Area death

Dorothy “Dottie” Brookshire Winn, 52, of Marion Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at her home. Funeral services are Sunday at Myers Funeral Home.

Area deaths

Clyde Junior Lewis, 48, of Livingston County died Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. Funeral services are Friday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Virginia "Tinsy" Cotton, 95, of Symsonia, formerly of Dawson Springs, died Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at her residence. Graveside services will be Friday at Piney Grove Cemetery in Dawson Springs. Arrangements are being handled by Collier Funeral Home in Benton.

Boise Junior Woodall, 79, of Marion Sunday, March 25, 2012 at his home. Funeral services were today at Myers Funeral Home.

Former bank president, Sullenger, dead at 86

Longtime civic leader and retired bank president, Doug Sullenger, 86, died at 1 a.m., Tuesday at the Western Kentucky Veterans Center at Hanson, Ky.

Sullenger, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, was an active member of the community and civic leader for most of his life. He was president and chairman of the board of Farmers Bank and Trust Co., for 26 years, and a city council member for 12 years.

The funeral is tentatively scheduled for Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Area deaths

James Marvin Jackson, 63, of Marion died Saturday, March 24, 2012 at his home. Funeral services are Tuesday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Wallace Glenn Hooks, 68, of Eddyville died Friday, March 23, 2012 in Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. Services are Monday at Lakeland Funeral Home Chapel in Eddyville.

Area death

Thelma Johnson, 81, of Marion died Friday, March 23, 2012 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral services are Monday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Shoes saving Third World lives

Those unwanted shoes at the back of your closet just may save a life.

For some, Shoes for Water is simply a way to get rid of unwanted shoes, but the program run by EDGE Outreach in Louisville does more than that. It aims to solve water and sanitation issues in developing countries, said Bonnie Baker, Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development.

Across the world, 884 million people worldwide live without clean water a child dies every 20 seconds due to water-related diseases, according to EDGE Outreach.

The nonprofit sells the shoes to an exporter who then sells them to vendors in developing countries. EDGE Outreach uses the money they get from the sale to buy water purification systems in those countries and train people in communities to maintain the system. Baker said it takes about 1,000 shoes to set up and maintain a water purification system.

She hopes to start collecting toward that number beginning next week. The 4-H Council in partnership with the school system and Judge-Executive Perry Newcom are holding a shoe drive Thursday at the middle and high schools and Friday at the elementary school.

“If everyone in our county donated one pair of shoes, we could purchase nine systems,” Baker said. “That is nine communities that would have access to clean water. What a difference our community can make.”

Shoes may also be brought to the Crittenden County Extension Office on either of the collection days, and all types of shoes are accepted from flip flops to high heels to boots. 

“The only thing we ask is they not be moldy,” she said.

Newcom plans to set up a disposal unit at the county's convenience center behind the road department on U.S. 60 east of Marion to collect shoes for the program indefinitely.

The shoes will then be sent to Western Kentucky Correction Complex where they will be sorted and sold. The money that comes back to the county from the recycled shoes will then be used for the EDGE Outreach program.

 "I think its a really good project for the county to get involved in," Newcom said.

The water purification systems are simply PVC pipe, salt and a car battery. This system has the ability to purify 50,000 gallons of water a day.  EDGE trains villagers to install, maintain and repair the system. A civic organization, church or missionary that is stationed in the community stays in touch with EDGE so items can be replaced as needed. EDGE also provide health education to the people of the communities teaching them to help themselves.

Area death

Mae Hodge, 80, of Marion died Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services. Funeral services are Saturday at Myers Funeral Home.

Princeton man charged with child porn possession

A Princeton man was arrested Wednesday night on a hundreds of counts of being in possession of items portraying sexual acts by a minor, according to a Kentucky State Police report.

James. C. Owen, 41, was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail following and investigation by KSP Detective Dan Morck involving the online sharing of child pornography. The investigation led to a search warrant at Owens' residence on East Market Street in Princeton.

During the execution of the search warrant, several items of child pornography were located. Owen was arrested for 643 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor.

This case is still under investigation by Detective Morck.   

Area death

Ashley Nicole Quertermous, 15, of Salem died Monday, March 19, 2012 at her home. Funeral services are Friday at Lola Pentecostal Church. Boyd Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

Area deaths

Terry Hosick, 59, of Burna died Sunday, March 18, 2012, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services. He was retired from the U.S. Navy. Graveside services with military rights are today at Hampton Cemetery. Boyd Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.


Ada Ilene "Adalene" Hoover, 96, of Livonia Mich., formerly of Marion, died Friday, March 9, 2012. Interment was in Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia. A celebration of Hoover's life will be held Saturday. RG & GR Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Why all the digging?

Many folks round town have questioned why so much digging has gone on near construction of the new Five Star Convenience Center.

What's going on is the relocation of natural gas lines. Years ago, when natural gas was first offered as a utility in Marion, the gas company was first located where city hall used to be on East Bellville Street. Most of the lines spider web across town from that location. Many of the lines would have run beneath the new convenience store construction, so they had to be moved in case there is ever need to dig them up for repair.

Body of missing fisherman found

Crews have recovered one of the bodies of the two missing fishermen who disappeared March 6 near Kentucky Dam.

For more, see the story on West Kentucky Star online.

Area death

Lydia Gayle Board, 48, of Dawson Springs died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Beshear Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Murray State student who jumped to death ID'd

Jacob Derting, 20, junior from Bardstown, Ky., fell to his death and was found outside of the Price Doyle Fine Arts Center around 9:30 a.m. today. In a University statement released this afternoon, officials say initial investigation indicates the incident was an apparent suicide.

For the complete story and updates, visit the Murray State News online.

3 arrests tied to meth trafficking ring

Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently ended an extensive investigation of a large methamphetamine trafficking ring in western Kentucky. During the investigation, KSP and DEA, along with the help of several local law enforcement agencies, have been able to identify several different individuals in the area dealing in large amounts of methamphetamine.

On Monday, narcotics detectives seized over $110,000 cash of illegal drug proceeds. On Thursday morning, three individuals were taken into federal custody during a traffic stop near Eddyville.

Detectives arrested Baltazar Insunza, a 31-year-old Hispanic male, also identified as an illegal alien; along with Ramos Reyes, a 47-year-old Hispanic male. The subjects were stopped driving a 2001 Ford Focus hatchback which contained hidden compartments that were believed to have been used to transport large amounts of methamphetamine from Alabama to Kentucky. Also arrested in connection to the investigation was local resident Fawn Cerda, 28.

All three suspects were lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail. 

Rural energy funds aid farms, business

The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offers funds to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. Visit AGFP: Growing Kentucky Agriculture at  http://www.growkentuckyag.com/programs/reap.html for basic information about the program, along with some first steps for how to start an application. The deadline is March 30.

Details of the program are available on-line at http://www.rurdev.usda.govv/IA_bc_energy_reap.html.

Lacy, former superintendent, dead at 76

Dr. Dennis G. Lacy, 76, of Marion died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems following a battle with cancer.

Lacy was superintendent of Crittenden County School District for 18 years before retiring June 30, 2000. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Sunday at Crittenden County High School's Rocket Arena. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home and from 9 a.m., until service time Sunday at Rocket Arena.

Kentucky Grazing School starts in April

The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton will offer a Kentucky Grazing School from 7:30 a.m., to 5:30 p.m., April 10-11.

Grazing is the most cost-effective way for producers to feed their ruminant animals. The agenda for the school includes region-specific grazing information where participants will visit field sites, participate in field exercises, tour demonstration plots and participate in hands-on activities.

Pre-registration is required, as space is limited to the first 45 registrants. The cost is $50, which includes materials, manual, breaks and lunch. To obtain an application, visit www2.ca.uky.edu/grazer or contact Crittenden County Cooperative Extension Service at 965-5236. 

Area deaths

Gregory Lee “Greg” Rawls, 50, of Princeton, Ind., died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville. Funeral services are Saturday at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton.

Kathryn Naomi Eskew, 89, of St. Petersburg, Fla., formerly of Marion, died Thursday, March 8, 2012 at St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Petersburg. Funeral services were Tuesday at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg.

Hazel Alfreda Driver, 78, of Grand Rivers died Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. Graveside funeral services are Saturday at Tyner’s Chapel Cemetery with Bro. Harold Rittenberry officiating. Boyd Funeral Directors are in charge of services.

Committee moves ahead smoking ban bill

Smoking would be banned in all public places and indoor workplaces in Kentucky under a bill approved Tuesday by a House committee, but a sponsor of the bill said it was unlikely to become law this year. The House Health and Welfare Committee voted 10-2 to approve House Bill 289 at a special meeting Tuesday. It now goes to the full House. Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, said after the vote that she didn't think there are enough votes to pass the measure in the Republican-controlled Senate even though Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, has said he supports a statewide smoking ban.

For the complete story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Area death

Francine J. Laidacker, 65, of Marion died Sunday, March 11, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Funeral services will be Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Area deaths

James W. Stovall, 71, of Marion, formerly of Eddyville, died Friday, March 9, 2012 at his home. Funeral services are today at Dunn’s Funeral Home in Eddyville.

Richard "Dick" Allen Anderson, 65, of Marion died Friday, March 9, 2012 at Crittenden Health  Systems. Funeral services are Tuesday at Myers Funeral Home.

Jesse Eli Ellis, Jr., 88, of Tolu died Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. Funeral services are Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

David Nicholas Barnes, 57, of Salem died Saturday, March 10, 2012 at his home. Funeral services are Monday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Area death

Matthew J. Jones, 33, of Marion died Thursday, March 8, 2012 at his home. Funeral services are today at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Orgs seek aid for Kentucky tornado victims

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said Crittenden County residents are looking to extend a long-distance hand to some of last week's victims of the worst tornado outbreak in Kentucky in decades but don't know how to help out.

"I have had numerous individuals ask me if there was anything that we could do to assist those victims in east Kentucky that were in the tornadoes," he said.

Some of the areas affected by the twisters and damaging straight-line winds are more than 300 miles away from Marion. However, those local residents wanting to help out their fellow Kentuckians have several options for monetary donations, which are most practical for those not living near the area.

Gateway Area Development District
A tornado victim's relief fund has been established by GADD at the Commercial Bank of West Liberty, one of the cities hardest hit by the tornadoes. Tax deductible donations may be sent to:
Morgan County Tornado Relief Fund, c/o Gateway Area Development District, 110 Lake Park Dr., Morehead, KY 40351

You may also call 1-800-862-0526 for additional information.

Menifee County Tornado Victims Relief
To aid residents of the eastern Kentucky County, monetary donations to the Menifee County Tornado Victims Relief Fund can be sent to: Traditional Bank, 114 Main St., Frenchburg, KY 40322.

Kenton County Relief Fund
The storms that ripped through southern Kenton County last Friday killed four people, completely destroyed 88 homes, rendered 257 homes uninhabitable and damaged numerous other homes. Kenton County is the third most populous county in the commonwealth. Contributions made out to Kenton County Relief Fund can be sent to Huntington Bank at: Kenton County Relief Fund, c/o Covington Banking Office, 540 Madison Ave., Covington, KY 41012.

You may call Kenton County Judge-Executive Steve Arlinghaus' office at (859) 392-1415 for additional information.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army also is accepting monetary donations:

• You may donate $10 by texting the word STORM to 80888.
• You may make a contribution at Salvationarmyusa.org.
• Checks may be mailed to: The Salvation Army Tornado Relief Fund, 736 W. Main St., Lexington, KY 40508.

Blue Grass Community Foundation
The Blue Grass Community Foundation has established the Eastern Kentucky Tornado Rebuilding Fund to support long-term rebuilding efforts in eastern Kentucky counties declared federal disaster areas. Grants from the fund will be overseen by committees made up of local residents in affected counties.

Donors may give generally to the rebuilding effort or specify which county or counties among those declared federal disaster areas they would like their gift to benefit.

To make a tax-deductible contribution, go to BGCF.org and click on the Eastern Kentucky Tornado Rebuilding Fund button. Or send a check to: Eastern Kentucky Tornado Rebuilding Fund, 250 W. Main St., Ste. 1220, Lexington KY 40507.

American Red Cross
Today, as the University of Kentucky men's basketball team began play in the SEC tournament, the American Red Cross and several partners started hosting a Kentucky Cares tornado-relief phone bank. Until 6 p.m., local time today, volunteers will answer phones to take donations. Coach Matthew Mitchell and members of the UK women's team, Coach Donnie Tyndall and members of the Morehead State University men's basketball team, and Coach Brian Lane and members of the Transylvania University basketball team also will answer phones.

The Kentucky Cares Campaign was set up to assist people affected by last Friday's storms.

Those who wish to give to the fund may use one of these options:

• Text Redcross to 90999.
• Go to Redcross.org and give to the Disaster Relief Fund.
• Mail a check to 1450 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511, with Kentucky Cares in the memo line.

Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
In the wake of the terrible storms that ravaged farms across the Commonwealth, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer commended the efforts of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation for raising funds and assistance from farm supply companies to aid in the disaster relief efforts. In just one day, the foundation raised more than $12,000 from agriculture companies and individual farmers. This money was used to purchase fencing and other farm materials desperately needed to rebuild cattle farms affected by deadly tornadoes last week.

“These tornados have affected so many of our neighbors and fellow cattle producers and we just want to do anything that we can to help,” stated KCA President Mike Bach.

Those interested in donating to relief efforts coordinated by the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Foundation can donate online at www.kycattle.org or mail a check to the office at KCF Disaster Relief Fund, 176 Pasadena Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. 

For questions or more information call the office at (859) 278-0899.

Livingston's Cut Off Road speed limit reduced

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) has lowered the speed limit to 45 mph on Ky. 937/Cut Off Road in Livingston County between U.S. 60 and Ky. 453.

This reduced speed limit is to help maintain safety due to increased traffic and heavier vehicles that are using Ky. 937 as an alternate route while a strictly enforced three-ton load limit remains on the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter.

This 45 mph speed limit posting extends the entire length of Ky. 937.

Due to the 45 mph speed limit on this section of Ky. 937, the school zone in front of South Livingston Elementary School will now have a 35 mph speed limit whenever the school zone beacons are flashing.

Motorists should take note of this speed limit reduction along Ky. 937/Cut Off Road in Livingston County.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KyTC Highway District 1 are available by going towww.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Speed limit reduced at U.S. 60 Ledbetter bridge

State transportation officials say the speed limit has been reduced to 35 mph on the U.S. 60 Ledbetter Bridge. This speed limit extends 1,500 feet off each end of the bridge and will improve traffic safety on the bridge and approaches while the three-ton load limit is in place.

For the complete story, visit West Kentucky Star online.

Area death

Janet Marie Morgan, 72, of Marion, formerly of Allen Park, Mich., died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. Funeral services will be Saturday at Myers Funeral Home.

Three charged in Ledbetter burglaries

Livingston County Sheriff's Department has arrested three individuals from Paducah as a result of an investigation into three burglaries on Feb. 21 in the Ledbetter area of the county.

Taken into custody were Crystal Tracy, 36, on one count of complicity to commit burglary, second degree; and Reggie Jones, 35, and Terry L. Gilbert, 29, each on one count of burglary, first degree, and one count of burglary, second degree.

An investigation led by Deputy Robert Johnson resulted in the recovery of some of the stolen property. The investigation is continuing and the recovery of more property is expected.

All three suspects are lodged in the McCracken County Jail. Additional charges are expected in the ongoing investigation.

Pizza Roundup closing Saturday

Pizza Roundup on U.S. 60 East just outside of Marion will close its doors for good Saturday.

Owner Pam Hinderliter, who initially planned to shut down March 17, said she is simply tired and burned out with the hectic pace of running a restaurant. She decided to close a week early because most of her employees have already found other jobs.

"I'm just trying to survive at this point," she said.

The restaurant is open from 6 to 11 a.m.

Hinderliter said there have been some people who have expressed interest in taking over the business, but at this point she doesn't know how serious those interests are.

Though the frantic pace and hard, long hours have taken their toll, she said there's a part of her she'll be leaving behind.

"I've made a lot of friends," she said. "That's what I'm going to miss."

2012 ag census currently under way

Surveys are arriving in mailboxes around the nation to help identify all active farms in the United States.

The National Agricultural Classification Survey (NACS), which asks landowners whether or not they are farming and for basic farm information, is one of the most important early steps used to determine who should receive a 2012 Census of Agriculture report form.  The Census of Agriculture, conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them.

NACS is required by law as part of the U.S. Census of Agriculture.  By this same law, all information reported by individuals is kept confidential. NASS will mail the 2012 Census of Agriculture later this year and data will be collected into early 2013.

NASS provides accurate, timely, useful and objective statistics in service to U.S. agriculture.

Press recognizes National Ag Day

By 2050, the global population will reach nine billion people. Our farmers and ranchers must increase food production, yet be even more efficient with soil, water, seed, fertilizer and all natural resources.
It’s a challenge American agriculture will meet.

Our farmers are proud and responsible stewards of the land. Generation after generation, they work sun up to sun down to provide safe, affordable, abundant food … for our families here at home, and families around the world.

The Ag Council of America and our industry partners invite you to celebrate Ag Day today.

You’ll find plenty of great ideas on the Ag Day website: agday.org.

Join us in honoring the hardworking farm families that make American agriculture Abundant, Affordable … Amazing!

Another brush fire brings out firefighters again

A Wednesday evening brush fire at the edge of Marion city limit
brought out firefighters for the fifth time in as many days.

Another brush fire — at least the fifth in as many days — drew out volunteers firefighters tonight, just after dusk.

The blaze appeared to have started at a large brush pile at the edge of a vacant wooded area between Ky. 120 and Old Shady Grove Road. The fire was at the edge of Marion's city limit. Both Crittenden and Marion volunteer fire departments responded just before 7 p.m., to get the flames under control, despite gusting winds that blew embers through the thick brush.

No one was injured and no structures appeared to have been in danger.

Red flag warnings have been issued all week because of dry air and foliage during Kentucky's spring fire hazard season. Until April 30, it is illegal to burn within 150 feet of wood- or brushlands during the daylight hours between 6 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Rains are predicted overnight and into Thursday, which should close the 3.5-inch shortfall in normal precipitation at this time of the year.

House OKs, sends state budget to Senate

According to The Associated Press, the Kentucky House of Representatives today passed its version of the state's two year budget by a 78-17 margin. The austere $19.5 billion budget, House Bill 265, calls for 8.4 percent cuts to most agencies.

According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, the budget also rejected a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase for 200,000 state retirees, which could save the ailing pension fund about $400 million.

The paper also reported the House version  restores about $5 million to the Aging and Independent Living department, which handles programs for the elderly such as Meals on Wheels. That program was scheduled to take an 8.4 percent cut under Beshear's proposal. The House plan also protects the state's county and commonwealth attorneys from cuts, which the governor had proposed reducing by 2.2 percent.

In the spending plan, coal severance money is set aside for Crittenden Fiscal Court to use in the following prescribed manner:

• Animal shelter: Septic system upgrade to comply with Health Department regulations — $60,000 made available in Fiscal Year 2012-13. 
• Marion-Crittenden County Park: Upgrade on lights — $90,000 made available in FY 2012-13.
• Courthouse: Renovations — $100,000 made available in FY 2011-12.
• Fire departments: Equipment — $60,000 made available in FY 2012-13. 
• Emergency operations center: Generator for back-up power — $40,000 made available in FY 2011-12 and required as part of the federal grant agreement that allowed for construction.
• Road department: Equipment upgrades — $50,000 made available in FY 2011-12.

Rep. Mike Cherry (D-Princeton), who voted in favor of the bill, said complete funding for the $400,000 worth of projects listed above is predicated on the re-opening by Sept. 30 of a coal mine in northeast Crittenden County. However, Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said there has been no interest shown by anyone in putting the mine back in service.

"It just kills me that we can’t keep that going. It would definitely help ease the need of or necessity for this tax," Newcom said, pointing to the county's proposed one-percent payroll and net profits tax to generate revenue for ailing county projects such as the ambulance service.

In the the likely event the mine does not begin extracting coal by the end of September, Cherry said only $111,000 will be made available for the six local projects listed in the House version of the budget. No more than the prescribed amount can be spent on any one project.

The biennial budget now goes to the Senate for approval.

"...It will be Sen. Dorsey Ridley’s job to keep (the funding) in the final budget that passes the Senate,” Cherry said.

Rep. Whitfield rails against high gas prices

Congressman Ed Whitfield chairs a hearing on gas prices.

NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Power, today released the following statement on rising gasoline prices.

“I am very concerned about the rising gas prices that all Americans are facing at the pump.  That is why today, I held a hearing in the committee I chair to discuss the issue of rising gas prices.

“The average price of a gallon of gasoline in Kentucky is $3.66.  One year ago is was $3.47.  When President Obama took office in 2009, the average price of gas nationwide was roughly $1.80 per gallon. In three years under President Obama, we have seen average gas prices increase almost $2.00 per gallon.  This is unacceptable.

“I’m concerned as individuals and families are already struggling to make ends meet, that the rising cost of gasoline will not just hurt them at the pump. Rising gas prices will have a direct impact on the cost of just about everything, including necessities such as food and groceries. Our economy, and the pocketbook of most Americans, has suffered enough. The time to take action to fight rising gas prices is now.

“If we want to be a nation of stable gas prices, and affordable electricity, we must incorporate an “all of the above” energy strategy that responsibly develops and uses the sources of energy available in America.

“President Obama continues to say that he supports an “all-of-the-above” national energy strategy. Unfortunately, his actions and the actions of his administration have not followed in line with this statement.

“If we want to see reduced gas prices, economic growth, job growth and stronger national security, President Obama must support a true “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, which means permitting the Keystone XL pipeline and advancing domestic oil production in Alaska and off our coasts.”

Area death

Lloyd "Smokey" Cullison, 71, of Rosiclare, Ill., died Tuesday, March 7, 2012 at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah. He had been sheriff of Hardin County, Ill. since 2010. Funeral services will be Friday at Potters Church in Cave In Rock, Ill. Cox Funeral Home in Rosiclare is in charge of arrangements.

Livingston authorities make jewelry theft arrest

Livingston County Sheriff’s Department has arrested Ledbetter man on charges of theft by unlawful taking over $500. 

The arrest of Darcy Wyatt, 28, is the result of an investigation that Deputy Kenneth Vincent began on Feb. 17 when several jewelry items were stolen from 196 Trail Drive in Ledbetter.  Several of the items were found to have been sold at a pawn shop in Paducah. 

The investigation led to  Wyatt being interviewed by Deputy Vincent, the sheriff's department reported.  Further investigation led to the arrest of  Wyatt for the theft of the jewelry.

The total value of jewelry stolen at this point is approximately $2,000.

Wyatt was lodged in the McCracken County Jail on a $2,500 cash bond.

No burning: Fire hazards high again today

Crittenden County is under another red flag warning today, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah. A red flag warning indicates conditions create an elevated fire risk

The air in place over the area remains very dry and gusty south winds of 25 to 35 mph will again start to pick up this morning. This, combined with very dry vegetation, will result in a situation where fires could easily get out of control, NWS reports.

Already, the area is more than three inches below normal in rainfall totals for the year. Rain will enter the area overnight and into Thursday, lowering the fire risk to the area.

However, the entire state is already in its spring fire hazards season, which means burning is restricted. Through April 30, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland between the daylight hours of 6 a.m., and 6 p.m. Fines and/or jail time are possible for violators.

Area deaths

Katrina Wallace Short, 43, of Fort Wayne, Ind., formerly of Marion, died Sunday, March 4, 2012 at her home. A graveside service will be held Friday at White's Chapel Cemetery in Crittenden County. Visitation will be from 11 a.m., to 1 p.m., at Gilbert's Funeral Home prior to the funeral. D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home in Fort Wayne is in charge of arrangements. 

Eula Mae Guess, 93, of Valparaiso, Ind., a native of Dycusburg, died Saturday, March 3, 2012 in Valparaiso. Funeral services are Wednesday at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Portage Chapel in Portage, Ind. 

Martha M. Johnson, 80, of Henderson, formerly of Marion, died Monday, March 5, 2012 at Transcendent Healthcare in Boonville, Ind. Services are scheduled for Thursday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Alberta Dean Threlkeld Taylor, 74, of Marion died Monday, March 5, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Funeral services are Thursday in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors.

Area death

William Glenn Brown, 73, of Burna died Friday, March 2, 2012 at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Systems. Services will be held at Monday at the Boyd Funeral Chapel in Salem.

Gov. Beshear: Friday's tornado devastation is “unlike anything I have ever seen”

Kentucky Press news Service
After visiting catastrophic damages from Friday’s severe storms and tornadoes, Gov. Steve Beshear spoke with President Barack Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to relay critical emergency information and reaffirm Kentucky’s commitment to get relief to citizens quickly.

“The scope and magnitude of devastation in some of our communities is unlike anything I have ever seen,” Beshear said in a statement issued by his office. “I’ve been in close contact with President Obama since Thursday to ensure we will have the resources our families will need to recover from these storms.”

Beshear authorized the Kentucky National Guard to deploy to communities as needed to assist with lifesaving efforts, security, and traffic control. So far, more than 220 troops have mobilized to five counties in Kentucky.

Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson visited storm-stricken areas Saturday morning. Beshear, along with Sen. Robert Stivers and Sen. Damon Thayer, toured heavy damage in communities in Morgan, Magoffin and Kenton counties. They were joined by Rep. John Will Stacy in West Liberty, Rep. John Short in Salyersville, and Rep. Adam Koenig in Piner.

Abramson assessed damage in the community of East Bernstadt in Laurel County with Sen. Tom Jenson.

“Gov. Beshear and I will do everything in our power to speed resources and assistance to our communities as we begin to recover from these storms,” Abramson said. “The damage to some of our towns is nearly incomprehensible. This is a difficult time, and we are holding all affected Kentuckians in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Kentucky Department of Public Health reports 18 fatalities from the storm. Approximately 300 injuries have been reported.

Beshear declared a statewide emergency Friday to allow local officials immediate access to state resources to assist in public safety and recovery efforts. Twelve counties have declared states of emergency: Bath, Campbell, Johnson, Kenton, Laurel, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin, Ohio, Pendleton, Rowan, and Trimble counties as well as the city of Paintsville.

Trained spotters and law enforcement officers throughout the state reported tornadoes in 19 different counties, according to Kentucky Emergency Management. Twenty-seven additional counties have reported damage.

Damage assessments and rescue missions continue. Severe storms began rolling across the state Friday afternoon beginning in the far western part of the state and moved north and east of the Ohio River from Indiana.

Rep. Whitfield pays visit to Crittenden

Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) and his district director, Michael Pape (left), visited with Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom (not pictured) late Friday afternoon as Crittenden Volunteer Fire Chief and Deputy Emergency Manager Billy Arflack (center) looks on. The congressman had just come from a dedication of Livingston County's new library and county offices building where everyone in attendance was forced to the basement to seek shelter from the afternoon's severe storms that ripped through the area.

Whitfield stopped by Marion to check on storm damage in Crittenden County as well as to pay respects to the family of late Judge-executive Victor "Pippi" Hardin, who passed away Thursday from cancer. Hardin's funeral is Sunday at Rocket Arena.

County weathers storm system

Several Crittenden Countians and their pets took refuge Friday in the basement of the
courthouse from the potentially deadly storms passing through the area. The courthouse
basement is generally open to the public for such purposes during threatening weather. The
system passed over Crittenden County without any injuries and only little damage reported.

UPDATE: 4:47 p.m., March 2
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah continues its tornado watch for all of western Kentucky until 6 p.m., today. The NWS has also issued a wind advisory, which is in effect until 8 p.m. for western Kentucky, southern Illinois and southeast Missouri.

The roof and radio tower of Caldwell Springs Volunteer Fire
Department was ripped off during Friday's severe storms.

The worst of today's storm system blew through the area before 3 p.m., with heavy winds and heavy sheets of rain at times, though no injuries or serious damage have been reported other than the roof of Caldwell Springs Fire Department having been blown off and knocked down their radio tower. The non-emergency line into Marion Dispatch was also temporarily knocked out.

Judge-executive Perry Newcom said residents and weather spotters reported at least two separate defined funnel clouds over the county which apparently never touched down. Spotter Tony Alexander reported one in the northwest portion of the county and another was spotted near Crayne.

Arrangements complete for former county judge

The funeral for Victor "Pippi" Hardin will be at 2 p.m., Sunday at Rocket Arena. Hardin, a former county judge-executive and state trooper, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 62.

Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m., Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Mapleview Cemetery.

Livingston debuts library, county offices Friday

A grand opening of Livingston County’s newest government building will be held at 2 p.m., Friday. The festivities will christen the municipal office building. The facility will be three floors with each floor covering approximately 9,000 square feet. It will house the sheriff and county clerk on the first floor; the judge-executive, county attorney, child support and PVA offices on the second floor; and the public library on the third floor.

Meantime, Livingston County Public Library will open its doors to the public for the first time at 9 a.m., Friday. It is the first public library in the county’s 213 year history.

Area deaths

Lewis

Regina McKinley, 43, of Sturgis died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 in Paducah. Services are scheduled Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Helen Johnson Lewis, 93, of Marion died Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 at Crittenden Health Systems. She was a member of several local civic and volunteer organizations and a key figure in organizing the first few Relays for Life in Crittenden County. Graveside funeral services will be Saturday at Mapleview Cemetery. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Former trooper and county judge Hardin dies

Former Kentucky State Trooper and Crittenden County Judge-Executive Victor "Pippi" Hardin died early this morning at his home surrounded by his family.

Hardin is pictured here participating in a ceremonial coin toss to start a Rocket football game last fall.

Hardin was 62.

He had been diagnosed late last summer with esophageal cancer.

Well respected and beloved by colleagues and the community, Hardin leaves three daughters and his wife Phillis.

Arrangements are being handled by Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion. Details will be set by early afternoon Friday.