Ky. 120 is re-open to through traffic

Highway work on Ky. 120 in Crittenden County is complete. The roadway is now open to traffic. 

 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Crittenden County Crew appreciate the patience of the public during this closure.

Open house at Extension office today

The University of Kentucky Extension Service in Crittenden County is hosting an open house today between 1-4 p.m. at its new location at 112 West Carlisle Street. Everyone is invited and refreshments are available.

Marion man acquitted in drug trial

A Circuit Court Jury acquitted Steve Tinsley, 43, of Marion on drug trafficking charges following testimony in a one-day trial Monday. See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for more information.

July Fourth crackdown on drunk drivers

If you’re over the limit, you’re under arrest

 

FRANKFORT, Ky.  (June 29, 2009) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is reminding everyone to “Drive Smart” during the July Fourth holiday period.  Officers will be out in force, cracking down on any violation, with an emphasis on impaired drivers.  The Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit, Under Arrestenforcement blitz will run from Thursday, July 2 through Sunday, July 5.

 

“This time of year, people hit the road to join friends and family for celebrations across the state,” said Transportation Secretary Joe Prather.  “Through traffic safety checkpoints and aggressive patrols, state and local law enforcement will utilize all available resources in an effort to make Kentucky’s roadways as safe as possible.”

 

Last year in Kentucky, 67 crashes and four fatalities were attributed to alcohol during the July Fourth weekend.  Of the 826 total fatalities in Kentucky last year, 178 involved alcohol.  Seventeen alcohol-related deaths involved a motorcyclist.

 

“Too many people fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix,” said KOHS Executive Director Chuck Geveden.  “Driving impaired isn’t worth the risk.”

 

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate almost 13,000 of the 41,059 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2007 involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. A BAC of 0.08 is the legal limit in every state.

 

Also according to NHTSA, 41 percent of the 2,182 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2007 had BAC levels of 0.08 or higher.  Alarmingly, in fatal crashes in 2007, motorcyclists had greater incidents of illegal BAC levels than any other type of vehicle operator.

 

“Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a victimless crime,” said Prather.  “It’s vitally important we bring this tragic situation to an end.”  

By following these easy steps, drivers can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their lives and the lives of others on the road: 

 

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;

• If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;

§         Use your community’s Sober Rides program;

• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

 

Those who drive while impaired don’t only risk killing themselves or someone else. The trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.

 

“No matter what you drive – passenger car, pickup or motorcycle – if you are caught driving impaired you will be arrested,” said Geveden.  “Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face.  Remember.  Drunk Driving.  Over the Limit, Under Arrest.”

Special city council meeting Friday

Marion City Council will meet at noon Friday to give second reading to an ordinance amending the city's zoning map from R-3 to R-3 Mobile Home Overlay (MHO) for 213 Jarvis St. Property owner Junior Duncan had requested the change so that he may place a manufactured home on the double lot to replace one the family lost in a fire last August.

The zoning ordinance is the only item on the agenda.

Lions Club sets fair schedule

Below is the Crittenden County Lions Club Fair schedule for the week of July 25 - Aug. 1 and applicable contact information.

• July 25 - Horse Show at fairground arena. Exhibition starting at 4 pm and show starting at 6 pm.  Open gate for this event.  Contact Corey Payne 270-965-5236.
  
• July 27 - Miss Crittenden County Beauty Pageant at Fohs Hall. Starting at 6 pm. Contact Michelle Reddick 270-875-8276 or Brodie Sutton 270-988-2796.
  
• July 28 - Family Night/Talent Show/Concert at fairgrounds arena. Midway opening at 5 pm.  Show starting at 7 pm.  $2.00 gate tonight only and reduced arm bands tonight only. Sponsored by Conrad's and Farmers Bank and Trust. Contact Chris O'Leary 270-965-0848.
  
• July 29 - Mini Tractor Pulls (Lawn and Garden) at fairgrounds arena. Midway open at 5 pm and show starting at 7 pm. Contact Kenny Paris 270-928-4641.
  
• July 30 - 4 WD Truck and Tractor Pull at fairgrounds arena. Midway open at 5 pm. and show starting at 7 pm. Trucks contact Bill Fuller 270-965-2923 and Tractors contact Jared Belt 270-871-4502.
  
• July 31 - Mud Boggs at lower area of fairgrounds. BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS. Midway open at 5 pm and show starting at 7 pm.  Contact John Carter 270-704-2224.
  
• Aug. 1 - Demolition Derby and Lawn Mower Demolition Derby at fairgrounds arena. Midway open at 5 pm and show starting at 7 pm. Demolition Derby contact Jared Belt 270-871-4502 and Lawn Mower Demolition Derby contact Anthony Wallace 270-625-4023.
  

Every night other than specified above the gate entry is $8.00 for ages 16 and over.  $5.00 for ages 6-15.  Ages 5 and under free.  Armbands are available daily. 

Special Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday

CRITTENDEN COUNTY FISCAL COURT

SPECIAL MEETING

June 30, 2009

 

A.   Call to order by the County Judge Executive

B.    Roll call by the Fiscal Court Clerk

C.    Approve minutes of previous meeting

D.   Recognition of visitors

E.    Approve Income & Disbursement Reports:

1.     Transfers

2.     Payment of monthly claims

F.     Old Business:

1.     Addendum to Jail Policy and Procedure Manuals regarding Job Descriptions for the Crittenden County Detention Center Employees.

G.   New Business:

1.     Tax Appeal Board Appointment: Terry Ford

2.     Rehire all county employees, Road Foreman & County Treasurer.

H.   Any other business

        I.    Adjourn

City calls for water conservation

The City of Marion is calling on residents to conserve water based on the weather forecast. Although raw water resources are normal at this point, city officials say this is a proactive measure. They want people at even numbered addresses to use water for non-essential activities such as washing vehicles, filling swimming pools, water plants or lawns to do that on even numbered days starting this week. People at odd numbered addresses can do the same on odd numbered days.

See this week's Crittenden Press printed edition for details. It will be on newsstands today after 3 p.m.

Another break-in in the county

There have been several burglaries in the county in recent weeks, the latest intrusion was at the Shady Grove Fire Department.

Burglars broke a lock off of a side door to gain entry into the fire station where they took Craftsmen tools and two chainsaws. TipLine is offering a reward. Call 965-3000.

Ballard man dies in Livingston wreck

A Ballard County man was killed Tuesday evening in a single vehicle wreck on Ky. 135 in Livingston County.

Louis Chittenden, 59, of LaCenter was northbound on what is also known as Carrsville Road when the passenger side tires of his semi dropped off the right-hand shoulder. According to a Kentucky State Police report, Chittenden overcorrected and crossed both lanes before striking an embankment. The vehicle overturned and came to a rest in the southbound lane.

The accident occurred just after 5 p.m. Chittenden was not wearing a seat belt.

Livingston County Sheriff's Department, Livingston EMS and Smithland and Burna fire departments assisted state police on the scene. Trooper Daniel Jones is continuing the investigation.

How hot has it been?

Toni Miniard of Frances proved to her family Sunday that it was hot enough to fry an egg on the front porch. She snapped this photo with her phone camera. It's an egg clearly cooked and ready for the table. No fooling, she says.

KY 120 Closed June 30; No marked detour

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 120 in Crittenden County on Tuesday, June 30, 2009.

The closure on KY 120 near the 8 mile marker between Marion and Providence is to allow a cross drain to be replaced.

KY 120 will be closed at the site starting at approximately 8:00 a.m. The work is expected to take about 5 hours, weather permitting.

Motorists who regulaurly travel KY 120 through eastern Crittenden County should be aware of this planned closure and make advance alternate travel plans. There will be no marked detour.

Again this work will be near the 8 mile marker on KY 120 between Sugar Grove Church Road and Cave Springs Road west of the Deanwood community. The work is is expected to take 4 to 5 hours to complete.

Approximately 1,000 vehicles travel this section of KY 120 in an average day.

In case of rain the project will automatically advance to the next working day.

Webster County Traffic Advisory

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 143 in Webster County starting Friday, June 26, 2009.  KY 143 will be closed to all traffic at mile point 9.48.  This is just north of the Derby Community between Fishtrap-Derby Mine Road and Granny Hill Road.

 

The closure is to allow Troy Painting Company to begin painting and rehab work on the Vaughn Ditch Bridge.   KY 143 will be closed starting at about 7:00 a.m., Friday, weather permitting.  The work is expected to take about two weeks.

 

There will be a marked detour for motorist.  Motorists who regularly travel KY 143 between Blackford and KY 109 should be aware of this closure and make advance alternate travel plans.

 

This work on the Vaughn Ditch Bridge is part of a $392,000 highway improvement project that includes the painting and rehab of bridges on KY 2839/Dixon Wannamaker Road, KY 270 and KY 143.

 

As a reminder, KY 270 will be closed at mile point 7.86 East of Clay starting the morning of Friday, June 26^th for painting and rehab work on theCrab Orchard Creek Bridge.

Follow Marion activities on Twitter

Do you Twitter? Have you checked out the City of Marion's regular updates on Twitter?

If not, log on and see what's happening in your neighborhood. Click here.

Remember Dad Sunday

Remember to honor your dad Sunday on Fathers' Day, a celebration recognized in 51 countries worldwide. 

Fathers' Day started in the 20th century as a spinoff from Mothers' Day. Its intention was to honor the male parent and other forefathers.

Gaming bill passes House budget committee

An expanded gaming bill that would allow video lottery terminals at Kentucky racetracks cleared the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee today.

 

House Bill 2, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) is projected to yield more than $1 billion in state revenue over the next five fiscal years, including $194.3 million in fiscal year 2010. Initial licensing fees paid by tracks with video lottery terminals, or VLTs, would total $102 million per year over five years, Stumbo said.

 

“We need to have as much stability in our revenue stream as we possibly can,” Stumbo told the committee, of which Rep. John Arnold of Sturgis is a vice-chairman.

Through the five-year payment plan on fees, Stumbo said the state would be assured at least $100 million a year in revenue during what could be a period of continued state budget shortfalls.

 

The bill is designed to help the state’s ailing horse industry by funding breeder incentives and attracting more horse races through bigger purses, or race winnings. Planned uses for anticipated state revenue in HB 2 includes, but is not limited to, income tax relief for the military, income tax relief of $250 per person or $500 per couple from the state motor vehicle property tax, horse farming sales tax relief, a fund for treatment of problem gamblers, a tourism and infrastructure fund and billions of dollars for education.

 

Under HB 2, at least $143 million a year would go toward education to fund capital construction at public schools and state colleges and universities, educational technology and equipment, and increase state funding per student in school districts across the state.

HB 2 now goes to the full House for its consideration.

– Kentucky Legislative Research Commission

Bobcats rainout slated to be made up tonight

Yesterday's rainout of the Marion-Sikeston game at Gordon B. Guess Field will be made up tonight, weather and field conditions permitting. The first pitch is schedule for 7:05 p.m., as usual, but isolated thunderstorms have been forecast for the Marion area this afternoon and could delay or again postpone the contest.

Investigators looking into elevator death

STURGIS, Ky. (AP) - Kentucky officials were investigating what happened to an 8-year-old boy who was found with his head pinned in a church elevator as his family was cleaning up after his grandmother's wedding reception.

The elevator was locked and placed out of service after a state inspection, Kentucky State Police said. The church's pastor, the Rev. Nate Harper, said he found the body of the boy, identified by authorities as Zachary Waddell, on Saturday.

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, which oversees elevator inspections, has no documentation of an elevator at the church, said Dick Brown, spokesman for the state Public Protection Cabinet.

Union County Coroner Stephen Shouse said the boy died as a result of compression asphyxia, meaning he couldn't breathe after the elevator came down on him.

He was found with his head pinned between the walls of the elevator and the shaft and his body was outside the elevator car, Shouse said. He said the elevator was purchased in 1963 and is similar to a freight elevator.

State police said Sunday no foul play was suspected.

State police spokesman Sgt. David Jude in Frankfort said Tuesday that it was too soon to say whether any criminal charges are possible.

"We're still trying to piece all of this together," Jude said.

Harper told the Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press that the discovery was the "worst thing" he's ever experienced.

"It was really hard for us, but more than anything else our hearts go out to that family," he told the newspaper. He also said he did not know a lot about the elevator, but that church officials believe it was up to standards.

"There's a family that needs prayer," Harper told the AP Monday. "They've suffered a great tragedy."

Zachary attended Sturgis Elementary School and enjoyed fishing, hunting, football and riding horses and four-wheelers, according to Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis, where his funeral is planned Wednesday.

8-year-old Sturgis boy dead in church elevator

ASSOCIATED PRESS

STURGIS, Ky. (AP) - State police were investigating after the body of an 8-year-old boy was found with his head pinned in a church elevator as his family was cleaning up after his grandmother's wedding reception.

No foul play is suspected in the death of Zachary Waddell at First Christian Church in Sturgis, Kentucky State Police said in a statement Monday.

The church's pastor, the Rev. Nate Harper, found the boy's body Saturday in the doorway at the lower level of the shaft connecting the church's first and second floors, authorities said.

Union County Coroner Stephen Shouse said the boy died as a result of compression asphyxia, meaning he couldn't breathe after the elevator came down on him. He said the elevator was purchased in 1963 and is similar to a freight elevator. The Evansville (Ind.) Courier & Press reported that Shouse is a distant cousin of the boy's mother.

State Police said the boy was pronounced dead at the church. State Police gave few details and did not return telephone messages to The Associated Press about the circumstances.

The boy was found with his head pinned between the walls of the elevator and the shaft and his body was outside the elevator car, Shouse said.

Harper told the newspaper that the discovery was the "worst thing" he's ever experienced.

"It was really hard for us, but more than anything else our hearts go out to that family," he told the newspaper. He also said he did not know a lot about the elevator, "but to our knowledge, we believe it was up to standards."

"There's a family that needs prayer," Harper told the AP on Monday afternoon. "They've suffered a great tragedy."

Livingston road closed on Thursday

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close Ky. 1889 (Heater Store Road) in Livingston County on Thursday, June 18, 2009.

 

The closure on Ky. 1889 near the 1 mile marker is to allow the replacement of a cross drain.  Work is expected to start at the site at approximately 8 a.m., and be complete by approximately 3 p.m.

 

There will be no marked detour.  Motorists who regularly travel this section of Heater Store Road should make advance alternate travel plans.

Follow City of Marion news at Twitter.

Area Death: Watson

Mary Jane Watson, 67, of Marion died Friday at Western Baptist Hospital. Visitation is Sunday and the funeral is Monday at 2 p.m. See Gilbert Funeral Home Online for more.

Small aircraft crashes near Marion

A small airplane crash landed south of Marion just before dusk Friday. The aircraft went down in a recently planted crop field near Coleman Road. The pilot was the only person on board and he was not seriously injured.  Observers said that it was Donnie Belt of Marion flying the aircraft.

The plane was described by one observer as a light sport aircraft.

Gary Cruce, who lives on U.S. 641, said he heard the plane sputtering so he jumped in his Jeep and headed toward where it was going down.

"It was circling and the motor was cutting in and out," Cruce said. "You could tell something was not right then I heard it hit the ground. We headed that way and called the police department."

Cruce said that when he arrived at the crash site, the pilot was standing outside the plane.

Bobby West, an off duty Marion police officer, was also among the first on the scene. He said the plane was larger than an ultralight, but smaller than a normal two- or four-seat airplane. He said the pilot had a small abrasion on his arm, but no other physical signs of injury. An ambulance was not called to the scene.

The FAA was notified and reportedly sending an investigator to examine the crash.

Hodge Rummage Sale is Saturday

The Jake Hodge Memorial Scholarship Fund Rummage Sale will be held starting at 8 a.m., Saturday morning at the Crittenden County Middle School gym. The event was moved indoors due to a forecast of inclement weather.

Kirk honored with library reception

The Crittenden County Public Library will be hosting a reception for Rose Kirk from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m., Saturday at the library. Kirk is retiring from the library where she has worked for many years, some of which were spent as the Bookmobile librarian.

TipLine offers up to $1,000 reward on cabin break-in

Up to $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in a criminal mischief case in a remote area of Crittenden County. Sometime between the last week of May and June 11, intruders broke into a remote hunting cabin on Travis Cemetery Road, destroyed personal property and damaged the building. Crittenden County TipLine and owner Mike Crider are offering up to $1,000 for information and anyone providing a tip that leads to an arrest will remain anonymous. To report information regarding this or other local crime, call the Crittenden County TipLine at 965-3000. You do not have to leave your name. Your information will be assigned a case number, which will allow you to redeem the reward if an arrest is made.

WPSD 's radio station going off air

WPSD-TV in Paducah has announced that its radio frequency 87.7 will no longer be available when the station converts to a digital signal. The radio station, the source of weather and other news during television outages, will be off the air starting Friday.

Chamber hosts event Thursday at museum

The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce will host a Business After Hours event at the Crittenden County Historical Museum on East Bellville Street. The museum is inside the former Presbyterian church on the corner of College and Bellville streets.

The event is from 5 to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Press seeks Community Spotlight items

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

Authorities looking for jail escapee

UPDATE: Inmate captured. 

Authorities have caught the inmate who escaped earlier this morning. He was found on Ky. 902 less than an hour after he walked away from a work detail on Crayne Cemetery Road.

The inmate from the Crittenden County Detention Center was wearing a green florescent jail work shirt, blue jeans and possibly carrying a chain saw when he walked away from a crew working to clear the right-of-way of storm debris. Authorities describe him as short with a tattoo under one of his eyes.

State and local authorities immediately began searching for the inmate. Although it has yet to be confirmed, there is some indication that a female accomplice may have provided transportation to the escapee.

Pictured above is Jailer Rick Riley, jail deputies and others who were on the scene immediately after the escape was reported from Crayne Cemetery on Crayne Cemetery Road.

Hurricane Camp Meeting opens with large crowd

Salem Baptist Church and cowboy missionary Chris Clarke opened the 2009 Hurricane Camp Meeeting Monday night. A large crowd was on hand for the opening ceremonies as evangelist Rev. Steve English rang the bell to begin the 121st Camp Meeting.

Preaching will be held nightly at the camp meeting starting at 7 p.m.

Area Deaths

Kenneth Lynn Owen, 44, of Marion, died Sunday, June 7 at his residence. The funeral is Tuesday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Clara Oakley, 81, of Princeton, died  Saturday, June 6 at Caldwell County Hospital. Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville will have the funeral Tuesday.

Hurricane Camp Meeting begins today

Hurricane Camp and Hurricane Camp Meeting begin tonight at the Hurricane Church grounds near Tolu. This is the 121st year for the open-air tabernacle to host week-long preaching, signing and faith-based gathering. 

Preaching begins nightly at 7. Dinner is served starting at 5:30. Evangelist and missionary Steve English will lead nightly services. English grew up in Crittenden County and spent many years attending camp meetings at Hurricane.

Delays on U.S. 60 in Henderson expected Monday

As part of ongoing work along the U.S. 60 Henderson South Y Highway Improvement Project, a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is planning to place steel on the new Canoe Creek Bridge on Monday.

Placement of this steel will require all traffic to be restricted to one lane at the site between 9 a.m., and noon Monday. This work will also require traffic to be halted twice for about 15 minutes each time.

This work near the 10-mile-marker on U.S. 60/South Green Street will create a bottleneck that is likely to create substantial delays. Motorists are advised avoid the area between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday,

if possible.

Area code change delayed until January 2012

 The Kentucky Public Service Commission last week again extended the time for residents of far western Kentucky to continue using area code 270, basing the decision on new data from the agency that distributes telephone numbers. (Click here for audio statement.)

The optional use of area code 364 will now take effect on Jan. 1, 2012, 21 months later than the previous implementation date of April 1 of next year.

 “A number of factors have combined to greatly reduce the demand for new phone numbers,” PSC Chairman David Armstrong said. “If this trend continues, it is quite possible that a new area code in western Kentucky will be postponed for a considerable time.”

Area code 364 is to cover the western portion of the current area code 270, which includes the cities of Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville and Paducah.

The PSC has postponed the use of area code 364 on three previous occasions, largely due to a Federal Communications Commission decision that changed the assignment of telephone numbers in the present area code 270. That change significantly increased the availability of new numbers in the existing area code.

At the same time, a weakened economy and a reduced usage of telephone numbers dedicated for use by computer and fax modems has slowed the demand for new numbers.

“The PSC realizes that repeatedly moving the start date for area code 364 creates a degree of uncertainty,’ Armstrong said. “But that is preferable to imposing the inconvenience and expense of an area code switch before it is needed.”

On May 31, 2007, the PSC decided to accommodate the rising demand for new telephone numbers in western Kentucky by splitting area code 270, with the eastern portion retaining the current area code. Cities remaining in area code 270 include Bowling Green, Columbia, Glasgow, Elizabethtown and Owensboro.

About two million numbers are now available in area code 270.

The current area code 270 was established in 1999. In 2006, NANPA had projected area code 270 would run out of numbers by late last year.

NANPA now projects that area code 270 will reach number exhaustion by the second quarter of 2012.

Whitfield plans to seek re-election

WASHINGTON – Congressman Ed Whitfield, a Kentucky Republican, has announced that he will seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. Reports in recent days had suggested that Whitfield might seek the governorship or run for the U.S. Senate.

In a statement issued Thursday morning Whitfield said, “Representing the First Congressional District of Kentucky in the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 15 years has been an honor and a privilege. During that time, I have been fortunate to meet with thousands of constituents and vote on important legislation which has made a positive impact on the everyday lives of Kentucky residents. 

"With our economy still reeling and controversial energy legislation being pushed forward that will have an enormous impact on Kentuckians, a strong voice to represent the First District in Washington is more important than ever. That is why I intend to run for re-election to the House of Representatives in 2010. During these tough times, my experience and seniority in the House will help ensure the needs and values of First District residents are best served. With their support, it is my hope I will be able to continue to serve the First Congressional District of Kentucky in the House of Representatives.”

Storm blamed for starting fire, other damage

A severe thunderstorm is being blamed for widespread damage in southern Crittenden County and around Fredonia Wednesday afternoon. Lightening is suspected in starting a fire that destroy the Roberet Atchley home on Amos Road in rural Crittenden County.

Fire departments from Fredonia, Caldwell Springs and Salem were dispatched to the blaze, but the home was fully engulfed before firemen arrived with tanker trucks.

Other wind damage to property was reported in Fredonia and the surrounding area.

Unemployment up in all 120 counties

Unemployment rates rose in all 120 Kentucky counties between April 2008 and April 2009, according to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training.

In Crittenden County over that period, unemployment went from 5.9 to 10.2 percent, and from 5.4 to 9.9 percent in Livingston County. However, since March, the percentage of out of work laborers fell in Crittenden County from 10.9 percent and remained steady in Livingston County. And the recent announcement of as many as 150 new jobs at Safetran Systems Corp., in Marion comes as additional good news to April's 421 unemployed in Crittenden County.

The statewide unemployment rate in April was 9.7 percent and 10.5 percent in the nine-county Pennyrile Area Development District. Other neighboring counties' jobless rates include: Caldwell, 9.3 percent; Lyon, 11.1 perecent; Union, 11.8 percent; and Webster, 9.5 percent.

Fayette and Woodford counties recorded the lowest jobless rates in the commonwealth at 6.9 percent each. Calloway County at 7.3 percent; McCracken County at 7.7 percent and Carlisle County at 8.1 percent registered the lowest rates in far western Kentucky.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate — 16.7 percent. Trigg County tallied a 15.8 percent jobless rate.

Whitfield may be considering political options

U.S. Congressman Ed Whitfield may be considering a run for governor or U.S. Senate. See article at Roll Call.

> http://www.kentuckyrollcall.blogspot.com

Rockets hire new basketball coach

Crittenden County High School has named Chad Hayes of Princeton, Wisc., as the new head boys' basketball coach. Hayes played collegiately at Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisc., from 1995 to 1998.

Hayes, 33, replaces former Rockets coach Rob Towery, who resigned recently after four years as the head coach.

For details, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, which will be available on newsstands after 3 p.m., Wednesday.

Land auction finds prices low

Land speculators and observers of real estate sales in Crittenden County got a jolt over the weekend when a large land auction produced some low prices, as compared to last year's premiums. Recreational property price spiked about a year ago to around $2,000 an acre. The land sale Saturday brought less than $1,000 an acre for the two tracts that sold. Four other tracts did note sell. See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details.