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Friday, July 31, 2015
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MCC extends nursing program deadline
Students applying for admission to MCC must complete and submit the following general admission requirements:
- Application for admission.
- Skills assessment test (ACT, Asset, or Compass): Minimum scores for the nursing program on the ACT/Compass are as follows: - Reading: ACT of 20 or above and/or COMPASS of 85 or above.
- Official transcript(s) from any other college(s) attended, with completed transcript evaluation request.
- High school transcript or GED scores.
- Writing: ACT of 18 or above and/or COMPASS of 74 or above.
- Math/algebra: ACT of 19 or above and/or COMPASS of 36 or above.
- Submit a completed MCC Nursing Program application (received only at the Pre-Admission Conference).
- Submit a HESI A2 score of 75 or above for first semester applicants. Students must complete the following sections of the A2 exam: Math, Vocabulary, Reading, and Anatomy and Physiology. Contact the MCC Assessment Center at (270) 824-1702 to schedule a testing appointment. A study guide for the A2 exam may be purchased at the MCC Bookstore. The HESI A2 exam can only be taken once and the cost is $43.
- Cumulative GPA must be 2.5 or above.
All nursing students are required to pass a criminal background check upon admission into the nursing program.
Students in the Integrated nursing program are chosen through a selective admission process based on cumulative points. The admission evaluation form will be provided during each pre-admission conference.
For additional information about MCC’s Integrated Nursing Program, visit the Programs of Study page under the Academics tab on the college website at madisonville.kctcs.edu.
Press offering live Fancy Farm coverage
Click on this link for a live blog of the event by KET's John Gregory starting Saturday morning. We will also provide links to speech videos following the event and a recap article about Fancy Farm 2015 will be posted here Sunday morning. At the bottom of this post will be live stream of the event, which starts at 1 p.m.
Following is a list of speakers at the Fancy Farm Picnic political rally Saturday:
- State Rep. Richard Heath.
- State Sen. Stan Humphries.
- U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell.
- Gov. Steve Beshear.
- Gubernatorial candidates Jack Conway (Democrat) and Matt Bevin (GOP).
- Lt. Governor Crit Luallen.
- Lieutenant Governor candidates Sannie Overly (Democrat) and Jenean Hampton (GOP).
- Agriculture Commissioner James Comer.
- Agriculture Commissioner candidates Jean Marie Spann (Democrat) and Ryan Quarles (GOP).
- Attorney General candidates Andy Beshear (Democrat) and Whitney Westerfield (GOP).
- Secretary of State incumbent Alison Grimes (Democrat) and candidate Steve Knipper (GOP).
- Auditor incumbent Adam Edelen (Democrat) and candidate Mike Harmon (GOP).
- Treasurer Todd Hollenbach.
- Treasurer candidates Rick Nelson (Democrat) Allison Ball (GOP).
All candidates will have four minutes to speak except those running for governor, who will get an additional minute. A coin flip will determine the speaking order for candidates in their respective race.
Gov. Beshear and Sen. McConnell will each have five minutes to speak. Congressman Whitfield will be allowed three minutes, and all other office holder will get two minutes.
Milling, paving along U.S. 60/Hinkleville Road in Paducah starts Wednesday
This night project runs along US 60/Hinkleville Road just west of the New Hold Road intersection extending eastward to just east of the Friedman Lane intersection, a distance of about a mile. This includes the section of U.S. 60 through the Interstate 24 Exit 4 Interchange and the Kentucky Oaks Mall area.
Motorists should be prepared to encounter milling starting Wednesday and continuing for about three nights. Paving is expected to follow starting around Aug. 10, and continuing for about a week.
Motorists should use appropriate caution where equipment, flaggers, and other personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow. This work zone will generally be active from about 8 p.m. to about 6 a.m. each night.
This project is being scheduled at night to help minimize traffic disruptions. Approximately 23,000 vehicles travel this section of U.S. 60/Hinkleville Road in an average day.
Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $775,518 highway improvement project.
State falls short in saving for the future
Fewer than half of Kentucky’s 2012 workforce used a work retirement plan. In the shadows of unfunded liabilities in both of the state’s Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System and Kentucky Employees Retirement System non-hazardous pension funds, workers who have saved for retirement saved less than their average 2012 earnings. According to the National Institute On Retirement Security’s report issued Thursday, Kentucky has a six out of 10 score and measures well against many states, but still has room for improvement.For the full story, visit The State Journal online.
Area death
Anna Lucille Cloyd, 96, of Marion died July 30, 2015, at Crittenden Health Systems. Funeral services were Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.
1985 state champs and more recognized
The annual border war high school football game between Crittenden and Caldwell counties will be Sept. 11 and that will also be the Alumni Game, where players from 1985 championship will be recognized on the 30-year anniversary. Also, the state semifinalist teams of 1963 and 2008 will also be recognized.
Organizers are trying to put together another old-timers football game on Saturday, Sept. 12. Stay tuned for more details on that effort.
Organizers are trying to put together another old-timers football game on Saturday, Sept. 12. Stay tuned for more details on that effort.
Fall fishing carries new meaning this summer
KENTUCKY AFIELD
Anglers become conditioned to expect high water on lakes in spring and stable conditions in summer before the fall drawdowns to winter pool.
After an unusually wet spring, this summer has been anything but predictable in Kentucky. High and falling water have added a degree of difficulty at a time when fishing can be challenging under normal conditions.
Lake levels have fluctuated wildly as parts of the state picked up 6, 8, and even 10 or more inches of rain over the past month. A change from widespread heavy rains to a more typical pattern of scattered afternoon showers has allowed many lakes to inch back closer to their prescribed summer elevations.
"We haven't had good, steady weather for a while," said Jeremy Shiflet, assistant northwestern fisheries district biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "If we can get a steady weather pattern for just a couple of weeks things should pick up quite a bit."
A good place to get a handle on what your lake is doing before you head out the door is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' website for that district. The Louisville, Nashville and Huntington Corps' districts provide up-to-date water information for many lakes in Kentucky.
"See what the water's been doing," said Geoff Roberts, a conservation educator with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and an avid bass angler. "See if it's coming up. See if it's stable. See if it's falling. That's going to determine where the fish are positioned."
Rising water that floods new habitat draws smaller baitfish shallow. Predator fish are apt to follow and may remain somewhat shallow if the lake stabilizes before falling.
Damp rings around tree trunks are a giveaway that water is being pulled quickly through the dam. Treat this as a sign that fish are likely to be retreating to deeper water.
"A lot of times during that hard drawdown either now or in the fall, we catch a lot of fish in our sampling nets because they're moving," Shiflet said. "Especially the mobile species - crappie, hybrids, white bass, walleye - they're all on the move. The water usually gets dirty and turbid, so it's hard for them to sight-feed. It takes them a little longer to really get cranking."
If largemouth bass are what you're after, resist the urge to pound the shoreline when the water is up and falling. Consider casting to the last row of visible vegetation or structure and note the contour of the bank.
"If you fish a flatter bank, then when the water comes up, that gives bass tons of areas to go," Roberts said. "But if you fish a steeper bank, even falling water doesn't affect those fish very much because the bank is straight up and down.
"I find it easier to fish those types of banks when the water is up and especially if it's falling because those fish don't get nearly as uncomfortable with falling water as the fish that have moved up on the shallow bank."
A power or finesse technique can be effective for bass in falling water conditions.
A finesse technique employing lighter line and smaller jigs or soft plastic lures draws strikes from lethargic fish when fished slowly. Power techniques use faster presentations with larger lures such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, topwaters and heavier jigs to trigger reaction bites.
"Some anglers say they really want to finesse them and target spots that they think are holding fish and go with a really small bait presentation," said Chad Miles, an avid angler who is the executive director of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation. "Some people will say, no, you need to power fish them because the fish don't want to move that much. They want to hit something and eat something big and be done with it for a while. Both options work depending on the day."
Many anglers don't have the luxury of being able to drop everything and fish when the weather and lake reports look favorable. They fish when they can.
An opportunity arose last week for Steve Reynolds to fish on Cave Run Lake near Morehead. The conditions looked and felt right in person even if a fishing report from the day before tempered expectations.
Heavy rains had pushed the lake's elevation to more than 10 feet above summer pool - high enough to close some boat ramps - and the Corps had started pulling water through the dam.
Even so, within two hours of launching from Alfrey Boat Ramp at sunrise, the Versailles resident hooked and lost two muskellunge on a crankbait in about 10 feet of water before landing a 45-inch trophy.
It was Reynolds' first encounter with a muskie and the catch qualified him for a Master Angler Award from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. He successfully released the fish and now owns a memory from a trip when the conditions might not have been ideal but the opportunity to just get out and fish presented itself.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Gallatin County suspends almost entire road department after workers fail drug test
For the full story, visit the Gallatin County News online.
Overly pays visit to Marion
Youth Soccer Registration
Crittenden Youth Soccer Association is now registering boys and girls ages 3-14 for the fall soccer season.
Forms may be picked up at Tru-Color Graphics on Sturgis Road in Marion. Completed forms may be mailed to CYSA, PO Box 584, Marion KY 42064. Registration will also be available at the Crittenden County Elementary School Sneak-a-Peek on Aug. 6, and at Marion Dairy Queen from 9 a.m., until noon on Aug. 15. Deadline to register is Aug. 15. Cost is $40, which includes shirt and socks. Season starts on Aug. 24.
For more information, call (270) 952-5798 or join our group on Facebook at CYSA.
Forms may be picked up at Tru-Color Graphics on Sturgis Road in Marion. Completed forms may be mailed to CYSA, PO Box 584, Marion KY 42064. Registration will also be available at the Crittenden County Elementary School Sneak-a-Peek on Aug. 6, and at Marion Dairy Queen from 9 a.m., until noon on Aug. 15. Deadline to register is Aug. 15. Cost is $40, which includes shirt and socks. Season starts on Aug. 24.
For more information, call (270) 952-5798 or join our group on Facebook at CYSA.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
City flushing water lines next week
According to City Administrator Mark Bryant, municipal utility workers will start systematically flushing water lines Sunday and continue through next Thursday. The flushing of hydrants will take place in different areas across town after 9 p.m. during each of the five days.
A story in this week's issue of The Crittenden Press stated incorrect dates for the flushing.
The City of Marion periodically flushes its system to maintain the quality of water. Water main flushing can result in discolored water. These conditions are not harmful and should not last very long. Briefly running the cold water tap may help to clear discolored water.
“Just let it run, it should clear up,” Bryant added.
Stumbo: Arnold on hook in LRC case too
For the full story, visit The Courier-Journal online.
What's news this week in Crittenden County
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| Back to School Find our annual Back-to-School section inside this week's edition of The Crittenden Press. |
Our annual Back-to-School feature was judged 2014 Best Special Section in the Kentucky Press Association’s annual contest. In 2013, it earned a second-place award in the same category.
Also inside this week's edition:
- Suspects in string of burglars finally jailed
- County’s largest employers issue positive reports
- Number of Kentucky grandparents serving as guardian to children on rise
- Cowboy Phil making his way along Trail of Tears
- FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: County kicks in to help World War II effort
- Couple accused of neglect
- Woman driving infant charged with DUI
- Cook recalls career in local school system
- 5K scheduled to help local woman battle neurological disease’s effects
- City featured in magazine for investing in town
- City plans repairs to worst streets
- City flushing water lines next week
Livingston ballparks honor Ringstaff
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| Roy Ringstaff |
Livingston County will recognize a longtime public servant and athletics supporter on Thursday when a new sign is dedicated at the Smithland ballpark on U.S. 60 near the Cumberland River.
The park, home to baseball and softball in Livingston County, will be named in honor of the late Roy Ringstaff, who served as a county magistrate from the Burna area for 17 years. Ringstaff died in May 2005 at the age of 69.
A dedication ceremony will be held at 2pm Thursday, July 30 at the ballpark. The public is invited to attend.
Trigg rescue chief's mother victim of washout
The 61-year-old mother of Trigg County’s rescue squad chief died when her car was swept away by flood waters Tuesday night. Her son was part of the crew searching for her last night.
At about 8 p.m., last night Trigg County’s emergency crews were called out for a reported vehicle that had been washed off the roadway on Ky. 276 near the intersection with P'Pool Road in the Blue Springs area of Caldwell County.
Emergency management and utility crews that had responded to an outage in the area were working nearby and witnessed the roadway washing out from underneath a vehicle as it crossed the Long Pond Branch Culvert.
Emergency and escue personnel from Trigg, Caldwell and Marshall counties responded, searching downstream about three miles, but were unsuccessful in locating the car. As waters dropped, a Trigg County Road Department employee checking the roadway along Tyler Road which runs parallel to Ky. 276, noticed what he thought were tires sticking out of the water. The car was submerged and upside down.
From the vehicle at about 1 a.m., the body Nancy Hyde Fox was found. According to transportation officials, she had been visiting her brother for his birthday and was headed to her home just a few miles away. She is the mother of Trigg County Rescue Squad Chief Barry Fox.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Final suspect arrested in Madisonville
Authorities think they were responsible for a string of crimes that terrorized residents in a four-county area starting in mid May. Police believe Sheridan and Stevens were responsible for burglaries and perhaps other threats in eastern Crittenden County and in Caldwell, Webster and Hopkins counties.
Sheridan, 31, also of Clay was arrested early yesterday in Evansville following a pursuit that began in Kentucky.
See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details.
WKCTC offering health care professionals workshops for required coding transition
Next month West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) will offer health care professionals workshop training for the transition to the most recent medical coding requirement – ICD-10.
ICD-10, the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), a medical classification list by the World Health Organization (WHO), contains codes for diseases, signs and symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or diseases. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule finalizing Oct. 1 as the new compliance date to transition to the ICD-10 code sets.
“We want to help our local healthcare providers get a head start on making the transition to ICD-10 and make it easier for them,” said Kevin O’Neill, WKCTC community education director. “These workshops are ideal for physicians, practice managers, compliance officers, coders, billing and revenue cycle staff, front-end registration staff members and others who need to be prepared for the coding change.”
ICD-10 workshops will be held in the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center, Room 112 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
- Aug. 12-13: Doctors Offices, $ 495. Participants will need to bring a copy of the ICD-10 CM book.
- Aug. 12-14: Hospitals, $695. During this three-day workshop, participants will need to bring a copy of the ICD-10 CM and ICD-10 PCS book. Day 1 will focus on administration. Both coding professionals and management are recommended to attend this session for joint planning of an ICD-10 implementation strategy. Day 2 will focus on ICD-10 CM Coding. This will cover ICD-10 diagnostic code structure changes, review specific chapter coding rules and practice case studies to help solidify learning objectives. Day 3 will focus on ICD-10 PCS Coding. This will cover ICD-10 procedural code changes with practice procedural case studies.
Workshops will also help participants learn to design and implement a plan to help ensure their revenue will not be impacted by the ICD-10 transition, including making sure their reimbursement revenue will not be interrupted. The workshops will include working in small groups to walk through the entire revenue cycle and create a personalized implementation plan of action to help ensure participants have the resources available and the staff ready to rise to the challenge.
Participants will receive 6.5 hours of continuing education credit from the American Academy of Professional Coders.
To register, call (270) 534-3335 or visit at http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky/category/category.aspx?C=&S=2.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Friday Fun Day for new WKCTC students Aug. 7
New students will enjoy free food, games, and music throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the WKCTC student center and Matheson Learning Resource Center quad.
Students will have the opportunity to attend four informational sessions on financial aid, transfer and academic planning, technology and the Community Scholarship Program, as well as purchase their books and get their student ID cards and parking tags. WKCTC representatives will also help students find their classrooms for the semester.
Registration for the fall semester is currently underway. Classes begin Aug. 17.
Community Christmas classes set for August
Based on the guidelines, which were implemented last year, organizers encourage parents to meet the three class requirement to ensure their child will be sponsored and have Angel Tags placed on Christmas trees. The three-class requirement does not include those who only wish to receive food assistance at Marion Baptist Church.
Call the University of Kentucky Crittenden County Cooperative Extension Service to register or to check for availability at (270) 965-5236.
The following is a list of approved Community Christmas classes for the month of August:
- Marion Baptist Church/Faith in Action: The program will start at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 2 at the church located at 131 E. Depot St. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a one hour class (that will include budgeting), this class will count as one credit. You will also be able to select food items and school supplies earlier than those who do not attend this class. Presenters will be Bro. Mike Jones, pastor of Marion Baptist Church; 4-H and Youth Development Agent Leslea Barnes and Lisa Holeman of the HANDS Program with the Pennyrile District Health Department. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
- Survivors Education: The class starts at 1 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Extension service office at 1534 U.S. West in Marion. This informational program is for survivors and victims of domestic violence. The presenter will be Felisha Babb, MS, LSW, a victim’s advocate at Sanctuary Inc. in Hopkinsville. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
- Safe Infant and Toddler Care: The class will start at 1 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Extension service office. This program is for families and caregivers and will provide infant and toddler information including soothing methods and discipline. The presenter will be Marcie Ellington, RN, CEN, with Crittenden Health Systems. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
- Crocheting 101: The class will start at noon Aug. 5 and 19 at the Extension Service office. This is a beginner class for those interested in learning to crochet. The presenter will be Becky Zahrte, who serves as support staff with the Extension service. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service.
- Back-to-School events: People who attend Sneak-A-Peek at Crittenden County Elementary School or the Back to School Bash at the high school receive one class credit. There will be a representative of the Crittenden County Inter-Agency Council present at each of the events. Participants will need to find that representative to receive a card that will be taken to each of the booths/vendors to be signed. The completed card will then need to be returned to the representative to show proof of attendance. Sneak-A-Peek will be from 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 for students whose last name begins with the letters A-M. The program for remaining students will be 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the elementary school. The Back to School Bash at the high school will be from 4:30 to 6 p.m. You do not need to pre-register for either program.
- My Plate: This presentation will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 25 in the conference room of Crittenden County Health Department off Industrial Drive in Marion. The presentation will teach individuals how to build healthier diets with resources for dietary assessment, nutrition education and other user-friendly nutrition information. The presenter will be Alissa Shewcraft, RD, LD, a nutritionist with Pennyrile District Health Department in Hopkinsville. Pre-register by contacting the Extension service. The class is limited to the first 20 to register.
Conway campaign to visit Marion Thursday
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| Overly |
Overly is running on the Democratic ticket with gubernatorial nominee Jack Conway, who is in his second term as Kentucky’s attorney general. Thursday will be the first official visit to Crittenden County by the Conway/Overly ticket since winning the party’s nomination in May.
Overly is being hosted by local Democrats who will show her around the courthouse and downtown. There is also a meet-and-greet slated for 12:30 p.m. at Marion Cafe.
Conway and Overly will face GOP gubernatorial nominee Matt Bevin and his running mate, Jenean Hampton, in the November general election.
REPORT: Sheridan caught in Evansville
BREAKING NEWS
There are reports from Evansville that Christopher Adam Sheridan, 31, of Clay has been caught in that southern Indiana city after a chase Sunday night that started in Henderson.
According to authorities, Evansville police have Sheridan in custody. Right now Indianan is awaiting warrants from Kentucky to formally book him.
Sheridan, and an alleged accomplice, Brooke Stevens, 34, also of Clay, are believed to have been responsible for a string of crimes that terrorized residents in a four-county area starting in mid May. Police believe Sheridan and Stevens were responsible for burglaries and perhaps other threats in eastern Crittenden County and in Caldwell, Webster and Hopkins counties.
At this time, it does not appear that Stevens was with Sheridan when he was arrested last night.
Reports are that Sheridan is an Evansville hospital right now. It is not clear why.
There are reports from Evansville that Christopher Adam Sheridan, 31, of Clay has been caught in that southern Indiana city after a chase Sunday night that started in Henderson.
According to authorities, Evansville police have Sheridan in custody. Right now Indianan is awaiting warrants from Kentucky to formally book him.
Sheridan, and an alleged accomplice, Brooke Stevens, 34, also of Clay, are believed to have been responsible for a string of crimes that terrorized residents in a four-county area starting in mid May. Police believe Sheridan and Stevens were responsible for burglaries and perhaps other threats in eastern Crittenden County and in Caldwell, Webster and Hopkins counties.
At this time, it does not appear that Stevens was with Sheridan when he was arrested last night.
Reports are that Sheridan is an Evansville hospital right now. It is not clear why.
Friday, July 24, 2015
Area death
Dorothy Rhea Shoemaker, 89, of Lola died July 23, 2015, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is handling arrangements.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
U.S 641 to be closed next week at U.S. 62 junction in Lyon County
This six-day closure of US 641 is to allow the contractor to reconstruct the U.S. 641 connection to the new four-lane section of U.S. 62 under construction just east of Eddyville. This closure of U.S. 641 is at Lyon County mile-point 0.0 and just north of U.S. 62 at mile-point 10.465. About 2,800 vehicles travel this section of U.S. 641 in an average day.
This work should have minimal impact on travel along U.S. 62 at this site and access to U.S. 62 from Ky. 3305 which is the south leg of the intersection.
During this closure of U.S. 641 connection to U.S. 62 there will be message boards and a marked detour. From Eddyville, U.S. 641 northbound traffic will be directed along U.S. 62 East to Interstate 69 North, then North along Ky. 91 to reconnect to US 641 at Fredonia. From the Fredonia area, southbound U.S. 641 traffic will be directed along Ky. 91 southbound to Princeton, then follow Interstate 69 South to U.S. 62 West to reach Eddyville.
This marked detour adds 13.4 miles to a trip between Eddyville and Fredonia. Passenger vehicles may choose to self-detour via alternate routes. However, this is the shortest legal detour for trucks.
Motorists who regularly travel along the detour route should be alert for increased traffic flow.
This closure of U.S. 641 immediately at the U.S. 62 intersection in Eddyville is part of ongoing reconstruction of U.S. 62 between Commerce Street at mile point 9.2 and the Interstate 69 Interchange at mile-point 12.1.
Jim Smith Contracting is the prime contractor on this $14.8 million project. This project is on a working-day schedule with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2015.
What's news in Crittenden County this week...
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When he was faced with the opportunity to purchase Marion Country Club, it was the golf equivalent of a hole-in-one.
“There’s a peace here I can’t find anywhere else,” said King.
After a few months of hammering out a purchase agreement, the sale of the club was finalized in mid-January. King arrived in Marion from California last month to take a seat at his clubhouse desk as chairman and CEO.
Read the whole story and more inside this week's edition of The Crittenden Press, including:
- Ex-trooper enters guilty plea Tuesday.
- Ordinance introduced to up city water, sewer rates.
- County woman seriously injured in Saturday crash.
- Fiscal court removes Mexico-area road from county maintenance.
- Surveying starts for new Smithland bridge.
- Judge sends 3 to jail, revokes probation of 2.
- Grand jury indicts man, woman.
- Smithland man allegedly breaks infant’s arm
- FORGOTTEN PAGES: Take a look back at Lilly Dale School.
- Local youth camp hosts 1,500.
- Dale Faughn to be recognized for poetry.
- Fohs Hall CAF to present "Jefferson Davis."
- ROCKET FOOTBALL: Blue bloods fill coaching staff.
- Former Bobcat shines with Team USA baseball at Pan Am Games.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Governor issues executive order relating to protection of Ky. National Guard
“As a result of the tragic events in Chattanooga, many states took some measure of action to increase the protections for their National Guard members in the area of weapons. In Kentucky, we had already anticipated these scenarios and had in place the protections that these other states recently created.
"First, guard members are permitted to carry weapons when they are on duty.
"Secondly, guard members on duty at any of our facilities or recruiting stations may legally carry licensed concealed weapons in accordance with state law, a practice encouraged by guard leadership.
"Adjutant Gen. Edward Tonini established this policy in 2013 as a safety and security measure in response to any threats against guard personnel at recruiting stations, training facilities, armories, administrative offices, on state property or anywhere else state law allows.
"However, in light of recent events, it is both reasonable and prudent to ensure that we are doing all we can to safeguard those men and women who protect us.
'Today’s eExecutive order directs Adjutant Gen. Tonini to take any additional steps necessary to increase security in order to keep our guard members and citizens safe. As the head of the Commonwealth and of the National Guard, I want to ensure the safety of our National Guard members, where they train and recruit. This is a major priority of this administration.”
– Gov. Steve Beshear
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Failed cross drain closing U.S. 641 tonight
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A citizen noticed a break in the pavement and reported it. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel checked the location and found recent heavy rains had damaged a cross drain. The cross drain has to be replaced immediately.
The roadway is expected to close about 9 p.m. and remain closed for four to six hours tonight.
Flaggers will direct motorists to a detour via Ky. 902 at Fredonia to Ky. 855, then via Ky. 70 to return to U.S. 641 at Mott City.
The crew will likely replace the cross drain tonight, then be back at the site in the morning with lane restrictions for finish work.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Shawneetown Bridge work shifts Tuesday
The contractor has completed Phase 1 of a new driving surface on the Ky. 56/Ill. Route 13 Ohio River "Shawneetown" Bridge. With work on the Kentucky approach spans completed, the contractor is preparing for a traffic shift on Tuesday to allow work to move to Phase 2 on the main spans.
Motorists should allow extra travel time on Tuesday as the traffic shift is likely to create some delays. The new traffic arrangement on the main span will also require a longer distance between the automated traffic signals. That will mean extra travel time for vehicles crossing the structure.
Following the traffic shift on Tuesday all traffic will be running on the westbound lane with alternating flow controlled by an automated signal. Once traffic is shifted, it should remain in the same configuration for a couple of weeks.
As a reminder, traffic in this work zone continues to be restricted to one lane and a 10-foot maximum load width to allow a latex concrete overlay on the bridge deck driving surface.
Motorists should allow extra travel time on Tuesday as the traffic shift is likely to create some delays. The new traffic arrangement on the main span will also require a longer distance between the automated traffic signals. That will mean extra travel time for vehicles crossing the structure.
Following the traffic shift on Tuesday all traffic will be running on the westbound lane with alternating flow controlled by an automated signal. Once traffic is shifted, it should remain in the same configuration for a couple of weeks.
As a reminder, traffic in this work zone continues to be restricted to one lane and a 10-foot maximum load width to allow a latex concrete overlay on the bridge deck driving surface.
Delays have been minor, generally less than about five minutes. However, some extended delays are possible during overnight concrete pours.
The contractor has been working extended hours in an attempt to make up for time lost to recent thunderstorms and showers. Motorists should use appropriate caution in this work zone as construction personnel will be working in close proximity to traffic flow.
The contractor has been working extended hours in an attempt to make up for time lost to recent thunderstorms and showers. Motorists should use appropriate caution in this work zone as construction personnel will be working in close proximity to traffic flow.
American Contracting and Services of Jeffersonville, Ind., is the prime contractor on the $2.7 million bridge deck overlay project. The contractor has 90 days to complete the project, putting the anticipated completion date around Sept. 27.
Ky. 2838 in Webster closed Wednesday
Ky. 2838 will be closed at mile-point 2.95 to allow a cross drain to be replaced, as well as some slope and erosion control work. This is south of the intersection with Ky. 857.
The roadway at this worksite is expected to close at approximately 6 a.m. and remain closed until approximately 2:30 p.m.
There will be no marked detour. Motorists who regularly travel this section of Ky. 2838 should make advance alternate travel plans for Wednesday.
Park Avenue in Paducah closed at North 9th Street starting Tuesday
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A contractor for P&L Railroad plans to close U.S. 60-Business/Park Avenue in Paducah starting Tuesday.
This closure at the one-way westbound intersection with North Ninth Street is to allow rail crossing upgrades.
The roadway at this site is expected to close promptly at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. It is expected to reopen to traffic late on July 24.
There will be marked detour via U.S. 45-Business/North Eighth Street and U.S. 45/H.C. Mathis Drive.
Motorists who regularly travel the one-way westbound section of U.S. 60-Business/Park Avenue near Ninth Street in Paducah should make advance alternate travel plans next week.
P&L Railroad and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel will attempt to provide timely notice when the roadway is able to reopen to traffic at this site.
Approximately 4,500 vehicles travel this one-way westbound section of U.S. 60-Business in an average day.
A contractor for P&L Railroad plans to close U.S. 60-Business/Park Avenue in Paducah starting Tuesday.
This closure at the one-way westbound intersection with North Ninth Street is to allow rail crossing upgrades.
The roadway at this site is expected to close promptly at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. It is expected to reopen to traffic late on July 24.
There will be marked detour via U.S. 45-Business/North Eighth Street and U.S. 45/H.C. Mathis Drive.
Motorists who regularly travel the one-way westbound section of U.S. 60-Business/Park Avenue near Ninth Street in Paducah should make advance alternate travel plans next week.
P&L Railroad and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet personnel will attempt to provide timely notice when the roadway is able to reopen to traffic at this site.
Approximately 4,500 vehicles travel this one-way westbound section of U.S. 60-Business in an average day.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Friday, July 17, 2015
Schools to host back-to-school session
For elementary students, Sneak-A-Peak will be held Aug. 6 at the school. Students’ whose last name starts with the letters A-M will meet with school officials from 5 to 6 p.m. Remaining students are invited from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
For middle and high school students, the Back to School Bash will be held the same day from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the middle school gym.
The Crittenden Press will publish its annual back-to-school section July 30.
Both Ky. 425 bypass ramps to parkway at Henderson now closed
To improve safety the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) has authorized the contractor to also close the Ky. 425 southbound ramp to the Pennyrile Parkway at Exit 76. This eliminates the hazard of vehicles illegally crossing through the median and eliminates the need for law enforcement at the site.
All eastbound traffic on the Ky. 425 Henderson bypass is now being diverted to U.S. 41 northbound or southbound.
Motorists seeking to travel south on the Pennyrile Parkway should now follow the marked detour southbound on U.S. 41 to the Ky. 416 Robards/Niagara interchange. Motorists traveling east on the bypass seeking to travel north on the Pennyrile Parkway should continue to follow the marked detour along U.S. 41 northbound to reach the Pennyrile Parkway northbound lanes.
According to KyTC spokesman Keith Todd, the bypass ramp to the southbound lanes of the Pennyrile had to be closed due to the number of vehicles taking that ramp, then making illegal U-turns to head back north on the Pennyrile.
“On Friday we had an incident where a semi had to swerve to avoid a passenger vehicle that was backing up in the passing lane of the Pennyrile to access a crossover,” Todd said. “Stopping in a lane of a high-speed parkway is bad enough, but backing up into oncoming traffic that is running 70 mph shows a total disregard for your own safety and the safety of others. After analyzing the continuing issue, traffic engineers concluded the best approach to maintain safety for those traveling the Pennyrile would be to close the southbound ramp and redirect that traffic along U.S. 41 to the Ky. 416 interchange.”
The contractor has placed additional message boards and signage along Ky. 425 to direct motorists to and along the appropriate detour routes.
Ramps from the Pennyrile to the Ky. 425 bypass remain open in this work zone.
“This is a continuing issue of a few people endangering others in an effort to save a few seconds. For someone heading from Ky. 425 northward toward the Twin Bridges, the detour along U.S. 41 added maybe 30 seconds of travel time,” Todd said. “Closing the southbound ramp to the Pennyrile at this site will create an additional inconvenience, but it will help maintain the safety of those traveling along the Pennyrile at Exit 76.”
Todd also noted that motorists can be issued citations for disregarding “Road Closed” signs and other work zone traffic control devices.
Traffic on the bypass seeking to take the Audubon Parkway eastbound to Owensboro will be required to loop through the Ky. 351/Zion Road Interchange to access the Audubon via the Pennyrile Parkway southbound lanes.
Motorists who regularly travel the sections of U.S. 41 being used for the detour should be aware of increased traffic flow.
The closure of the bypass ramps to the Pennyrile Parkway at Henderson Exit 76 is to allow concrete rehabilitation work and diamond grinding along the northbound ramp. The ramps are expected to be closed to all traffic for about three weeks, weather permitting.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Sturgis motorcycle rally starts today
Each year the Kentucky Bike Rally in Sturgis brings thousands of motorcycles and motorcycle riders to the region.
The event begins today and runs through Sunday.
Drivers are reminded to be extra alert for an influx of motorcycles as riders from all over the nation hit the road to attend the event.
Motorcycles should be expected across the county all weekend. Regular commuters along U.S. 60 and Ky. 109 should be aware of traffic congestion near the Union County Fairgrounds at Sturgis as motorcycles, RVs and other support vehicles make their way in and out of the bike rally.
The Kentucky Motorcycle Association has purchased and placed "Share the Road" signs along major routes in Union and neighboring counties to remind motorists to be alert for riders.
Transportation officials are also reminding riders to be safety-minded as they cruise back roads during the event.
Lourdes awaits OK to create cancer center
For the full story, visit The Paducah Sun online.
KSP selling chances at GMC Sierra
In observance of the 50th anniversary of Trooper Island, Kentucky State Police is featuring a tough, yet stylish 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLE pickup in its fundraising raffle this year.
Designed for work or play, the truck includes a Sonoma Red Metallic exterior and Jet Black interior; a four-door, air-conditioned crew cab with heated, leather front seats; a 5.3L V8 EcoTec3 engine with 355 hp; a six-speed automatic transmission with four-wheel drive; electric power steering; and a five-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty
For a chance to put this truck to work in your family or business fleet, tickets can be purchased for $10 at The Crittenden Press office at 125 E. Bellville St. in Marion during regular business hours. You may also contact Trooper First Class Darron Holliman or any trooper or Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officer. Tickets are also available online by debit or credit card payment at TrooperIsland.org.
Only 20,000 tickets will be sold. The winning ticket will be drawn on Aug. 30 at the Kentucky State Fair. Ticket holders do not have to be present at the drawing to win. Raffle winner is responsible for all tax and license fees.
Trooper Island is a free summer camp for underprivileged boys and girls age 10-12 operated by KSP on Dale Hollow Lake in Clinton County. It is financed entirely by donations; no public funds are used. Each year, the camp hosts approximately 700 children, providing good food, fresh air, recreation, guidance and structured, esteem-building activities designed to build good citizenship and positive relationships with law enforcement officers.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Paducah developers sign hotel agreement
For the full story, visit The Paducah Sun online.
Spraying to affect I-24 traffic
A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spray crew plans median spraying along Interstate 24 through Marshall and McCracken counties on Thursday.
Motorists are asked to use appropriate caution when they encounter spray trucks and support vehicles.
This spray crew will be moving at about 15 mph with a four-vehicle caravan in the left hand or passing lane of I-24. The spray crew plans to start from the U.S. 62 Calvert City Exit 27 in Marshall County at about 8 a.m. and work along the westbound passing lane to arrive at the the Ohio River Bridge at Paducah around 11 a.m. The crew will then reverse direction about noon and work along the eastbound lanes of I-24 to about the 13-mile marker.
Motorists are asked to slow down and use appropriate caution when they encounter this caravan working along Interstate 24 on Thursday.
Depending on weather and other factors, the crew may be back out on additional sections of I-24 on Friday and into next week.
What's news this week in Crittenden County...
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| First Lt. Colby Davis of Marion supervises a recovery operation by the 1123rd Engineer Co., 206th Engineer Battalion, 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of the Kentucky Army National Guard during annual training last August at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif. The "sappers" of the Marion armory have been named the best engineer company from the entire U.S. Army National Guard in 2014 thanks. |
SOLDIERS WITH the Carson G. Davidson National Guard Armory in Marion are the very best the U.S. Army National Guard has to offer, and they have the hardware to prove it.
Marion's association with the National Guard is a long and proud one dating back to the Civil War when the "Marion Rifles" road horseback against the Confederacy. Guardsmen from the local units have served as combatants in the Spanish-American War, World War II and the ongoing War on Terror. They have been called upon domestically to serve as peacekeepers during insurrections and provide disaster relief when Mother Nature has lashed out at Kentuckians. But today, the combat engineers with the Marion armory boast the title of the Guard’s Most Outstanding Engineer Company of the Year for 2014.
Read more on this, plus the following stories found inside this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
- Summer rains giveth, taketh away from farmers.
- Duvall retiring from classroom after 32 years.
- After 36 years, Crider leaving dental business.
- Boy with rare condition still in need of bone marrow transplant.
- Brothers returns from fighting Alaskan wildfires.
- Longtime EMT Shouse retires.
- 3 Marion men charged with Salem trailer theft.
- FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Step back in time to 1926.
Shawneetown Bridge work to create delays
To assist with efforts to get a smooth surface on the bridge, traffic will be slowed to about 20 miles per hour from about 10 p.m. Friday through about 5 a.m. Saturday. Depending on progress, similar delays are possible on Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Traffic may be halted at times to allow concrete trucks to access the work area making delays likely.
Traffic in this work zone is restricted to one lane and a 10-foot maximum load width to allow a latex concrete overlay on the bridge deck driving surface.
Motorists should be alert for one-lane traffic in this work zone with alternating flow controlled by an automated signal. Delays of five to 10 minutes are likely, particularly during the movement and placement of equipment for these overnight concrete pours and finishing work. Commuters traveling the bridge between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Friday night and Saturday night should add additional travel time.
American Contracting and Services of Jeffersonville, Indiana, is the prime contractor on the $2.7 million bridge deck overlay project. The contractor has 90 days to complete the project, putting the anticipated completion date around Sept. 27.
The Shawneetown Bridge connects Ky. 56 (Morganfield-Shawneetown Road) with Ill. Route 13 across the Ohio River between Morganfield, Ky., and Shawneetown, Ill. About 3,800 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.
The 3,200-foot structure opened to traffic in 1956, maintaining a historic transportation link that started with ferry service at the site as early as 1802.
New traffic law starts today
Beginning today, motorcyclists will be allowed to legally drive through red lights where a signal change is triggered by sensors in the pavement that detect vehicles at an intersection. Lightweight vehicles like motorcycles are often not detected by the sensors, forcing riders to sit at a stop signal for extended periods.
To alleviate the problem, Kentucky this year became the 15th state to implement the so-called “safe on red” law that allows motorcyclists to legally drive through red lights. In Marion, the signal at the intersection of Main and Bellville streets is triggered by in-pavement sensors.
“This is a safety issue to keep motorcyclists from being struck from behind, or struck while waiting for a light to change,” read a news release from KMA. “Most times at such accidents, the driver claims he didn't see the motorcycle.”
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Area deaths
Eugene Johnson "E.J." Engler, 71, of Providence died July 10, 2015, at his home. Jones & Kirby Funeral Home in Providence was in charge of arrangements.
Louie M. Dismore, 58, of Carrsville died July 11, 2015, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of arrangements.
Louie M. Dismore, 58, of Carrsville died July 11, 2015, at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of arrangements.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Severe t-storm watch issued
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Crittenden County until 4 a.m. Tuesday.
Weather offers triple threat today
Today, the National Weather Service in Paducah is warning of a triple weather threat for the county.
With high humidity and temperatures in the 90s predicted, a heat advisory has been issued. Today's heat index will reach triple digits, putting a strain on humans, animals and air conditioners. Care should be taken to avoid overheating. Animals should be provided shade and adequate water. The heat and humidity is expected to linger all week.
A flash flood watch is in effect through Wednesday morning. With already-saturated ground, any signifant rainfall could lead to flash flooding. Strong storms are possible locally beginning this afternoon and continuing into the night.
There is also a high pollen alert.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Ramp closure to affect Henderson traffic
The closure of the Ky. 425 Henderson Bypass ramp to the northbound lanes of the Pennyrile Parkway at Henderson Exit 76 is to allow concrete rehabilitation work and diamond grinding along the ramp. The ramp is expected to be closed to all traffic for about three to four weeks, weather permitting.
There will be a marked detour via U.S. 41 northbound to Pennyrile Parkway, Exit 77. Traffic on the Ky. 425 Henderson Bypass seeking to take the Audubon Parkway eastbound to Owensboro will be required to loop through the Ky. 351/Zion Road Interchange to access the Audubon via the Pennyrile Parkway southbound lanes.
Motorists who regularly travel the section of U.S. 41 being used for the detour should be aware of increased traffic.
Traffic restriction Monday on West Gum
The Crittenden County Highway Maintenance Crew plans ditching and drainage work along U.S. 60 at mile-point 8.6 at the west edge of Marion. This is along U.S. 60 (West Gum Street) near Crittenden County High School and the hospital.
Motorists should be prepared to encounter one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers between approximately 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday.
Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers and maintenance personnel are working along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow. Delays should be less than 4 to 5 minutes. However, some longer delays are possible during the movement and positioning of equipment to facilitate the work.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Fracking hot topic during public forum
Oil and gas development has a significant impact locally.
"In 2014, Henderson, Union, Hopkins, Webster and Muhlenberg counties combined to produce over 862,000 barrels of oil, equaling 25 percent of the state's production," Andrew McNeill, executive director of the Kentucky Oil and Gas Association, said. "With that production, over $3.5 million in severance tax was generated for state and local governments."
For the complete story, visit the Madisonville Messenger online.
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