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Happy Halloween !

Trick-or-Treaters on North College Street got a dose of their own medicine Saturday night as resident Keith Cochran dressed in his own costume to scare goodie seekers.

Be careful whose door you knock on!

Halloween activities today and tonight

Marion Baptist Church is hosting its Fall Festival, which includes trunk-or-treat and inflatables from 11 a.m.,to 2 p.m., at the church.

Life In Christ Church is hosting its Fall Harvest Night with games, horse rides, inflatables, candy and more from 5-8 p.m., at the church on U.S. 641 in Marion.

Salem Baptist Church is hosting a Harvest Party including a hayride, trunk-or-treat and more from 6-8 p.m., at the church.

Johnson's staff earns state recognition

County Attorney Rebecca Johnson's Child Support office has been recognized as the Outstanding Child Support Office among counties with 1,000 cases or fewer for the second year in a row. The announcement was made Friday night in Frankfort. Pictured above is the office staff, which includes Brenda Croft, Johnson and Debbie Brown.

Political Announcement, Paid for by Rebecca Johnson

Frazer campaign announces endorsement of plan

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Fred Brown has endorsed county attorney candidate Bart Frazer's plan for ankle bracelets for some prisoners, which the judge says will save the county thousands of dollars. The endorsement of the plan has appeared in radio advertisements late this week.

The campaign has posted the audio on its Web site, click here to listen.

(This is a paid political advertisement, Paid for by Bart Frazer, Candidate)

Judge denies bond reduction for Tinsley

Circuit Judge Rene Williams denied an appeal by Pat Tinsley for bond reduction during his arraignment Friday on charges of complicity to arson and reckless homicide.

Tinsley, 49, remains jailed on a $50,000 cash bond in connection with the death of his wife, Glenda Tinsley, 47, who was killed in a house fire at their Wilson Farm Road on Aug. 1.

Investigators think Tinsley and his wife set the fire to collect the insurance money, but something went wrong and she died of smoke inhalation.

The judge set Tinsley's trial for June 16, 2011.

Several family members were in the courtroom Friday. It was Tinsley's first court appearance since his arrest one week ago.

Trick-or-Treating this afternoon on Main

This afternoon is the annual Trick-or-Treat on Main Street. Many local businesses will be participating in the event from 3-5 p.m., in downtown Marion.

Marion United Methodist Church will also be having its Trunk-or-Treat in conjunction with the event and The Crittenden Press is taking pictures for its annual Ghouls on Parade special section.

Children under 12 are welcome to participate in the downtown Trick-or-Treating this afternoon.

Area death

James T. Rorer, 63, of Marion died, Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2010 at Crittenden Hospital. Graveside services are Monday, Nov. 1 at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Dean Thomas, 79, of Marion died Wednesday, Oct. 27 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Ind. The funeral is Monday at Myers Funeral Home in Marion.

Candidate forum tonight at Ed-Tech Center

Tonight is the final candidate forum before Tuesday's election. The Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation and Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the public event.

Speaking begins at 6 p.m., and will include candidates for magistrate and school board.

Questions may be presented in writing for any of the candidates.

Miner killed in Union County accident

A Union County coal miner was killed Wednesday morning when he was struck by a vehicle at a mine in western Kentucky. State official told the Associated Press that 39-year-old James Jeffrey Faulk was hit by a shuttle car at the River View mine at Uniontown. No one else was hurt in the incident, which occurred just before 8 a.m., about a mile from the mine's entrance.

It is the sixth death at a Kentucky mine this year.

The underground mine employs 437 workers. Federal records say another miner was seriously injured at the site in September when a piece of roof rock fell on him, fracturing his back. The mine is operated by Tulsa, Okla.-based Alliance Resource Partners.

The incident is being investigated by the state Office of Mine Safety and Licensing.

City declares voluntary water conservation order

Along with most of western Kentucky, Marion and Crittenden County have been declared part of a Level 2 drought by the state climatologist office. Despite recent rainfall, the City of Marion’s Water and Sewer Department encourages customers to begin following certain steps aimed at conserving water. These steps are voluntary. There is no mandatory water conservation order being issued at this time.

• Water lawns less than one inch per week, between the hours of 6 p.m., and 6 a.m.
• Water golf courses and athletic fields no more than one inch per week, between the hours of 6 p.m., and 6 a.m. If critical areas show visible signs of stress, water at additional minimum rates necessary between noon and 4 p.m.
• •Use commercial car wash facilities and detail shops instead of hand washing.
• •void washing impervious and paved surfaces, except for prewashing in preparation for painting, recoating or sealing.
• Avoid using water for ornamental fountains, artificial waterfalls, reflecting pools and ornamental ponds, except for the minimum amount of make-up water necessary to maintain aquatic life.
• Avoid using water to power wash buildings and other structures except when necessary to meet public health and safety standards.
• Avoid filling hot tubs, spas and whirlpool tubs, except for health and rehabilitative purposes or for the minimal amount necessary to maintain structural integrity and the filtration system. If the drought is still present next Spring, this advisory would also include swimming pools.

There is no immediate threat to the Marion water system due to the Level 2 drought, said City Administrator Mark Bryant. However, any recent or forecasted rains are not sufficient enough to end the drought and the precautionary measures listed above may help in offsetting any problems if the drought persists, he said.

Area deaths

Nellie Hazel Smith, 100, formerly of Livingston County, died at 1:37 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Calvert City. The funeral is Thursday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Christine Kimsey Shewcraft, 92, of Marion, died Sunday, Oct. 24, 2010 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services. The funeral is Wednesday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Band earns berth in semifinals

Crittenden County High School's band, the Rocket Regiment, has finished seventh in regional competition and earned a spot in this weekend's semifinals at Louisville. It is the first time ever that the band has advanced this far in state competition. See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for more details.

Area death

Muriel Roach, 97, of Salem, died Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. The funeral is Monday at Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Husband indicted in fatal fire

A Crittenden County Grand Jury has indicted the husband of a Marion woman killed in an Aug. 1 house fire on Wilson Farm Road.

Pat Tinsley, 49, also of Marion is charged with second-degree arson by complicity, a Class B felony, and reckless homicide, a Class D felony.

Results of a state police investigation were presented to a special Crittenden County Grand Jury Friday and a sealed indictment was returned for Tinsley, who was arrested at 4 p.m., later that day at the the Crittenden County Ambulance Service, where he is a part-time EMT. Commonwealth Attorney Zac Greenwell and State Police Det. Scott Smith met with grand jurors for an hour and half, presenting evidence in the case. Jurors then deliberated for almost three more hours before returning the indictment just before 1:30 p.m.

Tinsley’s wife, 47-year-old Glenda Tinsley, was killed in the fire at their two-story brick home amid a set of bizarre circumstances. It was initially reported by the victim that an intruder was in the home. From her upstairs bedroom, Glenda Tinsley apparently talked at length with a police dispatcher and then called a co-worker while the fire was raging downstairs. Investigators determined quickly that the fire was set, apparently after finding kerosene in the house, according to members of Glenda Tinsley’s family.

Police say they believe the wife had something to do with the fire, too, precipitating the complicity to commit arson charge against the husband.

Pat Tinsley alleges that he was at his mother’s home in Tolu, about 20 miles away, when the fire was reported by his wife.

It is very rare for Circuit Judge Rene Williams to call grand jurors to the courthouse between regular meetings. The grand jury meets regularly on the first Monday of each even numbered month. The grand jury just met on Oct. 4 and was not scheduled to meet again until Dec. 6.

The judge had not convened a special grand jury in several years, and it is generally done only in high-profile cases that warrant immediate attention. Deliberations of grand juries are secret and not subject to the Kentucky Open Meetings Law or the federal Freedom of Information Act.

A grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence. It simply determines whether enough evidence exists to indict a person and send their case to circuit court.

Tinsley was jailed at the Crittenden County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.

Area death

Robert Allen “Bob” Phillips, 69, of Marion died Friday, Oct. 22, 2010 at Parkway Nursing and Rehab Center in Paducah. The funeral is Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.

Special grand jury convened this morning

UPDATE: Jurors deliberated until after 1 p.m., then left the courthouse.

A special grand jury has been convened this morning (Friday) at the Crittenden County Courthouse. Jurors reported at 9 a.m. Their deliberations are secret and not subject to the Kentucky Open Meetings Law or the federal Freedom of Information Act.

Although local authorities are not saying what evidence the grand jury is hearing, it's very likely that something has broken in the investigation of the Aug. 1 fatal fire that killed 47-year-old Glenda Tinsley.

The grand jury meets regularly on the first Monday of even numbered months. It just met on Oct. 4 and was not scheduled to meet again until Dec. 6. It is rare for Circuit Judge Rene Williams to call grand jurors to the courthouse between regular meetings. It has not happened in several years and generally is done only in high-profile cases that warrant immediate attention.

The Press will continue to follow developments in this matter. A grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence. It simply determines whether enough evidence exists to send a case to circuit court, generally as a felony.

Firemen on scene of barn, field fire

Several volunteer firemen are on the scene of a fire that has destroyed a barn and got into a field and the woods near the former Winlow Park. The fire started just before 2 p.m., and the first men on the scene called for extra help to extinguish the blaze about 30 minutes later.

Community Christmas registration is Friday

Families seeking assistance with food or gifts for the holidays can register for Community Christmas from 9 a.m., to 3 p.m., Friday at Emmanuel Baptist Church. There will be a second signup period from 2-6 p.m., Nov. 5. Bring proof of household income. Questions concerning eligibility should be directed to Kathey Penn at 965-4763.

Questions concerning Community Christmas can be directed to Nancy Hunt at 965-5236 or Mona Manley at 965-5229. Community Christmas is a project of the Inter-Agency Council. Families with children and households with only adults can apply. These are the only two signups.

Police need help with old cell phones

Emergency dispatchers say they’ve been inundated with what they believe are 911 calls from children playing with cellular phones.

Lt. Marty Hodge, communications officer for the Marion Police Department which runs the emergency dispatching center, said countless calls are creating potentially hazardous situations. The number of “911 hang-up calls” is increasing and Hodge thinks it’s because there are so many old cell phones lying around the home and toddlers find them interesting.

Federal law requires cell phones to be able to dial the emergency 911 number even if they have been de-programmed or had their memory card removed.

“We have had about 40 calls from one child,” said Paula Miniard, a dispatcher in Marion.

Cellular phone calls to 911 show up on the computer screen at the call center, but because the phone is normally no longer programmed, it’s not traceable.

“We can’t figure out where it’s coming from,” said Police Chief Ray O’Neal.

By policy, if dispatchers receive a 911 hang-up call, they immediately try calling the number back to see if a real emergency exists.

O’Neal said new technology is coming to Marion’s communications center that should improve the police’s ability to pinpoint calls, even from disconnected cell phones.

Hodge said police are asking citizens to remove and properly dispose of batteries from used cell phones.

“Simply taking the SIM Card out does not disable the phone’s ability to dial 911,” he said.

Flu shots available today in Marion

Crittenden County Health Department will be giving flu shots – both seasonal flu and H1N1 in one dose – from 8:30 a.m., to 4 p.m., today at the Marion Ed-Tech Center.

Cost is $25, or billed to Medicare or Medicaid.

The health department is recommending anyone over six months old to have the vaccination.

Three hurt in U.S. 641 accident

Crittenden EMS and the Crittenden County Sheriff's Department were dispatched to the scene of a car accident on U.S. 641 South around 7:30 p.m., tonight. Three people were injured after a car hit a utility pole about two miles south of Marion.

Marion City Council meets tonight

Marion City Council meets in regular session at 6 p.m., tonight at city hall. On the agenda is a discussion with architects regarding the design and cost of the proposed new city fire station.

Business After Hours at local law firm

There will be a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event from 5-6 p.m., this evening at Frazer, Rogers and Peek Law Firm on Main Street in Marion.

The Chamber sponsors these events regularly as an opportunity for members to gather after work for refreshments and fellowship.

Deer hunter falls on Hurricane Island

A deer hunter fell from a tree stand and apparently broke his leg Saturday afternoon while hunting on Hurricane Island on the Ohio River.

Rescue personnel and PHI Air Ambulance were called to the scene.

Saturday was the first day of a two-day muzzleloader deer hunt in Kentucky.

Hurricane Island is near Tolu. The hunter was on the northern end of the island when he was injured.

Fire burns tractor, baler

Crittenden County volunteer firemen rushed to the scene of a tractor and hay baler on fire Friday afternoon on Sisco Chapel Road in eastern Crittenden County. The Kubota tractor, belonging to John Newcom, was a total loss. The baler was damaged, too.

No one was injured in the fire.

Health Quest takes Girl Iron Glory championship

Health Quest Wellness Center's flag football team won Thursday's championship in the Girl Iron Glory women's-only tournament. The event was held Tuesday and Thursday night at Rocket Stadium to raise awareness and money to fight Breast for Cancer. Five teams, which included almost 100 women, participated in the tournament.

Tonight, the Rockets will host Fulton City in high school football. The game is billed as a PINK OUT. Fans are asked to wear pink shirts. Players will have on pink socks, wrist bans and other gear. Many fundraising activities will be associated with tonight's game.

Pictured is Dr. Johnny Newcom of Health Quest Wellness Center directing his team to an undefeated championship in the flag football tournament.

Frazer posts new campaign video

Bart Frazer, candidate for Crittenden County Attorney, has posted a new video on his Web site:

CLICK HERE TO GO TO

bartfrazer.com.

PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

Paid for By Candidate

Sosh Memorial Service Friday evening

There will be a public Memorial Service for Brian Curtis Sosh at 5 p.m., Friday at the FMarion Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brian Sosh Memorial Fund at any of the Famers Bank locations in Marion or Salem.

Sosh, a 25-year-old husband and father of three young children, died in a timber cutting accident Tuesday morning.

Christmas comes to Marion Saturday at Fohs

Crittenden Countian Pamela Buijk will be one of more than two dozen vendors displaying and selling their handicrafts during the annual Christmas in Marion Arts and Crafts Show from 9 a.m., until 4 p.m., Saturday at Fohs Hall.

Vendors like Buijk will have custom, one-of-a-kind gifts for early Christmas shopping.

Buijk is a stay-at-home artist and special event florist. Her artwork is obvious in every corner of the house. If it’s not hanging, it’s sitting on something, be it the floor, coffee table or couch. Flowers crowd her cabin's corners while her favorite artwork – painted gourds – sit in the floor, basking in the sunlight.

Buijk, who has drawn artistically since she was a child, didn't start painting gourds until a year and a half ago.

“I started looking up painted gourds online and saw the typical, run of the mill gourds,” she said. “I wanted to do something similar but different and still keep the natural beauty of the gourd intact.”

She certainly has, and to read more about her work, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Youth basketball camp starts this morning

There will be a boys' basketball camp for youngsters in grades K-6 starting this morning in Marion.

Camp will be at Crittenden County Middle School gym Wednesday through Friday. Cost is $30 for each camper. There will be fundamental instruction, competition, a camp T-shirt, basketball games, awards and other fun.

Registration is from 7:30 to 8 a.m., today, the first day of camp.

Women suit up to rush breast cancer

TACKLING FOR A CURE - You’ve seen it in the NFL, now Crittenden County has an all-out rush against Breast Cancer this week with a variety of activities to raise awareness of the disease that will affect one out of every six women.

RAIN DELAY - Action resumes Thursday at 5:30 p.m., in the all-women’s flag football tournament Girl Iron Glory at Rocket Stadium. Almost 100 women are participating in the tournament, which started Tuesday, but was postponed due to rain. Gate proceeds benefit breast cancer research.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING - In conjunction with Thursday night’s Girl Iron Glory, there will be a bag toss tournament to raise money for Jennifer McDaniel, a local woman diagnosed with breast cancer. Play starts at 5 p.m. See page 13 for details.

PINK OUT FRIDAY - The Rocket football team will be hosting a Pink Out Friday night. Survivors are encouraged to join the team’s entrance onto the field. Meet at the east end zone at 7:15 p.m. All fans are encouraged to wear pink shirts. Players will be wearing pink socks, wrist bands and other pink gear. Proceeds from the sale of shirts go to fight breast cancer.

Man dies in logging accident

Brian Sosh, 25, was killed in a tree-cutting accident Tuesday morning three miles from Marion off Ky. 120. He and another man were cutting down a tree, which fell on the victim just before 9 a.m.

He was taken by ambulance to Crittenden Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Sosh is a husband and father of three young children. Our prayers are with the family.

Adult Powder Puff Football to Fight Cancer

Crittenden County Quarterback Club is bringing attention to Breast Cancer Awareness with Pink Out Week, Oct. 12-15.

A powderpuff football tournament featuring five local teams will be played Tuesday and Thursday nights at Rocket Arena. Kickoff for both nights is 6 p.m.

On Friday night, survivors will lead the Rockets onto the field when they face Fulton City. Clad in pink accessories, players and coaches will pay tribute to survivors and those who have lost battles with breast cancer, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Survivors are encouraged to participate by gathering in the east endzone by Rocket Arena at 7:15 p.m.

Other fundraisers will be going on throughout the week to raise money for local cancer patients, including a silent auction to benefit Jennifer McDaniel Thursday night during the powderpuff games.

Bechler to introduce Paul in Princeton

Dr. Rand Paul, candidate for United States Senate, will be bringing his statewide bus tour to McDonald's in Princeton at 4 p.m., on Wednesday. Paul will be introduced by Crittenden County's Lynn Bechler, 4th District candidate for the Kentucky House of Representatives.

Youth deer hunt this weekend

The annual youth deer hunt is this weekend. Hunters age 15-under may hunt for deer under normal statewide guidelines. The youth hunter must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.

Other 2010-11 Deer Seasons

Archery Sept. 4 - Jan. 17

Crossbow Oct. 1-17

­Crossbow Nov. 13 - Dec. 31

Muzzleloader Oct. 16-17

Muzzleloader Dec. 11-19

Late Youth Hunt Jan. 1-2

Modern Firearms Nov. 13-28

Cornfield on fire off Sulphur Springs Road

Volunteer firemen from Crittenden County and Caldwell Springs fire departments had their hands full Friday afternoon fighting a large wildfire in a cornfield off Sulphur Springs Road in the southern part of the county.

Mack Peebles, a Florida man who owns the property, said he was pushing down cornstalks with his 4-wheeler when the fire started, apparently from the heat off the exhaust or engine. The fire had burned the ATV and more than 5 acres by the time firemen got their with equipment. Volunteers were still on the scene fighting the blaze in the late afternoon.

Accident victim dies from injuries

Police seek driver who caused wreck

Crittenden County Tipline is offering a $500 reward to anyone with information leading to charges against the person who caused an accident on U.S. 60 East Friday afternoon. The victim died early this week in an Evansville hospital.

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Don Perry said investigators are looking for the driver of a gray Ford Focus. The driver was a middle aged man, witnesses told the deputy. After allegedly causing the wreck, the driver of the Ford stopped briefly, but then left the scene headed toward Sturgis.

The accident happened at 5:26 p.m., 11 miles east of Marion near the intersection of Blackford Church Road. Witnesses told investigators the Ford Focus was passing two other vehicles on a straight stretch of the highway when it allegedly forced off the road a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by Willard L. Oliver, 78, of Marion.

Oliver was driving toward Marion and had to take the ditch to avoid a collision, investigators said. Although his vehicle was not badly damaged, Oliver suffered serious injuries. He died Wednesday at Deaconess Hospital, according to authorities.

Anyone with information can call Tipline and remain anonymous. Call Tipline at 965-3000 or call directly to the emergency dispatching center at 965-3500.

One man dead in boat collision

One man was killed early this morning when two boats collided on Barkley Lake near Buzzard Rock Marina.

Two bass boats collided in the channel. A Mississippi man died, but three others involved in the accident survived.

Princeton dentist Rohrer dies

Dr. James Rohrer, 63, of Princeton died Thursday at his home.

He was a dentist, a member of Ogden Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of Clinton Masonic Lodge 82.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Pettit Rohrer; one son, Lucas Rohrer of Princeton; one daughter, Mary Rohrer of Princeton; and one sister, Elizabeth Bachert of Mount Vernon, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Nolan Rohrer and Mary Margaret Johnson Rohrer.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Morgan’s Funeral Home, with burial in Meeks Cemetery in Caldwell County.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the funeral home. Masonic services will be at 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Livingston woman hurt in wreck

Vicki Lasher, 49, of Hampton was injured in a single-vehicle accident shortly after 6 p.m., Thursday night on U.S. 60 East near River Road in rural Livingston County.

According to state police, Lasher was eastbound in a Hyundai SUV when her vehicle ran off the right shoulder of the roadway. Lasher's vehicle traveled approximately 485 feet down the shoulder of the roadway before hitting a tree. She was transported to the Western Baptist Hospital by ambulance.

Youth Basketball Camp over Fall Break

There will be a boys basketball camp from children in grades K-6 this coming week while students are out of school on fall break.

Camp will be at Crittenden County Middle School gym Wednesday through Friday (Oct. 13-15). Cost is $30 for each camper. There will be fundamental instruction, competition, a camp T-shirt, basketball games, awards and other fun!

Registration is from 7:30 to 8 a.m., on Wednesday, the first day of camp. For more information, contact Rocket Basketball Coach Brad Fraser at 965-2248.

Homecoming, powder puff football photos

Click below for dozens of photographs from the homecoming parade and powder puff football game.

http://www.reesebaker.com/Crittenden-Co-High-School/PowderPuff/2010ParadePowderPuff/14049619_9HKnW#1034154517_ECbba

Area death

James Watson 53, of Cocoa, Fla., died October 5, 2010. Memorial services are Saturday at Whites Chapel Church. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of services.

Authorities seeking info in US 60 wreck

Crittenden County Tipline is offering a $500 reward to anyone with information leading to charges against the person who caused an accident on U.S. 60 East Friday afternoon.

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Deputy Don Perry said investigators are looking for the driver of a gray Ford Focus. The driver was a middle aged man, witnesses told the deputy. After allegedly causing the wreck, the driver of the Ford stopped briefly, but then left the scene headed toward Sturgis.

The accident happened at 5:26 p.m., 11 miles east of Marion near the intersection of Blackford Church Road. Witnesses told investigators the Ford Focus was passing two other vehicles on a straight stretch of the highway when it allegedly forced off the road a 1997 Ford Ranger driven by Willard L. Oliver, 78, of Marion.

Oliver was driving toward Marion and had to take the ditch to avoid a collision, investigators said. Although his vehicle was not badly damaged, Oliver suffered serious neck and head injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Crittenden Hospital and later flown to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville where he was in serious condition early this week.

Anyone with information can call Tipline and remain anonymous. Call Tipline at 965-3000 or call directly to the emergency dispatching center at 965-3500.

Deputy Perry said the driver of the Focus may face charges of leaving the scene of an accident or something more serious if the victim does not recover.

Marion woman dies in Florida accident

Longtime Crittenden Hospital employee Linda Hunter Edwards died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in Florida. Her husband, Casey, was hospitalized.

Monday last day to register for Nov. 2 election

The last day to register to vote in the fall general election is Monday, Oct. 4. Anyone who registers by 4 p.m., on that day will be able to cast a ballot in the Nov. 2 election.

The absentee voting machine will be set up in the Crittenden County Courthouse starting Oct. 15 for voters who will be out of town on election day.

Individuals with disabilities may apply for an absentee ballot to be delivered by mail. They may call County Clerk Carolyn Byford at 965-3403 for more information.

Hodge crowned homecoming queen

Crittenden County High School senior Jessi Hodge was crowned homecoming queen Friday night before the Rockets beat Ballard Memorial (read game story) in the annual football game. Pictured is Hodge along with King Andrew Freeman. The court included (from left) freshmen Abby Whitney and Micah Hollamon, juniors Taylor Keister and Bryce Willis, Hodge and Freeman, 2009 queen and king Erica Leet and J.D. Gray, seniors Laken Tabor and Colin Belt, seniors Ashley Collins and Evan Cruce and sophomores Callie Doom and Devin Clark. The flower girl (in front) was Katie Perryman and crown bearer was Travis Champion.

Magistrate injured in US 60 accident

Crittenden County Magistrate Curt Buntin of Sheridan was injured in a two-vehicle, ccollision on U.S. 60 East in Mattoon Friday afternoon.

Buntin and his father, Wade, were in one vehicle. The name of the man driving the other vehicle has not been released at this point. All three were taken to area hospitals with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Area death

World War II veteran George Coleman Foster Jr., 88, of Salem, died at 9 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. The funeral is Saturday at Boyd Funeral Directors.

Pumpkin Festival begins today

The annual fall celebration, for the first time this year known as the Pumpkin Festival, kicks off in downtown Marion today. There will be activities this afternoon and all day Saturday, including a ham and bean lunch at the Crittenden County Historical Museum from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m. on East Bellville street.

Click here for your complete Pumpkin Festival Planner.