More traffic issues 641

There are more traffic issues on U.S. 641. Motorists can expect one lane traffic and some delay at Skinframe creek between Fredonia and Eddyville.

641 remains closed until afternoon

UPDATE: The road reopened around 2 p.m. as expected.

- - - - - -

Motorists who travel US 641 between Crayne and Mott City in Crittenden County will need to make alternate arrangements today. The highway is expected to be CLOSED until around 2pm.

We suggest an alternate route alone Reiter's View Road to Mexico Church Road, which connects with Ky. 70 near Mott City.

Sulphur Springs Road is the route most vehicles are taking, creating congestion along the very narrow rural road.

Victory Gardens begin giveaways Tuesday

The Victory Gardens in Marion will begin distributing produce Tuesday.

In its fifth year of offering fresh produce to the public at no cost, the Victory Gardens in Marion continue thriving.

Trusties from Crittenden County Detention Center have been tending the gardens since early spring, and with assistance from volunteers and financial contributions from area churches, they now have them ready to start serving the public. Jailer Robbie Kirk said a multitude of vegetables planted in the Victory Gardens’ 28 plots have begun to yield enough for people to start filling bags and baskets with fresh produce.

On Tuesday, the first giveaway of the season, he expects bell peppers, tomatoes, banana peppers, squash and onions to be available. The giveaway starts at 9 a.m. and is open to any resident of the county. Giveaways are on a first come, first served basis. The Victory Gardens can be accessed at the rear of the Shopko parking lot off Sturgis Road in Marion.

Distribution will continue on Tuesdays throughout the growing season.

Johnson's: Frigidaire Summer Blowout!

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Area deaths

Erika Elizabeth Crider, 86, of Lexington, formerly of Marion, died June 26, 2015, at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. She was the former owner of The Coffee Shop in Marion. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Martha An Easley Hofer, 82, of Sioux Falls, S.D., a native of Crittenden County, died June 22, 2015. George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls is in charge of arrangements.

Fiscal court meeting moved to city hall

Tuesday's meeting of Crittenden Fiscal Court will be held at Marion City Hall. The move is necessitated because the chairlift at the courthouse remains inoperable.

On the agenda of the special meeting, which begins at 8 a.m., will be the opening of bids for a new van for the jail, cleaning up Fiscal Year 2015 year-end bills and a public hearing on the discontinuance of Ken Spar Road from the county road system.

U.S. 641 repairs to be made in Lyon County

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans base repairs along a section of U.S. 641 in Lyon County starting Monday.

The base repairs to be followed by paving in a few weeks run along U.S. 641 from mile-point 0.087 near the U.S. 62 intersection east of Eddyville and run northward to mile-piont 5.715 at the Lyon-Caldwell County line. This is along U.S. 641 between Eddyville and Fredonia.

The base repair work is expected to take about two days to complete.  The contractor will then allow traffic to run on this section to give the repaired areas an opportunity to settle.

The contractor will then return for asphalt paving along this section starting around July 13.  Paving is expected to take four to five days to complete, weather permitting.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers whenever crews are present in the work zone. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers and construction personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

More traffic issus on 641 this week

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close U.S. 641 for a period of time on Tuesday near the 2-mile marker in Crittenden County. This is at  the same place where the gas line was breached on Friday between Sulphur Springs and Lilly Dale roads.


The road will be closed starting at 7:30 a.m. and remain closed until around 2 p.m.


This closure is to allow the replacement of a cross drain. The closure is between the Mott City community and the Crayne community.


In preparation for this closure on Tuesday, there will be a work zone with one lane traffic for preliminary work at the site on Monday. This work on Monday will require one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers.


Motorists who regularly travel US 641 between Marion and Fredonia should be prepared to encounter one lane traffic on Monday and be prepared for US 641 to be closed on Tuesday.


Passenger vehicles may self-detour via side roads. However, truck traffic should detour via Ky. 70 and Ky. 855.


Due to the size of this cross drain replacement project, Livingston County's state highway maintenance crew will be assisting the Crittenden County crew with the work.

35th Marion High reunion Saturday

The 35th Marion High School alumni program will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday at The Heritage at Marion Country Club.

W.A. Franklin will again serve as the emcee of the event. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m.

For those interested in the Marion High School Memory Room, it is now located inside Crittenden County Historical Museum on East Bellville Street. The museum will be closed this Saturday, but is normally open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Gas leak disrupts 641 traffic

UPDATE: Crews at this location and estimate the highway will remain closed well past the evening commute period.

U.S. 641 is blocked near the 2-mile marker in Crittenden County due to a gas leak, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

This closure is between the Mott City community and the Crayne community in southern Crittenden County between Lilly Dale Road and Sulphur Springs Road.

There is no practical detour for this section.

Convenience center returns to 6-day schedule

Crittenden County Convenience Center is now
open a half-day on Wednesday and Saturday.

Marion Convenience Center has returned to its former hours of operation. It is now open six days a week after Wednesday was added back to the schedule.

Crittenden County Jailer Robbie Kirk, whose trusties at Crittenden County Detention Center are staffed to help offload garbage for customers, said the move was in response to residents who would arrive at the convenience center on Wednesdays ready to dump a load of trash.

“It’s more convenient to the public and helps prevent that problem,” Kirk said.

Previously, the center was closed on Wednesday and Sunday, allowing the jail to staff it all day Saturday on a 40-hour work week. The new schedule started this week.

Located on U.S. 60 East just outside of Marion, the convenience center will now be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday and Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Patriotic service held Wednesday

The annual community patriotic service presented by Crittenden County Ministerial Association and American Legion Post 111 will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Marion Baptist Church Family Life Center. The title of this year’s program, the 14th since 9/11, is “Freedom. It Is Not Free.”

The speaker will be retired Col. Curtis Prewitt, the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church who recently retired as an Army chaplain. All veterans, current members of the armed services, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and dispatchers will be recognized.

The public is encouraged to attend. Singers are asked to join the community choir under the direction of Jason Dunbar. Rehearsal for the choir begins at 6 p.m. Dunbar can be reached at (270) 965-5232 or (270) 704-0317.

For additional information on the program, contact retired Army National Guard Col. Barry Gilbert at (270) 965-4741.

Fish Fry and Fireworks on the River

New Carry Out Pizza

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THIS WEEKEND IN CARRSVILLE !

Clarification

To clarify this week's story in The Crittenden Press about a possible partnership between Crittenden Health Systems and Baptist Health that would turn over management of the local ambulance sevice to the health care giant, the ambulances would be transferred into the name of Baptist Health. However, the vehicles would remain based in Crittenden County and retain local branding alongside that of Baptist Health. The local hospital would still own the EMS, but Baptist's management would include billing and staffing. Losses or profits would be share by the two health care systems.

See the full story in this week's paper.

Fireworks and More Saturday on River

What's news in Crittenden County this week...

Crittenden EMS could soon be managed by Baptist Health.

As Crittenden Health Systems’ bottom line continues to improve, management is looking to a probable deal with Kentucky health care giant Baptist Health to run the county’s ambulance service. Both the local hospital’s CEO and its chairman of the board of directors see an agreement between the two care providers as a chance to further streamline expenses for CHS while maintaining or improving its current level of service.

To be clear, the ambulances would be transferred into the name of Baptist Health, but the vehicles would remain based in Crittenden County and retain local branding alongside that of Baptist Health. The local hospital would still own the EMS, but Baptist's management  would include billing and staffing.

Read the entire story in this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, plus:

• Crittenden County man joins wildfire fighting teams in Alaska.
• Convenience center alters hours of operation.
• School district opts to not seek snow day alternative.
• Victory Gardens ready to offer produce to the public.
• Longtime CCMS teacher recalls her teaching days.
• Crittenden County School District employee earns Bus Driver of the Year honor.
• Former CCMS teacher succumbs to cancer.
• Livingston County Board of Education continues search for superintendent.
• Rocket basketball team plans boycott of All A Classic tournament.
• New pastor named at Piney Fork Church.
• Forgotten Passages takes a look at Mattoon schools.

What's your opinion?

Just about everyone elected to public office is weighing in on the debate over the Confederate flag and in Kentucky, the Jefferson Davis monument located inside the capitol building.

Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway, who just happens to be a candidate for governor on the Democratic ticket, says the statue of Davis must go. Conway's opponent in November, Matt Bevin, agrees, as do the GOP leadership in the Kentucky Senate and House of Representatives. Even U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell is adamant that the statue must be moved. Gov. Steve Beshear, however, has taken a more measured approach, saying simply that it is time to review such monuments in context of Kentucky's history.

Meantime, across the South, governors are ordering the Confederate flag down from poles on government grounds. Legislators – black and white, Democrat and Republican – are calling for the flag's removal. Businesses, too, have weighed in, promising to pull all items branded with the flag.

The Confederate flag is not difficult to find in Crittenden County; it can be seen on bumpers stickers, flies on lawns, hangs from porches and can even be found tattooed on a few bodies.

What say you?

Are the public and elected officials calling for changes overreacting in the wake of the killing of nine people at a predominantly black church in Charleston, S.C.? Or is it time to put away the flag and monuments to Davis?

Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page or email us, but remember to be civil with your words. Disparaging, racist or otherwise inappropriate comments will not be tolerated. And remember, your name and statements may be used an upcoming issue of our paper.

Fans requested to keep needy cool

For those who have air conditioning, it’s easy to escape summer’s scorching heat and humidity. But for people who do not have a means to stay cool during the summer, the heat can be stifling and dangerous.

Officials at the Crittenden County Assistance Center, more commonly known as the PACS office, are putting out a call for help. The center is appealing to individuals, businesses, churches and other organizations in Crittenden County to donate a new fan to help others stay cool. PACS block grant coordinator Kathey Penn Belt said at this time, officials would even consider accepting gently used fans because the need is so great, and they currently do not have any fans to give out to those asking for assistance.

To donate a fan, visit the PACS office located at 402 N. Walker St. in Marion. For more information, call (270) 965-4763.

New faucets at H&H in Marion

New booster seat law takes effect today

A new child safety seat law takes effect today. Gov. Steve Beshear signed the booster seat bill into law on June 15, requiring children younger than 8 and between 40 and 57 inches tall be secured in a booster seat.

“This new law sends parents and caregivers an important message that seat belts are not designed for children, but booster seats are,” said KSP spokesman Sgt. Michael Webb. "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 4 through 8. Children are precious cargo and every precaution must be made to ensure their safety.”

The bill requires law enforcement officers to issue citations with a $30 fine, although no court costs will be assessed. In addition, violators will have the option to purchase a booster seat instead of paying the fine.

Boosters are intended to lift the child up off the vehicle seat to improve the fit of the adult lap and shoulder seatbelt.

The lap portion of the belt should fit low on the hips or high on the thighs and the shoulder portion of the belt should be snug across the collarbone.

An improper fit of the adult safety belt can cause the lap belt to ride up over the stomach and the shoulder belt to cut across the neck, potentially exposing the child to serious abdominal or neck injury.

For more information about the new booster seat law, visit the transportation cabinet online.

Trooper dies in Livingston collision

A Kentucky State Trooper was killed in a two-vehicle wreck in Grand Rivers Tuesday evening.

Trooper Eric K. Chrisman, 23, died from injuries sustained in a collision with a tractor-trailer while responding to a report of a reckless driver shortly before 6 p.m.

According to a KSP report, Trooper Chrisman was westbound on U.S. 62 in his 2010 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser when he failed to negotiate a curve about two miles west of Grand Rivers. His cruiser crossed into the eastbound lane into the path of an oncoming 2015 Freightliner tractor-trailer operated by Richard A. Burnham Jr., 53, of Benton.

The cruiser was impacted on the driver's side. Trooper Chrisman was pronounced dead at the scene by the Livingston County Coroner Jeff Armstrong. Burnham was transported via KSP personnel to the Marshall County Hospital where he was treated and released. Both operators were wearing seatbelts.

Trooper Chrisman was originally from Lawrenceburg and was living in Eddyville while assigned to Lyon County. He had just graduated from the KSP Academy in January. He is reportedly survived by his parents and two siblings.

Trooper Chrisman is only the third KSP officer to die in line of duty since 2000. All three deaths were a result of an automobile crash.


The crash remains under investigation by the state police.

On the Ohio River Saturday

Area deaths

Shelby Rubenia Brown, 79, of the Shady Grove community in Crittenden County died Sunday at Baptist Health Madisonville. Jones and Kirby Funeral Home in Providence is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Mae Lanham, 91, of Marion died Sunday at Baptist Health Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Grace Brookes Frazer, 82, of Eddyville died Tuesday at her home of natural causes. Maddux Funeral Home in Pembroke is in charge of arrangements.

Ann Jeanette Baumgart Lannert, 88, of Evansville, Ind., died Saturday at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville. Boone Funeral Home East Chapel in Evansville is in charge of arrangements.

Doye M. Powell, 80, of Hobart, Ind., died Saturday. Rees Funeral Home — Hobart Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Tourism commission to meet Wednesday

The Marion Tourism Commission will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Marion Welcome Center.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Remember to Remember and to Let Your Father know how much he means to you.

It's Fathers Day and we celebrate dads and all that they do.

Area death

W.G. Belt, 86, of Nebo, a native of Crittenden County, died Friday at West Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville is in charge of arrangements.

Lots of rain headed our way

What's left over from Tropical Storm Bill, which lashed the Gulf Coast a few days ago, is now headed for the Ohio Valley. That means it will be wet, very wet across Kentucky tonight and Saturday. Rain could continue into Sunday but with lesser chances for precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS has issued a Flash Flood Watch for Ohio River counties in Kentucky, including Crittenden, Union and Livingston counties, as well as for all of southern Illinois and southeast Missouri. The watch will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Saturday.

Multiple rounds of showers and scattered thunderstorms are expected through tonight. A few thunderstorms could reach severe limits, with high winds being the primary concern.

The additional heavy rainfall on top of already saturated soils will likely result in flash flooding. The rain will also aggravate river flooding already in progress. Expected rainfall from this weather system will cause sharp rises on smaller, fast-responding rivers.

Creeks, streams, city streets and other urban areas could flood, the weather service said.

Persons in or near these waterways will need to keep posted on the latest forecasts, and be prepared to seek ground quickly. 

Much of Kentucky will see 3 inches or more of rainfall over the next couple of days.

Then starting on Sunday and continuing until Thursday of next week there will be heat... and lots of it. Daytime highs will be in the 90s each day, the NWS said, and could climb near triple digits. Mixed with humidity, the heat index could climb over 100.

County budget available for download

Click to download budget.

Magistrates on Tuesday unanimously approved the county’s spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

The $8.71 million budget for Crittenden Fiscal Court includes no new taxes or fees for county residents, property owners or businesses. And while it does not offer county employees a raise, it does allow for an increased contribution to health care benefits to help offset premium increases.

The county anticipates $1.02 million in general fund receipts. Of that amount, $385,000 is expected from taxes on real property and another $350,000 from an occupational and net profits tax.

The largest single expenditure from the general fund is $150,000 to subsidize Crittenden Health Systems’ ambulance service. General fund expenses planned for the fiscal year that starts July 1 is less than $2,500 more than in the current fiscal year.

The county is currently operating on a $8.24 million budget. Most of next year’s increased expenditures is related to an anticipated $400,000 grant for building repairs to the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum. If the grant is not received, that amount will simply not be spent. A public hearing to solicit support for the grant application is scheduled for later this month.

Follow this link to download the fiscal court's new budget.

An electronic version of the City of Marion's 2016 budget is not yet available. It will be posted here as soon as it is available.

Dog Days festival moved indoors if rain

In the event of rain on Saturday, the Dog Days of Summer Festival will be held in the multipurpose room of the Crittenden County High School. Updates will be posted on Facebook.

Positition Available : State Farm

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Marion High School All-Class Reunion July 4

The 35th annual Marion High School All-Class Reunion will be held Saturday, July 4 at Marion Country Club. Visitation with friends begins at 3:30 p.m. The program will be emceed by W.A. Franklin. The meal starts at 5 p.m.

An incorrect date was published in this week's newspaper.

Attractive New Faucets at H&H

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Dog Days Festival arrives Saturday

The Dog Days of Summer Festival will be Saturday at Marion City Commons. Activities include a pet show at 11 a.m. and a dessert auction at noon. There will be concessions, kids games, face painting and a silent auction. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the Mary Hall-Ruddiman Canine Shelter.

What's news in Marion this week...

The City of Marion and Crittenden
Fiscal Court this week passed their
budgets for the coming year. Find out
more in this week's Press.

Council members on Monday OK’d a $3 million budget for the City of Marion for 2016 as well as a pay plan that gives all regular city employees a 1.5 percent raise. But the actions did not occur without dissent and the need for a tie-breaking vote cast by the mayor. There was also the suggestion of a rate increase for water and sewer services in order to balance the separate funds.

Find out more about the city's budget, as well as the budget passed by Crittenden Fiscal Court inside this week's issue of The Crittenden Press. Also:

• Crittenden County native wins Trooper of the Year honors.
• Marion City Hall could soon replace ailing county courthouse as home for family court.
• Woman gets 12 years for backing over boyfriend.
• CCES releases final nine weeks' honor roll.
• Kentucky has several new laws going into effect next week. Find out what they are.
• Fugitive couple still eluding law enforcement.
• The Marion High School reunion has been set for later this month.
• Three of 4 sentenced to jail in stolen property case.
• DNA analysis of tobacco spit leads to grand jury indictment.
• Video surveillance helps solve theft of pastor’s wallet, credit card fraud.
• Charges mounting against accused vandal at local park.
• Deckert denied leniency during sentencing.
• School district to keep same nursing services; no takers for naming rights.
• Fredonia man dies in motorcycle crash.
• Murder mystery theater entertains locals.
• Forgotten Passages: Bells Mines community remembered.
• Texas congregation travels to Marion in support of local church.

Police investigating fresh lead in Marion in fugitives case

UPDATE: Marion police have been searching and have had no contact with the individuals at this point. The police chief said the sighting appeared credible.

PREVIOUS POST Marion Police are at this hour searching for a couple on the north side of town who approached a homeowner on Fords Ferry Road seeking help this morning shortly before 8 a.m.

Although police have confirmed nothing, the homeowner told investigators that the man and woman matched the description of the two fugitives wanted in a string of recent burglaries in the Shady Grove area.

Marion Police Chief Ray O’Neal urged residents in town to keep their doors locked until police can determine whether this is a credible sighting.

The two were on a four-wheeler, O’Neal said.

Wanted are Christopher Adam Sheridan, 31, and Brooke Stevens, 34, both of Clay.

Area death

James Gifford Adamson, 82, of Marion died at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Area deaths

Rocky Dale Gray, 54, of Princeton died Sunday at Caldwell Medical Center in Princeton from a single vehicle accident. Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.

Elsie Lucille Roberts, 92, of Marion died today at Salem Spring Lake Health and Rehab. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Robert E. Quertermous, 51, of Sturgis died Sunday at Methodist Hospital Union County in Morganfield. Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis is in charge of arrangements.

Fiscal court expected to pass budget

UPDATE: Crittenden Fiscal Court will meet at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in the council chambers at Marion City Hall.

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Crittenden Fiscal Court will meet at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. Passage of a budget for the new fiscal year beginning July 1 is expected.

It is possible the meeting will be held at an alternative location to the courthouse due to the broken chairlift that allows for handicap accessibility. Marion City Hall has been discussed as a potential location.

If a change of venue is necessary, an update will be provided here.

Area deaths

Dr. Jerry B. McKenney, 89, of Henderson, formerly of Sturgis, died Friday at Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson. Whitsell Funeral Home in Morganfield is in charge of arrangements.

Harold W. Jennings, 76, of Flandreau, Colo., a native of Crittenden County, died Thursday at his home. He was an Army veteran. Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau is in charge of arrangements.

Boil-water advisory lifted in Marion

The boil-water advisory issued yesterday for Marion water customers has now been lifted.

Marion City Council to vote on budget

Marion City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at city hall. Passage of the city's 2016 budget is expected.

Secretary Grimes warns businesses of unofficial solicitation

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s chief business officer, is warning businesses about a misleading “Notice of Potential Compliance Violation” from an entity identified as “Business Compliance Division.” The mailing appears to be an official government document, but it is not.

Several businesses have reported receiving the postcard, which directs the recipient to call (855) 530-2615 to avoid potential fees and penalties. The card bears a symbol with a scale and two hands shaking.

When the business owner calls the number, he is told to pay a one-time fee of $70 to apply for a Certificate of Existence.

A certificate of existence is proof that a domestic corporation or domestic limited liability company is in existence and will be provided by the Secretary of State’s office for a fee of only $10. The official, correct certificate may be requested from the Secretary of State’s office online or by mail or fax.

“Businesses should exercise caution before providing information or payment to Business Compliance Division, or any other entity that makes misleading claims or requests,” said Grimes. “I encourage anyone with questions about their corporate records to contact my office directly.”

Area death

Marlene Lively Shadowen, 68, of Benton, died Thursday at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Facility in Paducah. Collier Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Water main break leads to boil-water advisory

A water main break in the vicinity of Dollar General on Sturgis Road in Marion has left a significant part of the city's population without water, according to Marion City Administrator Mark Bryant.

"It's more widespread than we first thought," he said.

The break has led the city to issue a boil water advisory for the next 24 hours for all city water customers.

Just before 2 p.m., the break was first reported. By 2:15 p.m., Bryant said the water pressure should be back to normal fairly soon.

County collecting tires today, tomorrow

Crittenden County residents still have an opportunity to dispose of their waste tires for free this week.

Crittenden Fiscal Court is again hosting a waste tire collection event next at the county road department just east of Marion on U.S. 60. The road department will be open for collection of tires until 4 p.m. today and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Dinner theater at Fohs Hall a guaranteed laugh

Granted access to a full dress rehearsal tonight,
The Crittenden Press can guarantee you won't want to miss the hilarious "Murder in the Magnolias" mystery theater portrayed by local players at Fohs Hall Friday and Saturday.

"Jurassic World" may be the summer's biggest  blockbuster debuting on the silver screen this weekend, but the best show around will be right at home inside Fohs Hall.

Don’t miss the chance to see local residents Ken Crider, Phyllis Sykes, Frank Pierce, B.J. Tinsley and Mike Crabtree acting on stage as the Fohs Hall Community Arts Foundation presents "Murder in the Magnolias" Friday and Saturday.

Find out what roles Becky Tyner-Belt, Gaye Porter, Karen Nasseri and Lynda Dennis are playing in the murder mystery. Plus see the Fohs Hall play debut performances of Stephen Watson, David Combs, Brad Gilbert and Emily Combs.

Friday night's mystery dinner theatre begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $25 per person. There are still a few seats available for this hilarious performance, but they are going fast.

Saturday's mystery dessert theatre begins at 6:30 p.m. and is $17 per person. If you can't make it Friday, this is your last chance to reserve a spot for the best show in town this weekend.

Reservations are required. Contact Kim Vince at (270) 965-0243. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

A review from Texas Theatre Week
What happens when you parody characters and plots from almost every Southern play imaginable, and sprinkle them with the flavor of "Gone With the Wind"? 

You get the hilarious "Murder in the Magnolias." Col. Rance Chickenwing has kicked the bucket, leaving the secret of his buried treasure for a houseful of demented relatives to discover. 

There's Bubba Kamrowski, who juggles bowling balls in a luncheonette; the delicate Blanche De Blank, whose fiancé drowned in the quarry behind the Veronica Lake Casino; Thornbird, the flaky poet, whose personality is split so many ways, he's fractured; the cartoonish Lawyer Possum whose only paying client is an alligator. 

There's the movie queen, Princess Lotta Kargo, who claims she's the Colonel's wife. And Amanda Chickenwing, who attempts to sell subscriptions to the Tudball Tattler. 

Soon, there's another death and the mystery at Belle Acres must be solved by Sheriff Billy Jerk. Toss in a prehistoric garden complete with murderous honeysuckle vines, yapping hound dogs, a Voodoo Woman, a menacing hurricane, a suspicious state engineer and a series of devastatingly hilarious "monologues," and you've got a pretty good idea of the fun in this off-the-wall spoof.

Ky. places restrictions on birds as response to avian flu outbreak

According to the 2012 USDA Census
of Agriculture, there were 51 poultry
farms in Crittenden County, more
than any surrounding counties. All
but two local farms had a bird
inventory under 50. The census
counted a local poultry inventory
of 1,166, half of the 2007 census total.

State Veterinarian Robert C. Stout has enacted restrictions on bird sales and movement in Kentucky to protect the state's poultry industry and bird population from the current avian influenza outbreak.

“We are taking these steps out of an abundance of caution,” Dr. Stout said. “Poultry is Kentucky’s leading agricultural commodity, and we will do everything we can to keep our commercial and backyard poultry industries secure.”

Dr. Stout encouraged poultry producers and all other bird owners to take biosecurity measures to prevent their birds from being infected with avian influenza or other bird diseases:

• Keep your distance. Isolate your birds from visitors and other birds.
• Keep it clean. Prevent germs from spreading by cleaning shoes, tools and equipment.
• Don’t haul disease home. Clean vehicles and cages.
• Don’t borrow from your neighbor. Avoid sharing tools and equipment with neighbors.
• Know the signs. Watch for early signs to prevent the spread of disease.
• Report sick birds. Report unusual signs of disease or unexpected deaths to the Office of the Kentucky State Veterinarian at (502) 573-0282, Option 3, or through USDA’s toll-free number at (866) 536-7593.

In late April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in two wild birds in McCracken County. There have been no detections in domestic flocks in Kentucky.

Avian influenza has been reported in 21 states since last December, and approximately 50 million birds have been affected, including about 29.1 million in Iowa alone.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the risk to humans from the HPAI viruses in the current outbreak to be low. No human HPAI infections have been detected in the United States to date.

According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, there were 51 poultry farms in Crittenden County, more than any of the surrounding counties. All but two local farms had a bird inventory under 50. The census counted a local poultry inventory of 1,166, half of the 2007 census total.

Kentucky’s poultry industry generated an estimated $1.2 billion in farm cash receipts in 2013, the Kentucky office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported. Kentucky farmers produced 309 million broilers and more than 1.1 billion eggs in 2013.

Hog Rock kicks off today

The familiar rumble of motorcycles is making its way through Crittenden County, as Hog Rock begins today.

Hog Rock, the annual motorcycle rally held on a private farm across the river in rural Hardin County, Ill., will run through Sunday with performances by musical groups as well as adult entertainment. This is the 19th year for the event billed as "The hottest little party in the Midwest," and it draws thousands of motorcyclists and more to the area from all over the country.

The gates opened at 8 a.m. this morning, and motorcycles have been making their way through Crittenden County all day to catch the Cave In Rock Ferry in order to cross the Ohio River into Hardin County. Many of those attending Hog Rock will spend a considerable amount of time and money in Marion.

The cost is $50 per person to camp at the farm. There is a special Saturday-only rate of $30. There are also various other charges for additional vehicles.

The event website is very clear that the weekend is for ages 18 and up, as nudity and adult-only contests take place the entire weekend.

Marion Baptist VBS starts Monday

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Storage Sales June 13

FREE plants at Ag Ed on CCHS campus

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Attractive New Line at H&H in Marion

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What's News This Week in Marion?

Emergency personnel work the scene of

a traffic fatality in Crittenden County Friday.

The Crittenden Press is on newsstands this afternoon. Among the articles and information this week, you will find the following:

• A Union County pastor is first traffic fatality this year in Crittenden County.
• Marion woman dies in Paducah traffic accident.
• It’s suppose to be a “very funny” play this weekend at Fohs Hall.
• Airport gets funding for improvements.
• Hurricane Camp news.
• Adult Education Center is moving.
• New local businesses spotlighted.
• High school baseball and softball statistics.

Animal Practice hosts Bark in RV Park

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Appliance Sale at Johnson's in Marion

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Area death

Emma Frances “Kamama” Sutton, 69, of Marion died June 2, 2015, at Baptist Health Paducah. Arrangements are under the direction of Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem.

Thursday is Farmers Night at Park

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Litter abatement, mowing under way all across western Kentucky

A contractor plans litter pick-up and mowing along Interstate 24 through western Kentucky starting today.

A litter pick-up crew followed immediately by a mowing crew will be along I-24 starting at the Ohio River bridge in McCracken County and working their way eastward to the Kentucky-Tennessee state line.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet advises motorists to be alert for mowing crews along I-24 and other area highways during daylight hours anytime weather allows.

Motorists should slow down and use appropriate caution when they encounter a mowing zone as mowing equipment may be required to travel into or across the roadway during their work.

State mowing crews are also working along federal highways and rural secondary highways in all counties across the region in coming weeks.

A mowing zone should be given the same respect as other work zones. Slow down, put down your cell phone, pay attention to traffic around you, and be alert for mowing equipment you may encounter up ahead.

Area deaths

Mary Beth Harris Walker, 43, of Marion, died Sunday at Baptist Health Paducah. Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Lee Enoch, 89, formerly of Marion, died Friday in Urbana, Ill. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Dexter William Derr, 58, of Sturgis died Friday in Marion. He was pastor at Shiloh Christian Church in Sturgis. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Johnson's Appliance Sale in Marion

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U.S. East fatality identified

UPDATE

Kentucky State Police have identified the victim of Friday's fatal wreck on U.S. 60 East about a mile outside of Marion as Dexter W. Derr, 58, of Sturgis.

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Kentucky State Police and Crittenden County Sheriff's Department worked a single-vehicle fatality on U.S 60 East just outside of Marion Friday night. The wreck occurred around 8:30 p.m. 

Few details have been released, but the driver of the sedan is reportedly the only casualty, though authorities were initially uncertain if a passenger may have been thrown from the vehicle. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Further information will be posted when released by KSP.

Mexico Baptist VBS starts Monday

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Area death

Dennis Glenn Belt, 80, of Henderson died Thursday under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice at the Lucy Smith King Care Center in Henderson. Tapp Funeral Home in Henderson is in charge of arrangements.

You can still get plants!

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Area death

Holcomb poses for a Press photo
in 2008 during an interview
about his tractor collection

Billy Douglas Holcomb, 82, of Marion died June 3, 2015, at his home. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

LBL invites public to listening session

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL) will hold a public listening session June 16 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Stewart County Visitor Center in Dover, Tenn. Members of the public will be able to share their thoughts, ideas and concerns at this public gathering with the Forest Service leadership team that manages the area.

LBL hosts this public listening session in hope of developing and strengthening relationships with members of the public willing to work together on future projects.

Stewart County Visitor Center is located at 117 Visitor Center Lane in Dover. For directions, call (931) 232-8290.

As a reminder, a public listening session is scheduled for June 11 at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville, Ky. More listening sessions may be scheduled.
For more information, contact Jan Bush at (270) 924-2016.

The public may comment or share information at any time by emailing LBLInfo@fs.fed.us or mailing comments to: Land Between the Lakes, Leadership Team, 100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211.

LBL manages more than 170,000 acres in western Kentucky and Tennessee as part of the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture’s public lands program.

Free Shredder Day Saturday

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Johnson's GE appliance sale

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Area death

Aubrey Belt, 81 of Marion died Tuesday at Baptist Health in Paducah. Funeral services are at 11am Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion. Visitation is 5-8 pm Thursday.

Inside this week's Crittenden Press...

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Residents in the eastern part of Crittenden County have been on edge the last few days as law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions have been hunting for a man and woman they believe are responsible for a series of burglaries across the region.

The search continues for the suspects across a four-county area. Find out the background on the investigation and more details into the suspects' alleged crimes inside this week's edition of The Crittenden Press. Also:

• Graduation for the Class of 2015 is now in the books. Our special section offers photos of commencement and of individual seniors and a list of award and scholarship winners, as well as much more.
• The county's most troublesome intersection is on a regional priority list for infrastructure upgrades.
• Frustrations with courthouse inadequacies rise to new level.
• Police identify suspect in multiple park vandalism incidents.
• Relay for Life returns to park Friday evening. Find a schedule of events.
• Find a list of academic award winners from the high school, eighth-grade and fifth-grade.
• A new class of Crittenden County Distinguished Alumni has been inducted.
• Three fixtures at Crittenden County Elementary School are retiring.
• Three teachers and one principal have been honored for their work.
• Coast-to-coast bike race to pass through Marion.
• CCMS memorial dedicated to girl who died in ATV crash last summer.

New Faucets: H&H Supply in Marion

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Suspect may be driving black pickup

Christopher Adam Sherdian and
Brooke Stevens

Law enforcement agencies in several area counties now have reason to believe that Christopher Adam Sheridan, 31, of Clay might be driving a “beat up” black 1994 Chevrolet Z71 extended cab pickup with a four-wheeler in the back.

The truck was observed in Webster and Caldwell counties Monday night.

Sheridan and a woman are suspected in a number of burglaries in Crittenden, Webster, Caldwell and Hopkins counties.

For more information, see previous post.

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press will have an in-depth article on the manhunt for these two individuals. The newspaper will be on newsstands Wednesday afternoon.

WANTED
•Christopher Adam Sheridan, 31, is 5-foot-11, 214 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He is wanted for parole violation in Webster County and has been indicted on a separate burglary charge in Webster County. He is also wanted for questioning regarding burglaries in Crittenden, Caldwell and Hopkins counties.

•Brooke Stevens, 34, is wanted on a bench warrant for failure to appear in Crittenden County and on an outstanding Webster County warrant. She is 5-7, weighs 135 pounds.

Mineral Show this Weekend at Fohs Hall

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Responders heading to accident in Mattoon

First responders are heading to an accident in Mattoon at the intersection of Ky. 654 and US 60. No word right now on whether anyone is seriously injured.

Area death

Willa Belle Arflack, 95, of Marion died Saturday at New Haven Assisted Living in Marion. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

School vacation starts today

CCES Students Paid Tribute to the Year that Was last Week

Although most teachers will be finishing up on campus this week, students are enjoying their first day of summer vacation in Crittenden County.

Active shooter training at school today

There will be an active shooter training today in the Crittenden County School District.

Do not be alarmed if you notice multiple state and local police cruisers and lawmen at the elementary school.

This is a scheduled event to improve reaction by school officials and police in the event of an active shooting situation at the schools.