Big Buck Pool Party

We had several calls and texts today about a buck roaming around in Marion. Well, Luke Crider caught it on video, IN HIS POOL !



This trophy 9-point buck was swimming in downtown Marion on Saturday.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday

Change the clocks, change the batteries. That’s the message this week from Kentucky State Fire Marshal William Swope. This weekend, at 2 a.m. Nov. 1, Kentuckians switch from daylight saving time back to standard time.

“Early warning is the first line of defense in escaping a fire,” said William Swope, director of the Public Protection Cabinet’s Division of Fire Prevention and the state’s fire marshal. “Without a working smoke detector to issue an early warning, occupants can become trapped by deadly smoke and heat as the fire spreads quickly throughout a home, blocking escape routes.”

Smoke detectors should be on every floor of your home, including the basement and in each sleeping area. “The bottom line is smoke detectors can save the lives of your family and pets,” said Swope. “It’s simple: When you set your clocks back, change the batteries in your smoke alarms.”

Swope said education is the key to preventing fires in your home. “Make sure that everyone in your home knows about fire prevention and what to do in case of a fire in your residence,” he said. “And pay particular attention to family members with disabilities to ensure everyone escapes a home fire successfully. Have a fire escape plan that includes two ways out for everyone.”

For additional information, visit the Public Protection Cabinet website at http://dhbc.ky.gov/sfm/Pages/Safety.aspx. There, you can find fact sheets on several fire prevention topics.

Lola Trunk-or-Treat Saturday night

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Trick or Treat on Main Today

Press Taking Halloween Photos 2-5pm

Children of all stripes and shapes will be masked and marauding though downtown 3-5pm today as part of Marion Main Street's Trick-or-Treat on Main Street. Various local merchants will be participating with candy and treats. Here is a list of those taking part in the Trick-or-Treat event:

• Participating Businesses
• Farmers Bank – Main Office  
• Peoples Bank  
• Superior Trophies  
• Sheriff’s Office  
• PVA Office  
• Judge Executive Office  
• Circuit Court Clerk  
• County Clerk  
• City of Marion  
• Tabor’s Towing & Repair  
• CC Library  
• Shopko  
• Louise’s Flowers  
• Johnson’s Furniture & Appliance   
• Tourism/Welcome Center  
• Marion Physicians Clinic  
• KB Pharmacy  
• Zac Greenwell Commonwealth Attorney  
• Roy & Tim’s Barber Shop  
• Main Street Italian Grill  
• Fire Station  
• Bowtanicals  
• Five Star
• Frazer & Massey

Here are your GOP candidates

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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Halloween photos Friday

Big Buck Expo next month!

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What's news this week in Crittenden County

A Marion businessman may have helped police solve a spate of burglaries that occurred over the weekend. A local man and teenage woman were in custody Tuesday afternoon and police say the investigation could lead to other arrests.

For the full story, a look at our 10-page special Fall Home Improvement section featuring local DIY project and the following stories, see this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• Domestic dispute leads to shots fired.
• Halloween: Cemetery stories stand test of time.
• GOP registrations outpace Democrats.
• Governor’s race headlines Ky. election.
• OPINION: Big Bang Theory: Freedom and our right to bear arms.
• OPINION: Reminiscing reveals generation gap.
• English addresses Methodists in Spain.
• September CCES Rocket Role Models.
• County doing homework on new electrical inspection law.
• Class of 1963 reunites.
• Plans continue forward for farmers’ market.
• Blue Ribbon effort raises $2,000 for city, county police training.
• Kenergy to seek rate hike; natural gas prices to be down.
• Burna woman hurt Tuesday in single-vehicle Tolu wreck.
• Local, state jobless rates continue fall.
• Detention center stays full of inmates.
• ‘Ag Tag’ program nets county $1,290.
• SPORTS: Rockets settle for runnerup in district.
• OUTDOORS: ‘Rutting’ moon charges hunters.
• Retired teacher profile: Linda Myrick.

Clay woman killed in Webster crash

The Kentucky State Police is investigating a two-vehicle, fatality-collision that occurred on U.S. 41A, approximately 4 miles north of Dixon on Tuesday at 1:54 p.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed that James L. Machen, 39, Providence was operating a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on US 41A. Rebbecca J. Slinker, 51, Clay was operating a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu southbound on U.S. 41A.

As Machen was traveling northbound, his vehicle hydroplaned on the wet roadway and crossed into the southbound lane where it struck Ms. Slinker’s vehicle at an angle.  Both vehicles exited the roadway and struck an earthen embankment. Both vehicles came to rest off the roadway.

Machen was transported via private vehicle to Baptist Health Madisonville for treatment. Slinker and her passenger, Betty L. Cowan, 71, Clay were transported via ambulance to St. Mary’s in Evansville, Ind., where Cowan succumbed to her injuries. All occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Trooper First Class William Braden is investigating the collision. The Dixon Volunteer Fire Department, the Poole Volunteer Fire Department, Webster County EMS, and Providence EMS assisted at the scene.

Color run is postponed again

Due to the forecast of more unsatisfactory weather on Wednesday, the high school's Color Run at the park is delayed again. It will be rescheduled on a date to be determined later.

Arrests made in vehicle burglaries

Marion Police Department has made two arrests in a spate of burglaries over the weekend.

Police say 21 vehicles were ransacked and burglarized in various locations inside the city.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for details.

School's Color Run is off due to rain

Crittenden County High School's Color Run, scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at the park, is off due to rain.

The event is now scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

Area Death

Terry Wayne Adams, 62, of Lola died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Asbridge, 88, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

BOYD FUNERAL DIRECTORS

GILBERT FUNERAL HOME

MYERS FUNERAL HOME

Police say keep vehicle doors locked

Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal is urging citizens to keep their vehicles locked at all times.

Over the weekend there were a spate of burglaries in various parts of the city where vehicles were ransacked and items stolen.

TipLine is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information can call (270) 965-3500.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for more details.

Flu Season: Get your shot!

Flu season is officially under way and already cases are being reported in Kentucky.

The flu season in Kentucky typically begins in October or November.

Kentuckians are encouraged to get a flu vaccine as soon as their health provider has vaccine in stock, because it takes about two weeks for immunity to develop and offer protection against the flu.

Immunization is currently available through Crittenden County Health Department.

Bull Blowout this weekend at Murray

Murray State University’s Cherry Expo center will host the 2015 Bull Blowout October 23-24. This years Bull Blowout will feature the most courageous local and national riders who will take on some of the fiercest and most powerful bulls. 

Bull Blowout is fun for the whole family. Along with bull riding there will be barrel racing, mutton busting and a calf scramble. Mutton busting is the riding of sheep. The calf scramble will allow kids to chase calves with flags on their tales, winning prizes by capturing them. There will also be an appearance from funny man Greg “Stump” Reynolds.  

“I want the audience to experience the action of bull riding and barrel racing since these are probably the most popular events in rodeo,” said Penny Parsons of the Bill cherry Ag Expo Center. 

Attendance is expected to be close to 15,000 patrons with about 100 competitors each night. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with festivities beginning at 8:00 p.m. nightly. Admission for adults is $14, $12 for students with a valid ID and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are sold at the door. For more information call 731-642-8346

Hunting Guide Available Free Online

VIEW IN PDF FORMAT

Now available online: 

Free publication by The Crittenden Press

Crittenden Outdoors 2015 Hunting Guide

Click Here to Download PDF

Fall and Winter Edition

Area Deaths

Betty Jo (Martin) White, 73, of Owensville, Ind., died Wednesday. Holders Funeral Home in Owensville is in charge of arrangements.

Janet Marie Corley Sheffield, 78, of Newburgh, Ind., formerly of Marion, died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Soccer tournament tomorrow at park

Dawson Jones

Crittenden Youth Soccer Association will host its annual Pumpkin Kickin' It Tournament Saturday at Marion-Crittenden County Park.

There will be competition for teams in 10-under and 12-under age groups. Teams will be from Crittenden, Caldwell and Lyon counties.

Games will begin at 9 a.m. Admission is $3 adults, $1 children under 12. Concessions will be available.

Area Death

Virgil Elgin Cook, Jr., 82, of Marion died Thursday. The funeral is Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home.

Buck Buck Expo Nov. 13

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Par 4 Celebration going indoors

Due to the forecast of rain, Par 4 Plastics is moving its 25-Year Anniversary Celebration and Fall Festival indoors to Fohs Hall on Saturday.

Class of 1990 tailgate party

The Crittenden County Class of 1990 will rendezvous for a tailgate party prior to Friday night's Rockets football game with Russellville.

Plans are to begin tailgating around 6 p.m., and classmates and their guests are encouraged to bring chairs, finger food and 2-liter drink.

For more information, contact Valerie Gilbert (270) 704-0630.

Area Deaths

Mary Lee (Campbell) Asbridge, 92, died Tuesday at Rivers Bend Retirement Community in Kuttawa. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

William Doy Riley, 91, of Marion died Tuesday at Livingston Hospital and Health Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

CCHS SBDM meets Thursday

Crittenden High School SBDM will meet Thursday, Oct. 22, at 4 p.m. The meeting will take place in the high school conference room.

What's News this Week?

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press has lots of information about what's going on and what has happened in the county. Here a few things you will find in this week's newspaper:

• Par 4 is 25
• Taste of Hollywood at Fohs
• Inmates and Dogs
• Soccer girls successes
• Rockets go for district title
• Underdown: Old School Memories
• Craig looking for Harp’s head
• Community Christmas is down
• Right to Work tabled
• Go Green for Halloween
• Hunting for Nuts

State champs, quarterfinalists recognized

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Crittenden County’s football program will focus this year’s customary alumni recognition ceremony on the three most successful teams in school sports history – the 1985 Class A state champion and the 1963 and 2008 regional champions.

The recognition will be part of the Crittenden County vs. Russellville game at Rocket Stadiium on Friday.

That will also be Senior Night.

In addition to honoring seniors, the team will recognize players, cheerleaders and coaches from the teams from 2008, 1985 and 1963. The alumni recognition will be at halftime.

There will be a booth inside the front gate where alumni will register for the halftime ceremony.

The 1985 team will be tailgating in the west end zone behind the scoreboard. 

Lady Rockets' post historic season

Crittenden County's soccer team posted an unprecedented season, winning a district championship and earning a second straight regional tournament berth.

In this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press find out more about how the girls did at the Second Region Tournament and learn what coach Ken Geary thinks about how his club performed this season and what can be expected in the near future.

Pictured here are the girls with District Champion shirts and trophy. Farmers Bank sponsored the shirts. Pictured are (front from left) Margaret Sitar, Charity Sitar, Kali Travis, (middle) Emily West, Baylee Preist, Anzie Gobin, Maddy Johnson, Alexis Gideon, Hannah Easely, Emily Tinsley, Alexis Tabor, Leah Fritts, Saddie Pile, Abby Kirk, Coach Shannon Stoltenburg, (back) Coach Ken Geary, Caton Tidwell, Lindsey Cochran, Kaitlyn Riley, Allie Geary, Destiny Knight, Jaelyn Duncan, Ashley Wheeler and Alayna Cowsert. Not Pictured: Kelsey Lucas and Nikki Shuecraft.

Marion Leaf Collection

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Area Deaths

Harold "Bunk" Hina, 64, of Raymore, Mo., formerly of Mattoon and Sturgis, died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 at his residence.  Whitsell Funeral Home in Sturgis was in charge of arrangements. 

Eugene D. Fortune, 71, of Marion, formerly of Woodbury, Minn., died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements. 

Lady Rockets play in regional tonight

Crittenden County's girls' soccer team will face Union County at 8pm tonight in Hopkinsville for the opening round of the Second Region Soccer Tournament.

The girls won the Fifth District championship last week.

The CCHS volleyball girls open Fifth District play tonight against Livingston Central at Cadiz.

Area Death

Eddie Rozwalka, 51, of Marion died Sunday at Crittenden County Health and Rehabilitation Center after a battle with cancer. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Title IX meeting Wednesday at school

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, there will be a Title IX public comment session from 3:00-3:30 p.m. about Title IX practices at Crittenden County High School. 

The location will be the high school library, and community members and parents are invited to attend.

Community Christmas registration tomorrow

Community Christmas sign-ups for those who have not completed the required three credit classes or those families without children will take place at Emmanuel Baptist Church tomorrow. The registration will run from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the church in Greenwood Heights.

Those looking to sign up must meet income guidelines and be a resident of Crittenden County. You should bring proof of income for all adults living in the household and the Social Security number for the head of household.

Call the Crittenden County Extension Service at (270) 965-5236 for further information about the sign-up. Call Pennyrile Allied Community Services at (270) 965-4763 if you have questions about income guidelines. Emmanuel Baptist Church is simply a registration location and cannot answer Community Christmas questions.

Registration for those who have completed the class requirements was held previously.

Angel Trees are scheduled to be placed at participating businesses Nov. 16. Those businesses will be announced at a later time. Distribution for toys will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 17 at the Carson G. Davidson National Guard Armory in Marion. Food distribution will also be held on that date at Marion Baptist Church.

This is the 41st year for Community Christmas in Crittenden County, which is coordinated by the Inter-Agency Council.

Air Evac at crash near Fredonia

UPDATE
Two people were seriously injured this morning in a two-vechile head-on collision near Fredonia.

Kentucky State Police is investigating accident that occurred at the intersection of Ky. 91 and Ky. 70 7:47 a.m.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that Stacey Kilgore, 47, of Fredonia was operating  a 2000 Mercury, traveling southbound on Ky. 91. Jerald Lynn, 47, of Madisonville was operating a 1999 Dodge pickup.

Police say Kilgore attempted to turn left onto Ky. 70 and pulled in the path of Lynn's pickup.

Kilgore was flown from the scene by Air Evac to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, after being extricated from her vehicle by Fredonia and Princeton Fire Departments. Lynn was transported to Caldwell County Hospital by Caldwell County EMS then transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.

The highways were closed for approximately one hour due to the collision.

Caldwell County EMS, Air Evac, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department, Fredonia Fire Department and Princeton Fire Department assisted on the scene.

ORIGINAL POST
One patient involved a serious automobile accident near Fredonia has already been taken to Caldwell County Hospital by ambulance and a female is being extricated from an automobile as Air Evac's helicopter is waiting nearby.

The two-vehicle head-on accident happened at about 8 a.m., near the intersection of Ky. 91 and Ky. 70. There appears to be at least two patients.

No other details were immediately available.

Area Deaths

Ollie Thomas Patton, 90, of Crittenden County died Friday. Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville is in charge of arrangements.

Gwen Mayden May, 61, of Marion died Friday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Bill Audus Belt, 80, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Marion, died Tuesday in Dallas. 

Fall and deer hunters blow in this weekend

Fall will hustle in with head of steam this weekend as a cold front moves through the area bringing the coolest temperatures of the season, thus far.

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a frost advisory for all of western Kentucky and southern Illinois for tonight and early morning.

A chilly Canadian high pressure system is expected to hasten fall's arrival just in time for deer hunters who will be heading afield this weekend with muzzleloaders. Expect some buzz in Marion this weekend.

Trick or Treat on Main St. Next Week !

Trick or Treat on Main Street has become an anticipated annual event each year in our community.

Marion Main Street, Inc., offers this event to children 12 and under.  There is a great safety aspect that goes along with this event. Children can trick or treat in the daylight hours and receive treats from businesses that we all know and trust.

Marion Main Street Director Susan Alexander works with the downtown merchants and other offices, organizing the candy offerings.

This year's event will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 30 in downtown Marion. Participating businesses will have a flyer posted in their window or on their front door.

Backpack food donations accepted today

TODAY IS WORLD FOOD DAY

An effort to help feed hungry children in Crittenden County will be accepting donations from 10 a.m., until 2 p.m., today at Marion’s two grocery stores – Conrad’s and Food Giant.

The Crittenden County Backpack Program is a joint effort between the school system, Extension Services and local Cumberland Presbyterian churches.

Food items may be donated to the program, which will fill backpacks and send them home with children for weekend meals.

For more information, contact Rebecca Zahrte at (270) 978-3328 or Holly White at the Crittenden County Board of Education.

This year there are 44 households signed up for the program, Zahrte said. The number includes 110 children.

“These are only the children and families that we are aware of that qualify and signed up for the back pack program,” Zahrte added. “Right now the program is only available to elementary school students.”

 She says there are potentially many other children who would benefit from this program.

Greatest teams honored next week

Crittenden County’s football program will focus this year’s customary alumni recognition ceremony on the three most successful teams in school sports history – the 1985 Class A state champion and the 1963 and 2008 regional champions.

The recognition will be part of the Crittenden County vs. Russellville game at Rocket Stadiium on Friday, Oct. 23.

That will also be Senior Night.

In addition to honoring seniors, the team will recognize players, cheerleaders and coaches from the teams from 2008, 1985 and 1963. The alumni recognition will be at halftime.

There will be a booth inside the front gate where alumni will register for the halftime ceremony.

Area Deaths

Gladys Rhea Riley, 95, of Marion died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral  Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Teresa Gail Buchanan, 65, of Fredonia died Wednesday. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Allen Hinchee, 79, of Marion died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

25 pounds of pot seized, arrests made

On Wednesday, two Kentucky men were arrested at a Smithland campground after authorities discovered 25 pounds of marijuana and cultivation paraphernalia at their campsite. Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force headed the investigation at the Birdsville RV and Campground that led to the marijuana find and arrest of a Frankfort and Booneville man. Livingston County Sheriff's Department and the Commonwealth's attorney for Livingston County assisted in the search.

For full details, see next week's issue of The Crittenden Press.

Richmond man wins KSP raffle

Richmond, Ky.-resident Thor Morrison (center) received the keys to a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE pickup truck from Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer (right), Tpr. Jonathan Biven, director of the Trooper Island Camp and Danny Gibson (left), owner of Bailey-Gibson Buick GMC in Glasgow, Ky. Morrison won the vehicle in a raffle held to benefit Trooper Island, a free summer camp for underprivileged boys and girls age 10-12 operated by the Kentucky State Police 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.

AG warns of Experian data breach

Attorney General Jack Conway and his Office of Consumer Protection are alerting Kentucky consumers about a data breach from Experian and are encouraging Kentuckians to take steps to protect their personal information.  Attorney General Conway says consumers should watch for signs of identity theft following the breach.

Earlier this month, a breach of personal data of T-Mobile customers, that was stored on an Experian server, affected approximately 15 million consumers nationwide, including more than 134,000 Kentuckians.  The accessed data included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, birth dates and driver’s license numbers of current T-Mobile customers and consumers requiring a credit check for service or device financing from Sept. 1, 2013 through Sept. 16, 2015.

“Becoming a victim of a data breach can be a frustrating and stressful experience,” Attorney General Conway said.  “If you have been impacted by this recent cyberattack on Experian, I encourage you to take advantage of the free credit monitoring and identity protection services being offered by the company.  Additionally, consumers can always find a step-by-step toolkit designed to assist identity theft victims on my website, www.ag.ky.gov/idtheft.  The faster you detect identity theft, the sooner you can report and correct it.”

Experian is sending letters to affected individuals with information about the breach and how to enroll for free credit monitoring.  Consumers affected by this breach are encouraged to take advantage of two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft resolution services offered by Experian.  Experian is also offering free security freezes on Experian’s credit reports to the affected consumers.  To enroll in these services and view other information about the data breach, please visit Experian’s website at: http://www.experian.com/data-breach/t-mobilefacts.html. T-Mobile has also provided information about the data breach on their website: http://www.t-mobile.com/landing/experian-data-breach.html.

Attorney General Conway and his Office of Consumer Protection also recommend the following tips to help keep you safe from identity theft:

• Stay informed by checking Experian’s website for updates about the data breach.
• Take advantage of the free credit monitoring and identity resolution services offered by Experian and consider the free credit freezes on your Experian credit report.  Check Experian’s website for information.
• Consider placing a free “fraud alert” on your credit reports.  Fraud alerts notify businesses that check your credit reports that they should verify identity before issuing credit in your name.  You can sign up by contacting any major credit bureau: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285, www.equifax.com; TransUnion, 1-800-680-7289, www.transunion.com; Experian, 1-888-397-3742, www.experian.com.
• Check your credit report for accounts you do not recognize or that have been placed in collection without your knowledge.
• Monitor your credit and bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.  Contact your financial institution immediately if you find such transactions.
• Beware of “phishing” calls and emails from callers and websites urging you to give up personal information. Do not provide your social security number, credit card or other personal information in response to unsolicited emails or calls.

Title IX public comment meeting

On Wednesday from 3 to 3:30 p.m., there will be a Title IX public comment session held on Title practices in the high school library. All parents are invited to attend.

What's News This Week

Fall is in the air around Crittenden County and this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press is full of news, information and activities from your community.

Among the things will find in this week's edition are:

• Deer hunting news
• Hollywood actress coming home
• Nannies get drivers' goat in Crayne
• World Food Day: Backpack Effort
• Airport reports
• Sports team chasing postseason glory
• And lots more ....

This week's edition will be on newsstands this afternoon.

Lady Rockets win first district ever

Fifth District Champions

Crittenden County beat Trigg County in a shootout Tuesday night at Eddyvlle to win the Fifth District soccer championship.

It was the Lady Rockets' first ever league title.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for more details.

Firemen respond to blaze at home

Fireman work to slow blaze.

A number of volunteer firemen from at least three local departments are on the scene of a house fire on Sugar Grove Road just past the church.

Five people were at the residence when the blaze broke out. Everyone was able to get outside without injury.

The fire appeared to be engulfing the home despite attempts to control the blaze. There is no indication at this time of how it started.

The home was occupied by Tanesha Pennington, a local school bus driver, and her family.

Free Dumping this Weekend

This is Free Dumping Weekend in Crittenden County.

The convenience center on U.S. 60 East will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday to accept those things you no longer want hanging around the house or cluttering up your garage. That includes things like furniture and appliances.

Neither tires nor items with sensitive environmental concerns will be accepted. Disposal of normal household garbage will still require the normal fee.

For more information, call (270) 965-5251.

Mobile home fire on Sulphur Springs Road

Volunteer firemen from Crittenden County have spent the last couple of hours working to extinguish a mobile home fire on Sulphur Springs Road in the rural southern portion of the county.

No one was home at the time of the fire and no on was injured. The trailer was totally engulfed in flames when firemen arrived.

5K Glow in the Park Race Tonight

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Crittenden Hospital will give a free mammogram to the top adult female finisher and a free PSA test to the top adult male in tonight's Glow in the Park 5K race at Marion-Crittenden County Park.

The race starts at 7 p.m.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for the 5K, $15 for a fun run for children; and also in observance of Cancer Awareness Month, cancer survivors will be given the discounted price of $15 for the 5K.

There will be obstacles on the course for runners.

Yard Sale Friday and Saturday

Yard Sale: 1985 Weldon Rd., Marion, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-? Quilts, men's, ladies' and teen girls' clothes all sizes. Lawn furniture, vinyl flooring, wood flooring and more. Rain or shine.

Demolition derby in Marion Oct. 24

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Governor increases speed limit on 68/80

FINAL SEGMENT OF HIGHWAY TO BE 4-LANED

Gov. Steve Beshear today announced two long-anticipated developments for improved transportation in the tourism-rich “Western Waterlands” area of western Kentucky.

Gov. Beshear said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will take bids in November on three construction projects to complete the widening of U.S. 68/KY 80 from Cadiz to Lake Barkley in Trigg County.

Meantime, the speed limit will be raised on most of the stretch of KY 80 already four lanes wide from Mayfield to Aurora in Graves, Calloway and Marshall counties.

“Modern, four-lane highways are indispensable for business, tourism and other commerce,” Gov. Beshear said. “The widening of the last two-lane stretch of ‘68/80’ will complete a modern new corridor across roughly the western third of Kentucky, from Mayfield to Bowling Green.”

The two routes – U.S. 68 and KY 80 – merge at Aurora, in Marshall County, and run as a combined route from that point eastward to Bowling Green. For the most part, it is a four-lane highway. One glaring exception is the segment scheduled for bid letting on Nov. 20 – an 8-mile stretch from Lake Barkley to the western end of the Cadiz Bypass.

Going west from Aurora, the highway splits into two routes: U.S. 68 runs northwesterly to Paducah, while KY 80 dips to the south. KY 80 is four lanes wide from Aurora to Mayfield.

“Travelers and businesses increasingly rely on Global Positioning System technology to plan their trips, and those systems favor routes with higher speed limits,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky 80 is a well-built highway. A 65 mph speed limit will allow it to stand out on GPS. And now that the remaining pieces of the corridor are falling into place, the time is right.”

Legislators from the region applauded the Governor’s announcement.

“This project will have tremendous benefit for not only the people who live in West Kentucky but the millions of tourists who visit annually, particularly with Land Between The Lakes being the No. 1 tourist attraction in the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Kenny Imes, of Murray. “Infrastructure improvements of this nature make our region a more attractive place in which to live, work and visit.”

“This is great news both for Trigg County and the entire region,” said Rep. John Tilley, of Hopkinsville, whose district includes a portion of Trigg County. “Once complete, it will undoubtedly help lure more tourists and economic development here, and it will make driving along the corridor even safer. I want to thank Gov. Beshear and the Transportation Cabinet for making this a priority.”

“The widening of U.S. 68 and KY 80 will be huge for the Western part of our state,” said. Sen. Stan Humphries, of Cadiz.  “Developing easier access to this area means more business, more jobs, more tourism and an overall better economic environment for our citizens.”

Community Christmas registration Thursday

Pre-registration for those who have completed the three educational class requirement for Community Christmas participation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon today (Thursday) and Friday at the University of Kentucky Crittenden County Cooperative Extension Service on U.S. 60 East. The registration is only for those who attended all three classes for participation in the local charity. 

A sign-up date for those who have not completed the three-class requirement will be scheduled and announced later this month.

 
Angel Trees are scheduled to be placed at participating businesses Nov. 16. Those businesses will be announced at a later time.

 
Distribution for toys will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Dec. 17 at the Carson G. Davidson National Guard Armory in Marion. Food distribution will also be held on that date at Marion Baptist Church.

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

Administrators and staff with Crittenden County’s school system are celebrating a victory in the classroom. Last Thursday, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released results from its statewide accountability testing. The local school district and two of its schools were labeled “proficient,” including the high school. In fact, Crittenden County High School was ranked among the state’s top 10 percent of improving schools.

For more on this story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• Livingston School Report Card scores dip a bit.
• CCHS student college-, career-readiness jumps to near peak.
• Ky. recognizes Siemens for safety.
• Local beekeeper rescues hive, honey from collapse.
• Candidates line up for Whitfield’s seat.
• Fall demolition derby scheduled.
• OPINION: Community newspapers still matter.
• IN PICTURES: CCES Fall Festival.
• IN PICTURES: Football homecoming king, queen crown and more.
• IN PICTURES: Pumpkin Festival brings all ages to town.
• Music event honors late Marion couple.
• County gets state funding for several roads. See paper for list.
• Statewide GOP candidates pay visit to Marion.
• Copperas Springs Road work wrapping up.
• Repairs continue to affect county roads.
• Air Evac prepared to handle extra runs.
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: City bylaws, ordinance from late 1800s seem archaic now.
• FOOTBALL: Rockets beat homecoming date.
• SOCCER: Lady Rockets shooting for back-to-back berths in regional tournament.
• VOLLEYBALL: Libero plays unique role.
• Community Christmas sign-ups begin this week.
• Christmas in Marion set for Oct. 17 at CCMS.

Community Christmas Registration

Registration for Community Christmas – for those who have completed all three credit classes – will be from 9am until noon Thursday, Oct. 8 and Friday, Oct. 9 at the Crittenden County Extension office.

Registration for those who have not completed the required three credit classes will be held from 9am until noon on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. 

Have a DIY project to share?

What is your favorite DIY project you have done, and are you willing to share the project - and photo - for an upcoming feature in The Crittenden Press? If so, visit us on Facebook or email us.

Hunting Guide is now available

The Crittenden County Outdoors 2015 Hunting Guide is now available.

The free publication is produced by The Crittenden Press with support from area sponsors. 

This year's publication features a cover story about celebrities who hunt in Crittenden County, including several professional athletes. Former NFL quarterback Chris Redman is featured on the cover.

Inside are a variety of articles about local hunters and lots of information on licenses, harvest data and wildlife management areas.

Pick up the FREE 2015 edition of Crittenden County Outdoors Hunting Guide at participating restaurants, sporting goods stores and sponsoring businesses. 

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Students have a week to go

Fall Break begins a week from today, but students and parents will start enjoying their 5-day vacation from school as early as Friday.

Also on Friday will be the annual Glow Run at the park. The night 5K race is the community's largest running event, drawing around 200 entries.

BEFORE KICKOFF: MCC Hot Wings

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Deadline to register to vote Monday

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes urges voters who have recently updated their voter registration information, including their name or address, to verify that the changes have been processed.

“Having up-to-date registration information is an important step in making sure you’re eligible to vote,” said Grimes, Kentucky’s chief election official. “I urge all voters to verify that their information is correct so there are no surprises on Election Day.”

Notices are mailed to voters to confirm changes to voter registration information. Anyone who has made changes but did not receive a notice should check the Voter Information Center or contact their county clerk to make sure the application has been processed.

Monday, Oct. 5 is the deadline to make changes to voter registration information before the Nov. 3 General Election. County clerks’ offices throughout Kentucky will accept voter registration cards until the close of business on Monday. Mail-in voter registration applications must be postmarked by that date.

Area death

Jack G. Easley Jr., 72, of Marion died Thursday evening at his home. He was the longtime owner of Marion Pit Bar-B-Que. Funeral services are Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion.

Where's the Beef?

It's festival time in downtown Marion and there's plenty of food and fun on Main Street. Pictured here is Rev. Mike Jones cooking P-H Cattle Co. burgers for a school-related fundraiser.

Ridley considering run for Whitfield’s seat

Sen. Ridley

State Sen. Dorsey Ridley, who represents Crittenden County in Frankfort, said Thursday he has almost convinced himself he should run for the seat held by U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield. "I am very interested in looking at this race," he said. "I've still got some phone calls to make" and "a few more people on my check list" but overall, "things look very favorable." Whitfield announced Tuesday that he is serving his last term in Congress. He was elected in 1994, the first Republican to ever hold the 1st Congressional District seat.

For the full story, visit The Gleaner online.

Fall Revival Starts Sunday!

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Fall Festival Saturday at CCES

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KDFWR strategic plan highlights listed

By Lee McClellan

Kentucky Afield Outdoors

A new feature on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' website at fw.ky.gov is a document detailing the department's accomplishments toward its Strategic Plan over the last two years under the leadership of Commissioner Gregory K. Johnson.

"The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 'Planning the Future - Strategic Accomplishments' report documents what getting involved and getting inspired with fish and wildlife conservation really means," Johnson said. "The fish and wildlife conservation partnership, here in Kentucky, can stand tall and proud of how we work together to make the Commonwealth a sportsmen and outdoor enthusiast paradise."

Here are some of the accomplished objectives.

The Fisheries Division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife formed a Critical Species Investigations branch, dealing with species of concern, such as the declining paddlefish or the invasive Asian carp. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is a leader among southern states in combating the Asian carp threat.

The Fisheries Division installed 2,100 habitat structures along 2.5 miles of shoreline at Cave Run Lake and received a $10,000 grant to install more in the lake. The Fees in Lieu program restored six miles of streams over the past two years with plans to restore 70 more stream miles in the coming years.

The highly anticipated Hatchery Creek project, which should become one of the top fly fishing destinations for trout in Kentucky, should be complete by early summer 2016. This project will create a model trout stream with fantastic habitat for more than a mile flowing from Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery into the Cumberland River.

The Fisheries Division produces 7 million fish annually at its two hatcheries, including 18 species and hybrids and logs more than 140,000 miles each year stocking these fish. The division also expanded the Fishing in Neighborhoods urban fishing program to 40 lakes.

Kentucky ranks as the top state for a quality deer hunting experience. It also received two skid steer machines for forest management from the League of Kentucky Sportsman and purchased one other.

Wildlife Division employees also trapped 150 elk for a restoration project in Wisconsin. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will get $450,000 in funding in return for forest management efforts in eastern Kentucky that benefit grouse and other forest species.

The Wildlife Division hired a new veterinarian with emphasis on wildlife disease issues.

The Non-Game Division's work on least terns helped bring the highest number of mating least terns in Kentucky in the last 10 years. The least terns banded and monitored by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife represent 10 percent of the population of these endangered birds.

The Non-Game Division also captured and custom fit a golden eagle from Bernheim Forest in Bullitt and Nelson counties with a tracking transmitter. This is the first golden eagle captured and released since intensive monitoring began in 2012. Workers also recorded the sex and placed an identification band on the rare bird.

The Center for Mollusk Conservation stocked three species of endangered freshwater mussels in the Big South Fork of Cumberland River and received a $400,000 grant to increase mussel populations in Kentucky and surrounding states.

The Law Enforcement Division outfitted each conservation officer with a body camera and instituted an in-house training section. The boating safety staff developed a Boat Safe Kentucky app for smartphones to help the boating public safely enjoy Kentucky waters.

A memorial for fallen law enforcement officers from Kentucky Fish and Wildlife now stands near Salato Wildlife Education Center at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Headquarters in Frankfort.

The Engineering Division improved Wildcat Boat Ramp in the Blood River arm of Kentucky Lake in Calloway County. Engineering staff also improved a boat ramp on the Kentucky River in Owen County and on the Ohio River at Lewisport in Hancock County. In addition, the division built a new ramp on the Cumberland River at Pickneyville in Livingston County and installed two fishing accesses at Kingfisher Lake in Daviess County.

The Information and Education Division hosted nearly 5,000 campers at its three conservation camps in 2014 and instituted a Venture Camp for seventh and eighth graders. This camp teachers advanced outdoors skills such as night fishing and animal tracking as well as shooting crossbows, shotguns and .22 rifles.

The division offered conservation education at 639 schools and 15,262 students completed hunter education courses. The Kentucky National Archery in the Schools program in now in 532 schools across the state involving 110,000 students.

More than 53,000 people visited Salato Wildlife Education Center and the "Kentucky Afield" television show won regional Emmy Awards for the Carp Madness video and for host Tim Farmer. The show has captured 14 Emmy Awards in the last 10 years.

The agency increased license and permit sales for the third straight year with 1.03 million units sold, bucking national trends.

For more information on the Strategic Plan achievements, visit Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's website at fw.ky.gov.

(Editor's note: Author 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.)

Action Photos : Just Posted

Just Posted : Action Photos from Webster and Union

Crittenden named "Proficient" school district

Due to its academic performance, Crittenden County School System has been designated a "Proficient" district by the Kentucky Department of Education. See next week's issue of The Crittenden Press for details.

Friday Night Lights: Homecoming

HOMECOMING

Fulton City (4-1, 1-0) at Rockets (4-1, 0-0) 

Rocket Stadium | Friday | 7 p.m.

PINKOUT!
Wear pink to the game in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Click here to visit Rocket Football online

ColorFall kicks off in Kentucky

Fall has arrived, and with it the 2015 edition of the ColorFall program promoting travel to peak foliage viewing areas and exciting autumn events around Kentucky. ColorFall is designed to aid the public’s enjoyment and media’s coverage of autumn in the Bluegrass State.

Coordinated by the Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism and the Kentucky Department of Parks, ColorFall is available at this website: KentuckyTourism.com/seasons. The site  provides information about the state’s beauty at this time of year, including reports on stages of leaf changes from naturalists at parks throughout the Commonwealth and other spotters from around Kentucky.

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

Annual Hunting Guide comes out today!

Crittenden County Outdoors will have its 2015 Hunting Guide available today.

The free publication is produced by The Crittenden Press with support from area sponsors. 

This year's publication features a cover story about celebrities who hunt in Crittenden County, including several professional athletes. Former NFL quarterback Chris Redman is featured on the cover.

Inside are a variety of articles about local hunters and lots of information on licenses, harvest data and wildlife management areas.

Pick up the FREE 2015 edition of Crittenden County Outdoors Hunting Guide at participating restaurants, sporting goods stores and sponsoring businesses. 

Pumpkin Festival This Weekend in Marion !

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Blood drive Monday at CHS

There will be a blood drive sponsored by Crittenden Health System Monday from 11 am to 6 pm located in the education room on the CHS campus. All blood donors will receive a t-shirt for giving the gift of life.

Pennyrile GOP hosts candidate event

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Farmers Day is Friday !

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Fall forest fire hazard season begins today

The Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is using noses and paws to catch arsonists as the fall wildfire season, which runs from today through Dec. 15, gets underway. During the wildfire hazard season outdoor burning is prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland.

Bloodhounds trained to investigate arson cases will be available for the second year. Through a partnership with the Bell County Forestry Camp, multiple bloodhounds and handlers are now available to assist KDF with wildfire arson investigation.

The Division of Forestry will also partner with the Kentucky State Police (KSP), using KSP arson investigators to assist in investigation, interviewing and arrest of arsonists.

Forestry officials agree that vigorous investigation is the key to catching arsonists, but community effort is needed if arson is to be eliminated. “Everybody loses when wildland arsonists strike: families can lose their homes, firefighters are put at unnecessary risk, taxpayers foot the bill for suppressing the fires and jobs are often eliminated when the forest resource is reduced,” said Leah W. MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry.  “To bring arson to an end, we need the entire community to get involved.”

Kentucky has an arson hotline so citizens can call to report arson. Information regarding arson or suspected arsonists should be reported by calling the Target Arson Hotline at (800) 27-ARSON. Notifiers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information provided leads to the arrest and indictment of an arsonist.

For questions about local restrictions regarding burning, call the local fire department and the Division for Air Quality at (502) 564-3999.