Shoulders/Hardin wedding time changes

Extreme heat forecast for Saturday afternoon has prompted a change in the time of the Shoulders/Hardin wedding originally scheduled for 6 p.m. Vows now be exchanged at 7:30 p.m., on the lawn of the old Marion Junior High on South College Street in Marion.

 LBL issues fire ban

Due to heightened fire danger with hot, dry weather and the recent burn ban for Trigg County Land Between The Lake’s Area Supervisor just signed a temporary closure order prohibiting open fires anywhere on the Forest except in metal campfire rings in developed campgrounds only.

This order will remain in effect until significant rainfall occurs decreases in fire danger.  Visitors may still use contained camp stoves at their campsites.  Visitors are encouraged to check the Alerts & Notices page on LBL’s official website at www.lbl.org.  Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited. 

Yard Sale Thursday and Friday

Thurs. & Fri. 131 North Yandell, 7 a.m. - ?? Dishes, clothes, comforter set, new kids' shoes and sandles, many miscellaneous. 

Area death

Neta Mae Pine, 82, of Marion died Wednesday at Crittenden Hospital. The funeral is Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Burn ban remains in effect for county

On emergency order of county officials, a burn ban remains in effect until the area receives sufficient rain to rescind the order.

All outdoor burning is prohibited under the emergency burn ban.

Also, county officials are asking residents to use sound judgement over the holidays and to refrain from shooting fireworks that could set off wildfires.

Child drowns in Providence swimming pool

Kentucky State Police are investigating the drowning of a two-year-old child in a Providence home swimming pool.

About 8:57 p.m., last night state police received a call from the Hopkins County Coroner Dennis Mayfield in reference to a two-year-old that had been transported to Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.

The child had been found unresponsive in a swimming pool at 410 Highland Avenue in Providence. Mayfield pronounced the victim, Hayden Hubbard of Providence, dead at the RMC.

State police say their preliminary investigation revealed that the child was left unattended for a short time and it appears he climbed a ladder to the above-ground pool then fell in. Foul play is not suspected. An autopsy is scheduled for this morning at the state medical examiner’s office in Louisville.

Det. Dan Morck is conducting the investigation. Sgt. Trent Weaver, Det. Lloyd Ray, Tpr. Tim Sales, Providence EMS, Providence Police Department and Department for Community Based Services also assisted in the investigation.

This week in The Crittenden Press

This week's Crittenden Press printed edition includes a wide variety of information and articles, including a list of area fireworks displays for the holidays, information about fireworks laws in Marion and the county's request for refrain from shooting rockets and other flare-like candles due to dry conditions.

There is also a story about a changing of the guard at the Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation and a photo essay at of the new Marion Fire Station.

The Press will be available on newsstands after 3 p.m., today.

Lyon crash among five motorcycle wrecks

Preliminary statistics indicate that 11 people have died in 11 separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, June 18, through Sunday, June 24, 2012.

Nine of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and five victims were not wearing seat belts.

Single-fatality crashes occurred in Caldwell, Madison, McCracken (2), Taylor, Trimble and Whitley counties.   

One double-fatality motor vehicle crash occurred in Oldham County and the victims were teenagers.

There were five motorcycle involved fatalities that occurred in Edmonson, Jefferson, Lyon, Nelson and Scott counties.  

There were two pedestrian involved fatalities that occurred in Boone and Pike counties.

Through June 24, preliminary statistics indicate that 353 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2012. This is 46 more fatalities than reported for the same time period in 2011. There have been 287 motor vehicle fatalities and 163 of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Thirty-six crashes involved a motorcycle and 19 victims were not wearing helmets. Three crashes involved an ATV and two victims were not wearing helmets. Fifty-eight deaths have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol. 

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

One-lane traffic in Smithland today

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to restrict traffic today to one lane for milling and asphalt paving along KY 453 (Iuka Road) in the Smithland area of Livingston County.

Paving along KY 453 starts at the Echo Springs Branch Bridge just outside Smithland at mile point 14.165 and runs northward through Smithland ending at Riverfront Drive at mile point 15.819, a distance of 1.65 miles.  This includes the intersection with US 60 in Smithland.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers.  Jim Smith Contracting is the prime contractor on this $166,099 highway improvement project. The anticipated completion date is Tuesday, July 3, weather permitting.

Highway closed for fire in Salem

U.S. 60 in Salem is closed this morning because of a structure fire.

The highway was closed at 6 a.m., and was expected to remain closed until around 9 a.m.

Motorists are advised to find an alternate route around Salem through side streets.

Firemen had control of the blaze and were putting up their equipment shortly after 8 a.m. The fire started in an unoccupied home on Main Street. No other structures were damaged.

It's blackberry season, time to pick is now

If you enjoy wild blackberries, now is the time to pick.

Berries are ripe on the vine, but it will not take long for other creatures to find them, too. If you want to get a few quarts, better make it quick.

Be sure to wear protective clothing – maybe even some repellant – as chiggers and ticks are among the guardians of those succulent berries.

Building repairs will make it safer

The owner of one of downtown's most recognizable buildings is making some safety repairs this week.

Thom Hawthorne, who owns what some know as the former Masonic Hall Building at the southeast corner of Main and Bellville streets, is removing a decorative tin rim from the top of the building. Hawthorne said the building had deteriorated behind the tin. Repairs will shore up the building.

Hawthorne said he feared some of the loosened and weathered bricks or tin might fall onto the sidewalk unless the building was properly repaired.

The oldest part of the structure was built in 1867 and newest part in 1905. The building is currently home to Marion Cafe and Thom's Sweet Shoppe.

Henderson cloverleaf westbound detours

After completing work on the eastbound lanes of the U.S. 60 Overpass at the US 41 Cloverleaf in Henderson, a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is moving work to the westbound lane starting at 7 p.m., Friday.

Like the eastbound closure, KYTC spokesman Keith Todd says the westbound closure on U.S. 60 presents a number of traffic challenges that will require the cooperation of the public.

“During the westbound closure we’re setting up multiple detours to help spread out the traffic flow,” Todd said.  “However, we again need the cooperation of the public to help traffic move as smoothly as possible.”

For traffic traveling west on U.S. 60 from the Spottsville area into Henderson, a detour will be marked along KY 1078 to KY 351.  For traffic originating closer to town along U.S. 60, a marked detour will be provided along Marywood Drive to US 41. Traffic coming out of the Walmart parking lot at the Barrett Boulevard traffic signal will be restricted to one left turn lane. The northbound U.S. 41 ramp to westbound U.S. 60 will be closed. Through traffic traveling from Owensboro to downtown Henderson should use the Audubon Parkway.

Traffic from state highways is not normally detoured along city streets.  However, the City of Henderson has allowed the use of Marywood as an official detour to help maintain traffic flow.

Reconstruction of the westbound lanes of the U.S. 60 Overpass should be completed by 6 a.m., Monday, July 2.

Area death

Mary J. Alvis, 100, of Marion died Tuesday at Livingston Hospital. Funeral services are Monday at Myers Funeral Home in Marion.

Couples golf tournament this weekend at MCC

Marion Country Club will host its Buck and Doe Couples Golf Tournament this weekend.

Tee times for the two-person scramble are at 8 a.m., and 1 p.m., Saturday. Teams will be flighted for Sunday's round.

Cost is $140 per team. Call 704-0600 or  969-0646 for more information or to enter.

Rogers paving on U.S. 60 East through July 3

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans asphalt paving work along U.S. 60 East in Crittenden County starting Friday, June 22.

This project starts near town at the east end of the Rush Creek Bridge at mile point 10.759 and extends eastward to Ky. 365 at mile point 17.266, a distance of 6.51 miles.

This paving project will include the installation of centerline rumble strips.

Rogers Group, Inc, is the prime contractor on this $663,248 highway improvement project.  The expected completion date is July 3.

Manhunt closes Cave In Rock Ferry

UPDATE ferry is now open.
Suspect was caught at Cave In Rock Motel without incident. He was armed, however.

Kentucky State Police are searching for Billy C. Utley of Webster County. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and may be in the Cave In Rock, Ill., area.

Police think the 41-year-old suspect shot and killed his estranged wife last night in Wheatcroft then fled the scene with a high-powered rifle.

Crittenden County Sheriff Wayne Agent said Illinois State Police have closed the ferry at this time.

A motorist tells The Press that several unmarked Kentucky police cars and plain-clothed officers are at the ferry landing on the Kentucky side.

Keith Todd, spokesman for the Transportation Cabinet, says it's unclear at this time how long the ferry will be closed.

Last night, state police found Theresa A. Utley deceased inside a vehicle at a Wheatcroft address. An investigation revealed that Utley's estranged husband shot her with a high-powered rifle.  The Webster county coroner pronounced Theresa A. Utley dead at scene. Detectives followed up on several leads in Webster, Union and Henderson counties. They apparently learned that the suspect may be headed to southern Illinois.

A murder warrant has been issued for Billy Utley.  Anyone with information concerning the investigation or whereabouts of Utley is urged to contact the Kentucky State Police at 1-270-676-3313 or toll free at 1-800-222-5555.

Core drilling has begun near Frances

The company exploring for fluorspar in the southern part of the county began taking samples of earth Monday.

Appalachian Spar hopes to locate enough deposits to start mining and milling fluorspar here again. 

At one time, fluorspar was a major industry in the county.

Main Street holes will disappear soon

The holes on Main Street should be disappearing very soon.


City workers have found the source of a problem that led to recent intense work along Main Street. The city installed a new water line this spring, but had an issue with the old water line, getting it all turned off. 


Workers spent days trying to find one final place where the old line was still active. They finally found it early this week at the intersection of Gum Street and Main streets.


Now, temporary street repairs will be done. Later, the state will resurface Main Street.

County is no longer under emergency burn ban

The emergency burn ban issued last month by county officials has been lifted.

Normal burning laws should be followed when burning outdoors or in trash cans.

Hog Rock kicks off Thursday, traffic picks up

The annual Hog Rock motorcycle rally and concert series in Cave In Rock, Ill., runs Thursday through Sunday.

Heavier than normal local traffic, including RVs and motorcycles, is already causing lengthy waits at the Cave In Rock Ferry.

Some entrepreneurs along Ky. 91 in Kentucky are setting up shop and selling things. This sign was located near the Hebron area.

U.S. 60 will be closed Friday at Ky. 297

Kentucky Transportation Department will close U.S. 60 at mile point 4.8 in Crittenden County Friday. This closure is to allow the replacement of a cross drain near the intersection with Ky. 297 at the bottom of Moore Hill. The road will be closed at 8 a.m., and reopen around 3 p.m. No marked detour will be provided.

Ball games cancelled tonight at park

Youth baseball and softball games scheduled for tonight at Marion have been cancelled due to weather.

Area death

Frank Wayne “Buster” Moore, 96, of Marion died Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Crittenden Health and Rehabilitation Center. Services are Wednesday Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.

Hay on fire in road south of Shady Grove

Update: Site is Now Clear

A large truck hauling hay has caught fire south of Shady Grove. Emergency responders are headed to the scene at this time. Kentucky highway 139 is currently closed due to the fire. A utility pole was reportedly ablaze near the road and a building next to the highway was being threatened by the flames.

Hurricane Camp Meeting starts today

The 124h Hurricane Camp Meeting starts tonight at the open-air tabernacle near Tolu.

Bro. Richard Gardner of Walnut Grove Church will be the evangelist.

Dinner is served nightly starting at 5 p.m., at the camp cafeteria. Nightly signing starts at 7 p.m., followed by the evening message.

Youngsters will be setting up camp this morning and will be there until Saturday. The preaching, however, goes on through the weekend.

Area death

Donald R. Crawford, 89, of Burna died Friday at Western Kentucky Veterans Center.The funeral is Monday at the Chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors. Click here for more boydfuneraldirectors.com.

Area death

Glen "Ace" Davidson 74, of Marion died Friday June 8 at his home. Funeral services are Tuesday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Former Bobcat picked 44th in MLB draft

A former Marion Bobcat has been picked in the supplemental first round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

See this week's Crittenden Press for details. Newspapers will be on sale this afternoon beginning around 3 p.m.

Fluorspar may be on its way back in Crittenden

Fluorspar was once king in Crittenden County. The county was at one point the largest producer of fluorspar in the world. At that point, things were booming around here. Now, a major American company is exploring the idea once again of mining fluorspar here. See this week's Crittenden Press for the first in a two-part series about the possible resurgence of fluorspar mining.

Dyer Hill curve highway meeting tomorrow night

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is holding a public information meeting from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday at the American Legion Hall next to the Livingston County Middle School just east of Burna in regard to its plans to improve U.S. 60 in the Dyer Hill Curve area of Livingston County.  

According to KYTC spokesman Keith Todd, the scope of the original Dyer Hill construction project has been restructured using the agency’s “practical solutions” design process.

“The project as originally planned would have had to wait years for funding,” Todd said. “By applying a practical solutions design process we can address many of the safety issues identified during planning of the original project and get it to construction more quickly.  We’re inviting the public to come by, take a look at drawings and other exhibits, then provide comments on the plan that will help our design staff to refine it further.”

Todd urged anyone with an interest in the project to attend the meeting.

A handout and comment sheet/questionnaire will be provided. During the meeting, individuals will have the opportunity to view displays and discuss the project with Transportation Cabinet representatives. Oral comments and/or written comments may be made during the meeting.  Comments also may be submitted in writing before June 25, 2012 to the Department of Highways District 1 Office, 5501 Kentucky Dam Road, Paducah, KY 42003.

For more information call 270-898-2431.

Area death

Charles “Pepsi” Crider 69, of Marion died Tuesday, June 4, 2012 at the Crittenden Hospital. Graveside services are Wednesday at Crayne Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from noon until 1:45 p.m., at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Youth golf camp is this week

The Rocket Junior Golf Camp for students in grades K-6 (next school term) will be held from 8 to 11 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday this coming week (June 5-7) at Marion-Crittenden County Park in the open area below the basketball courts.

Cost is $25. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., first day of camp.

For more information, contact Blair Winders at 704-0955

Military ordnance found in Crittenden, Livingston

Livingston Sheriff's Department Photo

A joint investigation between Livingston and Crittenden county sheriffs' departments has uncovered dozens of military items, including Claymore mines, hand grenades, mortars and other explosives.

The items were found at an unoccupied home at the corner Ky. 855 North and Brown Mines Road in Crittenden County and at an unoccupied home on Shelby Store Road in Livingston County.

Livingston authorities were looking for a stolen pickup and motorcycle when the items were found Tuesday and Wednesday.

See next week's Crittenden Press for full details.