First-ever nationwide EAS alert planned

A nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will be conducted at 1 p.m., next Wednesday. This will be the first time that a national Emergency Alert test will be conducted. TV and radio will broadcast a test warning message for two to three minutes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Communications Commission are coordinating this test with broadcasters throughout the United States.

NOAA weather alert radios will not broadcast the alert.

Read more at http://www.fcc.gov/guides/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test-eas.

Accident at county line near Tradewater

UPDATE: The driver of one of the vehicles has died as a result of his injuries.

Local EMS and rescue personnel have responded to a two-vehicle accident near the Crittenden-Union County line at the Tradewater River. Initial reports indicated that a tractor-trailer carrying a backhoe and a dump truck had collided.

The accident did involved injuries, according to initial reports. EMS has called for an air ambulance.

More as details become available.

Rural architectural history meetings set

To Janie-Rice Brother, that old barn setting off the side of the road, falling in and covered in vines, is more than a crumbling shed. It’s history. And in documenting that history, she is willing to go to just about any lengths to get the job done.

Brother, senior architectural historian with the Kentucky Architectural Survey in Lexington, was in Crittenden County earlier this month, climbing fences, wading through sloppy barnyards, battling ticks and blazing trails through chest-high weeds to gather information and photos of several agricultural structures throughout the county. With Brenda Underdown, county historian, as her tour guide and chauffer, she more than 50 miles behind her in completing the field work of a study documenting a small portion of Kentucky’s rural heritage.

Now that the hands-on portion of an $8,800 grant project to document historic agricultural architecture in Crittenden and Livingston counties as a means of preserving the past is finished, about all that is left is paperwork. However, next week, Brother will take a break from the paper shuffling to be back in Marion to host a wrap-up meeting on the project.

“We want to express to the community how very important their cultural resources are,” said Brother, pointing to one of the purposes of Wednesday’s meeting in the judge-executive’s office of the courthouse.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m., and is open to the public — those who have had their properties surveyed and anyone interested in preservation of the unique history of rural Kentucky. 

“In short we'll have a Powerpoint presentation showing what we've seen, talk about it and answer any questions,” Brother said of the meeting.

A similar forum will be held for Livingston County residents at 7 p.m., Tuesday at the new Extension Service office in Smithland.

History museum closes for season

Crittenden County Historical Museum will close for the season after today. The repository of local history will be open for visitors for the last time in 2011 from 10 a.m., to 3 p.m., today.

The facility will re-open in April 2012.

Cardinal fans double dip at ball game

A handful of local St. Louis Cardinals baseball fans couldn't stand missing Game 7 of the World Series Friday night, but they weren't about to miss the Rocket football game either.

So, Darrick Myers brought a generator, flat-screeen TV and antenna to Rocket Stadium and rigged up a makeshift living room for himself and friends to double dip.

They were well pleased with the Cardinals' 6-2 victory for their 11th World Series title, the second most only to the New York Yankees. The Cardinals beat the Rangers in seven games.

Myers and Todd Riley are pictured above. Myers was able to see Game 2 of the World Series in person when he and his father, Ronnie, scored some tickets along the firstbase line.

As for the Rockets, these fans were not as pleased. Crittenden was shutout by visiting Madisonville. Read more about that game by clicking here.

Band, chorus fruit sale under way

Crittenden County's middle and high school band and chorus are having their annual fruit sale from through Nov. 14. The fruit sale is the biggest fundraiser for both groups. The money raised is used for the cost of trips, music, uniforms and instrument repairs.

If you would like to order fruit, see any band or chorus member or parent or call either music director. All orders are prepaid and will be delivered before Christmas.

Area death

Alton E. Belt, 82, of Marion died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Health Services. Services are scheduled for Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Main Street lane restriction start Monday

Beginning Monday, for approximately three weeks, Main Street throughout Marion may be restricted to one lane overnight from 11 p.m., until 5 a.m. No detours are planned and there will be traffic control. Call Marion City Hall at 965-2266 for more info.

Area death

James Franklin "Frank" Watson, 80, of Kewanee, Ill., formerly of Livingston County, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at Toulon Health Care Center in Toulon, Ill. He was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. Schueneman-Tumbleson Funeral Home in Kewanee was in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m., Nov. 11 at New Union Baptist Church in Lola, where he will be buried in the church cemetery.

Food distribution slated for Friday

Crittenden County Food Bank will be distributing groceries from 8 a.m., to noon Friday behind the former health department on North Walker Street in Marion.

Crittenden jobless rate up slightly

Crittenden County's jobless rate for September 2011 rose slightly from the previous month bet remained below the statewide average.

According to the Kentucky Office of Employment and Training, the county's unemployment rate  last month was 9 percent, up 0.2 percent from August 2011. But like 71 other Kentucky counties, the latest figure was lower than a year ago. In September 2010, the jobless rate in the county was 9.4 percent.

Statewide, the unemployment rate was 9.6 percent last month

Ambluance service discussion tonight

Crittenden Health Systems (CHS) has scheduled what it is calling an public informational meeting for 5:30 p.m., today at the Ed-Tech Center in Marion in regard to its ambulance service. At the meeting, the hospital will address the public on how the service operates and its role in the community. Residents are encouraged to attend and are free to ask questions of hospital leadership.

CHS has asked Crittenden Fiscal Court for financial assistance to keep the ambulance service alive.

Additional meetings have been slated for Nov. 14 and Nov. 18. No times have been scheduled as of yet.

Crittenden producers qualify for aid

Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program enrollment for 2010 crop year losses begins Nov. 14

“Producers across the state experienced several natural disasters during the 2010 crop year that caused hardship and financial losses to many agricultural operations,” John W. McCauley, Farm Service Agency State Executive Director McCauley, said today.

Crittenden and all but 10 Kentucky counties qualify for assistance if they have at least a 10 percent production loss that affects one crop of economic significance.

For more information on SURE program eligibility requirements contact the local county FSA office in Salem at 988-2180 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov/sure.

Area death

Bonnie Riley, 66, of Eddyville died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 at the Caldwell Medical Center following a long illness. Services will be Friday at Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton.

No drivers’ road test Friday

There will be no road test Friday in Crittenden County for those looking to receive their driver’s license. The examiner is in training.

City leaf pick-up starts today

The City of Marion has begun picking
up curbside leaves as of today.

The City of Marion has begun its annual ritual of curbside leaf pick-up today. Cleanup of the fallen leaves will cover particular areas set aside for each weekday until Dec. 9 except for Nov. 24 and 25 when city services will be shut down in observance of Thanksgiving.

Click on image for an enlarged chart indicating areas and pick-up dates. Call Marion City Hall at 965-2266 for further details.

Stout sworn as federal bankruptcy judge

Alan Stout of Marion was sworn Tuesday as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Kentucky.

The swearing in ceremony was held at the federal courthouse in Paducah, where Stout often practiced as an attorney for the past 30-plus years.

Pictured is Stout, 54, robed for the first time and making comments following his swearing in.

Behind the new judge are U.S. District Court-Magistrate Judge David King and U.S. District Court Chief Judge Thomas B. Russell.

There will a more formal investiture in U.S. District Court in Louisville next month.

Local soldiers home from Iraq by holidays

Crittenden County's handful of soldiers with the Kentucky Army National Guard's Task Force Legion, as well as all U.S. troops in Iraq, will be home for the holidays, guarantees President Obama. However, word on any future action is uncertain according to Guard headquarters in Frankfort. Inside this week's edition of The Crittenden Press, read reaction from the families and an interview with three of our local soldiers serving in Baghdad.

Also, city officials plan to start cracking down on illegal burning inside Marion and are even considering some pretty drastic measures to address the issue. A local 22-year-old is having her first novel published, and Crittenden Health Systems explains their need for financial assistance to keep the ambulance service alive.

Area deaths

Brenda Kay Hunt, 64, of Marion died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 at her home. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Anna Lois Campbell, 80, of Marion died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 at her home. Services are scheduled for Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

GOP's Williams in town Wednesday

Kentucky's Republican nominee for governor, David Williams, will be in town Wednesday. The Williams-Farmer team will be making a campaign stop at 11:30 a.m., downtown at the Italian Grill across from the courthouse.

Area death

Sister Jamesetta Knott, 86, a former parish minister at St. William Parish in Marion, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 at Mount St. Joseph in Mount Maple, Ky. A funeral Mass will be Tuesday, at Mount St. Joseph. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory in Owensboro is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Dale "Wabbitt" Walton. 48, of Paducah, formerly of Marion, died Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Ada Frances Walker, formerly of Marion, died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at Leafield Care Home in Abingdon England. Tonks Brothers Funeral Directors of Abingdon were in charge of services.

James Charles Alexander, 89, of Marion died Monday, October 24, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. He was a World War II of the U.S. Army veteran. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Area road closure

As a reminder, CSX Railroad and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) plan to close U.S. 41 near the Henderson-Webster County Line on Monday.

This closure is to allow CSX to repair and upgrade the rail crossing. U.S. 41 is expected to close at 8:30 a.m., Monday. It is expected to reopen to traffic at about 4 p.m.

Motorists who regularly travel U.S. 41 near the Henderson-Webster County Line should take note of this planned closure on Monday and make advance alternate travel plans. A marked detour will be provided.

Timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KyTC Highway District 2 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Area deaths

Edward Arlington Runyan, 93, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 at his home in Fort Collins, Colo. He was an Army veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Berlin Crisis. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.


Otis Scott, 89, of Marion died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at his home. He was an Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

William Garland Cash, 74, of Harrodsburg, Ky., died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at Myers Funeral Home.

U.S. 641 wreck sends one to hospital

A two-vehicle collision on U.S. 641 near the Crittenden-Caldwell line sent one man to the hospital for evaluation.

According to Crittenden County Sheriff's Deputy Greg Rushing, Bray Sherill of Princeton and Benny Fowler of Fredonia collided this afternoon after Sherill reported being distracted inside the car and overcorrecting after running off the shoulder of the road, causing his car to veer into the other lane and hit Fowler head-on.

Rushing said Fowler was taken to Caldwell County Medical Center in Princeton by ambulance, but his injuries did not appear to be serious.

"He was out of his vehicle and in another when I got there," Rushing said, adding that Fowler had recently had surgery, creating a concern for evaluation.

Traffic was restricted to one lane for a time for emergency response.

Absentee balloting begins tomorrow

Voting in Crittenden County begins tomorrow for Kentucky’s Nov. 8 election of statewide offices. County Clerk Carolyn Byford said a voting machine will be set up in her courthouse office for absentee voters, those unable to make it to the polls on Election Day. Byford said those utilizing the absentee  machine should show up at least 30 minutes before closing. The clerk’s office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m., to noon.

Meantime, voters unable to make it to the polls either on election day or early in Byford’s office have only 12 days to request and return their paper absentee ballot. The clerk’s office must have received those ballots by the close of business Nov. 1. However, emergency paper ballots can still be requested after Nov. 1, but generally only for those experiencing some sort of unexpected crisis between then and Election Day.

It is now too late for residents not already registered to apply for rights to vote in next month’s election.

For questions about polling locations or other election rules, Byford said it is best to call her office at 965-3403 now to find the answer.

Registered voters looking to change their party affiliation for next year's primary election for president and congressional and state representative should do so by the end of the year.

Area death

Bonnie L. Ashford, 78, of LeRoy, Ill., died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011 at her home. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m., today (Thursday) in Roland Cemetery in Fredonia. Myers Funeral Home is handling local arrangements.

Community Christmas sign-ups ending

The final opportunity to sign up for Community Christmas, an annual effort to provide gifts and food to underprivileged families in Crittenden County, is from 3 to 6 p.m., Friday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenwood Heights.

Already, 63 families with children and another 18 individuals have signed on according to Nancy Hunt, one of the coordinators of the event.  She expects the numbers after Friday to be at or above last year’s figures of 130 families and 45 individuals.

“We’ve already had several that have never participated before,” Hunt said.

For children, those 11 and under, sponsors can start looking for angel trees adorned with each child’s wish list after Nov. 7. Trees can be found at Pamida and Farmers Bank’s main office.

Distribution will be held at the National Guard armory and Marion Baptist Church Family Life Center on Dec. 16 based on appointment times given at October sign-ups.

A letter will be sent this week to local churches, businesses and organizations detailing how they may help community Christmas.

For information on Community Christmas, contact Hunt at 965-5236 or Mona Manley at 965-5229

Farm Center hosts lunch, open house today

The USDA Farm Service Center at Salem will host an open house from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m., today. The center serves both Crittenden and Livingston counties. A grilled hamburger and hot dog lunch will be served.

Area death

Lois Ann Ralston, 79, of Hobart, Ind., formerly of Marion, died Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 at the VNA Hospice in Valparaiso, Ind. Services were held last Thursday at Caldwell Springs. Burns Funeral Home in Crown Point, Ind., was in charge of arrangements.

Inside this week's Press

Crittenden County’s Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) office will begin its subsidy program to help low income households in need of energy assistance, or LIHEAP, Nov. 7.

For more on this story, as well as the progress of Community Christmas efforts to help the underprivileged, see this week's edition of The Crittenden Press.

Also inside, find a 10-page special section on fall home improvement as well as the story of a Marion City Police officer who was honored for saving the life of one of the town's most beloved figures.

Double duty: Halloween celebrated twice

Ghouls and goblins and the occasional princesses and football players will hit the streets Oct. 28 to participate in the annual Trick or Treat on Main Street event, sponsored by Marion Main Street, Inc., and Crittenden Health Systems. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., children 12 and under will be able to go door-to-door of local businesses, seeking treats and goodies to fill their halloween bags. Participating businesses will have flyers in windows, letting parents and children know where to find the sugared treats.

Crittenden Health Systems will also host a costume contest at 4:30 p.m., in the hospital lobby. Age groups will be one and under, two through four, five through seven and eight through 12. Prizes will be awarded to the best costumes.

The same day, The Crittenden Press will taking photos of costumed children for publication in the following week's paper.

Though the Friday before Halloween appears to be a busy time for trick-or-treaters, Marion City Administrator Mark Bryant said the city will officially recognize Halloween from 3 to 6 p.m., on Oct. 31, indicating that will be the time for residents to look out for knocks on the door seeking candy.

"I just don't want people to be inundated with trick-or-treaters all weekend," Bryant said.

Drivers should also be aware of children in the downtown area as dusk approaches.

Ideal nearer expansion, convenience store

It appears Rocket Oil is just one bureaucratic step away from getting the green light to expand its Ideal gas station on Sturgis Road in Marion into Marion's second convenience store. On Monday, an ordinance backing Marion Zoning and Planning Commission's blessing to rezone residential property behind the fueling station into commercial was introduced by Marion City Council. A zoning map amendment application indicates intentions for the half-acre lot are for "expansion of service station and (convenience) store."

The ordinance will need a second reading and majority approval from the council before being adopted.

Relay for Life sign-ups free today

Whoever signs up their Relay for Life team by 5 p.m. today will receive free registration for up to 15 people. That's up to $150 that your team will not have to pay. You don't have to sign up all of your team members, just your team and team captain. But this offer is good for today only.

The American Cancer Society is going green. That means all registration will take place online this year. Instructions on how to sign your team up are listed below.

And, don't forget tonight's Relay for Life meeting to finalize plans for the 5K run and kickoff on Nov. 5. The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m., at the courthouse in Mairon in the judge-executive's office.

Instructions for signing up your team:

1. Go to www.relayforlife.org/crittendenky 
2. Click on SIGN UP on the right hand side of the page 
3. Click START A TEAM 
4. Fill in whatever you want your Team Name to be (If you are a business please include the business in the name somewhere so we know who you are). You will not have a "Team Organization" so you can skip that box. Fill in what your team goal is. 
5. Click NEXT. 
6. Follow the Steps that you are given. When it asks for your name and information- it is asking for the team captain's information. It will register you as the team captain at the same time it registers your team.

** Make sure you click PAY OFFLINE via check or cash**

And your team will be signed up!!! You can start adding photos, team fund-raiser, etc.

Area deaths

Mildred Truitt Dollins, 87, of Decatur, Ga., died Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011.  She was native of Crittenden County. A memorial service for will be held 3 p.m., Wednesday in the chapel of A. S. Turner and Sons in Decatur with Rev. Angelo Mante officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Area deaths

Velda Mae Henderson, 89, of Marion died Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. Services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in White Chapel Cemetery. Visitation was from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home.

Martha Ann Harper 85, of Marion died Saturday, Oct., 15, 2011 at Crittenden County Hospital. Services are at 10 a.m., Tuesday at St. William Church in Marion. Visitation is from 9 a.m., until the time of the funeral Tuesday. Gilbert Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Area deaths

The Rev. Maurice J. Tiell, 88, of Owensboro died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at the Carmel Home, an Owensboro nursing home. He at one time served as pastor of St. William Church in Marion. A funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at at noon on Tuesday at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro with burial in Resurrection Cemetery on Owensboro. Visitation is from 2 to 7:30 p.m., Monday and from 9 a.m., to funeral time on Tuesday at St. Stephen Cathedral. Prayers will be said at 6:30 p.m., Monday at the church. Haley-McGinnis & Owensboro Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Anita Guggenheim, 86, of Oklahoma City, Okla., and formerly of Marion died Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011 at her home. Final interment will be a graveside service at 2 p.m., Thursday at Mapleview Cemetery. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of services.

Area death

Cecil Wayne Travis, 81, of Marion died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday at Myers Funeral Home with burial in Asbridge Cemetery. Visitation will take place between 11 a.m., and the time of the funeral on Tuesday.

Winters to ring NASDAQ's opening bell Monday

Tate Winters will start off the third week of NASDAQ trading in October by ringing the opening bell of the world's second largest stock exchange behind the New York Stock Exchange.

The Marion native earned the honor as a district manager for Fastenal, a seller of industrial and construction supplies and services traded on NASDAQ. Winters, 35, has served in his current capacity for the last three of his eight years with the company, managing sales in western Kentucky, southeast Missouri and west Tennessee.

In an internal competition among sales territories, Winters' district edged into fifth-place on the last day of the challenge, just making the cut to enjoy a trip to New York and a spot on the trading floor. So Winters, other district managers and Fastenal's chief executive officer will have the privilege of ringing the ceremonial opening bell of the exchange on Monday.

"We just slid in there," Winters joked.

He humbly credits his entire district sales team for the honor.

"I'm very lucky," he said. "I've got a great job."

NASDAQ's website explains the reason Fastenal was chosen: "In honor of the occasion Will Oberton, President and Chief Executive Officer will ring the Opening Bell. Mr. Oberton will be joined by 23 employees who earned the trip to New York by being among the top performers in a semi-annual Fastenal sales competition that dates back to 2006. The group includes the vice presidents of the sales regions that finished first, second and third in the competition, along with their top-performing district managers and store personnel."

Winters has lived in Princeton the last five years and has worked out of various Fastenal locations in the district. He is a former employee of The Crittenden Press.

You can view the ceremony on CNBC or FOX Business from 8:15 to 8:30 a.m., Monday. A live webcast of the NASDAQ Opening Bell will be available at http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx or http://social.nasdaqomx.com.

Marion native presents at Scream Awards

Krista Floyd, a Marion native,
will be in full make-up for the
2011 Spike Scream Awards.

Former Marion resident Krista Floyd, 26, will be a some-what familiar face during the airing of the 2011 Spike Scream Awards. With prosthetic makeup, Floyd will be one of the characters that will introduce each category like best fantasy movie and more. Residing in Los Angeles, Calif., Floyd has been a model for almost four years, working for Elite. This is not the first time Floyd has made it on screen. She was also a trophy girl during the Critic's Choice Awards in early January.

East Bellville road work over by end of week

Paving along East Bellville Street in Marion should be complete by the end of the week, weather permitting, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The short portion of roadway was milled yesterday to begin the project.

Area death

Marlene Ann Stone, 75, of Marion died Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 at Crittenden Health And Rehabilitation Center in Marion. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Myers Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Area death

Edith Ann Cronin, 70, of Marion died Monday, Oct. 11, 2011 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home with interment in Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Inside this week's Press

Tim Bennett of Dycusburg takes his turn in a washer
tournament during a past Dycusburg Day celebration. The
annual event will be held all day Saturday in the river town.

Community events in Marion, Dycusburg, Carrsville and Salem will keep area residents occupied this weekend, highlighted by the 24th annual Christmas in Marion on Saturday.

It's also that time of year when deer become most active, increasing the risk of dangerous collisions with the animal that kill 150 nationwide each year and create $4.6 billion in insurance claims. And a parcel of land on the former Alcoa property straddling Crittenden and Union counties should be a rural haven for deer, their hunters and other outdoorsmen.

Also, find out how a multi-county water project could keep the pipes full during the next disaster and see how Crittenden County businesses are fairing in the economic downturn.

Ten people were also indicted by a grand jury last week.

Area death

Una Florence Mott, 90, of Marion died Tuesday at Crittenden Hospital. The funeral is  Thursday at Mexico Baptist Church. Visitation is Wednesday evening at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Lanes restrict at Henderson bridges

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans daytime lane restrictions on the U.S. 41 Twin Bridges in Henderson starting today.

These daytime restrictions are for the annual fall cleaning and maintenance of the bridge structure. Maintenance crews have completed some of the work through the summer during lane restrictions for other work on the bridges. However, there is still some additional work required to help prepare the bridges for the arrival of winter weather.


Motorists should be prepared to encounter daytime lane restrictions on the bridges starting at about 8 a.m., each day.  Lane restrictions are expected to be removed by about 3 p.m., daily. The cleaning and maintenance work is expected to take about a week to complete.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter slowing and merging traffic on the bridge approach each day, weather permitting.  Today all traffic will be moved to the left-hand or passing lane.

We will attempt to provide timely updates on the lane configuration.

Area death

John Samuel Madden III, 25, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., today in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors with Bro. Terry Mitcheson officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m., today until the funeral hour. Burial will be in Tiline Cemetery.

Area death

Bennie H. Brantley, 56, of Anderson, S.C., died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011. His sister, Mary Fritts, lives in Marion. A Vesper Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m., today at Christ the Saviour Antochain Orthodox Church in South Carolina. McDougald Funeral Home in Anderson, S.C., is in charge of services.

Area death

Kyleigh Marie Gibbs, the infant daughter of James and Jessica Gibbs of Paducah, died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Graveside services are 5 p.m., Saturday at Dycusburg Cemetery with interment in the cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Gilbert Funeral Home.

Lions Club hosting truck, tractor pull Saturday

Crittenden County Lions Club is hosting a truck and tractor pull at 7 p.m., Saturday at the fairgrounds.

Admission is $7 for everyone 6 years old and up. Five and under are free.

Kickoff is at 7:30 tonight at Murray

Tonight's Rocket football game at Murray High will start at 7:30 p.m. Some games this year have started earlier.

This is Crittenden County's second district game and it has playoff implications.

End of two front-pages stories cut off, shown here

Due to inadvertent technical errors in this week's print edition of The Crittenden Press, the last paragraph of two front-page stories was cut off in each. Below are the final two paragraphs of each story. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Tinsley acquitted by circuit jury
Thomas said he and the defendant were sorrowful for the family and friends of Glenda Tinsley.

"They had to hear things in this trial and see pictures that no family needs to see or hear," Thomas said. "The Tinsleys' hearts go out to Glenda and her family."

Courthouse goes on trial
Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom questioned whether there is anything that can be done in the meantime to shore up security or to provide extra space, such as an annex.

"Nothing short of a new courthouse is going to solve your problem," Justice Cunningham conceded. However, he did recommend having a state assessment team come examine the security issues.

Area deaths

Vernon "Cap" Stinnett, 92, of Dycusburg died Tuesday at Crittenden Hospital. He was a World War II  U.S. Army veteran. Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday at Lakeland Funeral Home Chapel in Eddyville with Rev. Lonnie Knight and Bill Cunningham officiating. Interment will be in Dycusburg Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Alice Rushing Miller Hallum, 81, of Marion died today at Livingston Hospital. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home, with burial at Westlawn Cemetery in Hanson, Ky. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.

CCHS notes

A Balfour representative will be at Rocket Arena from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday for high school letterman jacket orders. A $70 deposit is required for Christmas delivery. Junior and senior rings may be ordered at this time also with a $70 deposit for delivery in November. Extra ring packets are available in the office.

The senior class will be able to meet with a Balfour representative on Friday at 8 a.m., regarding senior information.

Other important upcoming events at CCHS include:

• Oct. 18: Project graduation meeting at 6 p.m. in CCHS workroom
• Oct. 19: Grade cards go home

Inside this week's edition of The Press

Crittenden County's yield of corn and soybeans is about
average for the autumn harvest according to Corey Payne,
University of Kentucky Extension Agent for Agriculture and
Natural Resources. Weather, Payne said,  has been fairly
 cooperative for both the 2011 growing and harvesting season.

 

A novelist has chosen Crittenden County as the setting for her latest three-part Amish romance series. Meantime, a day after a verdict was reached in the Pat Tinsley circuit court case, the county's courthouse  goes on trial by a team of Kentucky justices and locals for its gross deficiencies.

Crittenden County's school district meets nine of 10 No Child Left Behind goals for 2011, with the elementary and high schools scoring a perfect 100 percent in reaching benchmarks. The middle school, however, struggled, achieving only half of its 10 goals for the year.

Additionally, the Union County portion of former Alcoa land straddling Union and Crittenden County gets the green light for purchase, the first step in turning the former private property in both counties along the Ohio River into a recreational dream for hunters and outdoorsmen.

Ky. 723 in Salem blocked

A tractor-trailer hauling grain has overturned on Ky. 723 in Salem about a half-mile south off U.S. 60. No injuries were reported but due to the spilled grain and diesel fuel it is likely to take up to four hours to clear the site. A detour for passenger vehicle traffic is via Shelby Store Road to Kitchen Road or via Hodge Road.

U.S. 60, Ky. 91 to be paved

Paving plans for U.S. 60 and Ky. 91 in Crittenden County will see work taking place Friday, Saturday and Monday.

Paving along U.S. 60 in western Crittenden County runs from near the one-mile marker extending eastward to mile-point 5.2 near the intersection with Ky. 297 and Ky. 2132.  Paving along this 4.2 mile section of U.S. 60 is expected to take about two days to complete, weather permitting.

Meantime, along Ky. 91 toward the Ohio River, paving will run from mile-point 10.840 northward to mile-point 11.260 at the Cave in Rock Ferry landing.  Asphalt is expected to be laid down and completed along this section of Ky. 91 on Monday, weather permitting.

Rogers Group is the prime contractor on this $383,280 highway improvement project.

Circuit clerk's exam deadline is Nov. 9

The qualifying examination for the 2012 election for the office of circuit court clerk will be administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) on Dec. 3, 2011 at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, Kentucky. This is the only date and location for the exam.

Pre-registration, qualifications, study materials and other details regarding the exam are available at www.kycourts.net. The deadline for pre-registration, which is mandatory, is Nov. 9, 2011.

Questions regarding the exam should be directed to AOC at (502) 573-2350, ext. 40517 or ciruitclerkstest@kycourts.net

Paving planned for Crittenden roads

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans asphalt paving along several routes in Crittenden County starting this week.

Prep and paving operations are planned at the following dates and locations:

Locations:

• Ky. 120/Marion-Shady Grove Road: Starting mile point: 0.000, ending mile point: 0.340
• Ky. 981/Old Salem Road: starting mile point: 0.000, ending mile point: 0.485
• Ky. 2132/Sisco Chapel Road: Starting mile point: 0.000, nding mile point: 2.600

Dates:

• Today: Cut back edges on Ky. 2132 and Ky. 981
• Wednesday: Start, complete paving operations on Ky. 2132
• Oct. 11: Start, complete paving operations on Ky. 981
• Oct. 14: Milling along Ky. 120
• Oct. 15: Start, complete paving operations on Ky. 120

Rogers Group is the prime contractor for this $258,827 highway improvement project.

Middle school notes

Notes from Crittenden County Middle School:

• Students who would like to purchase a middle school class ring may do so Thursday during lunch.  Students may pick up a ring brochure in the library from Carol West.
• Students are not allowed to use the office phone for personal calls except in an emergency and only with staff permission and staff supervision. Also, students will not receive calls or be called out of class unless it is an emergency.
• Parents are to send handwritten signed notes concerning transportation changes to the office. If students are riding another bus please include bus numbers and address.
• Middle school 2011-12 yearbooks went on sale today. Yearbooks will be $20, with an additional $5 for your name on the front.  Students may purchase yearbooks with Quality Stamps. There is a specific stamp book from Food Giant just for yearbooks.
• The middle school is participating in a food drive through Oct. 21, accepting non-perishable food items. Donation boxes for each grade level are located in the middle school lobby. The grade that brings in the most food items will win a popcorn and drink party.
• The school office has a lot of lost items. If your child is missing something, stop by the office to check if your item has been located.
• Fall school pictures will be sent home today with students. Retakes will be taken Nov. 9. If your child did not have their pictures taken, they will have them taken then. If you purchased pictures and do not like those pictures, student may have retakes taken that days as well. Please do nut cut apart pictures if you plan to have retakes, as you must return the photos.

Area deaths

Cora Mae Nesbitt, 91, of Marion died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at Crittenden Hospital. She attended Marion General Baptist Church. Services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Tuesday at Freedom General Baptist Church in Marion with interment in Freedom Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion and from 11 a.m., until service time Tuesday at the church.

Mary Jane Easley Rowe, 93, of Marion died Saturday, Oct. 1 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab. Graveside services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Tuesday at Mt. Zion Cemetery with interment to follow. The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m., until 2 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Dempsey dies at 91

Longtime garbage hauler James Albert Dempsey, 91 of Marion died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, at Crittenden County Health and Rehabilitation Center. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Myers Funeral Home.