Ruth Marie Davis, 95, died Aug. 27, 2015, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. A memorial service will be held at at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hampton Methodist Church. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Area deaths
Audrey Glenn "Sonny" Belt Sr., 78, of Gilbertsville, formerly of Marion, died Aug. 31, 2015, at Rivers Bend Retirement Center in Kuttawa. Services will be Wednesday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.
James H. Miller Jr., 89, formerly of Dickson, Tenn., died, Aug. 28, 2015, at his home in Salem. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. Funeral services will be scheduled for a later date at Dickson Funeral Home in Dickson. Boyd Funeral Directors in Salem is in charge of local arrangements.
Ruth Marie Davis, 95, died Aug. 27, 2015, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. A memorial service will be held at at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hampton Methodist Church. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.
Ruth Marie Davis, 95, died Aug. 27, 2015, at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. A memorial service will be held at at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hampton Methodist Church. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is handling arrangements.
Join our Grandparents' Day Tribute
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| Click to enlarge |
The Crittenden Press is accepting photos for our Grandparents' Day Tribute through 5 p.m. Friday. The charge is $10 per photo. Please include the names of the grandparents and grandchildren.
Pictures can be emailed to thepress@the-press.com or dropped by our office. For photos emailed, payment must be received by 5 p.m. Friday to be included in the Grandparents' Day Tribute. Please type "Grandparents" in the subject line of your email.
Photos will be published in color in our Sept. 10 edition.
Want to be an official Storm Spotter?
Rick Shanklin of the National Weather Service in Paducah will be conducting the class in cooperation with Crittenden County Emergency Management. There is no cost to attend.
Overturned semi blocking U.S. 641
There is a report of a SEMI overturned and blocking both lanes of US 641 in Lyon County between Eddyville and Fredonia.
This crash site is at about mile point 3.4 near the entrance to the West Kentucky Correctional Center. The box truck is loaded with metal and may have to be off-loaded to allow the truck to be removed.
There are few detour options for this site. At this time we are recommending travelers between Eddyville and Marion consider using KY 295 and KY 70 through the Dycusburg area as an alternate route. The other option is via I-69 to Princeton, then take KY 91 to return to US 641 at Fredonia.
Estimated duration is 3 to 4 hours.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Elk begin bugling at LBL
The Elk & Bison Prairie is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk, and features a 3.5-mile paved loop with interpretive stops along the drive. Passes cost $5 per vehicle and can be purchased at the Elk & Bison Prairie entrance gate or at any Land Between the Lakes day-use facility.
“Peak bugling season is usually mid-September to mid-October,” says Curtis Fowler, Range and Wildlife Technician at Land Between the Lakes. “This is one of the most exciting times to drive through the prairie. Late afternoon provides the best chance to hear bugling and see elk calves. Turn off vehicles at interpretive stops and listen for the unusual sound.”
Elk and bison are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Visitors should observe the Elk & Bison Prairie rules and remain inside their vehicle when these large animals are nearby. To hear an elk bugle visit LandBetweenTheLakes.us and scroll down to the photo of an elk grazing.
Biologists introduced elk into the 700-acre prairie in February 1996. Currently around 55 elk and 59 bison make the prairie their home.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Marion to host 2017 solar eclipse events
Williams said people from all over the world – as many as 7,500 – can be expected at the local event. The Peoples Bank is sponsoring the early stages of planning and will host a community meeting with Williams at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15. Community partners are encouraged to attend.
“This can be a great economic boost for Marion and Crittenden County,” read a news release from the bank.
Williams said it will take the full two years to plan the event. More information can be found online at SolarEclipse2017.com or StarGeezerAstronomy.com.
To share thoughts or reserve a space at the meeting, contact Melissa Agent at The Peoples Bank at (270) 965-3188 or MAgent@thepeoplesbank-ky.com.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Hinkleville Road traffic to be shifted
A contractor plans to work along the westbound lanes of US 60/Hinkleville Road near the New Holt Road intersection at Paducah on Saturday.
The contractor plans to construct new curb and gutter for the New Holt Road/Olivet Church Road connector.
Westbound US 60 traffic at this site will be moved to the left-hand or passing lane to allow construction work along the driving lane.
This westbound work zone at US 60 at mile point 10.130 in the Kentucky Oaks Mall Area is expected to go up about 6 a.m., CDT, on Saturday. It is expected to come down by about 11 a.m., Saturday. Westbound motorists should be alert for slowing and merging traffic as they approach this work zone.
Motorists should use appropriate caution where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
Just over 23,000 vehicles travel this section of US 60/Hinkleville Road in an average day.
I-24 traffic to be restricted
Westbound motorists should be prepared to encounter one lane traffic along I-24 at mile point 6.2 starting at 7:00 a.m., CDT, to allow follow-up work on a crash reconstruction investigation.
This work zone is expected to be in place for just over an hour.
Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and police personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
High-traction surface placed at Rosebud
Motorists traveling between Marion and Sullivan along U.S. 60 in northeastern Crittenden County will notice a new look to pavement on a curve near the top of what is commonly known as Rosebud Hill.
A contractor is putting the finishing touches on high traction coating that is designed to reduce wet-weather crashes at the site. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet installed LED enhanced signage at the curve several years ago. The enhanced signage has helped reduce crashes. However, wet-weather crashes have persisted.
Over the last 5 years there have been 30 crashes at the site; 20 included property damage with 10 injuries and no fatalities. A total of 26 crashes or 86 percent occurred when the pavement was wet. Statewide about 20 percent of crashes occur during wet driving conditions.
This week, employees of Ram Construction Services have been coating the roadway with a high strength adhesive material, then spraying on a layer of special aggregate that has traction enhancing qualities. The high traction coating is expensive, so use of it is being limited to specific areas where wet-weather crashes have persisted.
A contractor is putting the finishing touches on high traction coating that is designed to reduce wet-weather crashes at the site. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet installed LED enhanced signage at the curve several years ago. The enhanced signage has helped reduce crashes. However, wet-weather crashes have persisted.
Over the last 5 years there have been 30 crashes at the site; 20 included property damage with 10 injuries and no fatalities. A total of 26 crashes or 86 percent occurred when the pavement was wet. Statewide about 20 percent of crashes occur during wet driving conditions.
This week, employees of Ram Construction Services have been coating the roadway with a high strength adhesive material, then spraying on a layer of special aggregate that has traction enhancing qualities. The high traction coating is expensive, so use of it is being limited to specific areas where wet-weather crashes have persisted.
Education commissioner candidates named
By Allison Ross
The Courier-Journal
The Kentucky Department of Education has released names of the five candidates currently on the short list to be the state's next education commissioner.
They are:
The Courier-Journal
The Kentucky Department of Education has released names of the five candidates currently on the short list to be the state's next education commissioner.
They are:
- Kathleen Airhart, a deputy commissioner and chief operating officer for the Tennessee Department of Education;
- Buddy Berry, superintendent of Eminence Independent Schools in Eminence, Kentucky;
- Christopher Koch, interim president of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP);
- Lloyd Martin, chief executive officer for Universal Schools Solutions LLC, an education consultancy firm;
- Stephen Pruitt, senior vice president of Achieve Inc., a nonpartisan, nonprofit education reform organization.
Friday Night Lights: Rockets host Storm
Rockets vs. Hopkins Central
Rocket Stadium | 7 p.m.
Young Rockets Night
Rockets to honor military,first-responders
In addition to recognition of military and first responders, Crittenden County schools are holding a contest to collect care items for the Hugs Project of Western Kentucky. The goal is to bring in items, including snacks, personal care items, and games for deployed soldiers. The classrooms collecting the most donations at each school will earn free admission to the Rocket/Tiger Salute game, as well as recognition at the game that evening.
Businesses are also encouraged to participate.
For more, contact Tiffany Blazina at (270) 969-0773 or Tiffany.Blazina@crittenden.kyschools.us.
Healthcare Job Openings in Marion
3 Part-Time Certified Nursing Assistants
1 Full-Time Dietary Assistant
Full-Time RN or LPN
Day, Evening & Midnight Shifts
$4,000 Sign On Bonus
Please apply at the facility
201 Watson St. Marion, KY 42064
No phone calls please
Atrium Centers, LLC
Crittenden County
Health & Rehabilitation Center
201 Watson Street • Marion, Kentucky
EOE M/W/V/D
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Commission proposes waterfowl seasons
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The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission must set waterfowl seasons within frameworks mandated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because all migratory game birds are under federal control.
The commission recommends all hunting, fishing and boating regulations for approval by the General Assembly and approves all expenditures by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. All recommendations must be approved by two legislative committees before they become law.
Season dates begin in 2015 unless otherwise noted. Proposed seasons voted upon by commission members at their quarterly meeting include:
Duck, Coot and Merganser
- Duck, coot and merganser: Nov. 26-29; Dec. 7 to Jan. 31.
- Western Goose Zone: Nov. 26 to Jan. 31.
- Pennyrile-Coalfield Goose Zone (including West-Central Canada Goose subzone): Nov. 26 to Jan. 31.
- Eastern Goose Zone: Nov. 26 to Jan. 31.
- Northeastern Goose Zone: Dec. 19 to Jan. 31.
- Statewide: Nov. 26 to Jan. 31.
- Regular season: Nov. 26 to Jan. 31.
- Eastern Duck Zone: Feb. 1 to March 31.
- Western Duck Zone: Feb. 1-5; Feb. 8 to March 31.
- Eastern Zone: Nov. 7-8.
- Western Zone: Feb. 6-7.
Commission members proposed removing the 2 p.m. closure time for Canada goose hunting in the Northeast Goose Zone for private lands. Canada goose hunting on private lands in the Northeast Goose Zone will now close at sunset, but those public lands with a 2 p.m. closure will retain that closing time.
In other waterfowl-related business, three additional permanent blind sites will be added in the Town Creek Moist Soil Unit at Doug Travis WMA in Carlisle and Hickman counties. These new blinds sites will be included in the Aug. 29 preseason drawing for blind sites.
In other wildlife-related business, the commission also recommended implementing some safety measures at shooting ranges owned by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. Commission members proposed eliminating pistol use at the tube shooting ranges as well as smoking. These ranges will close one day per week for maintenance and event scheduling.
The commission also recommended restricting the use of unsafe calibers that exceed the limitations of the current design of these shooting ranges.
The commission proposed allowing the use of any rimfire handgun or .410-gauge handgun for small game hunting.
In fisheries-related business, the commission recommended permitting the use of pneumatic air bow systems for bow fishing. They also proposed to discontinue private farm pond stocking and redirect public requests for fish to the private hatcheries.
New procedures for HIP benefit future hunting
Kentucky Afield Outdoors
Hunters possess a long history of taking actions that benefit wildlife conservation. They tax themselves and buy licenses, permits and stamps that support the vitality of both game and non-game animals.
The Harvest Information Program (HIP) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is an evolution of these long-standing practices. This year, changes to the program caused some consternation among outdoors enthusiasts who must answer a few questions after purchasing their Kentucky Migratory Game Bird- Waterfowl Hunting Permit.
"People are always concerned about change," said John Brunjes, migratory bird program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "We previously collected this information in a manner that produced insufficient harvest data. So, we are changing how we do it."
Brunjes explained the changes are not made to place an additional burden on hunters. "We are doing this because we need this data," he said. "We wouldn't ask people to do a little extra if this data wasn't critical for the scientific management of these species."
The HIP program came about because biologists and management professionals at both the state and federal level realized they didn't have an accurate number of migratory bird hunters.
"We could guess by the number of migratory bird - waterfowl hunting permits sold," Brunjes said. "But, those who purchase a senior/disabled license or a Sportsman's license get a permit with their license, whether they hunt migratory birds or not."
A similar situation exists for the federal migratory bird hunting permit, commonly called a duck stamp. Many purchase them to help with conservation of waterfowl, but don't hunt. You can also use a current duck stamp for free entry into national wildlife refuges that charge a daily use fee.
"Consequently, we didn't know how many birds were being harvested," Brunjes said. "The HIP survey gives us a tool to tell us how many hunters we have in Kentucky. It also shows us how many of each species is being harvested as well as the age and sex ratio of the harvested birds."
Completing the HIP survey allows the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to classify hunters into a sampling group based on the species hunted and the number of migratory birds harvested in order to get more comprehensive, voluntary information later.
"They may contact you via mail to participate in these surveys or they may ask you to participate in a wing collection survey," Brunjes said. "This information gives biologists at the state and federal level more accurate data to help better manage these populations."
Inconsistent data in Kentucky and across the nation usually means more conservative dove, duck and goose seasons.
The fluctuation in the daily duck bag limit for canvasback ducks over the past 10 to 12 years is an example of the impact of insufficient data. This data also showed a dove harvest estimate of about 633,000 birds in 2013, but only 255,000 birds last year. This wild fluctuation is likely rooted in inconsistent HIP data.
"It costs Kentucky hunters more opportunity afield," Brunjes said.
The HIP process is simple and it takes less than five minutes. On the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife webpage at fw.ky.gov, click on the "My Profile" tab on the upper left section of the page. This will bring you to a page that asks for some basic information to confirm your identity. After completing the HIP questions, you will receive a confirmation number that must be written on your hunting license or Kentucky Migratory Game Bird - Waterfowl Hunting Permit.
When you purchase licenses and permits online, you are given the option to go to the My Profile page, via a box that appears on the screen. If you buy them from a license vendor or over the phone, you'll have to go the "My Profile" page to fill out the HIP questionnaire or call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to complete it.
"We prefer hunters to do it online if possible," Brunjes said. "We want Kentucky hunters to have quality hunting in the future. That is why we need this important information now."
(Editor's note: Lee McClellan is a nationally award-winning associate editor for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. He is a life-long hunter and angler, with a passion for smallmouth bass fishing.)
Demo derby racing slated for Sept. 12
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| Not sure what derby racing is? Follow this link to YouTube to watch a short video that explains it all. |
Also racing will be four-cylinder “warrior” cars, stock cars and ATV/UTVs. Entry fees are only $40.
Entry details can be found at Facebook.com/kenny.hardestyjr. For more information on entering the races, contact Kenny Hardesty Jr. at (270) 704-2818 or Tim Cosby at (270) 704-9241.
Reception held for new Extension agents
A welcome reception for Dee Brasher and Thays Flores will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Crittenden County Cooperative Extension Service located at 1534 U.S. 60 E. in Marion.
Brasher has been named the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, and Flores has been named as the Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Both are expected to assume their new positions on Monday.
Friday Night Lights: Hopkins Central visits
Rockets (1-0) vs. Hopkins Central (1-0)
Rocket Stadium | Friday | 7 p.m.
Young Rockets Night
Young Rockets Night
Parking expansion may close Ky. Lake ramp
While the project is currently scheduled for completion by Oct. 9, that date is subject to change depending on progress and the weather. For specific closure information, contact the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Public Land Information Center at (800) 882-5263.
The expansion is expected to increase the number of spaces for vehicles with trailers from 35 to 70. An additional eight spaces are included in the project to provide parking for those anglers wishing to use the facility's fishing pier.
The ramp is located in Calloway County, on the west side of the lake in the Blood River arm. Locals may also know the site as Thoroughbred Ramp.
Boaters have two other nearby public ramps to use while construction is underway on the Wildcat Creek Boat Ramp. These include Pacer Point, located at the end of Watersport Road in Calloway County, and the ramp at Kenlake State Park.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is closing the ramp in cooperation with Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Job Openings in Marion
3 Part-Time Certified Nursing Assistants
1 Full-Time Dietary Assistant
Full-Time RN or LPN
Day, Evening & Midnight Shifts
$4,000 Sign On Bonus
Please apply at the facility
201 Watson St. Marion, KY 42064
No phone calls please
Atrium Centers, LLC
Crittenden County
Health & Rehabilitation Center
201 Watson Street • Marion, Kentucky
EOE M/W/V/D
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Rosebud Curve to get high-traction surface
High-traction coating will be applied to the surface of U.S. 60 East on the curve at the top of Rosebud Hill near the intersection with Nunn Switch Road beginning Thursday and continuing Friday. The area is about five miles west of the Crittenden-Union County line.
Traffic will be restricted to one lane during work. Due to the potential for delays in this work zone, commuters should consider a self-detour via Ky. 365 when traveling between Marion and Sturgis.
This section of U.S. 60 was chosen for the coating due to a high number of wet weather crashes at the site. This curve also has enhanced LED flashing signage that has reduced overall crashes at the site. However, wet weather crashes have persisted.
The high-traction coating being installed will be similar to the coating installed on the Tradewater Bottoms Curve on U.S. 60 in Crittenden County at the lower end of Rosebud Hill at on the U.S. 641 curve at Coleman Road just south of Marion.
Rescue squad called to Tolu wreck
UPDATE AT 12:50 pm
The victim is out of the vehicle and is being transported by EMS to Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services.
The victim are apparently not hurt bad, but are trapped in what has been reported as a van.
The victim is out of the vehicle and is being transported by EMS to Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services.
- - - - -
Crittenden County EMS and Rescue Squad are responding to a single-vehicle crash on Ky. 135 in Tolu. The car reportedly went off the road and came to a rest under the concrete bridge just past the community center.The victim are apparently not hurt bad, but are trapped in what has been reported as a van.
What's news this week in Crittenden County
In this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, find our four-page pull-out dedicated to Living 50 Plus, as well as these stories:
- False alarms causing worries.
- Marion makes Big Leagues with former Bobcat Jankowski.
- City OKs list of street repairs.
- Local tax rates being set; property owners poised to pay less than statewide average.
- Local jail offering willing prisoners re-entry program.
- Get updates on county government and the school system from the judge-executive and superintendent, respectively.
- KSP: Crittenden County currently home to 16 registered sex offenders.
- Church offers Recovery for those hurting.
- Rockets to honor military, first-responders.
- Shopko looking for Packers ‘kickoff kids.’
- Marion to host 2017 solar eclipse events.
- Rosebud Curve to get high-traction surface.
- Demolition derby racing slated for Sept. 12.
- Local youth shine at state fair.
- Newcom proclaims September Suicide Awarness Month.
- SPORTS: Starnes: Win over Todd not enough to quench desire.
Area death
Rena Mae Beshears, 89, of Crittenden County, died Monday at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind. Funeral services will be Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Health Care Job Openings in Salem
Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services, Inc.
LHHS in Salem has the following position openings:
Full Time Surgical RN - Current KY Licensure required. Prior surgical experience preferred but not necessary. Rotating call required with one weekend per month. If interested, contact Debbie Hearell, RN OR supervisor, at 270-988-7219 or dhearell@lhhs.org.
PT ER RN for Weekend Option 7a-7p Shift - Bonus hours for each weekend shift completed. Current KY licensure required. Prior ED experience preferred along with ACLS, PALS & TNCC. If interested, contact Robin Leidecker, ED Manager, at (270) 988-7273 or rleidecker@lhhs.org.
FT Cook/Aide - Prior experience in food preparation and service preferred. If interested, contact Debbie Loyd at (270) 988-0033.
PT MLT - Graduate of MLT program required. Registered with ASCP preferred. If interested, contact Butch Mundy at 270- 988-7232 or bmundy@lhhs.org.
FT Nurse Aide 3-11 pm Shift - Certification preferred. If interested, contact JoAnna Stone, CNO at 270-988-7245 or jstone@lhhs.org.
PT RN/LPN Weekend Option 7a-7p Shift - Bonus hours for each weekend shift completed. Current KY Licensure required.
PRN RN/LPNs and CNAs needed - If interested, contact JoAnna Stone at (270) 988-7280 or jstone@lhhs.org.
FT Medical Records Clerk (Day Shift) - Clerical, basic computer, and organizational skills necessary. Previous experience as a medical secretary or in a health care setting preferred. If interested, contact Melissa Manhart at (270) 988-7250 or mmanhart@lhhs.org.
Visit our website at
www.lhhs.org /career openings
Old-timers baseball game with Wooden Bats!
There will be an old-timers, wooden bat baseball game starting at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 13 at Marion-Crittenden County Park.
Player fee will be $20 and the event is open to anyone who has graduated high school. No one under 30 will be allowed to pitch.
General admission is $1.
This is a fundraising event for the Marion Junior Bobcats baseball.
Call or text (270) 704-0435 to register.
Player fee will be $20 and the event is open to anyone who has graduated high school. No one under 30 will be allowed to pitch.
General admission is $1.
This is a fundraising event for the Marion Junior Bobcats baseball.
Call or text (270) 704-0435 to register.
Yep! False alarm again...
City officials are becoming frustrated by the disaster early warning system that continues to sound false alarms. It misfired again this morning at 9:09 a.m.
A technician will be checking the system again.
A technician will be checking the system again.
Ky. mountain lion investigation ending
"We've exhausted all our leads," said Major Shane Carrier. "We have conducted our investigation and worked jointly with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers to determine how this animal arrived in Kentucky. At this time, we are unable to definitely say who brought the lion into the state."
Kentucky state law prohibits persons from possessing inherently dangerous animals, such as mountain lions, or bringing them into the state without proper transportation permits.
On Dec. 15, 2014, a conservation officer responding to a complaint found the approximately 5-year-old male mountain lion treed by a homeowner's Rhodesian ridgeback dog in a populated area about two miles northeast of Paris shortly before dark. While en route, the officer consulted with a wildlife biologist and learned tranquilizing was not a viable or an available option. Due to overwhelming public safety concerns, the officer shot the lion, which then leaped and disappeared into the underbrush. When backup officers arrived shortly thereafter, they searched in the dark and found it dead in the brush nearby.
Mountain lions, apex predators once native to Kentucky, were extirpated from the state more than 150 years ago. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has declared the eastern mountain lion to be extinct. "These facts figured heavily in our decision to euthanize the lion when we encountered it," said Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Biologist Steven Dobey. "A released or escaped captive lion that has lost its fear of humans is a much greater threat to public safety than a truly wild, free-ranging lion."
Necropsy results and tooth-aging analyses indicate the lion was a 5-year-old male, 125 pounds, and in good physical condition and health. DNA analyses link the genetic origin of the lion to a population in the Black Hills of South Dakota, more than 1,100 miles northwest of Paris, Kentucky. A few mountain lions in western states have moved eastward, but neither law enforcement investigators nor wildlife biologists found any evidence that suggests this mountain lion made its way to Kentucky on its own.
Dobey noted that a 5-year old lion should already have an established home range and matured beyond the roaming age. Long distance traveling is typically the behavior of a 1½-to 2-year-old mountain lion. "The age of this lion is huge," said Dobey. "This was a mature adult. We have consulted with western biologists who work closely with lions and they agree that a 5-year-old lion is living where it is going to spend the rest of his life.
"Furthermore, this animal was in remarkably good condition with few cuts and scars, and no broken teeth or claws often found on wild mountain lions of the same age," he said.
Dobey said the absence of previous sighting reports and trail camera photos of this lion also are significant. "If this lion came here from the Black Hills on its own, it would have moved across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and into Kentucky during the peaks of those states' big game and deer hunting seasons," he said.
"That means moving past thousands of hunters on the ground and possibly tens of thousands of infrared trail cameras. Biologists in midwestern states have seen western mountain lions move into their states, but with all the cameras hunters use now to scout game, there are good records and photos of those animals with locations, dates and time stamps."
Fish and Wildlife Deputy Commissioner and Wildlife Biologist Dr. Karen Waldrop agreed. "There is no evidence supporting this animal traveled that distance on its own, or even spent any length of time on the ground here. This was either a released or escaped captive lion.
"Lions that become associated with people are extremely dangerous," she said. "They cannot be released. Sometimes well-meaning people do not realize that keeping wild animals almost always means condemning them to an early demise."
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife today released its investigative reports of the case, including the DNA analysis of the animal. This information is posted online at fw.ky.gov, the department's website.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website features an informational page about mountain lions and their existence in Kentucky at http://fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/Mountain-Lions.aspx. The department investigates each report it receives of mountain lion sightings in hopes of acquiring physical, verifiable evidence, and encourages anyone who believes they see one to report it.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Ample rain should mean bountiful dove season
KENTUCKY AFIELD OUTDOORS
It is the final week of August and already it is the third wettest summer on record for Frankfort and the fifth wettest for Louisville. Corn fields across most of Kentucky look robust as do pastures, yards and soybean fields.
This portends excellent conditions for the dove season opener on Sept. 1.
"The expectation is that we will have a good dove season," said John Brunjes, migratory bird coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. "We've had a lot of rain, but not a lot of violent storms, so we had good early dove reproduction. We are seeing lots of young birds here in August."
The summer rains brought with them superb field conditions. "Sunflowers across the state have done well from all of the well-timed rains," Brunjes explained. "We got the fields planted on our wildlife management areas (WMAs) before the rains and they've done very well. There are always pockets of the state that don't do as well, but overall fields look great for this season."
Scouting is vitally important for productive dove hunting. Brunjes recommends getting out now to see if birds are currently using the field you plan to hunt.
"Figure out where you want to set-up," he said. "Look for the flight lines the birds use to enter and exit the field and plan to set up accordingly."
Don't over-choke your shot gun, either. An improved cylinder choke with No. 7 ½ or No. 8 shot works great for early season doves in either 12- or 20-gauge. A 20-gauge shotgun also makes a great choice for younger hunters with less recoil than a 12-gauge and plenty of shot to down a dove.
Some of the best hunting of the season happens after the initial burst of activity on opening weekend. Those public fields teeming with hunters on the first weekend in September are often nearly abandoned by the third weekend of the month.
"Also, a lot of people think all of the doves leave Kentucky with the first cold snap," Brunjes explained. "People love to say they've migrated, but they haven't. They will go into woodlands or thick cover to get some protection from the cold. When the warmth returns, so do the doves."
Data gleaned from dove banding shows that most birds banded in Kentucky don't show up in harvest data from out of the state until late October and into the first of November. Many doves never leave Kentucky.
"They shift their daily patterns as the season progresses," Brunjes said. "Pay attention to those shifts. They change the time of day when they fly and they change food sources."
Patches of ragweed and pokeweed become more important to doves later in the season. "In the late season, pokeweed is dove candy. If you find a bunch of it, you'll likely have doves everywhere."
Pokeweed commonly grows on the edge of fields, fence rows and in neglected areas. It is a distinctive thick green plant with swatches of purple in the stalk, leaves and berries. These berries often leave a wine-colored stain on clothes.
Recently cut silage fields also make productive dove hunting areas. With healthy corn across the state, cut silage fields may produce the best hunting of the coming season.
"Remember safety in the dove field," Brunjes said. "Always wear shooting glasses. Don't shoot at low birds by making sure you always shoot up at the dove. Be conscientious of other hunters in the field and don't rain shot down on them or on nearby houses."
Dove hunters must have a valid Kentucky hunting license as well as a Kentucky Migratory Game Bird- Waterfowl Hunting Permit before going afield. New for this season, dove hunters must fill out the HIP Migratory Bird Survey before going hunting. This brief, 5-minute survey is available online at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov. Click the "My Profile" tab to begin.
The first segment of dove season closes Oct. 26. The second segment opens Nov. 26 and closes Dec. 6 while the third segment opens Dec. 19 and closes Jan. 10, 2016.
For more information about dove hunting, pick up a free copy of the 2015-16 Kentucky Hunting Guide for Dove, Wood Duck, Teal, Woodcock, Snipe and Crow available wherever hunting licenses are sold. You may also print off or view the guide on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website at fw.ky.gov.
(Editor's note: Lee McClellan is a nationally award-winning associate editor for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. He is a life-long hunter and angler, with a passion for smallmouth bass fishing.)
Semi crashes closes I-24 eastbound
UPDATE: Site is now clear
Due to semi crash earlier this morning, both Interstate 24 eastbound lanes are closed in Lyon County, two miles east of Exit 40 at Kuttawa.
A tractor-trailer crashed in the median. As emergency response personnel were arriving, another semi crashed in the median nearby.
At this time, both eastbound lanes are blocked and traffic is being detoured off the interstate.
US 62 EAST to KY 93 South to return to I-24 eastbound at EXIT 45. Westbound traffic is moving, but restricted to one lane near the crash site.
Kentucky State Police are conducting a crash reconstruction investigation.
It is possible all lanes may have to be blocked once recovery efforts start.
Estimated duration is 4 to 6 hours.
Due to semi crash earlier this morning, both Interstate 24 eastbound lanes are closed in Lyon County, two miles east of Exit 40 at Kuttawa.
A tractor-trailer crashed in the median. As emergency response personnel were arriving, another semi crashed in the median nearby.
At this time, both eastbound lanes are blocked and traffic is being detoured off the interstate.
US 62 EAST to KY 93 South to return to I-24 eastbound at EXIT 45. Westbound traffic is moving, but restricted to one lane near the crash site.
Kentucky State Police are conducting a crash reconstruction investigation.
It is possible all lanes may have to be blocked once recovery efforts start.
Estimated duration is 4 to 6 hours.
Alarm misfire again
The City of Marion alarm system misfired again this morning at 8am.
A technician had made some adjustments to the system last week after it had blown false alarms previously.
A technician had made some adjustments to the system last week after it had blown false alarms previously.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Employment Opportunity in Marion
LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE PERSON FOR A LOCAL AREA OFFICE POSITION.
MUST HAVE BOOKKEEPING EXPERIENCE AND BE
KNOWLEDGEABLE IN QUICKBOOKS.
THIS POSITION IS FOR A FULL OR PART TIME APPLICANT.
THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH GREAT PEOPLE.
OFFERING AN EXCELLENT COMPENSATION PACKAGE INCLUDING:
• COMPANY PAID HEALTH INSURANCE WITH
FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT
• SAVINGS PLAN WITH COMPANY MATCH
• PAID VACATION AFTER 1 YEAR OF SERVICE
• 6 PAID HOLIDAYS
FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT
• SAVINGS PLAN WITH COMPANY MATCH
• PAID VACATION AFTER 1 YEAR OF SERVICE
• 6 PAID HOLIDAYS
MAIL RESUME TO:
P.O. BOX 191-B, MARION, KY 42064
Friday, August 21, 2015
Former Bobcat to play tonight for San Deigo
Jankowski, called up to the big leagues on Wednesday, played for the Marion summer collegiate team in 2010 and lead the league in batting and stolen bases.
Here is tonight's Padres lineup:
Yangervis Solarte(S) 3B
Yonder Alonso(L) 1B
Matt Kemp(R) RF
Justin Upton(R) LF
Jedd Gyorko(R) 2B
Derek Norris(R) C
Alexi Amarista(L) SS
Andrew Cashner(R) P
Travis Jankowski(L) CF
Yonder Alonso(L) 1B
Matt Kemp(R) RF
Justin Upton(R) LF
Jedd Gyorko(R) 2B
Derek Norris(R) C
Alexi Amarista(L) SS
Andrew Cashner(R) P
Travis Jankowski(L) CF
Tourism commission meets Monday
Marion Tourism Commission will hold a special meeting Monday at 5 p.m. at the Marion Welcome Center. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a proposal from cdp Engineers for the design and development of the farmers market in Marion.
Kentucky Outdoor Adventure Games
The 13 events will be held in locations across the state and include fishing tournaments, archery, paddling, mountain biking and more.
“The varied events featured in the Kentucky Outdoor Adventure Games will showcase outdoor recreation venues and events that promote good health and adventure tourism in Kentucky,’’ Mrs. Beshear said. “I invite Kentuckians and our out-of-state guests to attend and experience these games so they can learn more about the Commonwealth’s exciting adventure opportunities.”
The Kentucky Outdoor Adventure Games are being promoted by the Kentucky Sports Authority and the Office of Adventure Tourism. Other partners include the Kentucky State Parks and the Bluegrass Sports Commission.
“These events represent both the quality and quantity of outdoor adventure opportunities available throughout Kentucky,” said Elaine Wilson, director of the Office of Adventure Tourism. “From eastern Kentucky to western Kentucky and all points in-between, there are numerous locations to experience the vast natural resources Kentucky has to offer. We hope these events will inspire Kentuckians to get out and try new adventures or visit a new place.”
Here is a list of the events. More information is available at:http://www.kentuckytourism.com/outdoor-adventure/adventuregames.aspx
United States Adventure Racing Association National Championship
Oct. 1-3 at Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville
Riverthon (paddling events)
Oct. 3, Louisville (Ohio River)
History Half Marathon
Oct. 3, Frankfort
Sponsored by the Kentucky Historical Society
Cloudsplitter 100 Oct. 3-4 - Pine Mountain State Scenic Trail, Elkhorn City
2015 Kentucky State Disc Golf Championships Oct. 3-4. Bowling Green
Rocktoberfest
Oct. 9-11, Red River Gorge
Presented by the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition
Thriller Ride (cycling)
Oct. 10, London
Sponsored by the London/Laurel County Tourist Commission
Kentucky Archery Games 3D Archery Tournament
Oct. 17, London
Sponsored by the London/Laurel County Tourist Commission
Race to the Canal (mountain biking)
Oct. 18, Land Between the Lakes
Presented by Endurance Racing
Orienteering USA Meets
Oct. 23-25, Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville; and Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Union
Presented by Orienteering USA
Lord of the Fork
Oct. 24-25, Breaks Interstate Park, near Elkhorn City
Rayovac FLW Series Championship
Oct. 29-31, Paducah
Sponsored by FLW and Rayovac
Crappie USA Tournament at Lake Cumberland
Oct. 30-31, Somerset
Sponsored by Crappie USA and Lake Cumberland Tourism
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Area death
Tammy K. Pinson, 53, of Cadet, Mo., formerly of Princeton, died Aug. 14, 2015, at St. Luke’s Hospital in St. Louis. Funeral services were Tuesday at Mahn Funeral Home in DeSoto, Mo.
Authorities remind drivers of school zones
Marion Police Department and Livingston County Sheriff's Department want to remind motorists to exercise extreme caution when traveling through local school zones.
"There is a great deal of congested traffic in these zones for probably thirty minutes, two times a day," said Livingston County Sheriff Bobby Davidson. "We urge drivers to slow down and pay attention."
School zones in Marion and across Livingston County are clearly marked, and the speed limits are strictly enforced in the zones.
"Taking a few extra minutes to get to your destination could save a life," Davidson said.
Sheriff seeking help with Livingston burglary
Recently, someone broke into an equipment room at the Livingston County Baseball/Softball Park in Smithland, according to Chief Deputy Devin Brewer. Several items were taken, including hand tools, chemicals and a large batting cage-type net.
Should anyone have any information regarding this theft, they are urged to contact the sheriff at (270) 928-2122 or CrimeStoppers at (270) 443-TELL. You may remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Friday Night Lights: Todd Central visits
Rockets (0-0) vs. Todd County Central (0-0)
Rocket Stadium | Friday | 7 p.m.
BlueOut Night
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Livingston church honoring first-responders
That’s why one local church wants to show its appreciation to officials in emergency management. First Responders Appreciation Day will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Pinckneyville Baptist Church near Salem. Members of local fire departments, EMS officials, dispatchers and law enforcement personnel are encouraged to attend the event which honors their work in local communities.
As part of the celebration a PowerPoint presentation will be provided on what happens when individuals call the 911 center in Livingston County. The presentation will be conducted by Amy Padon, the supervisor of daily operations at Livingston County’s 911 dispatch.
To give individuals a better understanding of its operations, Padon will show how 911 calls are received from a landline or cell phone and why 911 officials ask so many questions when people make an emergency call. The presentation will also provide why it’s important to have homes properly marked so first responders can find addresses quickly.
Emergency management officials attending the event are asked to wear their uniforms and enjoy a potluck meal after the service.
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