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Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Area Deaths
Miss Sarah Margaret Cloyd, 89, of Princeton died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremations Services is in charge of arrangements.
Louis Clifton Bell, 77, of Marion died Sunday. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Water District hosts special meeting
Crittenden-Livingston Water District will hold a special board of directors meeting at 6pm Tuesday at the office in Salem to discuss ongoing litigation between the district and Ledbetter Water District.
Work on Twin Bridges delayed
A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has pushed back plans for a daytime lane restriction on the US 41 Twin Bridges at Henderson to TUESDAY. Due to snow in central Kentucky, the crew has been forced to delay the start of guardrail upgrades along the approaches to the Twin Bridges.
A southbound lane restriction is expected to start on TUESDAY, January 31 with a northbound lane restriction on WEDNESDAY, February 1.
On TUESDAY, Southbound traffic on the US 41 Twin Bridges will be restricted to one lane from approximately 8 a.m. to about 3 p.m., CST, to allow guardrail upgrades along the southbound approach.
On WEDNESDAY, northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane from approximately 8 a.m. to about 3 p.m., CST, to allow guardrail upgrades along the northbound approach.
This is part of a previously announced guardrail installation project in Henderson County. Once the contractor completes work on the US 41 Twin Bridges approaches the crew plans to move to the following locations:
US 60 from the 10.031 to 10.161 milepoint in Canoe Creek area- About one full day
US 41-Alternate from the 17.240 to 17.301 milepoint in the US 41/US 60 Cloverleaf- About one full day
KY 425 Henderson Bypass from 0.825 to 5.057 milepoint from near US 60 to the I-69 Interchange- Approximately 12 days
One lane traffic with alternating flow may be required at some locations. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
N.H. Stone Company is the prime contractor on this $309,223 highway improvement project.
Another contractor is expecting to start work on the US 41 Twin Bridges at Henderson on Thursday. A traffic advisory is expected later today once that work schedule firms up.
A southbound lane restriction is expected to start on TUESDAY, January 31 with a northbound lane restriction on WEDNESDAY, February 1.
On TUESDAY, Southbound traffic on the US 41 Twin Bridges will be restricted to one lane from approximately 8 a.m. to about 3 p.m., CST, to allow guardrail upgrades along the southbound approach.
On WEDNESDAY, northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane from approximately 8 a.m. to about 3 p.m., CST, to allow guardrail upgrades along the northbound approach.
This is part of a previously announced guardrail installation project in Henderson County. Once the contractor completes work on the US 41 Twin Bridges approaches the crew plans to move to the following locations:
US 60 from the 10.031 to 10.161 milepoint in Canoe Creek area- About one full day
US 41-Alternate from the 17.240 to 17.301 milepoint in the US 41/US 60 Cloverleaf- About one full day
KY 425 Henderson Bypass from 0.825 to 5.057 milepoint from near US 60 to the I-69 Interchange- Approximately 12 days
One lane traffic with alternating flow may be required at some locations. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.
N.H. Stone Company is the prime contractor on this $309,223 highway improvement project.
Another contractor is expecting to start work on the US 41 Twin Bridges at Henderson on Thursday. A traffic advisory is expected later today once that work schedule firms up.
Lady Rockets make up game tonight
The Lady Rocket basketball team will play a JV and Varsity doubleheader tonight at Lyon County. The game was postponed earlier in January because of snow.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Rockets host Madisonville this afternoon
Crittenden County will host Madisonville in a JV-Varsity doubleheader starting at 3pm this afternoon at Rocket Arena. The Lady Rocket game scheduled for tonight has been canceled.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Another suspect sought in Salem robbery
UPDATE: This suspect has been arrested this evening in Burna without incident.
Livingston County Sheriff's Department has named a fifth suspect in that Jan. 16 home invasion and robbery in Salem.
Deputies now say they need the public’s help in locating Brian Cowen, 35, of Smithland.
Three other suspects have already been arrested in this case. Another remains at large. In custody are Levi Brennan, 19, of Marion; Destiny Millikan, 18, of Clay; and Jamie Bryan, 39, of Hampton. Andrew Bryan, 20, of Hampton is also wanted in connection with this investigation.
Scout project helping local dog shelter
Eagle Scout candidate Jacob Hackney of Marion is drumming up support for the Crittenden County Animal Shelter as part of his required Eagle project.
Hackney and a few other Scouts will be at the county animal shelter next to the county road department on U.S. 60 East Saturday morning. They will be doing repairs at the shelter and accepting contributions of dog food, used towels, blankets or pet toys.
Financial contributions will also be accepted.
Anyone interested in helping with donations, but unable make it Saturday may coordinate pickup with the Scout Troop by Calling Sandy Urbanowski at (270) 704-6673 or drop donations off at Marion United Methodist Church.
Hackney and a few other Scouts will be at the county animal shelter next to the county road department on U.S. 60 East Saturday morning. They will be doing repairs at the shelter and accepting contributions of dog food, used towels, blankets or pet toys.
Financial contributions will also be accepted.
Anyone interested in helping with donations, but unable make it Saturday may coordinate pickup with the Scout Troop by Calling Sandy Urbanowski at (270) 704-6673 or drop donations off at Marion United Methodist Church.
1937 Flood pictures sought
This winter marks the 80th anniversary of the 1937 Flood along the Ohio River and many of its tributaries. The Crittenden Press would like to recognize this anniversary, so we are requesting any photos your family may have of the great flood in Crittenden County. If you have photos you would like to share, please email them to thepress@the-press.com or bring them by our office, and we can make a copy.
Follow Rocket girls in Quarterfinals of state tournament
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| Senior Cassidy Moss needs 12 points to become the Lady Rockets' all-time career scoring leader. |
CRITTENDEN COUNTY AT ALL A CLASSIC STATE TOURNAMENT
Today's game starts at 10:30am CST
Crittenden County (17-3) vs. Harlan (17-5)
Three Option to follow the game:
Rocket Basketball Blog: http://cchsrocketbasketball.blogspot.com
- Find photos, statistics, pre-game and post-game articles and interviews with audio and video.
@CrittendePress on Twitter: twitter.com@CrittendenPress
- Follow us on Twitter for live in-game updates with stats, photos and more.
WMJL Radio: 102.7 FM at Game Time
- Local radio station will broadcast game starting just before 10:30am CST tipoff with play-by-play and commentary from Keith Davis and Chris Hardesty.
Today's Coverage
of All A Classic
Presented by
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Marion man arrested in Alabama on Livingston warrant
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| Levi Brennan Jamie Bryan Andrew Bryan Destiny Millikan |
Levi Brennan, 19, is one of at least four individuals suspected of unlawfully entering a home on Evelyn Drive in Salem on Jan. 16 and assaulting the homeowner during an alleged robbery. He was picked up by authorities today in Guntersville, Ala., about 90 miles northeast of Birmingham.
Livingston County Sheriff's Department is investigating the alleged robbery and is working to have Brennan extradited back to Kentucky.
Two other suspects had already been arrested. Destiny Millikan, 18, of Clay was apprehended in Knoxville, Tenn., last weekend and Jamie Bryan, 39, of Hampton was arrested in Livingston County on Tuesday.
Andrew Bryan, 20, of Hampton remains at large. Investigators believe he also is out of state.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Livingston Sheriff's Department at (270) 9328-2196 or state police as 1-800-222-5555.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Lady Rockets triumphant in All A opener
This is the Crittenden County's sixth trip to the All A Classic State Tournament and the first since 2011.
Get all the highlights and interview on the Basketball Blog.
In response to the victory, Crittenden County is canceling school on Friday so students, faculty and fans may attend the Elite 8 game as the Lady Rockets take on Harlan in the 10:30am start at Frankfort Convention Center.
Also cancelled is Crittenden County's varsity doubleheader scheduled against Livingston Central on Friday. No makeup date has been set.
Our All A Classic coverage
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Son of Tolu legend proud to see Crittenden girls
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| Rocket boys' head coach Denis Hodge visits with Stan Hardin at the Frankfort Convention Center where the Lady Rockets were getting ready to play. |
Stan Hardin is a member of the All A Classic Board of Directors and was selling State Tournament T-shirts just off the edge of the court during Wednesday’s opening round All A games where Crittenden County is playing.
He is a former high school basketball coach, winning two KHSAA state championships at Louisville Fairdale in 1990 and 1991.
Hardin’s father was among the famous Tolu boys who defied all odds and ended up on the state’s largest stage 86 years ago. Much has been made about the legendary Tolu team and there is a popular story that the boys got sick eating bananas while in Lexington for the state tournament and lost the combined championship game because of bellyaches.
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Harry Hardin played at Western Kentucky and went on to become a successful high school coach for almost 20 years at Drakesboro, Fairdale and Louisville Southern. He was later principal at Fairdale where he had coached from 1938 to 1950. Harry Hardin was an all conference player at Western during his collegiate playing career.
In adulthood, Stan has never gone back to Tolu, but wants to visit there and take his daughter.
“I think I was there when I was really little,” said the 78-year-old.
Hardin was proud to see Crittenden County in the tournament at Frankfort. Before Wednesday, his last brush with Rocket athletics was 2009 when he was Athletic Director at Louisville Holy Cross. Crittenden's football team went to Holy Cross that season and won a playoff football game.
3 Ways to Follow all of Today's State Action
- Find photos, statistics, pre-game and post-game articles and interviews with audio and video.
@CrittendePress on Twitter: twitter.com@CrittendenPress
- Follow us on Twitter for live in-game updates with stats, photos and more.
WMJL Radio: 102.7 FM at Game Time
- Local radio station will broadcast game starting just before 5:30pm CST tipoff with play-by-play and commentary from Keith Davis and Chris Hardesty.
Today's Coverage
of All A Classic
Presented by
What's news this week in Crittenden County...
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| Construction on the new Crittenden-Livingston Water District tower is almost complete. |
When rural Crittenden County residents opened their electric bills over the last few days, many saw the effects of a perfect storm of events that sent their total due to new heights. Kenergy Corp. member-owners in the electric cooperative's 14-county service area have taken to social media to complain and find answers as to why their monthly bill, in some cases, was as much as 50 percent more than the previous month.
To hear Kenergy's explanation of the increase and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
- Orr resigns board of ed post due to health
- What’s the plan? Community leaders, partners look toward future
- Authorities still seeking 2 suspects in Salem robbery
- County agrees to pay city third of sewer fix
- Former local police officer Spillman dies
- Kentucky tax refunds on hold until Feb. 15
- State lawmaker pension benefits released to public
- Ky. has four months to get Real ID ready
- Library adding titles, programs in 2017
- Press earns five KPA awards in annual newspaper contest
- Ky. unemployment steady at 4.8 percent
- Kindergarten age rules tweaked
- SPORTS: Girls beat Lyon to capture All A Classic region crown
- SPORTS: Stephens’ 4Q flurry is not enough for CCHS at Union
- VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Signee Washington to visit Marshall
To Your Health
Also inside this week is our six-page special To Your Health, which takes a look at health issues affecting Kentuckians. Also find local choices in health, healing and fitness and the following headlines:
- Poll: Cancer top health concern
- Medicaid expansion boosts adult preventive screenings in Kentucky
- Area doctor speaks out about struggles with depression
- Study: Daily soft drink ‘batters’ body’s cells
- 1 of 7 in Ky. over 44 have worsening memory loss
- Medicaid expansion equals more substance abuse treatment in Ky.
- Medicare Part D prescriptions soaring
- Tuesday last chance at fed insurance exchange
- Obese children should be tested for fatty liver
- Study: Salty foods should be considered treat, like dessert
- Oral health impacts overall health
- Rural vets less likely to seek mental health care
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Cave in Rock Ferry idled temporarily
UPDATE AT 4:30 P.M.: The ferry has reopened.
ORIGINAL POST: The Cave In Rock Ferry has shut down for about an hour due to a mechanical issue. The ferry expects to resume normal service around 4:45 p.m. today.
ORIGINAL POST: The Cave In Rock Ferry has shut down for about an hour due to a mechanical issue. The ferry expects to resume normal service around 4:45 p.m. today.
Ways to follow Wednesday's state tournament
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| Join the Excitement |
Crittenden Press coverage of the All A Classic is presented by
FARMERS BANK
FULL BODY FITNESS STUDIO
FRAZER AND MASSEY LAW FIRM
PARTNERS INSURANCE
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MOMENTS IN TIME PHOTOGRAPHY
Here's how you can follow pre-game activities, play-by-play action and post-game interviews:
Rocket Basketball Blog: http://cchsrocketbasketball.blogspot.com
- Find photos, statistics, pre-game and post-game articles and interviews with audio and video.
@CrittendePress on Twitter: twitter.com@CrittendenPress
- Follow us on Twitter for live in-game updates with stats, photos and more.
WMJL Radio: 102.7 FM at Game Time
- Local radio station will broadcast game starting just before 5:30pm CST tipoff with play-by-play and commentary from Keith Davis and Chris Hardesty.
Lady Rocket get huge sendoff to state
See More Video on The Crittenden Press Facebook Page
Downtown was beaming with pride this morning for a huge sendoff as the bus carrying Crittenden County High School's girls' basketball team to the state tournament passed through Marion. The team will play at 5:30pm CST Wednesday against Sayre, a private Lexington school, in the All A Classic State Tournament in Frankfort.
Crittenden Press coverage of the All A Classic is presented by
Tesla supercharger goes live in Kuttawa
By Joshua Roberts, The Paducah Sun
Distributed through the Kentucky Press News Service
Tesla Motors' fifth supercharging station in Kentucky is operational in Lyon County and may give a small boost to county tourism.
The eight-stall supercharger, which delivers up to 120 kW of power directly into Tesla vehicles, opened Dec. 31 in Kuttawa, off Interstate 24's Exit 40, near Days Inn and Oasis Southwest Grill.
Matt Daniel, whose family owns the land where the supercharger sits, said he believes the station is getting used by about 10 Tesla owners per day, and the number should go up as more learn about the location.
Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White has been enthusiastic about the Tesla addition to his community, saying it has a chance to draw in people who "normally would just pass on by."
"It's a very positive thing for the area," White said of the station opening. "They're already getting people charging there, so it didn't take long for the word to get out. It was great foresight by the Daniels to see it was something worth getting involved in. It's a good strategic move for them, and good for the rest of Lyon County tourism."
Tesla, the American automaker that specializes in electric cars, has 795 charging stations in the U.S., representing 5,085 individual chargers, and has been regularly expanding its network.
"We strategically place superchargers along well-traveled highways and in congested city centers," the company states on its website.
The four other stations in the commonwealth are in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and London. Other area stations include St. Louis; Nashville; Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Miner, Missouri.
The charging stations are free connectors that charge the Model S luxury sedan and Model X crossover SUV. A 30-minute charge, according to the company's website, provides up to 170 miles of driving range.
Tesla recommends its customers charge to about 80 percent capacity, "which is typically enough to reach a neighboring supercharger station." Charging to 100 percent, according to the automaker, doubles charge time because the car must reduce current to top off cells.
"Charging each cell is like filling a glass of water without spilling," the website states. "As the glass fills up, you reduce the flow to catch every last drop."
Daniel said it's likely too soon to say whether the station is a good candidate to someday be expanded.
"I'd like to say yes, but like anything else, it's about the market," he said. "Gas prices probably have a lot to do with how many people buy them, and you never know what technologies might come out.
"But my guess is, yeah, you're probably going to start seeing a lot more Teslas. Even with gas prices going down, people are still excited about them and think they're saving a lot of money. And they're really cool cars, too."
Distributed through the Kentucky Press News Service
Tesla Motors' fifth supercharging station in Kentucky is operational in Lyon County and may give a small boost to county tourism.
The eight-stall supercharger, which delivers up to 120 kW of power directly into Tesla vehicles, opened Dec. 31 in Kuttawa, off Interstate 24's Exit 40, near Days Inn and Oasis Southwest Grill.
Matt Daniel, whose family owns the land where the supercharger sits, said he believes the station is getting used by about 10 Tesla owners per day, and the number should go up as more learn about the location.
Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White has been enthusiastic about the Tesla addition to his community, saying it has a chance to draw in people who "normally would just pass on by."
"It's a very positive thing for the area," White said of the station opening. "They're already getting people charging there, so it didn't take long for the word to get out. It was great foresight by the Daniels to see it was something worth getting involved in. It's a good strategic move for them, and good for the rest of Lyon County tourism."
Tesla, the American automaker that specializes in electric cars, has 795 charging stations in the U.S., representing 5,085 individual chargers, and has been regularly expanding its network.
"We strategically place superchargers along well-traveled highways and in congested city centers," the company states on its website.
The four other stations in the commonwealth are in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green and London. Other area stations include St. Louis; Nashville; Mount Vernon, Illinois, and Miner, Missouri.
The charging stations are free connectors that charge the Model S luxury sedan and Model X crossover SUV. A 30-minute charge, according to the company's website, provides up to 170 miles of driving range.
Tesla recommends its customers charge to about 80 percent capacity, "which is typically enough to reach a neighboring supercharger station." Charging to 100 percent, according to the automaker, doubles charge time because the car must reduce current to top off cells.
"Charging each cell is like filling a glass of water without spilling," the website states. "As the glass fills up, you reduce the flow to catch every last drop."
Daniel said it's likely too soon to say whether the station is a good candidate to someday be expanded.
"I'd like to say yes, but like anything else, it's about the market," he said. "Gas prices probably have a lot to do with how many people buy them, and you never know what technologies might come out.
"But my guess is, yeah, you're probably going to start seeing a lot more Teslas. Even with gas prices going down, people are still excited about them and think they're saving a lot of money. And they're really cool cars, too."
Monday, January 23, 2017
Nominations sought for Teacher of the Year
The Kentucky Department of Education and Valvoline Inc. sponsors of the Kentucky Teacher Awards, have adopted a new schedule for the awards. The new timetable will provide the Teacher of the Year more flexibility in taking a sabbatical and preparing for the national Teacher of the Year awards.
With the change, nominations are now open for the 2018 Kentucky Teacher Awards and may be submitted electronically by visiting the 2018 Kentucky Teacher of the Year website at kentuckytoy.com. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1. Any full-time public school teacher in the state with at least three years of experience is eligible. Additional qualifications are cited on the application. Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, teaching peers, principals, superintendents or anyone from the community who has an interest in honoring an outstanding educator.
All nominated teachers are required to complete a formal application, which must be submitted by Feb. 20. Judging will take place in March by a blue ribbon panel of education professionals from around the state; up to 24 Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award winners will be announced in May. Following site visits with nine semifinalists in April and personal interviews with the top three candidates, the Kentucky Teacher of the Year will be announced in Frankfort. At that time, all 24 teachers will be honored with cash awards and other mementos. Teacher Achievement Award winners will receive a cash gift of $500; two of the three finalists will receive a cash gift of $3,000; and the Teacher of the Year will receive a cash prize of $10,000, along with an exciting sabbatical opportunity. The Kentucky Teacher of the Year then will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Now in its 17th year, the Kentucky Teacher Awards program is an innovative collaboration between private industry and public education.
With the change, nominations are now open for the 2018 Kentucky Teacher Awards and may be submitted electronically by visiting the 2018 Kentucky Teacher of the Year website at kentuckytoy.com. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 1. Any full-time public school teacher in the state with at least three years of experience is eligible. Additional qualifications are cited on the application. Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, teaching peers, principals, superintendents or anyone from the community who has an interest in honoring an outstanding educator.
All nominated teachers are required to complete a formal application, which must be submitted by Feb. 20. Judging will take place in March by a blue ribbon panel of education professionals from around the state; up to 24 Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award winners will be announced in May. Following site visits with nine semifinalists in April and personal interviews with the top three candidates, the Kentucky Teacher of the Year will be announced in Frankfort. At that time, all 24 teachers will be honored with cash awards and other mementos. Teacher Achievement Award winners will receive a cash gift of $500; two of the three finalists will receive a cash gift of $3,000; and the Teacher of the Year will receive a cash prize of $10,000, along with an exciting sabbatical opportunity. The Kentucky Teacher of the Year then will represent the state in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Now in its 17th year, the Kentucky Teacher Awards program is an innovative collaboration between private industry and public education.
U.S 60 work at Henderson starting
A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans initial brush clearing and utility work along U.S. 60 near the Henderson Community College Campus starting Tuesday.
This initial work along the right-of-way is the first phase of work to widen U.S. 60 to four lanes from the intersection with Ky. 136 and the Ky. 425 Henderson Bypass at mile-point 8.7 extending westward approximately a mile to mile-point 7.7 It is expected to have little or no impact on traffic flow.
Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and construction personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow. The contractor plans to be on site along the right of way anytime weather allows. The contractor willl provide advance notice of any lane restrctions that may be required as the work progresses.
Hazex Construction is the prime contractor on this $6.07 million highway improvement project. The target completion date is Oct. 17.
Bevin orders flags to half-staff
Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff Tuesday in honor of 1st Lt. Jeffrey D. Cooper, a Fort Campbell soldier who died while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Services for 1st Lt. Cooper, who died Sept. 10, 2016, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
According to the Department of Defense 1st Lt. Cooper, 25, of Mill Creek, Wash., died in Kuwait, from a non-combat-related injury. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Campbell.
Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute of lowering the flag in honor of 1st Lt. Cooper.
Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/office/Pages/flagstatus.aspx.
Services for 1st Lt. Cooper, who died Sept. 10, 2016, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
According to the Department of Defense 1st Lt. Cooper, 25, of Mill Creek, Wash., died in Kuwait, from a non-combat-related injury. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Campbell.
Gov. Bevin encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute of lowering the flag in honor of 1st Lt. Cooper.
Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/office/Pages/flagstatus.aspx.
Rosebud area is deadly stretch of US 60
“You can bet, when it rains we have a wreck out there,” the sheriff said. “It’s slick. Slick as ice.”
The sheriff said motorists are usually not even speeding, but the road becomes so slippery there, crashes are inevitable.
“Knock on wood, since the state put that no-skid surface on the other curve at Rosebud, I haven’t worked an accident there,” the sheriff added.
The sheriff said a resident who lives near the northeastern most curve at Rosebud was in his office in December complaining about how slick the road becomes when it rains. The next day a man died in a crash there, the sheriff said.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
State tournament tickets on sale at CCHS Monday
Advanced tickets are $8. Tickets at the door at $10.
Second Region champion Crittenden (16-3) will play 11th Region champion Sayre (12-4) at 5:30pm CST Wednesday.
Sayre is a private prep school in Lexington. Read more about the school.
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Lady Rockets win All A regional championship
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| All A Second Region Chapions |
The Lady Rockets punched their ticket to the small-school sweet 16 with a 42-37 victory Saturday over Lyon County in the Second Region Class A championship at Hopkinsville.
Crittenden got 17 points from Madison ... Continue reading.
Marion 19-year-old sought in Salem robbery
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| Levi Brennan Jamie Bryan Andrew Bryan Destiny Millikan |
Levi Brennan is one of four suspects in the case.
A female suspect has already been taken into custody in Knoxville, Tenn. Destiny Millikan, 18, of Clay was picked up in east Tennessee on a traffic violation and Livingston County Sheriff’s Department investigators went to Knoxville this week to interview her. Based on that interview, warrants were issued for Brennnan and two other Livingston County residents, Jamie Bryan, 39, and Andrew Bryan, 20, both of Hampton.
In a press release issued Friday, Livingston County Sheriff’s Department said it believes the four people named and perhaps others unlawfully entered a residence on Evelyn Drive in Salem on Jan. 16. A female homeowner was at the residence and was allegedly assaulted. Investigators say she was bound, and one assailant held her down while others stole multiple items from the residence.
The homeowner was able to free herself after the assailants left and she notified authorities. The unnamed victim was treated for minor injuries at Livingston Hospital.
Investigators were able to develop the suspects names shortly after the alleged robbery.
Police believe Andrew Bryan and Levi Brennan are at large in or near the Knoxville area. Jamie Bryan is believed to be in the Livingston County area.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of any of these individuals is asked to contact the Livingston County Sheriff at (270) 928-2196, Crime Stoppers at (270) 442-TELL, State Police at 1-800 222-5555 or simply dial 911.
If you have information that leads to the arrest of one or more of these subjects you may be eligible for a cash reward. You may remain anonymous.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Lady Rockets one win away from state
Twitter feed is also available without the app on the Rocket Basketball Blog.
Crittenden County will square off against Lyon County in the title game with the winner advancing to next week's All A Classic State Championship at Frankfort's Civic Center.
Saturday's regional final will be at 4pm at University Heights in Hopkinsville.
If Crittenden moves on to the state tournament, the girls will play at 5pm CST on Wednesday.
Lyon and Crittenden have met once this season and the Lyons won that matchup at Marion.
Follow Us @CrittendenPress
Live Updates from the Game
Police looking for shooter in Union
Police are on the lookout for a man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Morganfield this afternoon.
Authorities are watching for a black male with dreadlocks, who is driving a red sports car.
The vehicle was seen on US 60 traveling toward Henderson, Ky.
Authorities are watching for a black male with dreadlocks, who is driving a red sports car.
The vehicle was seen on US 60 traveling toward Henderson, Ky.
Tradewater flooding covering roads
Three roads in the eastern portion of the county are covered with water from Tradewater River flooding and are closed. Cool Springs, Enon Church and Providence roads are closed until further notice and are marked as such. There are currently no road closures do to high waters from the Ohio River.
Sheriff's office closed to honor former deputy
Crittenden County Sheriff's Department will be closed Saturday in honor of former Deputy Steven R. Spillman. According to the sheriff's department, Spillman served the in law enforcement for nine years working as a sheriff's deputy for three years and a K-9 officer and Marion Police Department patrolman for six years. Funeral services will be held at Life in Christ Church Saturday. The family will receive visitors from 9 a.m. until service time.
Franklin procession coming to Fredonia Saturday
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| This submitted photo was taken earlier this week when Franklin's body was taken from Nashville to Paducah. |
JPECC service trucks and employees will join an extended caravan that is expected to travel along I-24 eastbound from Exit 7 at Paducah to Exit 40 at Eddyville starting around 12:30 p.m., Saturday.
Eastbound I-24 traffic, as well as traffic on US 62 and US 45, may have to be halted by police to allow the procession to enter I-24 at Exit 7. This caravan is then expected to travel at about 55 miles per hour with a police escort. The procession is expected to take about 40 minutes to travel along I-24 from Paducah to Eddyville.
Motorists who encounter this eastbound caravan on I-24 are asked to be alert for slow moving traffic and use appropriate caution.
Motorists traveling US 641 between Eddyville and Fredonia who encounter the caravan are asked to be alert for police assisting with traffic conrol at intersections along the route.
A Marion native, Franklin, 29, died Monday at Vanderbilt Hospital following work-related accident more than a week earlier.
Crittenden middle schoolers earn trip to inauguration
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| Crittenden County Middle School students Kenlee McDaniel (left) and Kate Keller have earned a trip to Washington, D.C., to witness Friday’s inauguration of President Donald Trump at the Capitol. |
THE CRITTENDEN PRESS
Two local middle schoolers will be among outstanding students from across the United States who will gather in the nation’s capital for the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit this week.
Kenlee McDaniel and Kate Keller were nominated by Crittenden County teachers, and they were accepted into this unique program that will culminate with the students attending Friday’s inauguration in Washington, D.C.
McDaniel said she has grown to become a supporter of President-Elect Donald Trump and is excited to be there for his swearing in and the other educational opportunities this program will provide. She is especially captured by Trump’s dogged determination.
“He is not a life-long politician, and he doesn't owe anyone anything,” McDaniel said. “It will be beneficial for a businessman to run our country, and it’s a chance for our country to have a fresh start from lifetime politicians.”
This will be the eighth-graders’ first real opportunity to experience the capital. McDaniel has never been there and Keller went as young child but says she remembers nothing about the trip.
“I am super excited,” Keller said. “I am happy Trump won and excited to be able to go to the inauguration, although I am a little nervous going by myself with just Kenlee. But, I am probably more excited than scared.”
During this five-day program, which takes place amid the excitement of the Inauguration of the President of the United States, Summit Scholars will gain a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the Presidential Inauguration.
“The Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration,” said Andrew Potter, the Chief Academic Officer for Envision and the Presidential Inauguration Leadership Summit. “Something that is really wonderful about so many young people gathering in Washington, D.C., for this event is that it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern our country over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of U.S. leaders.”
Summit Scholars will be inspired to become change agents while hearing from an unparalleled slate of speakers, including Malala Yousafzai, Gen. Colin Powell, Spike Lee, Abby Wambach, Carly Fiorina, Gov. Martin O’Malley, and more. They will also have a chance to put that inspiration into practice while participating in a Delegations for Change, a simulation where Summit Scholars will work together to create workable solutions to the challenges that their generation and the new administration will face. To further commemorate Inauguration Day, Summit Scholars will attend the exclusive Envision Inaugural Gala, held at a Smithsonian Institution museum.
The two local students were able to select a particular line of interest which will guide their personalized program while in Washington. Keller chose medicine and McDaniel selected women in leadership.
In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, students will have the opportunity to explore the numerous historic sites and memorials in our nation’s capital, as well as participate in activities designed to expand their knowledge of democratic principles and the presidential election process.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Tickets up, crashes down
FROM THE CRITTENDEN PRESS, JAN. 12, 2017
Traffic tickets were up, but collisions were down in Crittenden County last year. And that’s no coincidence, according to a Kentucky State Police post commander.
In 2016, there were tickets written for 918 moving violations by law enforcement in Crittenden County, according to Circuit Clerk Melissa Guill. That’s more than double the combined total of citations that made their way through the local court system in 2014 and 2015 combined.
Authorities may have been busier writing tickets last year, but they spent far less time responding to accidents, meaning fewer injuries and fatalities on the county’s 367 miles of roadway. According to Capt. Brent White, KSP Post 2 commander, there were 220 traffic accidents in Crittenden County last year, causing 81 injuries and one fatality. In 2015, 90 people were injured and three died in 252 wrecks. That’s a 12.7 percent decrease in crashes and 10 percent drop in injuries.
“That was a big reduction,” White said. “That shows just the presence a couple of extra people did make a difference.”
Two years ago when White took over as commander of the Madisonville state police post, he shifted troopers assigned to areas he believed were underserved by the agency. Crittenden County, where he once lived, was one of those. Two additional officers – Troopers Brian Graves and Joe Bartolotti – were assigned to the county, joining Tfc. Darron Holliman.
“We had about half the staff we were authorized for,” White said of his post. “In 2015, when I got here, I quickly realized we were not servicing Crittenden County. I wanted to change that.”
By shifting troopers to four counties he felt were underserved, White put more units on the road for policing and responding to calls in those areas.
“When summoned, some of our troopers would have to drive over 60 minutes (to get there),” White explained. “That puts undue pressure on the public, and it's dangerous for our troopers.”
The jump in ticketing last year was mostly attributed to KSP, with Crittenden County Sheriff’s and Marion Police departments writing only a small percentage more citations.
“We probably wrote more traffic tickets than (2015),” Sheriff Wayne Agent said of his and his three field deputies’ effort to curb dangerous driving. “We have so many complaints about people speeding.”
The sheriff said injury accidents his department worked fell from 123 in 2015 to just 80 last year, a 35 percent decrease. Non-injury accidents were cut in half to 25 in 2016.
In Marion, numbers offered by Police Chief Ray O’Neal show the number of traffic citations written patrolling the city’s 39 miles of streets was up 45 to 268 in 2016. DUI arrests were up only one to 16. Traffic accidents fell to 91 from 94 in 2015.
White said the bump in ticketing by state police was not a mandate, but merely the result of two extra officers doing their jobs.
“It’s not about how many tickets were written, but trying to reduce those injury collisions,” the commander said. “I’m not always a numbers guy for my troopers as far as citations go.”
But there are still too many accidents in Crittenden County, White continued.
Of particular concern is U.S. 60 East from Mattoon to the Union County line, especially in the Rosebud area. That stretch of winding, narrow highway is notorious for accidents and a high number of fatalities over the years.
“We have got to slow traffic down on the 60 East end,” he said. “It seems like people get a lot of speed up in the flats, so we’re trying to focus on slowing people down before (they get to) those hilly areas and Amish buggies.”
Traffic enforcement is only part of the equation to limit crashes, said White, who patrolled the county’s roadways as a trooper assigned here. Educating people to the dangers of distracted and careless driving is another.
A further factor is highway engineering, which lies beyond the control of law enforcement. Many of Crittenden County’s roadways built decades ago are unforgiving, with little to no shoulder and steep drop-offs along the rights-of-way.
“Having no shoulders kill more Kentuckians than anything,” White said.
Most drivers, he explained, tend to overcorrect when one side of the vehicle drops off the pavement, sending their vehicle into the opposite lane or exiting the roadway altogether.
“That’s where we have head-on collisions,” he said.
Another effect of increased state police presence was a reduction in overall criminal activity, White pointed out.
“Definitely, the troopers have made a difference,” Agent added.
The post commander would like to see those numbers drop even further as well.
Traffic tickets were up, but collisions were down in Crittenden County last year. And that’s no coincidence, according to a Kentucky State Police post commander.
In 2016, there were tickets written for 918 moving violations by law enforcement in Crittenden County, according to Circuit Clerk Melissa Guill. That’s more than double the combined total of citations that made their way through the local court system in 2014 and 2015 combined.
Authorities may have been busier writing tickets last year, but they spent far less time responding to accidents, meaning fewer injuries and fatalities on the county’s 367 miles of roadway. According to Capt. Brent White, KSP Post 2 commander, there were 220 traffic accidents in Crittenden County last year, causing 81 injuries and one fatality. In 2015, 90 people were injured and three died in 252 wrecks. That’s a 12.7 percent decrease in crashes and 10 percent drop in injuries.
“That was a big reduction,” White said. “That shows just the presence a couple of extra people did make a difference.”
Two years ago when White took over as commander of the Madisonville state police post, he shifted troopers assigned to areas he believed were underserved by the agency. Crittenden County, where he once lived, was one of those. Two additional officers – Troopers Brian Graves and Joe Bartolotti – were assigned to the county, joining Tfc. Darron Holliman.
“We had about half the staff we were authorized for,” White said of his post. “In 2015, when I got here, I quickly realized we were not servicing Crittenden County. I wanted to change that.”
By shifting troopers to four counties he felt were underserved, White put more units on the road for policing and responding to calls in those areas.
“When summoned, some of our troopers would have to drive over 60 minutes (to get there),” White explained. “That puts undue pressure on the public, and it's dangerous for our troopers.”
The jump in ticketing last year was mostly attributed to KSP, with Crittenden County Sheriff’s and Marion Police departments writing only a small percentage more citations.
“We probably wrote more traffic tickets than (2015),” Sheriff Wayne Agent said of his and his three field deputies’ effort to curb dangerous driving. “We have so many complaints about people speeding.”
The sheriff said injury accidents his department worked fell from 123 in 2015 to just 80 last year, a 35 percent decrease. Non-injury accidents were cut in half to 25 in 2016.
In Marion, numbers offered by Police Chief Ray O’Neal show the number of traffic citations written patrolling the city’s 39 miles of streets was up 45 to 268 in 2016. DUI arrests were up only one to 16. Traffic accidents fell to 91 from 94 in 2015.
White said the bump in ticketing by state police was not a mandate, but merely the result of two extra officers doing their jobs.
“It’s not about how many tickets were written, but trying to reduce those injury collisions,” the commander said. “I’m not always a numbers guy for my troopers as far as citations go.”
But there are still too many accidents in Crittenden County, White continued.
Of particular concern is U.S. 60 East from Mattoon to the Union County line, especially in the Rosebud area. That stretch of winding, narrow highway is notorious for accidents and a high number of fatalities over the years.
“We have got to slow traffic down on the 60 East end,” he said. “It seems like people get a lot of speed up in the flats, so we’re trying to focus on slowing people down before (they get to) those hilly areas and Amish buggies.”
Traffic enforcement is only part of the equation to limit crashes, said White, who patrolled the county’s roadways as a trooper assigned here. Educating people to the dangers of distracted and careless driving is another.
A further factor is highway engineering, which lies beyond the control of law enforcement. Many of Crittenden County’s roadways built decades ago are unforgiving, with little to no shoulder and steep drop-offs along the rights-of-way.
“Having no shoulders kill more Kentuckians than anything,” White said.
Most drivers, he explained, tend to overcorrect when one side of the vehicle drops off the pavement, sending their vehicle into the opposite lane or exiting the roadway altogether.
“That’s where we have head-on collisions,” he said.
Another effect of increased state police presence was a reduction in overall criminal activity, White pointed out.
“Definitely, the troopers have made a difference,” Agent added.
The post commander would like to see those numbers drop even further as well.
Basketball teams on the road tonight
The Lady Rockets (14-3) face Livingston Central (5-11) in the semifinal round of the All A Classic at University Heights in Hopkinsville. Crittenden beat Ft. Campbell Monday to advance in the tournament and Livingston had a first-round bye. The winner of tonight's game plays in the championship at 4pm Saturday.
The Rockets (6-12, 2-3) are making up a Fifth District game that was snowed out a couple of weeks ago. Crittenden plays at Lyon County (8-8, 3-1) tonight in a JV and Varsity Doubleheader that starts at 6pm.
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| Gavin Dickerson has proven himself as not only a big presence around the basket but also a prolific 3-point shooter. |
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Trivia Night Friday at public library
Franklin funeral services
Funeral services for Josh Franklin will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January, 21 2017 at Heartland Worship Center in Paducah with Rev. Drew Gray and John Sutton officiating. Burial will follow in the Fredonia Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Heartland Worship Center.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, January 20, 2017 at Heartland Worship Center.
Franklin, 28, formerly of Marion died Monday, about a week after a work-related accident.
See complete obituary on our Facebook page
Former lawman dies
Steve Spillman, a former deputy and city policeman, has died, reportedly from complications from back surgery.
What's news this week in Crittenden County...
 |
| Kenlee McDaniel (left) and Kate Keller have earned a trip to Friday’s inauguration. |
Read the entire story and the following headlines inside this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:
- Shokpo closing date scheduled for Feb. 4
- 5 indicted last week by local grand jury
- Man who allegedly fled to avoid trial gets new date
- CDC: Flu activity in Ky. rising
- Marion native dies from electrical shock
- Livingston Hospital CEO knows rural health care
- Chamber hoping crime pays
- Chamber revamps its website
- Comer’s new Madisonville office staffed
- Woman credits granddaughter with book idea
- Rosebud crash among holiday accidents
- Crittenden Schools’ refund much lighter
- Retirement age could go up with longer lives
- SPORTS: Rockets please bias crowd
- SPORTS: Lady Rockets seeking 6th All A trip to state
- VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Gamecocks, firecrackers visit Rupp Saturday
- Providence woman arrested for meth
- Porter earns Post 217’s January honor
- @ THE LIBRARY: Overdue library materials accepted without penalty
- Education trust contest offers $1K savings account, school rewards
- FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Marion busy mercantile town in 1900
- FRANKFORT RECAP: Sen. Ridley supports abortion bills, opposes labor legislation
- USDA: Transfer of land to next generation easier
- Farmers can get FSA text messages
- Ag, natural resources scholarships available
- Local Kentucky food sales rake in $65 million
- Kentucky beekeeping schools set for 2017
- 2016 record year for state soybeans
- Crittenden not among top producing counties
Cresting river raises deer dangers at Twin Bridges
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is advising motorists to be alert for deer attempting to cross U.S. 41 near Audubon State Park at Henderson.
The Ohio River at Evansville is expected to crest this weekened at about 38.8 feet. When the river reaches about 40 feet at Evansivlle, deer that normally pass safely under the U.S. 41 Twin Bridges are cut off by the rising floodwaters. That causes deer to congregate along U.S. 41 in the Audubon State Park area. When the herd reaches sufficient numbers the deer start attempting to cross through 4 lanes of traffic on US 41 damaging dozens of vehicles and leaving dozens of dead deer along the highway.
Kentucky highway personnel plan to place variable message boards along the U.S. 41 Henderson Strip by late this afternoon with a flashing “Caution- Deer Crossing Highway” alert for motorists.
The main threat is along about a 1-mile section of U.S. 41 near the 18 mile marker, generally between the Audubon State Park entrance and the Stratman Road/Wolf Hills Road intersection at the south end of the U.S. 41Twin Bridges.
With additional rain in the forecast for Thursday, highway engineers are placing the message boards today in anticipation that deer could be forced out of their normal travel path through the river bottoms sometime Friday or Saturday.
In years past, Kentucky State Police, Henderson Police Department and Henderson County Deputies have blocked traffic for short periods from time to time to allow herds of deer to cross the busy highway safely.
Approximately 38,000 vehicles travel U.S. 41 near the Audubon State Park entrance each day, making it one of the busiest roadways in western Kentucky.
Motorists are advised to be alert for deer attempting to cross the highway until floodwaters drop sufficiently to allow deer to return to their normal trail system underneath the Twin Bridges.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Guess Tribute raises $1K for Fohs
The event was modeled after the old Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts that were popular on television during the 1970s. It lasted more than two hours and was filled with a tongue-in-cheek tribute to Guess's colorful character and storied professional career.
Pictured are panelists and Guess's family (from left) Crittenden Press Publisher Chris Evans, master of ceremonies; Kory Wheeler, former Marion Bobcats management; Brad Dossett, former broadcaster; Charles Cook, longtime family friend; Neil Guess, son; Kathleen Guess, daughter; Carole Guess, wife; Gordon Guess, honoree; retired Col. Paul "Tittle" Ryan, boyhood friend; Federal Judge Alan C. Stout, Fohs Hall Inc. president; Bonita Hatfield, longtime family friend; Bart Frazer, former county GOP chairman and local attorney; Richard Cruce, longtime friend; Terry Bunnell, The Peoples Bank president; and Mike Crabtree, Voice of the Rockets.
The Peoples Bank, where Guess was owner and president for many years, was corporate sponsor for the event.
A video of the event will be available in the coming days.
Area Death
Shirley K. Gott, 63, of High Ridge, Mo., died Monday at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremations Services is in charge of arrangements.
Rockets in All A tonight
Livingston narrowly escaped a matchup earlier this season at home against Crittenden.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Lady Rockets host All A Classic tonight
The girls will play Ft. Campbell.
If the Lady Rockets win, they will advance to Thursday night's semifinal round against Livingston Central. That game will be played at University Heights in Hopkinsville.
KU outage affects Marion
About 500 customers of Kentucky Utilities Co. in Marion are without power. The outage started around 10:40 a.m., and power is expected to be restored by 1:30 p.m. No reason for the outage has been reported.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
VA benefits rep alters hours
A Department of Veteran’s Affairs Benefits Field Representative for Crittenden County has revised his monthly schedule for meeting with clients in 2017.
Johnny Allen will be at the Morganfield Senior Citizens Center at 225. N. Richards Lane the first Tuesday of each month and at the Henderson Office of Employment Training at 212 N. Water St. the second Tuesday to go over VA benefits with veterans. Both dates are by appointment only.
Appointment-only opportunities are also available each Monday and Thursday at the Hanson Veterans Center at 926 Veterans Dr.. every Wednesday and the third Tuesday at the Owensboro VA Clinic at 3400 New Harford Road and the fourth Tuesday at the Hartford Kentucky Career Center at 130 E. Washington St.
All appointments are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Also, appointments can be set up for other times by veterans living in Crittenden, Webster, Hancock, McLean and Muhlenberg counties.
To make an appointment or for more information, contact Allen at (270) 399-1618 or email Johnny.Allen@ky.gov.
Johnny Allen will be at the Morganfield Senior Citizens Center at 225. N. Richards Lane the first Tuesday of each month and at the Henderson Office of Employment Training at 212 N. Water St. the second Tuesday to go over VA benefits with veterans. Both dates are by appointment only.
Appointment-only opportunities are also available each Monday and Thursday at the Hanson Veterans Center at 926 Veterans Dr.. every Wednesday and the third Tuesday at the Owensboro VA Clinic at 3400 New Harford Road and the fourth Tuesday at the Hartford Kentucky Career Center at 130 E. Washington St.
All appointments are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Also, appointments can be set up for other times by veterans living in Crittenden, Webster, Hancock, McLean and Muhlenberg counties.
To make an appointment or for more information, contact Allen at (270) 399-1618 or email Johnny.Allen@ky.gov.
Friday, January 13, 2017
Saturday Night at Fohs Hall : Don't Miss It
The Gordon Guess Newsmaker Tribute will be held at 7 p.m., Saturday at Fohs Hall.
Guess is being recognized for a lifetime of community service through a roast-style event that will include a number of his colleagues and friends.
Admission is $10 and all proceeds benefit Fohs Hall.
Tickets are available at the door.
The Peoples Bank and The Crittenden Press are sponsoring this event.
Guess is being recognized for a lifetime of community service through a roast-style event that will include a number of his colleagues and friends.
Admission is $10 and all proceeds benefit Fohs Hall.
Tickets are available at the door.
The Peoples Bank and The Crittenden Press are sponsoring this event.
Press closed for holiday
The Crittenden Press will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. All deadlines will be moved to noon Tuesday.
Also, all government and public offices will be closed Monday.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Area Death
Vernetta Myers Tabor Brown, 92, of Fredonia died Wednesday. Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.
Area Death
Mary Helen Hunt, 98, of Princeton, formerly of Marion, died Tuesday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Area Death
Rebecca June Walton-Martin, 76, of Marion died Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehabilitation Center. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.
What's news this week in Crittenden County...
Traffic tickets were up, but collisions were down in Crittenden County last year. And that’s no coincidence, according to a Kentucky State Police post commander. In 2016, there were tickets written for 918 moving violations by law enforcement in Crittenden County, according to Circuit Clerk Melissa Guill. That’s more than double the combined total of citations that made their way through the local court system in 2014 and 2015 combined.
For the complete story and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press, now on newsstands:
- Council picks sewer plant site, debates park funding
- New CHS CEO starts Monday
- ABOUT TOWN: Questions deserving of real answers
- Frankfort rushes GOP abortion, labor bills into law
- Marion native critically hurt in work accident
- Schools expecting $34,500 refund
- Bridgeway students affected by weather
- Beaver Dam rest area shut for period
- VA field rep alters meeting schedule
- SPORTS: Moss sprints past coach en route to girls’ record
- SPORTS: Classic looming, but Trigg rematch is first for Rockets
- SPORTS: Lady Rockets win 3 straight; among All A favorites
- VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Diallo not quite ready for NBA, but is UK
- FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Jan. 3, 2000, tornado devestated Crayne
- EDITORIAL: Frankfort’s new GOP control off to roaring start
- LETTERS: Media distrust led to Facebook as news source
- MY 2¢ WORTH: Sometimes, less really is more
- COMMENTARY: Local newcomer: Refried beans anyone?
- COMMENTARY: Commemorative walk rekindles friendship
- COMMENTARY: Tackle ‘17 one bite at a time
- BECHLER FROM FRANKFORT: Ky. House wraps up busy first week
- Guess roast, tribute Saturday at Fohs Hall
- Public offices, Press close for Monday holiday
- Bevin site recaps first year’s progress
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Life in Christ expanding worship area
“We are excited,” said Associate Pastor Sue McDonald, who along with her husband and pastor, Chris McDonald, have served at Life in Christ since 2008. “This has been bathed in prayer for a lot of years. We went to two services on Sundays, but we’re at a point where we need a new building and it will also allow children’s church and the nursery to grow, because it’s busting at the seams.”
Sunday morning attendance averaged 294 in 2015 and grew to an average of 351 in 2016. That is quite a change from the 50-person average attendance that the McDonalds inherited when they returned to their Crittenden County roots in 2008.
The current sanctuary seats 220. The new sanctuary will seat 400 and will include 1,400-square-feet of floor space designated for youth, plus a loft area, cafe and bookstore in the foyer of a new main entrance.
The McDonalds know weather will be a factor, but they plan for construction to be completed in time to host the church’s 2017 Christmas Tea in the new sanctuary in early December. Work is being done by Jeff Graves Construction from Tennessee.
“It is incredible to see God’s hand in this and believe it is the right thing. We’ve been praying for it for a long time, and one of the most exciting things is for the children’s area – for them to have their own sanctuary and church, it’s great for them to worship on their own level and to watch it all transform is amazing,” Sue said.
Chris McDonald says much of the growth since 2008 is new believers, and they credit a great deal of that to their Growth Track program, which is a three-week class led by the Chris Penn and Heather Penn. It helps new members assess their gifts and talents and in turn use them to become further involved in the church.
“It really breaks down what we do and why and who we are as a church and gives a personality profile to the individuals,” Pastor Chris McDonald explains. “It helps people realize what they are passionate about.”
Some of the talents revealed in the three-week program help people decide how they will serve, whether it is in praise and worship, children’s church, on the welcoming team or in a variety of other ways.
“We tell everyone that you’re welcome here. The deal is for you to accept us, not us to accept you,” Sue said. “God has put giftings and talents inside people to be used for the Kingdom so when they learn what God created in them, they can use that.”
Life in Christ does not offer traditional Sunday School, but has 12 small groups open to the community that meet outside of church and are based around various interests such as marriage, culinary, outdoors and others.
“We let people know that we think it is awesome you are here, but we want you to be sure this is where God wants you to be,” Chris said. “There are a lot of good churches in this community, and if this is your home, great, but if your home is down the road, that is great, too.
“We tell them we’re are part of the body, something bigger than you, and wherever you’re called then that’s where you need to be.”
In addition to small groups and teams, Life in Christ offers a number of conferences each year, including a women’s conference, men’s conference and marriage conference – all of which Sue says have helped grow Sunday worship.
PICTURED: Church leaders broke ground this week on an expansion project at Life in Christ Church on U.S. 641 South. Pictured are (from left) Kent Martin, an elder on the project; Associate Pastor Sue McDonald, Pastor Chris McDonald, and church member Paul Belt Sr., who represents those who started the church here 45 years ago.
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