Uniontown livestock plant to add 25 jobs

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced Union County Livestock will add a new product line at its Uniontown plant. The expansion will allow the company to create 25 new, full-time jobs and will entail a capital investment of $860,000 in the Commonwealth.

“More than two dozen people will have new employment opportunities as a result of Union County Livestock’s expansion,” Gov. Beshear said. “Projects like this one demonstrate the successful partnerships we’re creating with our local communities and existing industries to create jobs for Kentuckians and bring in new investment to the state. I congratulate Union County Livestock on this exciting expansion.”

Union County Livestock, which operates Jim David Meats and Little Kentucky Smokehouse, supplies products to national retail stores such as Wal-Mart, Food Giant, Moonlite, Kroger, Sam’s Club and many others, as well as schools and individuals within a 100-mile radius. The company plans to add a smokehouse and other equipment for a new product line of barbequed items. The company, located in a 31,000 square-foot facility at 400 T Frank Wathen Road, currently employs 32 people.

“We are a company that desires to seek growth and wants to remain focused with the task at hand,” said Jim Baird, president of Union County Livestock. “I’m proud to say I work with a group of optimistic people and because of them this business expansion is possible.”

“It is an honor to be a part of such an exciting announcement,” said Sen. Dorsey Ridley, of Henderson. “Our region will reap the rewards of economic growth and additional job opportunities with the expansion of Union County Livestock."

Kentucky nation's 5th fattest

Nearly a third of Kentuckians were obese in 2010, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but four states tip the scales heavier than the Bluegrass State. Below are the five fattest states listed by percentage of obese adults:

1. Mississippi, 34.0
2. West Virginia, 32.5
3. Alabama, 32.2
4. South Carolina, 31.5
5. Kentucky, 31.3

Find out where Crittenden Countians rate on the scales in this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press.

Area death

Bobby R. Winders, 61, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., formerly of Marion, died August 23, 2011 at Hospice Hospital in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. No visitation or services are being held.

KU, LG&E send more crews to restore power

In the wake of Hurricane Irene’s path, millions of people are without power after heavy rain and wind speeds averaging 72 miles per hour whipped along the East Coast.

Since last Friday, Kentucky Utilities and its parent company, Louisville Gas & Electric, have sent more than 300 employees and contractors to assist Dominion Power in Virginia and PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania, which include an additional 25 employee line technicians who left for Pennsylvania on Monday.

The full set of resources includes line technicians, team leaders, safety specialists and tree trimmers. These efforts are a result of LG&E and KU’s participation in nationwide mutual assistance organizations, in which a collection of utility companies assist other utilities in times of natural disasters and crisis situations.

While Hurricane Irene was downgraded Sunday to a tropical storm, it caused widespread destruction as it made its way up the coast. Crews are putting in long days helping with the extensive restoration efforts, while dealing with heavy flooding, inaccessible roads and highways, damaged poles, downed wires and other storm-related damage. 



"We’re committed to helping PPL Electric Utilities and Dominion Power restore power as quickly and safely as possible," said David Guy, Director of System Restoration and Dispatch Operations for LG&E and KU. “As power is restored in these service territories and our crews are released, we’ll look to see if there are still requests for assistance in other areas.”

Earlier this month, after severe weather ravaged Kentucky, LG&E and KU leveraged their participation in the mutual assistance program to bring in more than 1,650 workers from Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania to complement a full array of LG&E and KU crews, who led the charge in restoring power to more than 182,800 customers.


Crews will continue to restore power for the requesting utilities until no longer needed and as long as weather patterns remain calm in LG&E and KU’s service territory. As of noon on Monday, more than 4 million customers are without power along the East Coast.

Some of the crews sent to the East Coast are from the service area that includes Marion.

Sheriff investigating scrap metal thefts

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is investigating a series of burglaries in the area, mostly involving scrap metal. Sheriff Wayne Agent said his department receives calls almost daily regarding metal thefts.

"They're stealing the metal roofs off buildings," he said.

Last week, someone made off with the hydraulic system from a John Deere tractor parked in a field off Ky. 506. The tractor belonged to Randy Poindexter, who was in the hospital undergoing surgery for a brain tumor.

"It's just very upsetting that someone would do this, especially at this time," said his daughter Randa Berry.

The tractor system was worth more than $1,000. It was taken sometime between Monday and Friday of last week off the David Crider farm where the equipment was setting, ready to cut hay.
Sheriff Agent said his department is investigating that theft along with about 15 others over the past month.

"They're doing it day and night," the sheriff said.

He urges residents to be vigilant and help watch over the neighborhood.

FEMA processes 34 local aid apps

Since being designated for federal disaster assistance in May, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have approved $40,986,872 in assistance to Kentuckians affected by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 12 to May 20.

There have been 34 registrations for Crittenden County for individuals and households program assistance, reported Dave Hasemyer, FEMA public information officer. A total of $297,998 has been approved.

FEMA has approved more than $7.7 million in Individual Assistance (IA) and $932,677 in Other Needs

Assistance (ONA) as part of the ongoing recovery efforts for residents of 22 Commonwealth counties, including Crittenden, Livingston, Union and Webster. The IA funds help residents repair their damaged homes and find temporary housing following the disaster. ONA funds assist with a variety of expenses such as medical bills, funeral costs, and moving and storage fees.

The SBA has approved loans totaling more than $5.1million for individuals and businesses.
More than $13 million also has been approved for hazard mitigation projects to be undertaken by the Commonwealth and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from future natural disasters. All counties in Kentucky are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is administered by the Commonwealth.

ACS committee planning 5K run

The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life committee in Crittenden County is planning its first Rocket 5K Run/Walk and the One-Mile "Fun Run" for Kids on Nov. 5. Pre-registration by Oct. 15 is required to received a free t-shirt.

ACS is also seeking sponsors to help cover the cost of the event so that more money can be made available for cancer research. A sponsorship is $100 and will get the person or company's name on the back of the shirts. If anyone is interested in the sponsorship they can contact Sue Padget at 704-1558.

Area death

Mabel Thurman, 103, of Marion died Saturday, Aug 27, 2011 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Mapleview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Gideons International, P.O. Box 304, Salem, KY 42078.

Work to restrict Crittenden Springs Road traffic

Traffic on Crittenden Springs Road will be restricted Monday to one lane along a portion of the road from its junction at U.S. 60 West so that road crews can install liners in cross drains. The work should continue through Friday.

The lane restrictions on Ky. 1668, more commonly known as Crittenden Springs Road, will be at various locations between U.S. 60 and the new Rogers Group rock quarry at about the two-mile marker. This work zone is for the installation of pipe liners in a number of cross drains ranging from 15 inches to 24 inches.

Installation of pipe liners can extend the life of cross drains and other drainage structures. They can be installed with minimal traffic disruption and without damaging the surface of the roadway.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) reminds motorists 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. Work in this area is likely to continue during daylight hours for about one week.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going to Facebook. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

JOB FAIR NEXT WEEK IN MARION

Job Fair / Open House 1-6 p.m. Sept. 1

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A high school diploma or GED is required. Previous experience in Manufacturing Assembly is preferred. The successful candidate must be able to stand and sit for 8-12 hours a day, read work instructions and prints (when required). Must be able to understand, read, and write the English language in order to understand verbal and written instructions, and be informative and professional when working with customers and co-workers and must utilize personal protective equipment at all times as required. Candidates must also successfully pass a background check and drug screen. You must be open to a 1st

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Benefits are:

Pay rate is $10.50 per hour after successfully completing a temp to perm process.

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Paid Sick Leave and Floating Holidays.

Growing business with a bright future.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit an application form to People Plus Inc.

Applications can be acquired any time at the People Plus office or can be obtained at the Marion, KY.

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Audubon Parkway work continuing

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is continuing road improvement work on the Audubon Parkway in Henderson County.

This week the contractor is installing temporary striping and tubular markers along the centerline of the Audubon Parkway westbound lanes from mile point 8.5 in Henderson County to mile point 16.5 in Daviess County. This will create one lane traffic on the westbound lanes through the work zone. The tubular markers will be used to close the left-hand or passing lane one the westbound side to allow it to be used for one lane of eastbound traffic starting over the next few days.

This work zone includes a strictly enforced 55 mile per hour speed limit with double fines for speeding citations. An enhanced police presence has been requested.

Facebook members can get timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KYTC Highway District 2 by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page. However, Facebook members can click on “like” in the menu at the top to get updates to appear on their FB home page.

KU dispatches workers for hurricane assistance

With Hurricane Irene barreling down the Atlantic Coast, local workers with Kentucky Utilities along with Louisville Gas and Electric companies will offer restoration assistance to PPL Electric Utilities in Pennsylvania, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, the utilities’ parent company, as well as Dominion Power in Virginia.

Nearly 260 KU and LG&E employees and Kentucky-based contractors left this morning from locations across Kentucky to provide support in what will likely be a significant restoration event for the Northeast.

KU provides power to Marion and portions of southern Crittenden County.

KU spokesman Cliff Feltham said six people from the Madisonville and Eddyville regional offices who are going to assist.

"Of course, that's who serves your area," Feltham said.

The team consists of veteran line technicians, team leaders, safety specialists, and tree trimmers. Crews will replace or repair poles, towers, cross-arms, transformers, and other components of electrical infrastructure that will likely be damaged by Hurricane Irene.

The effort is part of KU and LG&E’s participation in the mutual assistance program, in which a collection of utility companies assist other utilities in times of natural disasters and crisis situations.

Morganfield man dies in motorcycle crash

A 51-year-old Morganfield man died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident Thursday evening in Henderson County.

Gregory Webb was pronounced dead at the scene of a collision between his 2003 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2005 Chevy Cobalt driven by Marshall Turner, 24, of Sturgis on U.S. 60 just west of Corydon. According to reports, Turner lost control of his eastbound vehicle and spun into the path of Webb's westbound motorcycle. The bike struck the passenger side of the Cobalt.

The accident occurred around 7:15 p.m.

Turner was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital in Henderson and his passenger, Joshua Corley, 19, of Sturgis was evacuated by air to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Turner was treated and discharged from Methodist Hospital and Corley is in stable condition at Deaconesss Hospital.

Both vehicle passengers were wearing seatbelts, and Web was wearing a helmet.

The investigation is ongoing.

Area death

Margaret Smith, 86, of Hopkinsville, a native of Salem, died at 10:27 p.m., Aug. 22, 2011 at her residence of natural causes. Services will be at 11 a.m., Friday at Hughart and Beard Funeral Home in Hopkinsville with the Rev. Gregory Waldrop officiating. Burial will be at 3 p.m., at Salem Cemetery.

Bridges at Henderson offer delays Friday


The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict both north- and southbound traffic to one lane on Henderson's U.S. 41 Twin Bridges during the day on Friday, weather permitting. All traffic will move to the left-hand or passing lane in the work zone.

Motorists can expect to encounter a lane restriction on the northbound bridge starting about 8:30 a.m., Friday. Work on the northbound side should be completed and the work zone removed by about 10:30 a.m.

Motorists can expect to encounter a lane restriction on the southbound side of the U.S. 41 Twin Bridges starting about 11 a.m., on Friday. Work on the southbound side should be completed and the work zone removed by about 2:30 p.m.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter slowing and merging traffic on the bridge approaches. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are on the bridge deck in close proximity to traffic flow.

The lane restrictions on Friday are to allow maintenance on the electrical system and navigation lights. The KYTC District 2 Bridge Crew expects to complete deck patching operations on the southbound bridge today.

At this time, no lane restrictions are planned for the US 41 Twin Bridges next week.



Lady Rocket volley live on Web

The Crittenden County High School STLP will be doing a live broadcast of all the Lady Rocket Volleyball games tonight starting at 5:30 p.m. To check out the live action, visit www.crittendenrockets.ihigh.com.

Marion man hurt in wreck on Ky. 70

A Crittenden County man was injured in a single-vehicle accident Tuesday night on Ky. 70.

Kentucky State Police say David Stan Conyer, 59, of Marion was driving his 1979 Ford pickup truck west on Ky. 70, when he left the right shoulder and struck a culvert. His vehicle traveled back across the roadway, went off the left shoulder, struck an embankment and overturned back on the the highway.

The accident happened just before 10 p.m. Conyer was not wearing a seatbelt, according to police.

Trooper Darron Holliman, Crittenden County Sheriffs Department, Crittenden County Rescue Squad, Crittenden County constables, Caldwell Springs Fire Department and Kentucky Department of Highways all responded to the scene.

UPDATE: Conyer was flown to St. Mary Hospital in Evansville. The extent of his injuries is unknown.

Replacement of city water main starts

Utility work has begun on replacing Marion’s nearly 100-year old water main along Main Street.

City Administrator Mark Bryant said Tuesday that work had begun on the project near the south edge of town. He didn’t, however, expect any traffic problems in the coming week.

The project is targeted to be completed in 90 days.

No driver testing Friday in Marion

There will be no road and written driver's license testing Friday at the Crittenden County Clerk's office.

A glimpse at this week's edition

Some things to look for in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press include a four-page 2011 Rocket football preview special, an article on a large crop irrigation system in the county, local ACT scores in relation to state trends, an early look at this weekend's Radiant spiritual gathering for women and our continuing coverage of the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. The board of education has also made a proposal on setting tax rates, while the city has finalized theirs.

Area death

"Willie" Marie Cates Herron Hayes, 99, of Providence died Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 at Colonial Terrace Nursing Home in Sebree, Ky. Services are at 1 p.m., Tuesday at Melton Funeral Home in Providence with Billy Parrish officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Providence.

Henderson bridge delays expected

Daytime lane restrictions on the southbound side of the U.S. 41 twin bridges in Henderson will continue this week. Motorists should be prepared to encounter daytime lane restrictions on the southbound side of the bridges starting at about 8:30 a.m. Lane restrictions are expected to be removed by about 3 p.m. each day.

The daytime lane restriction is to allow the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 Bridge Crew to patch the deck on the bridge. Due to weather interruptions last week this work is expected to continue all this week and possibly into the following week.

Southbound motorists should be prepared to encounter slowing and merging traffic on the bridge approach each day, weather permitting. Early in the week all southbound traffic will move to the left-hand or passing lane.

No lane restrictions are planned on the northbound bridge at this time.

Timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KYTC Highway District 2 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict 2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page. Kentucky highway weather and traffic information with links to surround states can be found at www.511.ky.gov.

Area deaths

Tommie Grimes, 91 of Salem died Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems in Marion. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday in the Salem Cemetery with Bro. Roger Steward officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m., to 1:30 p.m., Sunday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Bonita Joan Anglin, 61, of Salem died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2011 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. All services are private, with Boyd Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.

It's time to move! Motivated seller. Make offer

This home boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a living room, a dining room and a laundry/utility room all set on a quiet street in the Greenwood Heights sub-division.

The home was completely remodeled in 2009 and has all new doors (interior and exterior), windows, flooring, light fixtures, and many other items. In addition to the home’s remodeling, a new electrical service was installed along with a new sewer line.

A large backyard gives you lots of room for the kids or pets to play but it also features excellent storage with an out building that measures approximately 16'x20'. The out building has underground electricity, a concrete floor, a 5' roll-up door, large work bench, shelving, and a patio. The master bedroom features a walk-in closet and a full bath. This home has all rooms on the same level. $112,900 including appliances. (270) 704-1330.

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State's jobless rate drops—slightly

While nearly one in 10 Kentuckians looking for work are having no luck in doing that, the jobless rate is actually dropping — though very slightly.

The just-reported unemployment rate for July in Kentucky is 9.5 percent, down from 9.6 percent the month prior. In the seven months since the year began, unemployment has slowly dropped from 10.4 percent, a dip of only 0.9 percent through July. Though the improvement has not been dramatic, the rate has continued to fall and has not increased from month-to-month at any time during 2011.

In July 2010, the jobless rate was 10.2 percent.

Each month, the Office of Employment and Training, an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, reports the seasonally-adjusted preliminary jobless rate in Kentucky. Figures for individual counties will be released next week.

Press seeking 9/11 memories

The Crittenden Press is seeking your memories and thoughts on one of the most seminal events in American history, 9/11. We have even set up a special e-mail account specifically to receive your comments.

In the month long lead-up to the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center—as well as the downing of United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa.—The Press is working on a series of stories related to how 9/11 changed the lives of Crittenden Countians.

However, we need your help. Simply gather your thoughts of the moment you first heard about the attacks, how you felt, where you were and what you were doing. If that memory is too vague, how about sharing how you feel the terrorist attacks changed your life and future, particularly from a military family's perspective.

Please e-mail your comments to 911@the-press.com, and please keep in mind that we may share your thoughts in our print edition or online site. Also, please include your name, city and state of residence as well as your connection to Crittenden County.

Van on fire in Crayne

A mini van is on fire at this time in downtown Crayne. It doesn't appear that anyone's safety is in immediate jeopardy. However, the van was fully engulfed in flames when firemen arrived at 4 p.m.

The highway was closed temporarily while the fire was being extinguished.

Helicopter at CCES delays dismissal

A helicopter landed unannounced at about 3 p.m., Thursday on the Crittenden County Elementary School campus, prompting a lockdown at school until officials determined what was going on.

Superintendent Dr. Rachel Yarbrough said CCES Principal Melissa Tabor followed school district procedure by keeping children inside until it was learned that the chopper had landed as part of an investigation by Kentucky State Police. A military helicopter was also involved in the investigation.

Sheriff Wayne Agent said details of the investigation were not immediately available, but it may have had something to do with a marijuana-growing investigation. The superintendent said the investigation involved potential evidence on the property behind the school.

"...One helicopter landed on CCES property and the other hovered overhead. We believe that one helicopter belonged to the Kentucky State Police and the other belonged to the National Guard," Yarbrough said.

The lockdown at the school lasted about 15 minutes. It occurred right at the time classes were being dismissed. Buses might be a bit behind schedule due to the delay. Dr. Yarbrough said CCES is making a mass, automated call to parents, advising them of what happened.

"At no time was the safety of any student in CCES impacted in any way. As soon as the situation was deemed safe, school administration released students for dismissal," Yarbrough added.

Marion woman stabbed Wednesday

A Marion woman was involved in a stabbing incident Wednesday night in Webster County that required air evacuation for treatment of her wounds. A second stabbing victim was also transported by air for treatment, and one suspect was arrested on both counts.

State police were called to a Wheatcroft home around 9:30 p.m., yesterday to investigate a possible stabbing. When authorities arrived, they found Sommer L. Owen of Marion with numerous cuts. Police also learned there was a second victim, Jerry D. Rodney, who was also found with numerous cut wounds. Both victims were flown to Evansville for treatment of their injuries and were listed in stable condition.

Arrested and charged on two counts of first-degree assault was 35-year-old Daniel W. Kautzman of Dawson Springs. He was lodged in the Webster County Jail.

Police have given no motive as to the stabbings.

Pamida donating to schools

Pamida shows its support for schools in its local communities with the announcement of this year’s back-to-school program. Through its affiliation with the Pamida Foundation, Pamida is focused on supporting education and serving as a dedicated community partner.

Throughout the remainder of August, customers can help schools in their communities by donating a $1 or rounding up their purchase at their local Pamida store. The Pamida Foundation will match up to $250 of store contributions in each community.

To further show its support for schools, the Pamida Foundation will also donate five percent of sales rung up at each Pamida store on Sunday. This additional funding will be donated to the schools designated by each Pamida store to help underprivileged children purchase needed school supplies.

“We are proud to give back to local schools in our communities,” said Jessica Strohman, executive director of the Pamida Foundation. “There are many children and families that do not have the necessary items to start school. The Foundation is proud to help those in need and is grateful for the generosity of our customers in making our back-to-school program a success.”

In 2010, the Pamida Foundation supported 950 charitable organizations and provided over $1.1 million dollars in funding to local communities, including over $270,000 toward education.

For more information about Pamida or the Pamida Foundation, visit our Web site at www.pamida.com.

Tailgate supper held before Rocket kickoff

The Lady Rockets basketball team will host its annual tailgate supper before the first home football game on Friday, Aug. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. Hot dog meals are $3 pre-sale and $4 at door. Pork chop meals are $5 pre-sale and $6 at door. Extra sandwiches are $3 each. On Saturday night, they will be selling sandwiches by the field gate for $3 each. To order tailgate tickets, see any Lady Rocket basketball player or contact Shannon Hodge at 704-0643.

Area death

Joyce Hosick, 80, of Salem died Tuesday, Aug. 16 at Riversbend Retirement Community in Kuttawa. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday at Myers Funeral Home with Rev. Herbert Alexander officiating. Burial will follow at McMurray Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be at Myers Funeral Home two hours prior to the 1 p.m., service.

Where's the beef (going)?

That's the question on a lot of local cattle farmers' minds as the former livestock market in Marion sells to out-of-town bidders. The new owners are uncertain as to the market's future on the north edge of town, though occasional sales are not out of the question.

Also in this week's edition of The Crittenden Press, the city and county set their property tax rates with "revenue neutral" levies or leaving rates as is. We also start our look at how 9/11 has impacted even small communities like ours.

Police vigilant for DUIs during campaign

Beginning Friday and continuing through Sept. 5, the Kentucky State Police will be participating in the NHTSA Mobilization, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. The KSP will be partnering with the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety and local law enforcement agencies across the state. This nationwide initiative is a concerted effort by all law enforcement agencies to reduce alcohol-related injury and fatality crashes by targeting impaired drivers.

Impaired driving continues to be one of the deadliest crimes in America claiming thousands of lives each year. In Kentucky during 2010, there were a total of 4,762 collisions that were caused by drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. Of that total, 167 were fatal and 2,489 involved injuries.

During this campaign, troopers from the Madisonville state police post will conduct numerous traffic safety check points throughout the Post 2 District. Troopers will also be partnering with local officers conducting sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols in the Post 2 District. Expect to see an increase in patrols in high volume traffic areas and high crash locations. Impaired drivers will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Main route through Eddyville to get new signal

A new traffic signal at the U.S. 641-U.S. 62 intersection in Lyon County is expected to go into service Aug. 29, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Highway engineers plan to place it into flashing mode next week to allow motorists who regularly travel through the intersection to become familiar with the new signal.

Motorists should be alert for traffic flow changes the signal will bring to the intersection at the eastern edge of Eddyville.

The reworked intersection includes a new left-turn lane for westbound traffic on U.S. 62.

The new signal is designed to reduce the crash rate at this busy rural intersection.

City to turn 2 more cruiser black and white

Part of Marion’s police force is about to get a facelift, after councilman Mike Byford on Monday introduced a measure to paint the city’s police cruisers to match that of its newly-acquired unit.

Marion Police Chief Ray O’Neal suggested only two of the fleet, both Ford Crown Victorias like the new cruiser, receive black paint and decals to match. O’Neal will retain his unit as a white, unmarked car. The city’s remaining unit, he suggested, would soon be out of service.

When deciding upon where to have the body work done, O’Neal, with a Solomon-like wisdom, suggested the city council select each of the body shops within Marion —Browns’ Auto Body and Marion Auto Body — to paint two old cruisers like its newest. The total cost should not exceed $4,000, he said.

Apparent Juggalo drown in Ohio River

A body pulled from the Ohio River between southern Illinois and western Kentucky this weekend is believed to be that of Juggalo, a follower of the band The Insane Clown Posse, which held its annual Gathering of the Juggalos in Hardin County, Ill., over the weekend.

According to Kentucky State Police, the man was identified as 24-year-old Jesse Waters of Murphreesboro, Tenn. According to The Associated Press, the man was dressed as a Juggalo and state police suspect he was in attendance at The Gathering. State police said the body of the man was found in the river in the Sturgeon Island area of Union County late Sunday afternoon.

Trooper Corey King, public information officer with Post 16 in Henderson, said at this point the cause of death is unknown, but no foul play is suspected. An autopsy was performed today in Louisville, but many of the test results, including toxicology, won't be available for a couple of weeks.

"It certainly looks accidental," Trooper King said.

Authorities have conducted several interviews to rule out the possibility of foul play.

Waters marks the third death related to The Gathering since it has been held in Hardin County beginning in 2007. The event has drawn as many as 8,000 to the rural farm on which the festival is held.

Marion policeman involved in wreck

Two local Kentucky State Police detectives were involved in a Monday morning collision with a motorcycle on the Western Kentucky Parkway.

Det. Matt Foster of Marion, a passenger in the car, was not injured when a motorcyclist lost control and clipped the rear of the car in which Foster was riding. The driver of the car, Det. William Braden, 32, of Clay also avoided injury, but the motorcyclist, Jerry W. Rolley, Jr., of Greenville was flown from the scene to St. Mary's Health Systems in Evansville for treatment.
Rolley was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Both Foster, 29, and Braden were wearing their seatbelts.

The accident, according to state police, was the fault of a third party making an illegal U-turn on the parkway. Authorities report Rolley was eastbound traveling behind Braden's 2005 Chrysler 300 on his 2005 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Suddenly, several vehicles in front of Braden came to an abrupt stop due to the vehicle making a u-turn. Braden stopped in time to avoid collision, but Rolley was unable to do so and struck Braden's car, losing control of his bike and being thrown from it.

The accident occurred around 9:15 a.m., near the 38-mile marker on the parkway in Hopkins County. Sgt. Matt Jordan is investigating the incident.

Area death

Earl Edward Murphy, 84, of Princeton died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 at his residence. Services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday at Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton with Rev. Willard Walls officiating. Burial will follow at Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville. Visitation is Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.

Area Death

Kenneth Wayne Buchanan, 59, of Marion died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems. Services are Tuesday at Myers Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Murray officiating. Burial will follow at Bells Mines Cemetery.

Area death

Susanne Browning, 64, of Marion died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 at her home in Marion. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion with interment in Mapleview Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, 504 N. Main St., Marion, KY 42064.

Blood drive Monday at hospital

West Kentucky Regional Blood Center and Crittenden Health Systems will sponsor a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday. The mobile unit will be located behind the medical office building with the entrance off Country Club Drive. Refreshments will be available and all donors will receive a t-shirt.

Paving could lead to Juggalo traffic jam

Starting Monday, paving and milling operations along Ky. 91 North will be taking place. This will occur the morning after The Gathering ends, an annual Cave in Rock, Ill. event that draws thousands of concert-goers called Juggalos. The Ohio River Ferry at Cave in Rock, which connects to Ky. 91 North, is one of the main exit routes for the Juggalos.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, milling and cutting back the shoulders of the road will take place Monday, weather permitting, starting at the Crooked Creek Bridge northward toward Jack Dodson Road. The project will stretch 3.3 miles. On Tuesday, paving will begin, with completion scheduled for Wednesday.

The project will cost the state $246,402.

Livestock market sells for almost half million

The West Kentucky Livestock Market in Marion sold at auction this morning for $495,000.

Riley Livestock of Mayfield and Dr. Randy Littlepage of Madisonville purchased equal shares in the local market. Riley Livestock operates cattle sales in Ledbetter and is part-owner of the Owensboro market.

Crain Auction Co., of Hardeyville, Ky., sold the facility as ordered by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Southern Indiana. The sale was prompted by the personal bankruptcy of one of its owner, Thomas P. Gibson.

The local market had been closed since last October.

For more, see next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Area deaths

Mary Susan "Sue" Watts , 89, of the Flewellyn community in Springfield, Tenn., died Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday in the Oakhurst Chapel of Robertson County Funeral Home in Springfield, Tenn., with Tim Harris officiating.

Billy E. Belt, Sr., 73, of Marion died Aug. 10, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Health Services. Funeral mass is Saturday at St. William Catholic Church. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Roy Arville Collins, 84 of Marion died Aug. 10, 2011 at Crittenden Health Systems.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday at Myers Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Jones officiating. Burial is to follow at Repton Cemetery.

Football scrimmage starting earlier

Fans traveling to the Rockets' football scrimmage Friday evening at Muhlenberg County should note that the starting time has been moved up to 6:30 p.m. It was originally scheduled for later start.

Edmonton cattle market fetches over $350K

The Edmonton Livestock Market in Metcalfe County, Ky., sold at public auction today for $358,600 to a cattle man from West, Texas.

Roger Crain of Crain Auction Company has confirmed that William Capavick purchased the Edmonton market after bidding over the phone this morning.

Crain's real estate auction company is also selling the West Kentucky Livestock Market at Marion at public auction tomorrow starting at 10 a.m., on site. The auction company is headquartered in Hardeyville, Ky.

The two sales are part of a court-ordered bankruptcy case.

The Marion facility has been appraised at $670,000. It last sold in 2004 for $215,000. The Edmonton facility was appraised at $470,000.

Area death

Wilbur Allen Kayse, 89 of Burna, died away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011 at Salem Springlake Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Salem. He served in the Army during World War II in the European Theater. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday at the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors with Bro. Junior Deason officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery. Visitation will start at 11 a.m., and continuing until the funeral hour. Online condolences may be left at www.boydfuneraldirectors.com.

Clerk receives records preservation grant

Crittenden County Clerk Carolyn Byford has received a $25,489 grant from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) to preserve and manage local government records. The grant funds will be used to scan permanent real estate records into an existing digital imaging system within the county clerk’s office.

“I am very excited about receiving the grant from KDLA,” said Byford. “My office started scanning documents as they were recorded in 2006, but this grant will aid us in scanning prior deed and mortgage books, which are all permanent records. After the scanned document is processed, it is easier and quicker to obtain a copy. It also prevents excessive handling of the books. Record books become quite worn through the years and require replacing, which can cost hundreds of dollars. This scanning project will save office fees, which become excess fees that can be turned over to the county.”

Area death

Charles A. Gass, 83, of Marion died Aug. 9, 2011 at Crittenden County Health And Rehabilitation Center. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Private funeral services will be held. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling the arrangements. There is no visitation scheduled.

In this week's Press

Twenty-five years ago, the last National Guard soldier to be killed from Marion since Maj. Billy Joe Williams in the Vietnam War, died from a bolt of lightning while training at Fort Campbell. Eight other area men were also injured in the incident.

Read more about this almost-forgotten tragedy and find news on the hopes of some cattle farmers that Friday's auction of the livestock market in Marion will eventually again bring sales back to the area in this week's edition of The Crittenden Press.

Area death

Wanna Conetta "Neta" Green, 82, of Dycusburg died Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday at the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors with Bros. Randall Rogers and Junior Deason officiating. Burial will follow at Dycusburg Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., today at the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Area-related death

Col. (Ret.) Kenneth Maurice Irish, III, 55, of Leesburg, Va., died Monday, August 1, 2011. His wife, Stephanie Herran Irish, was formerly of Marion. Funeral services were Saturday at Louden Funeral Chapel in Leesburg, Va. Interment with full military honors will be at the national cemetery, in Arlington, Va.. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Night Stalker Association, 11304 Bell Station Road, Oak Grove, KY 42262. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com.

Area death

J.D. "Tucker" Bugg, 73, of Fredonia died Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 in Marion following a short illness. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., today at Morgan's Funderal Home in Princeton with the Rev. Curtis Franklin officiating. Burial will be at Fredonia Cemetery.

Area-related death

Ann Marie Owens, 53, of Frisco, Texas, died Friday, Aug. 5, 2011 at her home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday at the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem. Burial will follow at Leeper Cemetery in Tiline.

Livingston schools back in session Tuesday

Travelers along U.S. 60 through Livingston County should begin making plans for the annual congestion associated with school traffic. Classes are back in session beginning Tuesday, with authorities closely monitoring school zones for speeding and other unsafe driving habits.

Students in Crittenden County return to class Thursday.

Republicans make campaign stop

Congressman Ed Whitfield, a Hopkinsville Republican, speaks to Saturday's crowd gathered at the first-ever Pennyrile GOP Rally at Marion-Crittenden County Park while GOP gubernatorial nominee David Williams awaits his turn to speak. Whitifield was the keynote speaker prior to the' slate of Republicans running for statewide office addressed the crowd gathered at Gordon Blue Guess Field.

Williams, Kentucky's senate president, is chasing Gov. Steve Beshear for the state's highest office this fall. With the election just three months away, the Republicans gathered in Crittenden County on the heels of the 131 annual Fancy Farm Picnic concluded just a couple of hours earlier on Saturday.

The local event was sponsored and organized by the Crittenden County Republican Party.

Area-related death

Edna Louise Williamson, 80, of Booneville, Ind., died Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 at Select Specialty Hospital. She was a native of Crittenden County. Funeral services are at 1 p.m., Monday at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel in Evansville. Visitation is from 2 to 7 p.m. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60604.

CCES lunches to cost more

Elementary students will have to scrape together three more dimes for lunch this year. Based on a new state formula for calculating lunch prices, according to Superintendent of Crittenden County Schools Rachel Yarbrough, all students in the district will be paying $2 for lunch. This amounts to a 30-cent increase for students at the elementary school Middle and high school students will be paying the same as last year.

Breakfast prices will remain the same at $1.20, as will those for reduced-rate meals — 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch — according to the district’s food services director, Janet Stevens.

SUV stolen in Livingston County

Authorities are on the lookout for a stolen SUV taken from a Ledbetter home Thursday.

Livingston County Sheriff's office is trying to locate a 1999 Chevy Blazer taken from a house alone U.S. Thursday, according to a Livingston County dispatcher. The vehicle is silver with a Kentucky license plate of 138-HFM. The vehicle has fan International Harvester license plate on the front.

The SUV would look similar to the one pictured here, shown for illustration purposes only.

Anyone with information on this theft is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office at 928-2122 or the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.

Afternoon fire destroys barn, hay

A Mattoon fire destroyed a Crittenden County man's barn and hay Thursday.

Bud Pierson of Ky. 654 North was burning a pile of junk when the wind took over and the fire spread, burning 57 bails of hay along with his barn. The fire was called in shortly before 1 p.m., but when the volunteer firefighters arrived at the scene, the blaze had spread beyond the barn and threatened the surrounding fields and a home about 75 yards away.

Firefighters said that an electric fence surrounding the barn could have helped in speeding up the destruction of the barn as it was completely destroyed before they could put out the fire.

Members of the Crittenden County and Mattoon fire departments were on the scene, and said they would have to remain there for at least several hours. Meantime, they called in a backhoe to create a fire break to prevent the fire from spreading into adjacent fields.

GOP, Democrats host Fancy Farm-related events

Crittenden County's Republican Party is sponsoring a post-Fancy Farm event in Marion, giving local voters a chance to meet the slate of statewide GOP candidates, including gubernatorial candidate David Williams. The first-ever Pennyrile GOP Rally will start at 6:30 p.m., Saturday at Marion-Crittenden County Park, following a day of political free-for-all at the annual picnic in Fancy Farm. The event it is free.

Prior to Fancy Farm, however, is the 12th annual Pennyrile Garden Party held at Rep. Mike Cherry's residence in Princeton. Expected to attend the 3 to 5 p.m., gathering Friday at Cherry’s home at 803 S. Jefferson St., are First Lady Jane Beshear and the entire contingency of Democratic candidates up for statewide election in November.

The event is sponsored by the Democratic executive committees and Democratic woman’s clubs of Crittenden, Caldwell, Livingston and Lyon counties and is used as a fund-raiser for candidates.

Vehicle crashes into Dycusburg store

Two people were injured when their vehicle missed the curve at Dycusburg this afternoon before 6 p.m., and crashed into the grocery store. Names of the victims were not immediately available, but neither was believed to have life-threatening injuries. The victims were from Madisonville.

Photo by Melissa Tabor

Channel 6 newsman's son dies in wreck

The son of WPSD-TV television anchor Mike Mallory was fatally injured in a vehicle crash in Warren County this morning.

According to Kentucky State Police, 19-year-old William Mallory of LaCenter was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his cousin, 18-year-old Richard Page of Bowling Green.

The accident occurred on Ky. 234 (Cemetery Road) shortly after 7 a.m., when the ddriver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV struck a tree and ignited into flames. The fire was contained to the engine compartment and was extinguished by a witness at the scene. Both passengers in the vehicle were wearing seat belts, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

William Mallory's brother is a football player on the Western Kentucky football team. Both brothers played football at Ballard Memorial High School. William, or Will as he was known, was a student at the University of Kentucky.

Local troops deploying with 149th

Peppered among the 2,600 Army National Guard soldiers deploying to Iraq as a part of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (Task Force Legion) will be several soldiers from Marion participating in preparations to close out the Iraq War.

Among the 1,300 or deploying to the Middle East from Kentucky Guard units are newlyweds Dusty McConnell (pictured at right in a photo held by his wife Jordan) and Josh Urbanowski, each a private first class in separate companies of the 149th. Each man leaves behind a new bride struggling with the anticipated year-long separation from their loved one. One of the couples is also expecting a baby to be born while the soldier is deployed to Iraq.

The deployment is a part of the U.S. military's historic drawdown of troops in Iraq, Operation New Dawn, leading up to the withdrawal of the combat soldiers in that theater.

Read more about the deployment and its effects on local families in this week's edition of The Press.

Paving operations ongoing at I-24's Exit 40

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to continue work on Interstate 24 in Lyon County today and Thursday.


The crew plans milling and paving operation on the I-24 Interchange for US 62/US 641 at the Eddyville-Kuttawa Exit 40. This asphalt work will include the westbound entry ramp and the eastbound exit ramp at Exit 40, as well as the turn lanes.


Work will be done under traffic. No closures are anticipated, but motorists should slow down and use caution in areas where equipment, flaggers and construction personnel are working in close proximity to traffic flow.

Livingston County Fair is this week

The Livingston County Fair runs from today through Saturday at the fairgrounds in Smithland. Here is a listing of events fairgoers can expect.

Tuesday

Exhibit Check-In - 10 am to 6 pm

4-H Bicycle Safety Rodeo - 5:30 pm

Family Night - 7 pm

Wednesday

Exhibit Check-In - 8 am to noon

Exhibit Judging - Noon to 4 pm

Exhibit Hall Open - 4-10 pm

Open Horse Show-Western Classes - 5 pm

4-H Small Animal Show - 5 pm

4-H Dog Show - 6 pm

Cowboy Church - 7 pm

Open Horse Show-Contest Classes - 8 pm

Thursday

Exhibit Hall Open - 10 am to 10 pm

Canning & Preserving - 6:30 to 8 pm

Pressure Canner Testing - to be announced

Mini Tractor Pulls - 7 pm

Friday

Exhibit Hall Open - 10 am to 10 pm

4-H Poultry Show - 10 am

Cooking School - noon

Beef Show Check-In - 2 pm

Beef Show - 3 pm

Team Sorting - 7 pm

Saturday

Swine Show Check-In - 7 am

Swine Show - 8 am

Exhibit Pick-Up - 8 am to noon

Breakfast Cooking School - 9 am

Sheet & Goat Show Check-In - 10 am

Sheep Show - 10 am

Goat Show - 11 am

Farm Tractor & Diesel Truck Pull - 7 pm

$380 in fake money passed at local business

Marion police say local businesses should be on the lookout for counterfeit money.

A bank in Marion has identified three fake $100 bills and four fake $20 bills passed at a Marion business this week. The bank caught the counterfeit when the merchant made a deposit.

Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal said this is the first counterfeit money to show up in Marion in several months. To have this much at once is alarming, the chief said.

He urges merchants to be vigilant about checking cash. Verification pens are available at various outlets which allow merchants to check money and make sure it's authentic.

Police looking for missing Hopkins Co. man

Kentucky State Police are requesting the public’s assistance with locating a missing person from St. Charles, Ky., in Hopkins County.

Yesterday, Kevin Hoffman was reported missing by his mother to Kentucky State Police. Hoffman is a 51-year-old, white male. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He is 6 foot 1 and weighs approximately 210 pounds. He is physically disabled and in a wheelchair, but he is able to operate a vehicle.

He was last seen in the St. Charles area at 4 p.m., Sunday. He was operating a white 1990 Jeep Cherokee with Kentucky license tag 0691DF. He was last seen wearing a camouflage T-shirt, pajama pants with skulls on them, a camouflage handkerchief on his head and black Converse high-top shoes.

Anyone with information concerning Hoffman’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-270-676-3313 or toll-free in Kentucky at 1-800-222-5555.

Woman air-lifted after 2-vehicle collision

A two-vehicle accident injured the drivers of both vehicles about noon today, sending one to Crittenden Hospital and another by PHI helicopter to another regional hospital.

According to Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal, the driver of a truck, Amanda Kennedy Waters, swerved to miss another vehicle making a left turn into Health Quest Wellness Center on South Main Street in Marion. However, O'Neal said, she side-swiped the passenger car before entering a deep ditch and striking a pole.

At the scene, the truck lay on its side with the topped ripped off by Crittenden Rescue Squad in order to extricate Waters. The extent of her injuries are unknown at this time. A child's seat was setting outside of the truck, but O'Neal said there were no passengers with Waters.

The name of the man driving the other vehicle was not immediately available; neither was information about his injuries.

Area death

Iris Brantley, 72, of Princeton died Friday, July 29, 2011 at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday at Southside Baptist Church in Princeton. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m., today at the church. Morgan Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.