.

Traffic Advisory: Henderson Area US 60

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict travel lanes along a one mile section of US 41 at the US 60 North Henderson cloverleaf during daylight hours on Monday and Tuesday, December 14 & 15.

The lane restriction will run along both the northbound and southbound lanes starting at the Kimsey Lane Overpass at US 41 mile point 15.436 and running northward through the North Henderson Cloverleaf to near the Long John Silver’s restaurant and Cinema Drive at about mile point 16.4.

Both the northbound and southbound passing lane will be restricted along this section of US 41 to allow the Henderson County Highway Maintenance Crew to clean and perform maintenance work along the safety barrier wall that runs through the area.

Motorists who regularly travel through the US 41/US 60 North Henderson Cloverleaf should be aware of this maintenance work and be prepared to encounter slowing and merging traffic. Some delays are possible, particularly during the morning and afternoon commute. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time through this busy section at the south end of the US 41 North Henderson Strip.

The lane restrictions will create a merge point for southbound traffic around Barrett Lane and a merge point for northbound traffic near the 15 mile marker as motorists approach the Kimsey Lane overpass. Motorists are advised to use appropriate caution in the work zone where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel will be on the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Approximately 33,000 vehicles travel this section of US 41 during an average day.

Car vs. Tractor: No serious injuries

A car swerved to miss a tractor on U.S. 60 East early Friday morning about two miles northeast of town. The car went off the roadway and overturned. No one was seriously injured.

Area Death: Hearell

Claud Edward Hearell, 83, of Marion, died Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. The funeral is Sunday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Judge puts public defender in jail

UPDATE: Attorney was released at 1:30 p.m., Thursday.

Circuit Court Judge Rene Williams charged a public defender with contempt of court today and sent him to the Crittenden County Detention Center to serve until she authorizes his release. Paul Sysol of Henderson was 40 minutes late for court Thurday morning. By the time he arrived, his client had already left the courthouse. It wasn't the first time Sysol had been late, the judge said.

The Crittenden Press printed edition will have more on this matter in next week's issue.

Car catches fire after deer collision

A woman was taken to the hospital after hitting a deer with her car shortly before 11 a.m., Thursday in the northern part of the county on Ky. 365 (Baker Church Road). The car went off the road and burst into flames. The woman had gotten out of the car before it caught fire and she was not burned. However, she was taken to Crittenden Hospital with multiple injuries.

Ferry reopens

Cave In Rock Ferry is back operating today after being idled due to
high wind on Wednesday.

Traffic Advisory: Sturgis Area

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 923 in Union County on Thursday, December 10. The closure near the southeast edge of Sturgis is to allow the Union County Highway Maintenance Crew to replace a failed cross drain. KY 923 will be closed between the 2 and 3 mile marker. This is between First Avenue/King Street and Sullivan Road. The closure will start at approximately 7:30 a.m., Thursday, just after the morning school bus run.   KY 923 is expected to reopen to traffic about 3 p.m. Motorists who regularly travel this section of KY 923 should make advance alternate travel plans.  There will be no marked detour.

Hunters rescued on Ohio River

Rescue personnel from Crittenden County safely recovered some duck hunters stranded on McKinley Island on the Ohio River Wednesday morning. More when details are available.

Cave In Rock Ferry closed

The Cave In Rock Ferry is closed due to dangerous winds in excess of 30 mph today. Transportation officials urge motorists to slow down and be aware of other vehicles who might be affected by the wind, as well as the potential for flying debris.

Weather Service Wind Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory for western Kentucky through 3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9.  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is urging motorists to use appropriate caution.

 

High winds, along with rain sweeping across the region, are expected to create hazardous driving conditions through Wednesday and possibly into Friday. Motorists should buckle up, slow down and use appropriate caution.

 

Widespread wind speeds of 20 to 35 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 mph are expected to develop after midnight tonight and continue through Wednesday afternoon.

 

A deepening low pressure system will sweep north of the region bringing a front with strong and gusty winds.

 

Once the front passes, winds will shift and increase to the 20 to 35 mph range into Wednesday morning with 45 mile per hour gusts. This will create hazardous driving conditions for all vehicles. This band of high winds will create additional hazards for high-profile vehicles such as trucks, motor homes, vans, SUVs and vehicles pulling trailers.  Additionally, motorists should be alert for blowing debris, as well as the potential for downed power lines and trees.

 

As winds subside to the 15 to 20 mph range Wednesday afternoon temperatures will drop. The wind chill is expected to drop to around 5 to 10 degrees, creating an additional cold-weather hazard for motorists. 

Railroad crossing closures

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has authorized CSX Railroad to close highways for rail crossing repairs and upgrades in Webster and Hopkins Counties this week. The closures are in the Providence area.

 

CSX plans to close KY 293/Harmon Street in Providence on Wednesday, Dec. 9. The closure at mile point 2.8 is just south of Woodson Street in Providence.  Click here for map. The closure is expected to be in place about daylight with the roadway remaining closed until about dark Wednesday.  About 1,300 vehicles travel this section of KY 293 in an average day.

 

CSX plans to close KY 814 in Hopkins County on Thursday, December 10, 2009.  This is theProvidence Cutoff Road that runs between US 41-A/Nebo Road and KY 109/Rabit Ridge Road just south of Providence.  The closure is at KY 814 mile point 1.12.  About 1,100 vehicles travel KY 814 in an average day.

 

Motorists who regularly travel these routes should be aware of these planned closures and make advance alternate travel plans.

 

There will be no marked detour at either location.  Passenger vehicles may self-detour via side roads.  Trucks should self-detour via appropriate state routes.

 

Traffic advisory

Crews have been out in the Henderson area inspecting and spot treating.

Snow and some light sleet and snow moved along the Ohio River overnight.  Road surface temps were warm enough to keep it from sticking on highways.  Crews were focusing mainly on bridges and overpasses.

Mother could face charges in fatal crash

A Crittenden County woman could face charges in the death of her four-year-old son in a one-car wreck Wednesday near Joy in Livingston County.

The child, Damien Crain, was a preschool student at Crittenden County Elementary. 

Authorities said the mother, Andrea Crain, 25, recorded a .037 blood alcohol content on a breathalyzer following the accident at 10:30 p.m., Wednesday on Ky. 133. According to Kentucky law an adult is considered legally intoxicated at .08.

The child was secured in a booster seat with a shoulder belt, but died on impact, crash investigators told The Paducah Sun.

The mother was taken to Livingston Hospital, then to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. She was originally listed in serious condition.

Charges could be filed against the mother. 

The Crittenden Press printed edition will have more details next week.

Kenergy will shut off power for work

Up to 138 Kenergy Corp., members in Webster and Crittenden counties will be without power on Dec. 9 beginning at 10:30 a.m. while the co-op works to increase voltage and improve service reliability at peak times to the area.

Power is expected to be out for 2.5 hours.  However, bad weather could lengthen the outage.

The majority of affected members live on Highways 143 and 109 in Webster County.  Four members in Crittenden County who live on Highway 120 will be included in the planned outage.

The co-op will use crews from all three of its districts – for a total of 38 workers – to complete the project, which will double the amount of voltage available in the area.

Livingston Road closed

UPDATE: Road is re-opened.

There is a report from Livingston County that KY 453/Dover Road is closed due to a traffic crash at the 6 mile marker.  The road should be closed for 2-3 hours.

 

The 6 mile marker is between Red Bud Road and KY 2225/Jake Dukes Road.  That would put it about half way between I-24 and Mitchell’s Store.

Area Death: Hackney

Lula “Jimi” Hackney, 69, of Marion died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at Crittenden Hospital.  The funeral is Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.

Transformer blows; Town is Dark

UPDATE: Power has been restored to the City of Marion as of 6:50 p.m.

About 400 KU customers in the Crayne and Mexico communities will be without power until after midnight, power company officials told Judge-Executive Fred Brown.

A Kentucky Utilities equipment malfunction near Fredonia, caused the widespread power outage Monday evening.

Virtually all of Marion was completely without electricity for nearly two hours. At about 5:15, lights flickered a couple of times before the power went off at all businesses and residents in downtown Marion.

Crittenden County customers of Kenergy electricity have not seen any disruption in their power.

Pedestrian hit on parking lot

Marion Police are at this hour investigating an incident on the parking lot of Harminie Enterprises, Inc., the former Chrysler building, at 250 Sturgis Road.

There were several witnesses and police spoke to a few at the scene and had others go with them back to police headquarters at city hall. The driver was also directed to go to the police department to help sort out details of the incident.

The names of the driver of the Ford Explorer and the man who was hit were not immediately released. According to witnesses, the man had gotten out of the vehicle which hit him.

PHI Air Ambulance was called to take the man to a nearby trauma hospital. He appeared to have pelvic and abdominal injuries.

Serious accident in Sheridan

UPDATE: Crittenden County emergency responders were called to the scene of a serious accident in Sheridan just after dark Thursday.

Jenny L. Hodge, 33, of Marion, a passenger in an S-10 pickup, was ejected from a vehicle. She was flown by PHI Air Ambulance to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. She suffered head, pelvis and leg injuries. Her condition is serious, but stable, according to family members.

The driver of the pickup, Edwin T. "Hawdie" Belt, 47, of Marion was flown to Lexington, Ky., where he was treated for a severe ear injury.

Three charged in federal drug probe

Three Crittenden County residents, including a former Baptist minister, were arrested Monday on federal drug warrants.

Former pastor and Marion businessman Nicky Davis, Bobby Blackburn, and Carl Belt Jr., were each arrested on felony indictments from the United States District Court in Paducah. They are individually charged with conspiricy to manufacture marijuana, over 100 plants. 

Read more in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Mayor declares leaf burning ban

Mayor Mick Alexander today issued a temporary leaf burning ban, effective immediately for all city residents. Marion’s leaf vacuum truck has been inoperable for the past two weeks, prompting some residents to turn to the burning alternative. Fall weather in western Kentucky is generally too dry for such practice to be completely safe, according to the mayor. Alexander imposed the ban for the hours of 6 a.m., to 6 p.m., the same hours that state law bans certain types of burning. See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details.

Structure fire Monday morning

An outbuilding sandwiched closely between two homes caught fire about 10:30 a.m., Monday just off Main Street in Marion. The fire was behind Health Quest Wellness Center. The building was owned by Ed Davidson. Marion Fire Department responded and got the blaze quickly under control before it did serious damage to the nearby homes.

No serious injuries

A woman and young child involved in an accident near Deer Creek Church in the Sheridan community this morning appear to have no serious injuries. The name of the victims were not immediately released pending notification of relatives. The single-vehicle accident happened on Ky. 297 just before 8 a.m. The driver was northbound, ran off the shoulder of the road and hit a concrete bridge abutment.

Area Death: Newcom

Janice Faye Newcom, 60, of Marion, died Wednesday at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville,. Visitation is from 6-9 Friday. The funeral is at 11 a.m., Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Meteor Show Expected Next Week

Scientists are expecting a meteor shower early in the morning Tuesday. Click here for details.

Ky. 70 closing near Tiline

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 70, also known Tiline Road, in Livingston County during daylight hours for several days starting Monday, Nov. 16.

 

The Livingston County Highway Maintenance Crew plans to replace a number of cross drains between Smithland and Tiline.  The work will require KY 70 to be closed starting at about 7:30 a.m., immediately following the morning bus run. The roadway is expected to remain closed until about 3:00 p.m., each day, weather permitting.

 

There will be no marked detour. 

Michael Jacobs in Concert

Big Concert at Mantle Rock Wednesday. Click here for details.

Seats available on fan bus

Crittenden County football fans wishing to ride the pep bus to Louisville Friday for the regional semifinal game should reserve a seat by calling Paula Berry. The Rockets play Louisville Holy Cross at 6 p.m.

Cost is $20 per person. The bus will leave at 3 p.m., from CCHS.  Call Berry at 822-4533 (days) or 988-2945 (after 5 p.m.)

Judge Simpson, 60, dies

District Judge Tommy Simpson, 60, who resigned just last week, has died. Simpson had been battling cancer for just over a year. More details will be published as they become available.

Visitation will be from 2:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Whitsell Funeral Home in Morganfield.  Judge Simpson’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Agnes Church in Uniontown by Father Terry Divine at 11 a.m., Wednesday. Burial will be at St. Ann Cemetery in Morganfield.

The family requests donations in his memory to St. Agnes Church Building Fund, St. Anthony’s Hospice or the Ronald McDonald House of Louisville.

 

City's leaf collection on hold

The City of Marion's leaf collection equipment has broken down, stalling crews' efforts to pick up leaves around town. City officials hope the equipment can be repaired and back in action by Tuesday, Nov. 10. 

Additionally, North Maple Street – closed for repairs to prevent further flooding – has reopened today.

Pleased with rock digging

A Lexington-based blogger has posted a nice article about visiting Marion for a mineral dig. Click here to see the article.

Free Dump Days Friday & Saturday

Crittenden County free dump days will be Friday and Saturday (Nov. 6-7). Residents can take large trash items to the county convenience center on U.S. 60 East at no charge. Household trash or electronics such as TVs or computer monitors are prohibited. Hours are 8 a.m., to 4 p.m., Friday and 8 a.m., to noon Saturday.

Election Day Luncheon today at club

Marion Woman's Club is hosting its annual Election Day Luncheon today. Although there are no local elections, there is balloting in many other states and locations across the nation.

The luncheon is from 11 a.m., until 2 p.m., at the club building on East Carlisle Street. Cost is $7 and tickets are available at the door.

CeraTech assets sold at courthouse

Real estate assets of CeraTech Media, Inc., were sold at the courthouse Friday morning. The public auction was conducted to satisfy a foreclosure judgement against the company. 

The building and property on Moore Street were sold for $175,000. The high bidder was a representative of the Crittenden County Economic Development Corp., or the Western Kentucky Industrial Foundation. Early indications are that the buyer, a local community economic development group, will lease the property to a potential operator who may re-open the business.

CeraTech closed in June with the owner citing the country's economic downturn as the primary reason.

Stay tuned to next week's Crittenden Press printed edition for details.

Teddy Roosevelt visits Fohs Hall

Pete Lancaster of Murray portrayed Teddy Roosevelt during a one-man show at Fohs Hall Thursday night. Ticket sales benefited Fohs Hall, the community and civic center. 

Judge Simpson resigns

District Judge Tommy Simpson has resigned, effective Saturday. 

Simpson, who serves as District Court judge in Crittenden, Union and Webster counties, has been battling cancer for about a year. He cited health and family concerns for resigning his judgeship. 

The Crittenden Press will more details next week.

Call for Spotlight: Send us your information

The Crittenden Press printed edition is always seeking news tips and short features for its Spotlight on the Community section.

Do you have a college student who joined a fraternity or sorority, a friend who received a special award or recognition, an employee who recently completed special training or a parent who is retiring? These are just a few examples. We're looking for a variety of Spotlight features. If you think it's important to you, it's probably important to our readers.

If so, we want to know. Provide us with some basic information such as who, what, when, where and why. And please include a contact email address or phone number. 

CLICK HERE TO SEND US A NEWS OR SPOTLIGHT SUGGESTION

Food Bank Distribution Wednesday

Crittenden County Food Bank will be distributing free food from 10 a.m., until noon Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Senior Citizens Center.

Picket not aimed at city

Union members say they are not picketing the City of Marion nor its sewer treatment facility. Instead, they are drawing attention to the absence of a work contract with Ivitts Plumbing Contractors, Inc., of Paducah. Ivitts was recently awarded a bid for work at the sewer treatment plant on Adams Street. 

The International United of Operators and Engineers have had picketers at the sewer plant entrance since Friday. 

See this week's printed edition of The Press for more information.

Paving slows traffic on U.S. 60

Highway work started today on U.S. 60 in Livingston County.

 

Two sections are being milled and repaved. One section is between the Cutoff Road and Smithland and the other section is near Burna from the River Road to Mitchell Road. 

 

Paving along these sections is expected to begin by the end of the week.  Each section is expected to take 5 to 7 days to complete once paving starts.

 

Traffic is being controlled by flaggers with a rolling lane restriction in the work zone. Motorists should be alert for equipment, flaggers, and construction personnel on the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow. Some delays are possible during the movement and placement of equipment. 

 

Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this approximately $1.15 Million highway improvement project.

Red Ribbon Week

Students Madison Travis and Matt O'Dell were among those working around town early Monday morning, placing bows at businesses as part of Red Ribbon Week. 

The "red" awareness campaign is to promote a drug-free community and a healthy lifestyle.

“SENSE OF PLACE” is Workshop Topic

SERIES EVENT IS TONIGHT

    The Crittenden County Writing Workshop Series returns for its fourth year Thursday night with a special two-hour workshop on “Sense of Place: Bringing Your Settings Alive.”
    The workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Crittenden County Library. The workshop will be facilitated by local author Bob Yehling, who has been promoting his newest book, The Write Time: 366 Exercises to Fulfill Your Writing Life, at conferences and signings nationally since its release in September.
    Every story, poem, article, essay or journal entry begins at a place – a scene, a setting, a landscape. The workshop will show writers of all ages and genres how to turn those settings into living, breathing parts of the overall work. It will show ways for writers to more deeply embed themselves, their narrators or characters into relationship with their places and settings. Also, the workshop will cover specific wording and phrasing to create images that foster an immediate association with place and landscape.
    “When we read good pieces of writing, we not only connect with the emotional side of the work, but in all likelihood, with the setting and landscape as well,” Yehling said. “This is the basis of almost all good writing – and this workshop will give everyone a chance to deepen their writing of place. 
    “We live in a wonderful part of the country for writing place and landscape … now, we can bring these images to our readers, and write them to our pleasure.”
    There is no charge for the workshop. Copies of The Write Time and Yehling’s other books will be available.
    For more information, call (270) 965-3354 or (917) 826-7880, or email bob@wordjourneys.com.

Area Death: Franks

Mary Francis Franks, 93, of Marion, died Oct. 19, 2009 at Crittenden Hospital. A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Thursday at Union Cemetery.  

Homecoming Parade cancelled

The 2009 Homecoming parade will not be rescheduled. It was rained out two weeks ago. 

Class floats will be judged and on display at Friday night's football game against Mayfield. Senior night will begin at 7 p.m., Friday.

Homecoming coronation will begin at 6 p.m., at the Nov. 6 playoff game.

Fire under investigation

Fire destroyed a home on U.S. 60 East early Tuesday morning. Although the cause has not been determined, police believe it may have something to do with what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the owner. He was found behind a barn in the rear of the house.

More details will be available in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

The Press Online's main Web site has been down today due to problems with the server in Paducah.

Heavy weekend in Marion

Residents can expect heavy crowds in Marion this weekend with the annual Christmas in Marion arts and crafts show at Fohs Hall on Saturday and the annual weekend muzzleloader season for whitetail deer.

Area Death: Avery

Gary E. Avery, 51, of Marion, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 at his home. He was  a member of Calvary Baptist Church.  The funeral is Saturday at Dunn's Funeral Home in Eddyville.

Winterizing Jet Skis or Boats?

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Webster escapees found in Marion

Two inmates who escaped Wednesday from the Webster County Jail were apprehended in Marion early Thursday morning. 

Marion Police Officer Chuck Hoover arrested the two at about 1 a.m., after seeing them driving on East Bellville Street in a car stolen from near the Webster County Jail at about 8 p.m., Wednesday.

One of the escapees, Jackie L. Beasley, 19, is from Crittenden County. He was also involved in two auto thefts in Marion during the summer of 2008.

Beasley and the other escapee were taken into custody without incident. Stay tuned for more details in the next printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Dog Missing in Marion

MISSING
Name- Kingston
Red & White Pomeranean/Sheltie Mix
Small Dog
White Fluffy Tail!
Went missing from 130 East Gum Street on Saturday October 10.
Please Call 965-2277
Clifton & Stephanie Etheridge

News this week

A single-vehicle accident Tuesday shortly after 5 p.m., near Shady Grove did not result in any serious injuries. Law enforcement, and initially the rescue squad, was dispatched to the scene.

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press will be available on newsstands today, after 3 p.m. The top stories for this week include changes in Community Christmas, a preview of this weekend's Christmas in Marion arts and crafts show at Fohs Fall, and the Kentucky Attorney General's ruling on a Crittenden County Open Records Law case. All of that will be in this week's newspaper, plus the schedule for the City of Marion's Fall Leaf Pickup and a look at the state's Castle Law, which gives citizens the right to defend their property with deadly force.

What you will not find is anything about a rumored federal drug bust in Marion. Thorough investigation has found that those rumors are baseless. 

Commuter Alert: Union County highway closed

State Route 1179 in Union County is closed between the 0.0 and 1 mile marker. The Union County Highway Maintenance Crew recently installed several new cross drains in that area with plans to add additional rip rap in the area over the next week.

However, heavy rain overnight damaged one of those drains forcing Ky. 1179 to be closed between Ky. 141 and River View Mine. The highway is expected to be closed all day today.

A crew will be at the site today making emergency repairs and adding rip rap.

After emergency repairs are complete, crews will be back in the same area next week doing additional rip rap work. However, one lane traffic will be maintained during that portion of the work.

Friday's tour postponed

The downtown heritage tour for fifth graders slated for today (Friday) has been postponed until Friday, Oct. 23 due to the inclement weather.

REMEMBER -- Today is College Colors Day in Crittenden County. Wear logo shirts or colors of your favorite college.

Class of '89 still meeting tonight

The Crittenden County High School Class of 1989 has recovered the fumble caused by the cancellation of tonight's Homecoming game. The class had intended to kick off its 20-year reunion with tailgating in the west endzone of the football field. The class will still gather at the high school – inside the multipurpose room beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Initial plans to reschedule the venue put the gathering at the James T. Hatfield Exposition Center at the Lions Club Fairgrounds; however, cancellation of Thursday's Homecoming parade changed that. A float being housed in the building caused the class officers to move the event to the multipurpose room. Classmates are asked to bring soft drinks and a side dish.

Homecoming Parade Cancelled

Due to bad weather in Marion, the Homecoming parade scheduled for 5 p.m., today has been cancelled. No official decision has been made on its rescheduled date; however, the Homecoming football game and coronation will be held during the Nov. 6 home game.

This week's Yard Sales

Regretfully, Yard Sales normally in the classified section were omitted from this week's Press.  Following is a list of scheduled sales:

Saturday only, 352 Monte Vista St., Salem. Rain or shine, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. No early sales. Lots of stuff. Something for everyone. Scrubs sizes small and medium, Home Interior, shoes, small wooden chest (child's), purses, winter clothes, coats, jackets. Come see what's here.

219 N. Weldon Fri., Sat. and Sun., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Clothes, baby clothes, knives, what nots, pit bull puppies, books, shoes all sizes, misc. 

Moving sale Sat. 9 a.m.-?, 1763 U.S. 641 South. Clothes, baby and household items, furniture and more. No early birds. 

First Baptist Church of Fredonia will have a free yard sale Sat. from 8 a.m.-noon at the church's Family Life Center on Cassidy Ave. All items are truly free. 

Furniture for sale between 3-6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Can be seen at 227 Second St. in Marion. Excellent condition. Stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer, living room suite, two bedroom suites, kitchen appliances. 

Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 3001 U.S. 60 East. Junior size 5, boys to 3T, FP high chair, Exercaucer, play yard, king comforter set (blue), books, CDs, movies, small tables, odd chairs, misc. J. Kirk. 

Garage sale Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 220 Old Morganfield Rd. Old quilts, pie safe, girls bike, gas grill, stereo with built-in DVD player, girls' clothes size 7-10. 

Yard/barn sale, 2331 U.S. 60 West behind heart shaped pond in pole barn, Fri. and Sat., Oct. 9-10, 9 a.m.-?  

2 more cases of H1N1 at Crittenden schools

Crittenden County School District has received official confirmation of two more students enrolled at Crittenden County Elementary School who have contracted the H1N1 influenza. Four other students were confirmed with the flu last month.

In the newest cases, school officials have also confirmed that one of the students has returned to school and is back in regular attendance. The other student is absent from school and is expected to return on the Tuesday after fall break. 

"We are continuing with our sanitization procedures both during the school day and in a more intense manner for any classroom where students have been sent home for illness of any kind," said Superintendent Dr. Rachel Yarbrough.

Dr. Yarbrough said next week’s scheduled fall break is coming at a good time for the Crittenden County Schools. "We will also continue thorough sanitization procedures in all schools over the fall break time frame," she added.

Fredonia man in tractor accident

A Fredonia man was injured mid-morning today in a tractor accident near Fredonia. Tommy Baker was on his tractor and was hit by a vehicle before noon today. He was flown to Vanderbilt Hospital where he is being treated for back and ankle injuries.

Homecoming Parade still on

Although there will be no football game Friday night, the Homecoming parade will be held Thursday in downtown Marion as scheduled. 

Parade Coordinator Kim Vince said only in the case of inclement weather will the parade be cancelled. There is a chance of rain Thursday, and Vince says a decision on whether to continue with the parade will be made by 3:30 p.m.

Friday football game cancelled

The Rockets' Homecoming football game scheduled for Friday night has been cancelled.  Fulton County has forfeited. Homecoming festivities will be re-scheduled for the first round of the playoffs, Nov. 6, which will be held at Rocket Stadium. More details will be forthcoming.

October 8 edition available late today

One of the big stories in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press concerns a U.S. Postal Service recommendation that some of Marion's residents move their mailboxes curbside. Some residents are concerned, others aggravated at the recommendation, which they learned of through a mailing last week.

Also, residents of the Hickory Hills area of Marion are urged to be vigilant following an attempted break-in late Sunday night. 

Read about these and other community happenings in this week's edition, available on newsstands after 3 p.m., today.

Ferry closed due to high winds

 

The Cave-in-Rock Ferry has temporarily ceased operation today due to high winds on the Ohio River.  Winds estimated at 15 mile per hour and higher are coming up the river and have created high waves that have forced the ferry to close until the wind speed drops or the wind direction changes.

 

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry connects KY 91 with Illinois Route 1 across the Ohio River betweenMarion in Crittenden County, and Cave-In-Rock in Hardin County, Ill.

 

The ferry normally operates from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.  The ferry carries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day.

 

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is operated by an independent contractor with joint funding from KYTC and IDot through a ferry authority.

 

The Kentucky Department of Transportation will attempt to provide timely notice when the ferry is able to resume operation.

WIND ADVISORY: Before Noon Today

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for today in Crittenden and surrounding counties. Local wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph are possible today as strong winds aloft mix down to the surface shortly before noon.

Yard Sales Galore!

There are more than 60 yard sales in Crittenden County registered for this weekend's 200-mile U.S. 60 Yard Sale from Meade to Livingston counties. 

Some yard sales started today, but most begin Friday. The annual Highway 60 Yard sale has dozens of registered sales in Livingston and Union counties.

The sale runs concurrently this year with the annual Crittenden County Heritage Days.

Press will be out Thursday

Due to issues at the printing press in Elkton, Ky., The Crittenden Press will not be out until Thursday morning. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Trigg votes for alcohol sales

Trigg County residents approved alcoholic beverage sales in the county during a special referendum election Tuesday. The pro-alcohol ballots won by a slim 36-vote margin.

The Yes for alcohol sales vote totaled 2,665, while 2,629 residents voted no to the idea.

Trigg County officials, by statute, have less than three months to prepare ordinances to allow the sales of package liquor and alcohol by the drink. Ordinances would establish guidelines for signage, hours of sales, Sunday sales, temporary sales permits and taxation. 

Voting precincts in the county seeking to return to dry status may petition to do so starting today. 

Area Death: York

Louise York, 76, of Marion, owner of Louise's Flowers in Marion, died Sunday at her home.

Visitation is from 4-9 p.m., Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home. The funeral is at 11 a.m., Wednesday.

Coroner awaiting details from teen's autopsy

The Crittenden County Coroner's office is awaiting autopsy results from the Caldwell County teen who died  this week at Crittenden Hospital. 

Gabrielle Wilson, 13, died just after 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 23 after being admitted with flu-like symptoms.

Deputy Coroner Bill Myers said the girl had been seen at Family Practice Care, a clinic in Fredonia, where health professionals told her family to take her to the hospital immediately. The nearest hospital was in Marion.

"When she got to Marion, they called Norton's Children's Hospital and they flew down here, but by the time they got here she had passed away," Myers said.

Based on information he received from the hospital and family members, Myers learned that Wilson had been seen at Caldwell County Hospital on Sept. 18 or Sept. 19. 

The deputy coroner says the fact that the girl had flu-like symptoms has increased concern over the swine flu.

Wilson, an African American, was a student at Caldwell County Middle School.

Myers said the Kentucky Department of Health contacted him Thursday seeking information regarding the teen's death.

Crittenden Documentary Broadcast Schedule

The Crittenden County Documentary, My Kentucky Home produced by Sam Koltinksy of Princeton, will be broadcast early Sunday morning on KET1, at 1 a.m. It's also airing on KETKY at later dates. See below: TV Schedule Crittenden County #101  A historical look at Crittenden County and its economic and social contribution to the state. KET1 Saturday, September 26 at 1:00 am KETKY Saturday, September 26 at 11 a.m. KETKY Tuesday, October 6 at 11 a.m. KETKY Friday, October 9 at 3:30 pm

Area Deaths

Patricia Ann Tabor, 77, of Fredonia, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009 at Crittenden Hospital. The funeral is Friday at Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton.

Thelma T. Millikan, 86, of Marion died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009 at Crittenden Hospital. She was a member of Crooked Creek Baptist Church. The funeral is Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Coroner's office investigating death

The Crittenden County Coroner's office is investigating the death of an unnamed 13-year-old female who reportedly died at Crittenden Hospital this week. She had been admitted to the hospital with flu like symptoms. The girl was from Caldwell County.

Area Death: Travis

Jimmie Randell “Pap” Travis, 73, of Marion died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009 at Crittenden Hospital.  He was a member of Marion United Methodist Church. The funeral is Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.

Patrols will increase on Fords Ferry Road

Since Fords Ferry Road has been widened and resurfaced there have been an increasing number of complaints regarding speeders. Marion Police Department will be watching the area with radars starting today.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details.

Area Death: Moore

Peggy Joyce Moore, 64, of Salem, died Monday, Sept. 21, 2009 at her residence.

She was employed by the U.S. Post Office for more than 31 years. The funeral is Wednesday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

College Street closed today

College Street in Marion is closed today between Bellville and First streets while city crews repair a waterline.

Area Death: Jenkins

Willie Mae Jenkins, 84, of Marion died Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. The funeral is Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Perkins Brothers at Fohs Hall next weekend

Area Deaths

Evalena Woodall, 70, of Marion died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 at Livingston Hospital. The funeral is Saturday at Myers Funeral Home in Marion.

Virginia Jewell, 75, of Dycusburg, died at 10:55 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2009 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. The funeral is Friday at Lakeland Funeral Home Chapel in Eddyville.

J.C. Asbridge, 83, of the Frances community died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 at his home. The funeral services is Saturday at Frances Presbyterian Church. Gilbert Funeral Home in in charge of arrangements.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lane restriction Ky. 120

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic to one lane on Ky. 120 near the Crittenden-Webster County line for bridge work on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 17 & 18.

 

The lane restriction between Marion and Providence at mile point 16.689 is to allow deck work on overflow bridges near theTradewater River Bridge. Once preliminary work is complete, a contractor will be at the site on Friday to place a new asphalt overlay on the bridge decks and pave the bridge approaches.

 

Motorists should use appropriate caution in areas where equipment, flaggers, and construction personnel are on the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.  This work will be completed during daylight hours on a weather permitting basis.