Life in Christ hosts New Year's service

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Tonight's library event cancelled

Tonight's farewell reception at Crittenden County Public Library for outgoing Director Regina Merrick has been cancelled. The honoree is sick and unable to attend. The event will be rescheduled.

Area Deaths

David N. Maclin, 61, formerly of Marion, died Sunday. Milner and Orr Funeral Home in Paducah was in charge of arrangements.

Daphne L. Reynolds, 78, of Burna died Tuesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Dale Lee Guess, 68, of Salem died Wednesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Area deaths

Robert E Hill, 78, of Marion died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Mae Swinford, 73, of Fredonia died Saturday. Lakeland Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Eddyville is in charge of arrangements.

Marion man tried to outrun police

 The Kentucky State Police has charged a Marion man with numerous offenses after he led officers on a vehicle pursuit in Caldwell County.

According to state police, KSP Sgt. Craig Engler observed a green Ford Ranger pickup driven by Travis Sosh, 35, on West Main Street shortly after 9 a.m., Tuesday in Princeton with no registration plate. Sgt. Engler activated his emergency equipment in attempt to stop the pickup. The operator disregarded Sgt. Engler’s emergency equipment and accelerated northbound on Ky. 91 in attempt to flee. The pursuit ended when the suspect lost control of the vehicle and it exited the roadway on Ky. 70.

The suspect then attempted to flee on foot, but was arrested without incident.

Sosh, 35, was arrested and charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police (vehicle) second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot); first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine); first-offense driving on a DUI suspended license; no insurance, no registration plates, speeding 26 mph over speed limit and reckless driving.

Sosh was lodged in the Caldwell County Detention Center.  

The suspect has been on felony diversion in Crittenden County since October for drug and DUI convictions in Marion last June.

Sgt. Engler was assisted on scene by Sergeant Jon McGehee, Trooper Brian Graves, Trooper Ben Sawyer and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department.

No Crittenden Press today

As a reminder, there will be no issue of The Crittenden Press printed this week. We will be back with our Jan. 4 issue and the top local stories of 2017.

Show of your 2017 baby

If you choose to email a photo, payment can be made in our
office or by calling in credit/debit card information.


Please be sure to include baby's name, date of birth
and parents' names as you want them listed.

Area death

David Keith Millikan, 49, of Marion died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Teen dies in Livingston crash

The Livingston County Sheriff's Office is investigating a single vehicle collision on Paradise Road (KY 866) between Country Drive and Newbern Road occurred on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at approximately 11:42am.  

Aleascya L. Campbell, 19, of Smithland was operating a 2009 Nissan Altima westbound on KY 866 when she lost control of the vehicle and crossed the eastbound lane of travel. The vehicle left the left hand (eastbound) shoulder of the roadway and collided with a tree.  

Campbell was pronounced deceased at the scene by Livingston County Coroner Jeff Armstrong. 

A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was transported to Baptist Hospital in Paducah for treatment of her injuries.  

Livingston County Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by Livingston County EMS, Grand Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, Livingston County Emergency Management, and the Livingston County Coroners Office.  

The investigation is continuing by Sgt. Jason Kirk, Livingston County Sheriffs Office.  Please remember this young lady's friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.

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The Crittenden Press 

P.O. Box 191 • Marion, KY 42064

Phone: 270.965.3191

E-mail: information@the-press.com

Area deaths

Katie L. Atwell, 72, of Marion died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Martha Ann Broach, 52, of Salem died Friday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Ky. flu activity is widespread

Department for Public Health (DPH) officials, within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), now report “widespread” flu for the first time this flu season.  Widespread activity is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in the state.

The traditional flu season lasts from October through May. Increased flu activity began earlier this season than usual in Kentucky. Due to the early increased activity this year, both in Kentucky and nationally, increased flu activity is anticipated to continue for several months.

“With current widespread flu activity being reported in Kentucky, it is a still a good time to protect yourself and your family by getting a flu shot," said Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard, acting DPH commissioner. “The Department for Public Health is strongly urging anyone who hasn’t received a flu vaccine, particularly children 6 months and older and those people at high risk for complications related to the flu, to check with local health departments or other providers about getting the vaccine.”

Flu can be very contagious. Infection with the flu virus can cause fever, headache, cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and body aches. Persons who develop flu symptoms should seek medical advice about the need for a medical evaluation or treatment with an antiviral drug, which could shorten the course of the illness or reduce its severity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to stop the spread of germs:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.

Young children and those who are elderly or have chronic disease are especially vulnerable to the flu’s more severe consequences. It takes about 2 weeks following the administration of the vaccine for the recipient to develop protection from the flu. There are ample supplies available throughout the state. Vaccinations are available at Kentucky’s local health departments, pharmacies, and medical providers. Many health plans cover the cost of the vaccine with no copay. Kentuckians are advised to call before arriving for a vaccination.

DPH officials report weekly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) national flu surveillance system. The weekly report is now available online at http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/Influenza.htm and is updated each Friday before noon.

Area death

Millard E. Stone, 84, of Calvert City died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Public office, service closings for holidays

Click to enlarge

Pennyrile Allied Community Services Transportation is running Friday. 

A previous post and this infographic in the newspaper had previously and incorrectly indicated transportation was not running Friday.

This week's issue last of 2017

This week’s edition of The Crittenden Press that hit newsstands yesterday will be the last for 2017. Traditionally, the newspaper publishes only 51 issues a year, printing no edition between Christmas and New Year’s Day. This week’s issue contains seasons greetings from our advertisers to you, our readers, children’s letters to Santa and, of course, your local news.

Press office holiday schedule
The newspaper office will be closed Friday, Monday and Tuesday in observance of Christmas and Dec. 29 and Jan. 1 in observance of New Year’s Day.

We will be back Jan. 4 with a special look back at the top stories of 2017 and those we lost last year.

Lunchtime special, Perfect for the Office Crew

Today shortest day of year; winter begins

The winter solstice arrives today, bringing with it the day with the shortest period of daylight and heralding the official arrival of Old Man Winter. Below the equator, they begin enjoying summer today, however.

The sun will rise at 7:03 a.m. today and set at 4:40 p.m., offering only 9 hours and 36 minutes of daylight and making for the longest night of the year. However, daylight hours will grow until the summer solstice on June 21, 2018. On that first day of summer, there will be 14 hours and 42 minutes of sunshine.

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

Find children's letters to
Santa in this week' issue

Marion City Council members spent much of their final meeting of the year discussing the same issues they were facing as 2017 began. Chiefly among those are a sewer system upgrade and efforts to find a solution for prolonging the life of a deteriorating Country Club Drive. State-ordered wastewater treatment improvements, including construction of a $9 million sewer plant...

For the rest of this story, Letters to Santa from local children, holiday greetings from our advertisers and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• New fairgrounds concession stand grant OK’d
• 2 plead guilty to spring Amish store burglary
• Grand Jury indicts 5 last week
• Christmas meaning then, now same across generations
• Marion woman transforms home into Christmas wonderland yearly
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Joyful memories of Christmases past
• Signing in at voting polls to go digital in 2018
• Three file for county magistrate
• Deadline to change political party registration is Dec. 31
• Schools save $14K with energy savings
• Medicaid expansion had bigger impact in rural areas; 863 added to role from county
• 1st Hep A vaccine required by Feb. 1
• Local volunteers helping with prison ministries, more
• WKCTC graduates dozens of locals in various degree, certification programs
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Nickname fine with QB ‘Touchdown’ Wilson
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets’ loss tough, but coach mines positives
• SPORTS: Livingston unleashes best against struggling Rockets
• SPORTS: LCHS's Padon breaks 31-year-old scoring record
• SPORTS: Big league hitting clinic Jan. 20 in Marion
• OUTDOORS: Crittenden County tops in 2017 deer harvest
• CASA launches 2018 recruitment campaign

Highway closed between Fredonia and Princeton

SECOND UPDATE: 9:45pm Site is Cleared.

UPDATE: At about 5pm crews were still estimating that another 3 hours will be needed to clear the site. Homes within a one-quarter mile of the site have been evacuated.

Original Post -----------------
There is a tractor-trailer crash on Ky. 91 between Princeton and Fredonia in Caldwell County.

Both lanes are blocked at about the 15 mile marker.

The truck was hauling explosive material which will require special handling to off load and recover.

Motorists should avoid the area. The highway could be closed for up to five hours, according to the Kentucky Department of Highways. The crash was reported at about 1pm.

Detour for this section of Ky. 91 is via Ky. 139 and/or Ky. 70 or through Eddyville.

Santa brings holiday break to students

Santa Claus visited Crittenden County schools recently and promised a restful break for teachers and students.

Here, high school principal Curtis Brown spent a little time on Santa's knee.

Classes will be dismissed for Christmas break when students leave on Wednesday.

School will be out until Jan. 3.

Area deaths

Mary C. “Dolly” James, 84, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Dillard Curtis, 88, of Marion Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Local women honored by KFB

Recognized for the achievements of its women’s program this year, Crittenden County Farm Bureau received the 2017 Gold Star Award of Excellence during Kentucky Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Louisville.

The award honors county Women’s Committees for active participation in leadership development programs, agricultural promotion, educational initiatives and numerous other aspects of support to the local Farm Bureau.

At left, Marty Hill (center) and Crystal Wesmoland (right) of Crittenden County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee accept the Gold Star Award of Excellence from Vicki Bryant, chair of the Kentucky Farm Bureau state Women’s Committee. The award was presented during Friday’s recognition program at the 98th Kentucky Farm Bureau annual meeting.

Area deaths

William Edward Riley, 54, of Marion died Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Marie Barnes, 93, of Salem died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Nativity and Choir Sunday at Marion Baptist

Children from Marion Baptist Church will join the adult choir for a nativity scene during the annual Christmas cantata Sunday afternoon at the church.

Marion Baptist Church is located on East Depot Street in downtown Marion.

Starnes, Mathieu go into Hall of Fame

Athletic Director and longtime track coach Angela Starnes and Lady Rocket basketball great Jessie Mathieu were inducted in the Farmers Bank Marion-Crittenden County Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony Friday night at Rocket Arena.

Starnes has coached and taught school at Crittenden County for 27 years and Mathieu is No. 8 on the Lady Rockets' all-time scoring list.

Pictured are (from right) Angela Starnes, Farmers Bank vice president Andy Hunt and Jessie Mathieu.

Click here to read more about Starnes and Mathieu.

Water district board meets Monday

Crittenden-Livingston Water District Board of Directors will meet at 6 p.m. Monday for its December meeting. Since the fourth Monday is Christmas Day, the meeting has been moved up a week. The meeting takes place at the water district office in Salem.

Area deaths

Tony Ray Myers, 56, of Marion died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John O. Wood, 78, of Marion died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn G. Hinchee, 77, of Marion died Wednesday at her home in Marion. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ben W. Jent, 75 of Princeton died Wednesday. Morgan Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.

State lawmaker takes own life

According to Kentucky Today, a Kentucky lawmaker accused of sexual assault was found dead Wednesday, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said. Republican state Rep. Dan Johnson had vehemently denied the sexual assault allegation initially made in 2013. Louisville police had investigated the allegation, but eventually closed the case without filing any charges.

For the full story, visit Kentucky Today online.

Courthouse closed for luch Friday

Crittenden County Courthouse will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. Friday for the county employee Christmas dinner.

Marion Baptist Christmas program Sunday

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Area death

Linda Sue Dickerson, 75, of Hampton died Monday. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

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

By next summer, the ambulance service in Crittenden County will be under new management. But local officials contend Baptist Health’s decision to give up its stake in Crittenden EMS will not result in a disruption of service to the community. Earlier this month, the health care giant notified Crittenden Health Systems (CHS) and Judge-Executive Perry Newcom that it would be giving up management of Crittenden EMS...

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

• Rosebud Hill road upgrade coming
• Inmate escapes while being treated at hospital
• School district to evaluate lockdown procedure
• Controlled burns asked to be reported
• The right moves: Chess sharpening students’ minds
• Blue Knights host chess tourney; K12 places 1st
• MY 2¢ WORTH: Bites, drab attire spurn unwanted male advances
• First United Bank breaks ground in Marion
• 2 arrested in Saturday Livingston drug bust
• Students earn cash for 3-pointers, TDs
• Crittenden in top 10 Trust for Life registry
• SANTA LETTERS: Read students' wish lists for St. Nick
• OUTDOORS: New Ky. hunting regs proposed
• SPORTS HALL OF FAME: First female AD at CCHS, Starnes still holds state record in track
• SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Mathieu’s varsity career spanned six seasons, produced 1,065 points
• SPORTS: 7th girls go perfect to win district
• SPORTS: Freshman Earning their Wings
• SPORTS: Woodward, Summers help left girls to win
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Oak Hill teammates will be SEC rivals
• Plus, public office holiday closings

No driver testing Friday

Due to a shortage of examiners, there will be no driver testing in Crittenden County Friday.

Bevin orders flags to half-staff Wednesday

Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday in honor of a Kentucky serviceman who was killed in action during World War II but whose remains were only recently recovered and returned home.

Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. Albert Strange, of Mammoth Cave, was 18 years old when he died in battle in the Pacific theater on Nov. 20, 1943. Assigned to Co. E, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, he was among approximately 1,000 U.S. casualties from the Battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands.

In May 2017, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) representatives traveled to the Tarawa Atoll to conduct excavations utilizing advanced investigative techniques. As part of this mission, investigators were able to identify the remains of Pfc. Strange.

Funeral services for Pfc. Strange will be held at noon Wedensday in Cave City.

Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute by lowering the flag in honor of Pfc. Strange.

Varsity girls go first at Dawson

Anyone traveling to the Lady Rockets’ game Tuesday at Dawson Springs will need to arrive by 6pm to catch the varsity action.

It will be played first, followed by JV action in the nightcap.

This game was originally scheduled to be at Marion, but moved to Dawson.

Alabama man guilty in deer case

An Alabama man who operated as a hunting guide in Crittenden and Livingston counties has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in Livingston County and faces 29 more charges in Crittenden District Court, many of them involving wildlife violations.

William Daniel Hassett, 31, of Vincent, Ala., had originally faced a felony robbery and burglary charge in Livingston County for taking a deer out of the bed of a pickup belonging to an 18-year-old local man who had shot it last deer season. The charges were amended down recently in Livingston District Court.

According to court records, Hassett confronted Lane Champion at a public parking lot in Salem in November of 2016, alleging that Champion had improperly taken the deer from property he was leasing next to the Champion farm. An investigation found that Hassett pulled the deer out of Champion’s vehicle and put it in his own truck.

Champion told investigators that he shot the deer on his own property, and it ran a few yards onto the adjoining land owner and fell dead. Champion alleges that he retrieved the deer, loaded it into his pickup and drove to Salem where he was confronted by Hassett.

Champion has not been charged in the matter; however, investigators confiscated the trophy buck he had taken.

Livingston County Attorney Raymond McGee said the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources conducted a “multi-month investigation” into the affairs and operations of Hassett’s alleged hunting service. Many of the charges in the two counties stem from that probe, which followed the encounter between Hassett and Champion last fall.

In Livingston County last week, Hassett’s original charges of robbery and theft were amended and merged, respectively, into one count of menacing to which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 90 days in jail. The jail time was probated for two years.

He also pleaded guilty to a non-resident commercial license violation and two counts of making false entry or providing false information for a license. As part of his penalty, Hassett was fined $100 and ordered to make restitution to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Special Investigations Unit. He also forfeited his hunting privileges in Kentucky for three years. According to the court, Hassett forfeited about $10,000 in cash and property associated with the hunting service Axel Creek Outfitters.

In Crittenden County, Hassett is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on seven counts of illegal taking or pursuing a deer or wild turkey; eight counts of operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license; one violation of the non-resident commercial license law; six counts of entry onto land to shoot, hunt, fish or trap without consent; two counts of taking wildlife from a vehicle; two counts of discharging a firearm across a public roadway; two counts of being a non-resident hunter or trapper without a license or permit; and one count of violating a hunting guide law that restricts the guide from taking wildlife while providing guide services if the guide is not properly licensed.

Area death

Rudell “Rudy” Wayne Kitchens, 75, of Salem died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Santa seeing children in Marion today

Mary Hall Ruddiman No-Kill Animal Shelter is getting a little help this morning from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Shelter volunteers are cooking breakfast and hosting St. Nick at the Marion Woman's Club building on East Carlisle Street until noon Saturday.

The group is asking for a $10 donation for a breakfast of pancakes and sausage and a chance to sit on Santa's knee.

Bevin orders flags to half staff Saturday

Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Saturday in honor of a Kentucky sailor who was killed in action during World War II but whose remains were only recently recovered and returned home.

U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Samuel W. Crowder of Louisville was aboard the USS Oklahoma on Dec. 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. At age 35, he was among 429 crewmen killed when that battleship was torpedoed and capsized.

Unidentified remains from the USS Oklahoma rested in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu until June 2015. At that time, the U.S. Department of Defense authorized those remains to be exhumed and examined through DNA analysis and other advanced scientific techniques. Crowder’s family was notified of his identification in late August 2017.

Funeral services with full military honors for Crowder will be held Saturday in Louisville.

Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute by lowering the flag in honor of Crowder.

Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

Area deaths

Lena Sue Mills, 73, of Tolu died Wednesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Donald L. Lynn, 72, of Marion died Tuesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Fredonia bank has customer appreciation day

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Time for a flu shot

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Local escapee now in custody

Ryan Paul Parker

UPDATED 3:58 p.m.
Parker has been apprehended and charged with escape by Marion Police Department. He will be jailed at Crittenden County Detention Center. Schools had been on lockdown, but that was lifted just after 4 p.m., and parents were notified that students were being bused home. Schools normally dismiss at 3 p.m.

ORIGINAL POST
An inmate from Crittenden County Detention Center has escaped custody and remains at large.

At 1:48 p.m., Ryan Paul Parker, 26, of Marion escaped custody of a guard while being treated at Crittenden Health Systems for a suspected overdose, according to Jailer Robbie Kirk. He fled the hospital and ran across the grounds of Marion Country Club. He was last seen near the intersection of Chapel Hill Road and Arleen Street.

All authorities have been notified and are searching for Parker, including at residences of known friends and family acquainted with Parker. Crittenden County Schools are currently on lock-down.

Parker is a white male wearing a tan jail uniform - shirt and pants. He is blonde with blue eyes, is 5-9 and 160 pounds. He  also barefoot at the time of the escape, according to Kirk.

If you see the man, do not attempt to make contact, but immediately alert local authorities by calling 911. While any escapee poses a risk to the public, Kirk said he would not consider Parker considerably dangerous.

Parker had earlier appeared in district court, according to Kirk, but was remanded to jail by District Judge Daniel Heady after being found in contempt of court related to a drug test. EMS was called to treat Parker at the jail after he collapsed, Kirk said.

Parker did not harm anyone during the escape. He will be facing felony escape charges once apprehended.

Bevin orders flags to half staff

Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Thursday in observance of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

This is in memory and honor of the more than 2,400 Americans – including two from Crittenden County – who died in the surprise attack on the U.S. Fleet’s Pearl Harbor base in the early-morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared Dec. 7, 1941, “a date which will live in infamy” and signed the declaration of war against Japan the following day, Dec. 8, 76 years ago.

Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

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

An Alabama man who operated as a hunting guide in Crittenden and Livingston counties has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in Livingston County and faces 29 more charges in Crittenden District Court, many of them involving wildlife violations.

For the full story and the following headlines, pick up this week's edition of The Crittenden Press:

• Teens seek solutions to school taxing issue
• Alabama man facing several hunting violations
• Pick-up of city leaves started
• GOP challenger looks to unseat Sen. Ridley
• New chiropractor’s office opens
• Massages can help ease cancer patient woes
• Teens explore medical careers
• Local jobless rate up from October 2016
• Ag Census 2017 now en route to farmers
• Board of ed explores CCMS-CCHS library
• Low-sodium targets on hold in cafeterias
• Local KFB women recognized
• Proposal offers drop in KU bills
• MY 2¢ WORTH: Change starts with conversation
• Ky. farming industry rebounds 3.5 percent
• Community Christmas help dips to 59
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Greatest Generation had many war brides
• Circuit judge attends 2017 judicial college
• Families unite after discovery of relative in California
• Thieves taking vending money
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Wiseman does lots that Calipari, others like
• SPORTS: Coach finds hope despite 4-point loss to Trigg County
• SPORTS: Champion scoring big in 2-2 start
• SPORTS: Too much Boyd beats Rockets

First United groundbreaking Thursday

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First United groundbreaking Thursday

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Growing Deer Creek Nativity starts Saturday

Deer Creek Baptist Church members will tell you their place of worship has seen much growth as of late.

Having monthly activities helps to bring in a bigger crowd, elders say, as the church regularly hosts themed events such as Hallelujah Parties, Pumpkin Carvings, Grandparents' Day and a Veterans Day ceremony. Next up is the three-day Nativity scene, a live replica of Bethlehem  based on early biblical descriptions of the city. It is centered around Jesus Christ’s birth.

The Nativity will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9-11.

Longtime church members Donna Hearell and Wade Buntin organize the project, while Denise Byarley designs the costumes. The three collaborate with many other members who work behind the scenes and are just as vital to the project.

The church intends to make this year’s nativity scene bigger and better than before. The Bethlehem scene will be complete with detailed props, new characters and overall realistic scenery.

“Every member of the church contributes, and it is one big group effort,” Hearell said. “In other words, it truly takes a village to make this thing run, and the experience itself is all about the atmosphere. You can smell the smoke and hear the blacksmith working, for example."

In addition to the usual scenery of Bethlehem, they will be introducing a variety of new characters into the scenes, outside of the usual residents who have been used for years. Roman soldiers will now be patrolling the streets while peasants are making their rounds begging for food. Water gatherers will be posted at the district well, and local fisherman will be used to portray life in such a time.

Two camels will be mixed in with the variety of other farm animals used in the display, and it is has been suggested there will now be a city wall surrounding this replica of Bethlehem. There are descriptive plaques throughout the city meant to guide attendees and tell the story of each section. Organizers are working toward steady improvement and aim to offer an unforgettable experience to both returning and first-time spectators.

Deer Creek Baptist Church is located 5 miles out Ky. 297 from its intersection with U.S. 60 West.

This is an abbreviated article from a longer piece published in the Nov. 16 issue of The Crittenden Press. 

City Leaf Collection Schedule

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Christmas Parade one of largest ever

Deer Creek Baptist Church won the parade float contest.

Marion's annual Christmas Parade had a potentially-record 54 entires and lasted for almost a full hour Saturday along Main Street.

See video of parade below.

The winning float entires are as follows, including a tie for second place.

• 1 Deer Creek Church
• 2 Lola Baptist Church 
• 2 Hurricane Church
• 3 Repton Baptist Church

Bevin orders flags to half-staff Saturday

Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff Saturday in honor of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lee M. Smith, 35, a Fort Campbell soldier who died while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Services for CW2 Smith will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah.

According to the Department of Defense, CW2 Smith died Nov. ‎11 at Camp Taji, Iraq, due to injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. The incident is under investigation.

Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute of lowering the flag in honor of CW2 Smith.

Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

Parade is at 5pm Saturday

Farmers offers parade fun

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No driver exams today

There will be no driver's written or road exam in Crittenden County Friday.

Area deaths

Calep Hackney, 28, of Salem died Tuesday in a car crash in Union County. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Robert Cole, 80, of Marion died Tuesday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Holiday concert at Life in Christ Church

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Enjoy a snack with Santa

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Area deaths

Marvin Hunt, 83, of Marion died Monday at his home. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

David Alton “Speedy” Belt, 54 of Paducah, formerly of Crittenden County, died Thursday.
Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Diabetes information available

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Bus Drivers needed

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Area death

Carmen Emery Butler, 90, of Marion died Thursday. Myers Funeral Home, is in charge of arrangements.

Hometown Chiropractic has Open House

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Boutique has Saturday/Sunday sales

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Crittenden's opioid scripts among highest in state

Kentucky is second in the nation in disability benefit payments, and Crittenden County ranks near the top in opioid use by recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid.

According to "Social Security Disability in Kentucky: The Evolution of Dependence, 1980-2015," 11.2 percent of Kentuckians in 2015 received some form of disability payments. That's 375,000, enough for second among the 50 states in terms of percent of resident population. In fact, Kentucky has not dropped below that dubious rank since 2002.

In 2015, Crittenden County ranked third among Kentucky's 120 counties for per capita prescribed doses of opioids (commonly found in painkillers) through SSI Medicaid. An average of 193.18 doses of opioids per SSI beneficiary in the county were prescribed by health care professionals. The state average is 147.29 per capita, which is triple the 2000 statewide rate.

Marshall County was the only other western Kentucky county in the top 10 for 2015 per capita doses of SSI Medicaid opioids.

The above information is only an excerpt from an article published in the Nov. 16 issue of The Crittenden Press. For more, refer to that article. Back issues are available online through our subscription portal or at the office on East Bellville Street in Marion.

Area death

Ernestine Earls, 83, of Marion died Nov. 18. Myers Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Hospital job openings

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Press closed for Thanksgiving

The Crittenden Press will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

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

CCES second-graders share their instructions
on how to prepare tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast

There are any number of approaches Americans take toward preparing Thanksgiving dinner – from traditional oven-roasted turkey and dressing to obscure dishes like tamales. But second-graders at Crittenden County Elementary School – in their own words and grammar – share once again with our readers their secret recipes for turkey.

For all the tasty (and funny) instructions a preview of basketball season and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• County jail revenue outpaces expenses for 1st time
• Sun sets on Starnes’ 27 years as Rockets’ head football coach
• Starnes era ends as Rockets fall in Class A quarterfinal
• Toddler dies in Rosebud crash
• Several more file for 2018 candidacy on county ballot
• Fiscal court appoints two to local boards
• Chamber backs Small Business Saturday
• Thanksgiving meal open to community
• Students share with board their education ideals
• Ridley to seek re-election to seat in Kentucky senate
• Blue Knights once again chess to impress at tournamant
• Prevented planting, failed acres must be reported
• Hard-to-get part halts leaf collection
• Rep. Comer aide in county next week
• Substance abuse hotline starts Dec. 1
• Classes out several days next 3 months
• Special session on pension to be soon
• Ky. 1st to carry specialty plate supporting Alzheimer’s group
• Last day to mail Christmas card to Granny Dec. 19
• Postage on way up in 2018
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Bol Bol’s decision leads him away from UK to Oregon
• BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Hodge is confident in young Rocket arsenal
• BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Hodge likes her girls’ chance to repeat in 5th
• SPORTS: 4 Rocket cross country runners on All-Area
• SPORTS: Hodge back at baseball job
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Highway 91 honored Crockett, Sen. James
• Foundation lends aid to radiology needs
• STLP projects head to state

Send us your Christmas activities

The Crittenden Press invites all groups, organizations, churches and non-profits to send us a brief announcement of your holiday community activities for publication in our newspaper. The event must not be a for-profit. Email them to thepress@the-press.com.

Ag commish invites farmers to roundtable

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles will hold a Caldwell County Farmers’ Roundtable at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Farmers and officials from throughout the region will gather at the Caldwell County Extension Office to discuss issues affecting Kentucky agriculture.

Bus Drivers needed

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Upward make-up evaluations next week

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

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Small Business Spotlighted Saturday

A warm, friendly smile and a desire to meet the needs of shoppers are all typical traits of the small business owners in Marion. They have a unique way of bringing people together through shared interests and experiences and make our neighborhoods feel like home.

This is why Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is supporting Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25. It will start at 10 a.m. with a booth set up in front of Marion Welcome Center, where coffee, hot chocolate and 50 goodie bags with information about local business sales will be given away to visitors. Some of them will have $50 gift certificates for shopping locally.

"We want to support our local businesses because they are people that we know – our friends and family," said Randa Berry, president of the Chamber. "We want to keep them here and help them continue to be successful."

Taking a bag is free. They are intended to encourage shoppers to forgo national retailers on the busiest shopping weekend of the season, and instead, patronize the many local brick and mortar businesses that are important to Marion's economic vitality.

"We just want to encourage everyone to come out and utilize the great businesses we have in our town," said Berry, who works at Bowtanicals, one of the downtown shops participating in Small Business Saturday. "We are a small, but a good town, and you can get just about anything you need over here. We are full of opportunities, have a lot of resources that everyone needs, and (people) need to take advantage of them."

This is the second year in a row the Chamber is supporting Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting the diverse range of businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and make up the fabric of the communities.

"In our second year, we hope to get people out and get more excitement," said Berry.

Schools close Wednesday for long student break

Crittenden County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Nov, 22 through Friday, Nov, 24 for Thanksgiving Break. Students will return to classes on Tuesday, Nov. 28 and teachers will return on Nov. 27 for a Teacher Planning Day.

Other important dates are:

• November 30: BOE Meeting at CCHS Library at 6
• December 14: BOE Meeting, Rocket Arena Conference Room
• December 20: Last day for students before Christmas Break
• December 21-29: Christmas Break
• January 1: Holiday, No School
• January 2: Teacher Planning Day, No Classes for Students
• January 3: Students return for classes
• January 15: No School
• February 19: No Classes, Teacher Planning Day

Free Thanksgiving community meal

Marion Baptist Church will once again host its Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner in its Family Life Center on East Depot Street.

The free meal runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to anyone in the community.

The church will also deliver meals to those unable to get out Thursday.

The dinner will consist of traditional turkey or chicken, ham, dressing, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce, slaw, fruit salad, pie and cake with iced tea, lemonade or coffee to drink.

Each year, the church serves hundreds of Thanksgiving meals. To have a meal delivered or to volunteer with early preparation next Wednesday or serving on Thanksgiving Day, call the church at (270) 965-5232.

Thanksgiving worship
A community Thanksgiving worship service is also scheduled for next week. Crittenden County Ministerial Association in conjunction with area pastors will be hosting the non-denominational service at Marion Baptist’s Family Life Center at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday.

Leaf machine broken, collection stalled

It could be after Thanksgiving before the City of Marion releases a schedule for curbside leaf collection, which has been delayed several weeks while the machinery used to vacuum the leaves is being repaired.

Church serves Thanksgiving

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Several file to seek re-election here

Several candidates, including numerous incumbents and a new hopeful for judge-executive, have filed to run in next year's election.

Sheriff Wayne Agent, Circuit Clerk Melissa Guill, County Clerk Carolyn Byford, PVA Ronnie Heady, Jailer Robbie Kirk and County Attorney Rebecca Johnson have turned in the necessary paperwork to seek re-election, as has District 3 Constable Paul Beard.

Republican Ricky Winders has also filed to run in the May primary for the county’s top spot currently held by Perry Newcom, also a Republican who plans to seek re-election.

The filing period opened recently and runs through Jan. 30 for candidates in partisan races.

All countywide offices will be on the ballot next year, as will magistrates, constables and representation in the Kentucky General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

Non-partisan races not on the ballot until next November are Marion mayor and city council and school board seats currently held by Eric LaRue and Ryan McDaniel.

Rockets 2 wins from State Title Game

Rocket Senior Adam Beavers leads his team into
the Final 8 Game Tonight at Rocket Stadium.

The Rocket football hosts the regional championship game tonight as Crittenden County plays for a berth in next week's Final Four in Class A.

Rockets vs Eagles

7pm Rocket Stadium

Class A First Region Championship

Crittenden County 8-4

Campbellsville 6-6

This is the first meeting ever between the two teams.

Playoffs at a Glance

n This will be the fifth time the postseason’s regional championship has been played at Rocket Stadium. Crittenden has won two of them – in 1985 over Caverna en route to the Class A State Championship and in 2008 over Mayfield before losing in the Sub-State at Beechwood. 

n The Rockets hosted the regional championship in 1998 and 2002 but lost to Mayfield.

n Crittenden County has won a regional title just three times – 1963, 1985 and 2008.

PREVIOUS ROCKET REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

1963 - 1985 - 2008

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN 

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

1963 - 1985 - 1998 - 2002 - 2008

KHSAA CLASS A PLAYOFFS

This week’s regional championships

Campbellsville at Crittenden County

Beechwood at Kentucky Country Day

Raceland at Paintsville

Pikeville at Hazard

Last week’s regional semifinal results

Crittenden County 41, Bethlehem 20

Campbellsville 50, Russellville 26

Kentucky Country Day 32, Lou. Holy Cross 7

Beechwood 47, Frankfort 7

Raceland 31, Paris 9

Paintsville 43, Bracken County 0

Pikeville 42, Williamsburg 6

Hazard 43, Lynn Camp 8

CLASS A FINAL AP RANKINGS (Oct. 30)

1. Paintsville - still alive

2. Beechwood - still alive

3. Hazard - still alive

4. Kentucky Country Day - still alive

5. Paris - eliminated

6. Raceland - still alive

7. Ludlow - eliminated

8. Williamsburg - eliminated

9. Pikeville - still alive

10. Bracken County - eliminated

11. Russellville - eliminated

12. Crittenden County - still alive

13. Lynn Camp - eliminated

14. Frankfort - eliminated

School district needs bus drivers

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21-month-old child dies in US 60 crash

Update: Accounts have been established at both Farmers and Peoples banks in Marion in the name of Liliana.

A 21-month-old child died in a single vehicle accident this afternoon at Rosebud Curve on U.S. 60 East, the site of multiple automobile fatalities over the past several years.

The crash happened about 3:10 p.m. Crittenden County Sheriff's Department investigated the accident. Its initial investigation found that a 1998 Toyota Tacoma, operated by Elizabeth McConnell, 20, of Fredonia was westbound when her small pickup lost traction due to the wet pavement. The vehicle spun out of control and exited the left side of the roadway, striking a tree on the passenger side.

Liliana McConnell, 1, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Crittenden County Coroner Brad Gilbert.

The mother was transported to Crittenden County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. She is the daughter of former Crittenden County Fire Chief Scott Price.

Both occupants were properly restrained.

Emergency agencies assisting at the scene were Crittenden County EMS, Mattoon Volunteer Fire Department, Crittenden County Rescue Squad, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and several good Samaritans who stopped to render aid.