Area deaths

J.C. Monroe, 79, of Burna, died Sept. 28, 2013, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Leona Belt, 71, of Lola, died Sept. 27, 2013, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

Cora Ann Few, 63, of Marion, died Sept. 29, 2013, at Crittenden Hospital. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.



 

Area death

Donald Tabor, 66, of Salem, died Sept. 28, 2013. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.

VFW post ending Monday bingo

Due to waning participation in Monday night bingo, Marion VFW Post 12022 will no longer host the weekly game.

Post Quartermaster William Clarke said Monday will be the final bingo night. Since first hosting bingo six years ago, the post has donated money raised through the game to numerous veteran and community organizations. But patrization has dwindled to a point of diminishing return.

“You can’t pay out more than you taken in,” said Clarke, adding that the post is appreciative of support it has received from bingo players.

The post will now rely on raffles and yard sales to raise money for its civic donations.

Buell crowned homecoming queen

Click on Image to Enlarge

Crittenden County senior Brittney Buell was crowned homecoming queen Friday night at Rocket Stadium. The Rockets lost the football game 13-12 to Muhlenberg County. The king was senior Aaron Owen. Pictured here are the queen and king and their court. From left: freshmen Brittany Minton and Maeson Myers, juniors Chelsea Oliver and Noah Dickerson, seniors Maggie Collins, Taylor Champion, Owen and Buell, last year's queen Alyssa Leet, seniors Ashley Cooper, Cody Caraway and Travis Gilbert and sophomores Kali Travis and Dylan Hollis. Drake Young was the ring bearer and Haylie Hunt the flower girl.

Sturgis Road work to restrict traffic

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a daytime lane restriction on Sturgis Road in Marion starting Monday followed by a night closure starting at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

This work along U.S. 60/Sturgis Road in the Curve Inn area of Marion is for the replacement of a cross drain. This work site is on U.S. 60 near the 10-mile marker in front of the 88 Dip Restaurant. This is in about the 100 block of Sturgis Road between Fords Ferry Road and Sunset Drive in Marion.

Some prep work at the site will require a lane restriction starting Monday morning immediately following the morning school bus run. Due to the amount of work required, delays are likely in this work zone during daylight hours on both Monday and Tuesday.

Starting at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the roadway will be closed to all traffic. U.S. 60 is expected to reopen about midnight with metal plates temporarily covering the excavation.

During this closure passenger vehicles may detour through side streets. However, there is no practical truck detour for this closure point. Trucks should seek an alternate route via appropriate state highways.

On Wednesday, a lane restriction will resume as concrete is poured to cover the new cross drain with the roadway reopening to normal traffic flow once the concrete has cured.

Motorists should avoid this work zone, if possible, as delays are likely.

Boil Water Order Lifted: False Alarm

City officials say yesterday's boil water order, which was required by state law, turned out to be a false alarm.

Brian Thomas, director of the city's water service, said a "false-positive" result at the water testing lab in Madisonville created a situation where the boil order was necessary.

Turns out, however, that nothing was wrong in the first place, Thomas said. Such orders are necessary as a precautionary measure while followup tests are conducted to make sure drinking water is safe.

Conway: Growing hemp remains illegal in Kentucky

Growing industrial hemp remains illegal in Kentucky despite recent state legislation and a U.S. Department of Justice memo dealing with marijuana prosecutions, Attorney General Jack Conway said Wednesday. Conway expressed his views in a six-page advisory letter to State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer. Conway's legal analysis drew support from Gov. Steve Beshear but vitriol from the office of state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer.

For the complete story, visit The Herald Leader online.

County offices closed Saturday

Crittenden County Courthouse offices of clerk, circuit clerk and sheriff will be closed Saturday due to the Pumpkin Festival Car Show around the court square.

True healthcare stories from CHS

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Author offers living history of Kentucky’s frontier days

Renowned Kentucky author Eddie Price will be in Marion this weekend to bring to life his story of Kentucky's contributions to the United States' cause in the War of 1812.

"Widder's Landing," a story of life and love on the Kentucky frontier in the early 19th century, is a historical novel written by the historian and teacher from Hancock County. Price will be at Crittenden County Public Library on Saturday in period costume to present and discuss the book. He will also have period music and a PowerPoint presentation.

“Eddie Price explores the vital role Kentucky played during our second war for independence with Great Britain," wrote John M. Trowbridge, Kentucky National Guard command historian, in his review of the book. "'Widder's Landing' is a well-researched historical overview of Kentucky's role in the War of 1812, a penetrating look into the lives of Kentuckians during this tumultuous time in the history of Kentucky and our nation."

You can see the book and read further reviews on Amazon.com.

Sponsored by the library and Crittenden County Historical Society and held in conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival, Price's presentation is open to the public at no charge. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. in the library's meeting room.

Price will have copies of his book available for sale and signing.

City boil water order issued

The City of Marion has issued a boil water order effective immediately for the south end of town. The area affected with include water customers south of Bellville Street. The order is until further notice.

City Administrator Mark Bryant said a sample of water tested badly today, forcing the boil water order. He said it will be at until about noon Friday before the city knows if it can lift the order.

Water for drinking and cooking should be boiled for at least three minutes before use.

Homecoming parade starts at 5 p.m.

Today's homecoming parade starts at 5 p.m., followed by the powder puff football game at Rocket Stadium.

Search ongoing for cause of salmonella outbreak, 10 cases confirmed, 1 dead

Health officials have reported another patient has been hospitalized while more than 50 others have been tested for salmonella. A source of the illness, which has 10 confirmed cases resulting in a death and five hospitalizations, has not been revealed. “We are trying to figure out where it is coming from and we’ll go from there,” said Barry Franklin, environmental supervisor for the Hopkins County Health Department. “We have been investigating since last Wednesday.” Salmonella is a bacterial infection caused by eating tainted or undercooked foods.

For more, visit the Madisonville Messenger online.

Yard sale

Huge multi-family garage sale, Fri.-Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 8068 Fords Ferry Rd., Marion. Native American craft supplies, Sterling jewelry, Gretsch guitar, piano, large Sentry fire boxes, tools, Husqvarna riding mower, industrial carts, motorcycle jack, dining table with 8 chairs, washer and dryers, beds, propane kitchen stove, GE wall oven in cabinet, metal desk, couch, tables, lamps, cookware, glassware, LOTS more!

Area death

Leon Fritts, 79, of Marion, died Sept. 24, 2013, at his home. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

I-24 construction season winding down

A busy construction season along the 93 miles of Interstate 24 through Kentucky is starting to wind down as work is completed along two of three major rehabilitation projects this summer.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to remove the I-24 work zone from the 10- to 16-mile marker in McCracken County on Thursday.

The work zone lane restrictions should be removed by about 4 p.m. Thursday, weather permitting. Motorists should be aware that some limited lane restrictions could be established along this section of I-24 for finish work over the next few weeks, if required.

Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers was the prime contractor on this $14.83 million rehabilitation project that ran from the 3- to 16-mile marker on I-24. The project was divided into two sections to minimize traffic disruptions.

The project included erosion repairs, drainage improvements, guardrail upgrades and new pavement along the 13-mile section. Some of the driving surface replaced this summer had been in place since 1999. The project is being substantially completed more than a month ahead of schedule.

Jim Smith Contracting was also the prime contractor on $11.5 million in rehabilitation work along I-24/I-69 from the 31- to 45-mile marker in Livingston and Lyon counties. Some guardrail and other finish work continues with limited lane restrictions along this section from time to time.

Work zone lane restrictions for $13.97 million in rehabilitation work along I-24 from the 86- to 93-mile marker in Christian County between U.S. 41-Alternate and the Kentucky-Tennessee state line remains active.  Rogers Group is the prime contractor on that section.  It is expected to be complete in mid-October.  Motorists are reminded to use appropriate caution in this work zone where equipment, flaggers, and construction personnel are working along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Basics for signing up for the Affordable Care Act

Love it or hate it, the Affordable Care Act is inching ever closer to reality. In fact, beginning Tuesday Kentuckians will be able to sign up for health insurance through a state-created program at the website, KyNect.Ky.Gov. Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you navigate your way.

For more, visit The Herald Leader online.

Duck Dynasty event at Graves County cancelled

According to Graves County Athletic Director Doug Gloyd, the Duck Dynasty event scheduled for Graves County High School this Saturday has been cancelled due to potential economic loss for the school’s athletic department.

For those that purchased tickets by credit card, those costs will be credited back to your card. For those that purchased tickets through the athletic office, bring the tickets to Graves County High School before Oct. 5 and you will be given a refund. There will be no refunds after Oct. 5. 

For everyone that purchased a raffle ticket, there will be no refund because a prize package will still be awarded to the winner. 

Kynect enrollment begins Oct. 1

Nearly half of Kentucky’s estimated 640,000 residents without health insurance could qualify for expanded Medicaid when the state’s health insurance exchange program, Kynect, opens for enrollment Tuesday. Coverage for early enrollees (those joining before Dec. 15 at kynect.ky.gov) will begin Jan. 1. Open enrollment runs through March 31. Many of the remainder who enroll will qualify for some form of a subsidy, according to Bill Nold, deputy executive director for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Health Benefits Exchange.

For the full story, visit The Daily News online.

USPS proposes raising stamp price to 49 cents

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
The United States Postal Service today announced proposed price changes, including an increase in the price of a first-class mail single-piece letter from 46 cents to 49 cents. The proposed changes, which would go into effect in January, are intended to generate $2 billion in incremental annual revenue for the Postal Service, according to a postal service news release.

Highlights of the new single-piece First-Class Mail pricing, effective Jan. 26, 2014 include:

• Letters (1 oz.) — 3-cent increase to 49 cents
• Letters additional ounces — 1-cent increase to 21 cents
• Letters to all international destinations (1 oz.) — $1.15
• Postcards — 1-cent increase to 34 cents

Pricing for Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services also will be adjusted as part of a filing to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) scheduled to take place Thursday.

The Governors of the Postal Service voted Sept. 24 to seek price increases above the typical annual increases associated with changes in the Consumer Price Index.

In a letter disseminated to customers today, Board of Governors Chairman Mickey Barnett described the “precarious financial condition” of the Postal Service and the “uncertain path toward enactment of postal reform legislation” as primary reasons for seeking price changes above the CPI increase. He also indicated that the price adjustment above the CPI increase is necessary in order to ensure that the Postal Service will be able to maintain and continue the development of postal services of the type and quality which America needs.

The PRC will review the prices before they become effective Jan. 26, 2014, and must agree the prices are consistent with applicable law. The new price proposals are scheduled to be filed Sept. 26 and will be available on the PRC website at www.prc.gov and also will be available at http://pe.usps.com.

Area death

Robert Boyce Mitchell, 91, of Paducah, a native of Burna, died Sept. 24, 2013, at his home. Milner and Orr Funeral Home in Paducah is handling arrangements.

Tuesday Special: Chicken and Ribs

www.marionpitbbq.com

Kentucky's ColorFall 2013 helps public track leaf changes

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Fall has arrived and with it the 2013 edition of the ColorFall program promoting travel to peak foliage viewing areas and exciting autumn events around Kentucky. ColorFall is designed to aid public enjoyment of autumn in the Bluegrass State.

Coordinated by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism and the Kentucky Department of Parks, ColorFall is now in its 28th year. ColorFall features a website, www.kentuckytourism.com/seasons, that provides a variety of information about the state’s beauty at this time of year, including reports on stages of leaf changes from naturalists at parks throughout the Commonwealth.

Besides tips on timing trips to parks, forests and arboretums for peak color, ColorFall website visitors will also find listings of special fall events and a link to a Facebook page where Kentuckians can upload digital photos of their own fall travels. The program, including the website, runs Monday through Oct. 31.

Dean Henson, the park manager at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site and a former naturalist, saud that many variables contribute to the degree of foliage color in any given fall season.

“The greater the frequency of crisp, sunny days with no evening frost, the more brilliant our colors,” saidHenson, a popular contributor to ColorFall with his blog posts on foliage stages. “For those seasons when the fickle mix of environmental factors is just right, waiting eyes are rewarded with a beaming display of color.”

Among many unique events of the season are the Governor’s Autumn Bicycle Ride across Kentucky Oct. 3-6 (www.gabraky.com) and the Bourbon Chase team running race Oct. 18-19 (www.bourbonchase.com).

For more information, contact Beth Holbrook at (502) 564-4930 ext. 343 or beth.holbrook@ky.gov.

Junior Pro football - Game Times Change Saturday

Due to a scheduling conflict brought on by the weather, Saturday's Junior Pro football games at Marion have been rescheduled for new times. All games are still being played on Saturday. New times are:
THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE
B Game noon
A Game 1 p.m.
FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE
Game time 3 p.m.

All games at Rocket Stadium

Freedom to Fish Act closer to passage

Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) today announced that the Freedom to Fish Act was favorably voted out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and will now be considered by the entire House of Representatives. The legislation is included as part of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA) that passed through committee earlier today.   

“I am pleased that we are now another step closer to enacting a permanent solution to stopping the Corps’ overreach,” said Whitfield. “I will be urging Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor to allow this bill to be considered before the full House of Representatives as soon as possible.”

Now that WRRDA has been voted favorably out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it will be considered by the entire House of Representatives. It will then go to a conference committee with the Senate to work out the various differences between the two bills.  Assuming a conference agreement is reached, both Houses will approve the agreement and it will be sent to the President to be signed into law.

Whitfield ushered a two-year moratorium on the installation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ barricades at Cumberland River dams back in June. Kentucky Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander have been instrumental in moving the necessary language through the Senate.

Fire threatens Mexico home

A fire at an abandoned mobile home Thursday off Ky. 70 threatened a nearby home, but volunteers with Caldwell Springs and Crittenden County fire departments were able to get the blaze under control in time to save the house. No one was injured.

Area death

Ralph C. "R.C." Hamilton Jr., 87, of Marion, died Sept. 17, 2013, at Livingston Hospital in Salem. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Beshear: Kentucky will seek flexibility on greenhouse gas rules

Kentucky will press federal officials for flexibility in meeting greenhouse gas emission rules as the state tries to preserve coal jobs and keep electricity prices down, Gov. Steve Beshear said Tuesday. Federal rules aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants will hit hard in Kentucky, which gets more than 92 percent of its electricity from coal-fired power plants, is a major coal producer and has many energy-intensive industries.

For the full story, visit The Herald Leader online.

Local bank warns of debit card scam

Farmers Bank & Trust Co. is warning its customers about a debit card scam that on Tuesday apparently began targeting possible customers of the local bank.

Executive Vice President Chris Cook said the bank is aware of a handful of calls made to residents telling them their debit card has been suspended. The automated call, with a caller ID that shows the numbers 5595, asks for the cardholder to enter their 16-digit account number, the expiration date of the card and a PIN number in order to reactivate the card.

“It’s definitely not us calling,” Cook said of the bank.

As of early Tuesday afternoon, Cook said only one of the calls the bank is aware of was made to an actual customer of the institution. That proves, Cook said, that the bank’s security has not been compromised and that the scammers are simply phishing for potential victims from contact information gathered from sources outside of the bank.

Cook said both Marion Police Department and Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department have been notified of the scheme.

If an Farmers Bank customer provides the information requested and then realizes it is part of a scam, they should immediately call the bank to have the card suspended.

How about some chicken or ribs for lunch today?

www.marionpitbbq.com

Paducah road work to affect overnight traffic

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a night concrete pour along a section of U.S. 60/Irvin Cobb Drive along Paducah’s southside starting Tuesday.

Traffic is already restricted with two-way traffic along this section of U.S. 60 from the Bridge Street intersection at mile-point 16.4 to just east of the Interstate 24 Downtown Business Loop/John Puryear Drive intersection at mile-point 17.8.

To help minimize further traffic disruptions during peak travel periods, the concrete pour will start at approximately 8 p.m. nightly and will be completed by 6 a.m. the following morning.

During the night concrete work, motorists can expect to encounter one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers at points along this section to allow concrete trucks to off-load. Motorists should be alert for trucks moving in and out of this work zone.

Hi-Way Paving Inc. is the prime contractor on this $4.9 million highway improvement project.  The work has a contract completion date of Nov. 30, 2013.

Lane shift ahead for Ledbetter bridge

UPDATE: 3:40 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16
The traffic shift has been completed on the New U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter. Two-way traffic is now running on the eastbound lanes to allow the contractor to continue painting and other finish work on the downstream side of the bridge. Please continue to use caution when you cross the bridge as this is still an active work zone.

- - - -

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) is planning a traffic shift on the new U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter on Monday or Tuesday.

Two-way traffic is now running on the eastbound lanes of the bridge. Sometime Monday or Tuesday, traffic will be shifted to the westbound lanes to facilitate additional painting and other associated work required to complete the new structure.

A utility crew will have to install cables on the bridge. The contractor will have to complete some remaining work and then clear equipment off the bridge to prepare for the shift. A traffic crew will then change striping on the bridge and rework traffic control on the approaches.

Motorists should use particular caution as they cross the bridge on Monday and Tuesday as crews prepare for this shift.  Motorists should be prepared to adapt to changes in traffic flow during the shift and once the lanes have been moved to the westbound side of the deck.

As a reminder, the U.S. 60 Tennessee River Bridge at Ledbetter continues to be an active work zone with a strictly enforced 35 mph speed limit. Caution is required where construction personnel and equipment are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

The contractor hopes to be able to complete painting of the downstream side of the bridge truss and substructure by mid-November before cool temperatures force painters to halt their work.

Gas prices dip below $3.10 in Marion

Local drivers are the beneficiary of a bit of a gas war today in Marion. All three fueling stations at noon were selling regular unleaded for $3.099 per gallon. The current average price of a gallon of regular unleaded nationwide is $3.559 and $3.430 in Kentucky, according to GasBuddy.com.

By 12:30 p.m., however, prices had begun to fluctuate.

Century Aluminum power ruling appealed by large industries

Three large Western Kentucky industries that use Big Rivers Electric Corp.’s power will appeal a recent ruling by state regulators that caused their electric rates to jump. The Kentucky Public Service Commission last month approved agreements that allowed Big Rivers’ biggest customer, Century Aluminum’s 700-employee smelter at Hawesville, to leave the Big Rivers’ system and buy cheaper power on the open market. That has left Big Rivers’ remaining 112,000 customers in Western Kentucky paying higher electric rates to cover fixed costs that Century formerly helped pay.

For the full story, visit The Gleaner online.

Summer of 2013 cooler, wetter than normal

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
After three consecutive summers that ranked among the hottest on record, the summer of 2013 brought welcome relief in the form of cooler than normal temperatures and abundant rainfall to Kentucky.



After a typical June, both July and August were well below normal with afternoon temperatures that rarely reached 90 degrees. Bowling Green went 38 consecutive days from July 21 to Aug. 27 without having a high temperature of at least 90, which was the second longest summertime sub-90 degrees streak dating to 1894, according to a news release from the meteorology program at Western Kentucky University.



It was also a summer where the high temperature never surpassed 95 degrees, which typically occurs 14 times per summer. Overall, the summer of 2013 was the 33rd coolest summer in the last 120 years, although the July-August period ranked as the 18th coolest.



The culprit for the cool summer was an active storm track that brought numerous rain chances to south central Kentucky all summer long. According to Dr. Greg Goodrich, associate professor of meteorology in WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology, the persistent clouds and storms often put a cap on afternoon temperatures.



“The cloudiness and high humidity from the numerous storms this summer kept afternoon temperatures well below normal but also kept our mornings warm and muggy,” Goodrich said. “We also never had any long stretches without rainfall, which kept our soils from drying out and adding heat to the atmosphere. The longest stretch without measurable rainfall was only seven days, whereas the typical summer will have dry stretches that can last a couple of weeks.”



Overall, the summer of 2013 was the seventh wettest on record with more than 18 inches and the wettest since 2009. The two-month period from July to August was the second wettest such period with nearly 16 inches, second only to 1938. It could have been worse. June was drier than normal with only 2.4 inches of rain in Bowling Green, but the Bluegrass region had nearly 7 inches in June as did several counties to the west of Bowling Green.



“Summertime thunderstorms are often hit-or-miss, and while a number of soaking thunderstorms just missed us in June, nearly every thunderstorm in July and August came right through this area,” Goodrich said.



More than 42 inches of rain have fallen in Bowling Green so far through the first eight months of the year, which ranks as the ninth wettest start to the year and the wettest January-August period since 1994. The summer of 2013 ranks as the fifth straight extreme summer in a row, as both 2009 and 2013 were similarly cool and wet while 2010, 2011 and 2012 were uncomfortably hot. The summer of 2008 was the most recent “normal” summer and even it was preceded by the extremely hot and dry summer of 2007. 



“Recent summers have highlighted the variability of our climate,” said state climatologist Stuart Foster, director of the Kentucky Climate Center and the Kentucky Mesonet at WKU. “After experiencing a period of drought and extreme heat last summer, Kentucky has experienced fewer outbreaks of severe weather this summer. While residents have saved on their energy bills this summer, they have spent more time keeping their lawns mowed.”



While warmer weather has arrived in September, a brief break in the high temperatures and humidity is expected this weekend. 



With no El Niño or La Niña to influence the weather, the long-range fall outlook for Kentucky is for normal temperatures with above average precipitation.

Act to keep Cumberland River dam tailwaters open to fishing clears panel

Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) today announced significant progress in reaching a permanent solution to prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from permanently restricting access to the tailwaters near Cumberland River dams, including Barkley Dam. At the request of Whitfield and other interested colleagues, language was included as part of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013.  The measure was released from the House Transportation Infrastructure Committee earlier this afternoon.

“While I am pleased we were able to enact a two year delay on the Corps’ plan to restrict access to fishing, I am now focused on enacting a permanent solution to stop the Corps’ overreach,” said Whitfield. “This legislation is the result of the Corps’ failure to listen to the people of Kentucky on an issue that impacts our livelihoods, way of life and local economy of western Kentucky.”

Main Street traffic signal getting upgrade

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) crew today is working on a change to the traffic signal along Main Street that should ease the flow of traffic when the job is finished.

A crew is in the process of changing out the equipment and system that triggers a signal change at the intersection of Main and Bellville streets. Once finished, the upgraded intersection signal will give vehicles along Main Street the green light unless a vehicle is detected on Bellville Street on either side of the primary north-south corridor through town.

"This means Main Street legs will be green more often," KyTC spokesman Keith Todd told The Crittenden Press when the change was first announced in February. "Now it's strictly timed. If you come up at midnight and there is no traffic, you still have to wait for it to signal through."

The alteration is a work in progress, with traffic and electrical crews working on the project when they are not doing maintenance or repair work on existing signals elsewhere. No date is available for completion of the work.

Golf team 10th at state Class A

Crittenden County's high school golf team finished 10th at the Touchstone Energy All A Classic State Golf Championship last weekend at Somerset's Eagle's Nest Golf Course.

Here are individual scores of Rocket golfers:

• Aaron Owen 80
• Cameron McDaniel 84
• Devin Belt 87
• Cole Foster 90
• Colby Watson 98

Kayla Davis, the school's only qualifying female golfer, shot a 135 and finished 93rd in the girls' event.

Area deaths

Herman Franklin McMain, 76, of Marion, died Sept. 10, 2013, at Crittenden Hospital. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Wendell Davis Wright, 89, of Marion, a native of the Mexico community, died Sept. 8, 2013, at Livingston Hospital. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements. 

Eric Willis, 46, of Marion, died Sept. 10, 2013, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Pet bird missing from Lola area

Green Parakeet with yellow head missing from Lola on Sept. 9. Please call 988-2570 if you see it.

Remembering 9/11

Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-Hopkinsville) today released the following statement in remembrance of the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States.  

“Today, we remember those who lost their lives in the tragic terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pa. While we will never forget the tragic loss of life that occurred on that fateful morning, we must also remember the tremendous resolve demonstrated by the American people on that day.  The brave firefighters, police officers, first responders and everyday people who put their lives on the line to save others demonstrates all that is great about the American people.

“We must also remember the brave men and women of our armed forces who were deployed to defend our country during our time of need. I ask all Kentuckians to take a moment to reflect and remember all of those people who lost their lives as a result of the events twelve years ago, and above all else, to remember that we must remain proud, united Americans. “

CCHS progress reports sent home

Crittenden County High School progress reports for the first grading period of the school year were sent home today. For parents who would like to speak with any of their student's instructors, parent-teacher conferences will take place from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday.

August brings growth to state's economy

Kentucky's General Fund tax receipts grew by 3.8 percent in August compared to last year. Total tax revenues for the month grew from nearly $664 million compared to $639 million in August 2012, state Budget Director Jane Driskell reported on Tuesday. Growth in sales tax revenues was encouraging, Driskell said in a news release, since sales tax revenues declined in the previous fiscal year. Strong construction activity boosted August tax collections.

State auditor issues fraud alert to Kentucky retirees

According to the Kentucky Enquirer, State Auditor Adam Edelen has alerted law enforcement authorizes to a fraudulent letter that has been sent to retirees in Kentucky. The letter claims the auditor’s office has discovered that some 26,000 people were overpaid and that a field agent would contact them for repayment. Edelen said that isn’t true, and he’s concerned it could be part of a scam.

Heat index to reach near 100

Summer is not over just yet.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, the heat index for Wednesday will top out near 100 degrees as highs reach into the mid-90s. Special care to avoid heat stress is advised.

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Area death

Ricky Joe Curnel, 46, of Marion, died Sept. 7, 2013 at Crittenden Hospital. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

CCMS progress reports out this week

Crittenden County Middle School progress reports will be sent home on Wednesday.

Area death

Kristy Tabor Strack Guess, 43, of Eddyville, died Sept. 5, 2013, at Baptist Health Paducah. Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville is handling arrangements.

Thomas Allen "Sonny" West, 64, of Marion, died Sept. 5, 2013, at his home. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Committee investigating claims against Rep. Arnold to hold first meeting Sept. 17

The investigating committee appointed by House Speaker Greg Stumbo to look into matters contained in the Petition for Censure or Expulsion of Rep. John Arnold (D-Sturgis) announced today that it will hold its first official meeting at 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 in Room 131 of the Capitol Annex.

“This will be more of an organizational meeting for the purposes of electing a chairman and establishing the procedures for conducting the investigation into the allegations filed by two Legislative Research Commission employees,” Speaker Stumbo said.  “From there, the committee will set its own timetable to move forward.”

Paving to close Kentucky Welcome Center on I-24

The Interstate 24 westbound Kentucky Welcome Center in Christian County is expected to close for three days starting the morning of Sept. 11.

This closure is to allow a finish layer of asphalt to be placed along the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 and the welcome center entry and exit ramps near the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. This is part of an ongoing rehabilitation project along I-24 from the 86- to 93-mile marker.

The asphalt paving is expected to take about three days to complete, weather permitting.  The welcome center is expected to reopen sometime on the afternoon of Sept. 13. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will attempt to provide timely notice if this tentative schedule is altered due to weather or other conditions.

The westbound Kentucky Welcome Center on I-24 in Christian County is jointly operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Travel.

As a reminder, an extended work zone remains in place along I-24 from the Kentucky-Tennessee state line to the U.S. 41-Alternate Exit 86 interchange. This work zone includes one lane traffic with a strictly enforced 55 mile per hour speed limit, an enhanced police presence, and double fines for citations issued in the work zone. Caution is required.

Expert: Sleep leads to better grades

If you get more sleep, you can get better grades. That was the message Wednesday evening from James B. Maas of Cornell University, a noted sleep expert, to about 3,300 freshmen at Western Kentucky University during the Freshman Assembly at E.A. Diddle Arena. Maas said students need to establish a routine, going to bed and waking up at the same times, and abstain from caffeine after 2 p.m. “Sleep deprivation makes you clumsy, stupid, unhealthy and it shortens your life,” Maas said.

For the full story, visit the Bowling Green Daily News online.

Mark Twain performance comes to Fohs Hall

Fohs Hall Community Arts Foundation presents "Mark Twain: A Reminiscence" at 7 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Fohs Hall. Call 965-5983 for more information.

Farmer could serve 2 years in prison

KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
Richie Farmer, the basketball star who led Clay County High School and the University of Kentucky to success, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors that could send him to prison for about two years.

Farmer's attorney filed a motion for a change of plea on Thursday morning. He means he has reached agreement to resolve the various criminal and ethics charges against his client.

The charges stem from his two terms as state agriculture commissioner where his management style was questioned.

Farmer ran for lieutenant governor two years ago and that's when the complaints became public about his spending habits and other actions at the state Department of Agriculture.

Without a plea deal, he could have served 10 years in prison, if convicted. Recently, Farmer has worked as a car salesman in Clay County.

QuickStart Tennis served up next week

QuickStart Tennis for youth in Marion will be Sept. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24. Registration will be Sept 9 at the basketball courts at Marion-Crittenden County Park at 5:30 p.m.

CCMS SBDM date changed

There is a change of date for the September middle school SBDM meeting. There was a conflict with the Sept. 11 date. The meeting for September will now be Tuesday.

Woman dies in ATV accident

2010 graduation photo

A Crittenden County woman died in an ATV accident shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Mexico community about 5 miles south of Marion.

Lashalea Murray, 23, was apparently riding a four-wheeler alone on Mill Road behind her home on Ky. 70 when the accident happened.

Crittenden County Coroner Brad Gilbert pronounced Murray deceased at the scene.

Rescue personnel were dispatched to the location and a helicopter was ordered in flight toward the scene, but authorities said it was too late by the time anyone arrived.

Murray is the daughter of Gary Murray, pastor at Main Street Missionary Baptist Church in Marion.

Because no one saw the accident, Gilbert said it's uncertain exactly what happened.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.

Gardens now open for public picking

The Victory Gardens near Marion-Crittenden County Park are now open for public picking and gathering.

Garden spokesman Robbie Kirk said there will be no further distribution days from produce yielded by the gardens.

"The gate near Shopko will be open and anyone can go in there and pick what they need," Kirk said.

The gardens have a good number of green peppers and some beans and tomatoes left, Kirk said.

"We have about 400 to 500 pepper plants and they're full," he explained.

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Planning starting for holiday charity

Though Christmas is still almost four months away, it’s never too early to start preparations.

The first Crittenden County Community Christmas planning meeting will be at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Extension Office. Those unable to attend but willing to help with the Inter-Agency Council project this year are asked to let the planning committee know by calling 965-5236.

Volunteers are needed for sign-ups in October, committee chairs and set-up and distribution day. The dates for all of these will be determined Thursday.

Area death

James C. “Jim” Travis, 77, of Marion, formerly of Sturgis, died Sept. 2, 2013, at Crittenden County Health and Rehab Center. Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis is handling arrangements.

Marion DQ assists junior trip

From 5 to 9 p.m. tonight, 10 percent of your purchase price at Marion Dairy Queen will go toward funding Crittenden County High School juniors' trip to Washington, D.C. next year.

CHS phone lines down

UPDATE: The phones are back up an operation at Crittenden Health Systems.

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The phone lines at Crittenden Health Systems are not working due to complications from a weekend storm.

If anyone has an emergency, they are asked to call 911.

Lunch Ideas for Today at Jack's

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Area death

John Alan Newbell, 73, of Marion, died Sept. 1, 2013, in Evansville, Ind. Gilbert Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Kentucky parks offer 2-for-1 camping this month

Enjoy some cooler temperatures with a special camping offer for next month from Kentucky State Parks. The parks are offering two nights for the price of one for campers during September.

The deal is good Sunday through Thursday from Monday through Sept. 29. There are 31 Kentucky State Park campgrounds across the state. To learn more about campgrounds, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

Campers should call the park where they want to camp to make the reservation. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or used on pre-existing reservations.

For more information about camping, lodging, dining and recreational activities at Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov.