Board member teleconferencing for school tax vote

At 6 p.m. Thursday, Crittenden County Board of Education will host a public hearing on a proposed school tax increase of 6 cents. A final vote on the matter will follow the hearing.

Board member Ryan McDaniel will be unable to attend in person, but he will participate by video conference, which is allowed by Kentucky law with proper notification to the general public.

The board is issuing this Notice of Video Teleconference pursuant to KRS 61.826, which also requires McDaniel's location be disclosed. This secondary site will be on a Carnival cruise in Grand Turk of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Hurricane Camp Meeting starts June 12

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Regional championship tonight at Marion

Caldwell County faces Union County in tonight's Second Region Baseball Tournament championship at Gordon B. Guess Field at Marion-Crittenden County Park.

First pitch for the title game is at 7pm.

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

Brent Witherspoon was honored Saturday for his work on the Veterans Walk of Honor

The last week has seen no fewer than a dozen individuals from Crittenden County recognized for their work to better the community and their accomplishments. From Person of the Year and Unsung Heroes to a half-dozen centenarians to a proud veteran, they have all been singled out to be honored.

We have all those stories and the following headlines in this week's edition of The Crittenden Press, which will be on newsstands as usual today:

• School tax vote today
• Ingenuity helps man bypass rare disease
• Relay for Life set for Friday at park
• Chamber recognizes community contributors: Ex-mayor Person of the Year
• Guardsmen killed in training in 1986 honored
• Walk of Honor founder saluted
• Centenarians celebrated by PADD
• City seeking $1 million grant for sewer plant
• IN PICTURES: Scenes from Memorial Day weekend
• Mineral museum show this weekend
• Livingston arrest for rape of minor made
• Program feeds kids lunch for free in June
• Crittenden 1 of 83 counties where jobless rate increased
• SOFTBALL: Union bests CCHS in 2nd Region pitchers’ duel
• SOFTBALL: Historic season comes to abrubt halt in regionals
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Vanderbilt coming to Kentucky in June
• SPORTS: Johnson signs with Knox College to play football
• SPORTS: All-Time Track & Field Record Setters
• BASEBALL: Small Ball and Long Ball: Henderson shows both to beat Rockets
• SPORTS: Wheeler grabs share of trophy
• NASS seeks feedback about 2017 crops

Princeton man arrested for murder

Ernest E. Atwood Jr. of Princeton has been charged with the murder of a Lyon County woman

Kentucky State Police have charged a Princeton man with murder, following the discovery of a body in a residence in Lyon County.

On May 30 at approximately 7 p.m., KSP Post 1 Troopers responded to Oak Drive in Lyon County for a report of a dead body. Upon the arrival of Troopers, they located Lisa A. Pace, 51, of Eddyville inside her residence with multiple gunshot wounds. Assistant Eddyville Coroner Kris Dunn pronounced Pace deceased at the residence.

During the early parts of the investigation, information was received indicating a man had been arrested in Pace’s vehicle in Hopkins County. Madisonville Police Department had arrested Ernest E. Atwood Jr., 19, of Princeton for DUI and license to be in possession at 3:35 p.m. Atwood had been lodged in the Hopkins County Jail.

Atwood and Pace are distantly related family members.

On May 31 at approximately 2 a.m., Kentucky State Police charged Atwood with murder in regard to the death of Pace. He remains lodged in the Hopkins County Jail.

Pace was scheduled for an autopsy at 10 this morning in Madisonville.

Kentucky State Police were assisted during the investigation by Eddyville Police Department, Lyon County Sheriff Department, Madisonville Police Department, Hopkins County Jail, Lyon County Coroner’s Office and Lyon County Ambulance Service.

Area death

Robert Carl Cruce, 72, of Madisonville died Sunday. Graveside services will be at 2pm Sunday Whites Chapel Cemetery in Marion. Barnett Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville is in charge of arrangements.

Gem & Mineral Show this weekend

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Marion Airport reports growth; gets $3,500 from county

Marion-Crittenden County Airport

The offerings at Marion-Crittenden County Airport continue to grow without much investment from local taxpayers, according to Jim Johnson, chairman of the airport board.

Johnson met with county leaders recently during the regular May meeting of the fiscal court. He was there on official business, requesting $4,000 for the airport in this year’s county budget. Magistrates approved $3,500.

Johnson said the money is the local matching funds for a $650,000 hangar, which was recently built using mostly Federal Aviation Administration grant funds. The airport has blossomed in the last 15 years, going from a grass strip to a 4,400-foot paved runway capable of handling small jets. There are multiple hangars some holding from one to six planes apiece.

“Right now, we have 21 planes paying rent for hangar space,” Johnson told the fiscal court.
Between fees for hangar space and profits on fuel, the airport has a solid business plan, Johnson explained.

“Even though airport expenses have grown, we have managed to grow our revenue to keep up and we get no more help from the city and county than we did 10 years ago,” he said.

The airport will continue to grow, Johnson indicated, but there are no plans for new development this year. He said federal funds accrue slowly and once the airport has enough grant money to do more, it will. Plans are to increase the runway length to 5,000 feet at some point.

Local DirecTV installation

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Lady Rockets ousted from regional

Crittenden County's Lady Rocket softball girls were defeated 4-0 by Union County in the opening round of the Second District Softball Tournament Monday at Christian County.

The CCHS girls' season ends with a school-best 27-8 record.

Remembering our fallen...

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Fire on Ky. 297

Fire fighters in emergency responders are headed to a house fire in Kentucky to 297. No other details are available at this time.

Storm damage in Marion

 

High winds ripped through Marion about 5pm, leaving damage in their wake.

Limbs and trees are down at a number of places including one blocking Fords Ferry Road near the intersection of Sturgis Road.

Power lines are down there and in the southern part of the county. 

Regional ball tournament pairings

Crittenden County baseball team will play Henderson County at 7 PM Monday at Marion in the Second Region baseball tournament.

Lady Rockets will play Union County at 11 AM on Monday at Christian County in the softball regional.

Rockets host regional baseball tournament

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Crittenden County is hosting next week's Second Region Baseball Tournament for the first time ever at Marion-Crittenden County Park's Gordon B. Guess Field.

The Rockets, runner-up in the Fifth District, will play on Monday along with the other seven qualifying teams.

Pairings will be set during a draw early Saturday morning.

Stay tuned for updates on Monday's schedule.

Death of Interest

Charles "Runt" Johnson, 88, of Hudson, Fla., formerly of Marion, died Tuesday, May 23. Dogie's Funeral Home in Hudson is in charge of arrangements.

Local Memorial Day services

Veterans Walk of Honor service on Saturday
The Memorial Day service at the Veterans Walk of Honor at the Blackford Walking Trail is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, and a special guest will be honored during the annual ceremony.

Charles Hiter, a retired lietentant colonel in the U.S. Army and executive director of Pennyrile District Health Department, will be the keynote speaker, but headlining the event will be its founder, Brenton "Danny" Witherspoon.

Witherspoon, a Vietnam Army veteran, spearheaded the effort 15 years ago to save the old railroad bridge that joins Crittenden and Webster counties across the Tradewater River at Blackford. His efforts developed into a walking trail with a trailhead and veterans memorial at the site of the former Blackford Church on its namesake road. He had been the organizer of the annual event, but has been in a long-term care facility in Carrier Mills, Ill. A committee was formed to keep the effort going, and at the Memorial Day Service, they will recognize Witherspoon for his tireless work . He is scheduled to be in attendance for the ceremony.

Shady Grove service on Memorial Day

The annual Memorial Day Service at Shady Grove Cemetery will begin at 11 a.m. Monday. Lunch will be served at the fire department following the service. The featured speaker is former Army Ranger and current Crittenden County High School military history teacher Denis Hodge. Music will be provided by Meagan Stalion with “Taps” by Jacob Carroll.

Mapleview service on Memorial Day

The annual Memorial Day Service at Mapleview Cemetery in Marion will begin at 10 a.m. Monday. Local veteran J.T. Travis will the keynote speaker.

Burna Legion service on Sunday

The American Legion Post and auxiliary in Burna will host its annual Memorial Day tribute at 8 a.m. Sunday at the post on U.S. 60. A continental breakfast will be available. Marion native Lt. Col. John Watson will be the guest speaker.

Area death

Leo Daniel Asher, 96, of Marion died Tuesday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mexico VBS coming soon

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Tribute to the fallen

Bro. Curtis Prewitt (above) and Emmanuel Baptist Church are paying their Memorial Day respects to fallen heroes from Crittenden County with a display of flags on the front lawn of the Greenwood Heights church. A retired colonel and chaplain in the Army Reserves, Prewitt said he wanted to display the uniformly-placed flags to remind people of the price paid by Crittenden Countians and beyond to preserve the American way of life and defend freedom around the world. Each flag represents a fallen soldier, sailor or airmen from the county who died while in service to the nation since the U.S. entered World War I in 1917.

Press office closed Monday

Summer Line-Up at Hu-B's

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Correction

A story in this week's print edition of The Crittenden Press on the City of Marion's new budget contains an error. Councilwoman Phyllis Sykes moved to strike money from the budget to the county food bank but keep the allocation to the senior citizens center's home-delivered meal program. Ultimately, the council voted to fund both programs in next year's budget at the current levels.

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

This week: Our special graduation edition!

The City of Marion’s budget for the coming fiscal year will retain funding for  the county’s hungry and senior citizens, but it cuts out all help to a group aimed at curbing the community’s substance abuse problem and slashes it’s contribution to a namesake downtown revitalization organization. It also denies city employees a raise for the second consecutive year and leaves the fire, police and street departments wanting. In short, times are lean for city government. City Administrator Adam Ledford puts it another way.

For the full story, and much, much more this week, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press. This edition includes the following headlines:

• Masons lose lodge, history to fire
• County considering weight limit for roads
• Several short county roads to get asphalt
• Local soldier’s name added to ‘peace’ memorial
• City-county brush dump re-opens around clock
• Marion-Crittenden County Airport reports growth; county approves $3,500 in budget
• Native authors crime novel set in post-war Crittenden
• 1st stop for recycling trailer Friday in Tolu
• Feeding program gives kids free lunch
• School tax vote set for next Thursday
• EDITORIAL: Memorial Day’s true spirit for honoring only service deaths
• PASTOR'S PEN: Let your watchword be ‘heritage,’ not ‘hate’
• MEMORIAL DAY: Letters home tell soldiers’ tales of war
• MEMORIAL DAY: 4 local services scheduled
• MEMORIAL DAY: County's fallen heroes remembered
• SPORTS: Softball girls bested by Lyon in 5th title tilt
• SPORTS: Rockets surprise 5th District with upset of No. 1 seed; but fall to Livingston
• SPORTS: Athletes not excited by state meet times
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Redshirt year options under NCAA consideration
• Chess ends at nationals

School's Out! supplement

• District cafeteria staff close out record year
• 135 years exits with six retirees
• Hunt, West earn 2017 Lacy Awards
• Tons of graduation candids
• Photos of all 82 graduates
• Senior Salutes from loved ones to graduates
• Wheeler, Smith Craft bright future
• Grads certified for next step in life
• Valedictory, salutatory addresses
• Scholarships awarded to 2017 seniors
• Junior high achievements recognized
• Vocational studies, skills recognized
• 41 students earn academic awards

Double trouble for diamond clubs

Crittenden County High School's baseball and softball teams were disappointed in their respective championship games in the Fifth District Tournament Tuesday at Cadiz.

The boys lost to Livingston Central by three and the girls lost by two to Lyon.

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

Area death

Ina Marie Conditt, 84 of Marion, died Monday. Myers Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Baseball, softball Rockets advance to regional

Crittenden County High School's baseball and softball teams each won in the opening round of their respective Fifth District Tournaments Monday at Trigg County.

The Rocket baseball team upset top-seeded Lyon County 4-3 behind a stellar pitching performance from senior Shelby Robinson. The win propels CCHS into Tuesday night's 6pm championship game at Trigg and also guarantees the boys a spot in the Second Region Tournament starting next Monday at Marion. It is the first time Crittenden County has ever hosted a regional baseball tournament at Marion-Crittenden County Park.

The top-seeded Lady Rockets were on mark Monday, beating Livingston Central 16-0. The girls play in Tuesday's 6pm Fifth District championship game and have also punched their ticket for the Second Region Tournament next week at Christian County.

Area death

Virginia E. Fralick, 84, of Marion died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

County's wheat crop down from record high

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Crittenden County farmers had a tough season for growing winter wheat. Still, their yield should be above the five-year average, yet considerably lower than last year's record harvest.

"The price was down and several producers drastically reduced the amount they planted or didn't plant any at all," said Crittenden County Extension Service Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Dee Brasher. "The wheat that we have planted has faced some weather extremes. The wheat has some yield issues because of the freeze damage, and it is suspected that the stems could be weakened and cause the wheat to fall over or lodge before it is harvested."

For more on this topic see the May 18 printed edition of The Crittenden Press

Lucas leads CCHS at state meet

Results are in from Saturday's KHSAA State Track and Field Championship Meet. Aaron Lucas had the best individual finish for CCHS taking 8th place in the 1600 meters. 

The boys'  3200 meter relay team comprised of Lucas, Gavin Davidson, Sawyer Towery and Will Tolley finished with a 9th place showing. 

In her first appearance in state competition, eighth-grader Kate Keller took 17th in the 1600 meters and 18th in the 3200 meters. See this week's edition of The Press for full results.

Stephens, Holeman lead tonight's graduates

The last graduating class of high school students predominantly born in the 1900s will receive their diplomas tonight, and leading the seniors in honors will be two teens with aspirations of healing the sick.

Eighty-two seniors at Crittenden County High School are set to graduate this evening with commencement ceremonies beginning at 6 p.m. at Rocket Arena.

Bobby Glen Stephens, 17, earned valedictorian honors for CCHS Class of 2017, and Bristen Nikole Holeman, 18, finished second academically as salutatorian. They will each address their classmates and those in the stands at commencement.

"Being valedictorian is a great accomplishment, but I never made the grades just to be valedictorian," said the son of Rob and Sandra Stephens. "I always gave my best, and I knew that if I didn’t I would regret not doing my best work. That’s why I made good grades, because I wanted to be proud of myself. Valedictorian is icing on the cake."

Stephens has a goal of owning a pharmacy and raising his family close to home. He will start to work on that dream this fall at Murray State University, where he will be majoring in pre-pharmacy biology. Science was his favorite subject in school.

Stephens wants to be dispensing medications, and Holeman wants to be the one prescribing them.

The daughter of Jason and Jessica Champion, this year's salutatorian hopes to balance a career in women’s health with a large family of her own.

"I plan to open a practice that will be fully based on women's health," said Holeman, who wants to have her own practice in Music City. "It will include the ultrasound, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics and dietetics for women and their children. As of now, I want to live in Nashville, Tenn. I plan to have six children and a very, very successful and loving family."

She also plans to attend Murray State University, majoring in biology/pre-med.

See more of this article in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Cave In Rock Ferry closed 3 hours Saturday

The Cave In Rock Ferry on the Ohio River between Crittenden County, Ky., and Hardin County, Ill., will be closed Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., according to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd. A previous post on this website was incorrect.

The closure is to allow crews to attend the funeral of Shirley Lewis, 74, who co-owned and operated the ferry service with her husband Lonnie. She died Tuesday.

Annual MHS reunion July 1

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Extended Cutoff Road closure expected

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans an extended closure on Ky. 937/Cutoff Road in Livingston County starting Monday.

Ky. 937/Cutoff Road will be closed at mile-point 0.874 to allow construction of a new bridge over Lee Creek. The new Lee Creek Bridge is expected to be ready for traffic in time for the start of school this fall.

Flash flooding during July 2016 caused major transportation issues in Livingston County by taking out a culvert and damaging the Lee Creek Bridge along Ky. 935/Cutoff Road at a time when it was being used as a detour for construction of a new culvert on Ky. 453 south of Smithland.

To get traffic restored on Ky. 937/Cutoff Road to restore the critical detour and provide access to the nearby elementary school, a temporary construction bridge was placed across Lee Creek.  That temporary bridge will now be removed and a new bridge constructed.

There will be a marked detour via Ky. 453 and U.S. 60.

Jim Smith Contracting of Grand Rivers is the prime contractor on this $513,075 bridge replacement project.  The new bridge is expected to be ready for traffic by Aug. 3 in time for the start of school this fall.

Area Death

Sharon Ann LeVan McDaniel, 70, of Salem died today at Livingston Hospital. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Chamber anual event is May 25

Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting and awards dinner at 6 p.m., Thursday, May 25 at fellowship hall of the Marion First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

RSVP requested by May 19 to Chamber Executive Director Susan Alexander at 270-965-5015 or susan@crittendenchamber.org.

Glenn’s on Main will be catering the event.

The customary awards will be presented including Person of the Year.

Cost is $25 for chamber member and $30 for non-members.

Salute your senior

Deadline extended to noon Friday!

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

CCHS seniors graduate Friday

The last graduating class of high school students predominantly born in the 1900s will receive their diplomas Friday, and leading the seniors in honors will be two teens with aspirations of healing the sick. Eighty-two seniors at Crittenden County High School are set to wrap up their compulsory education this week with graduation exercises. Friday will close the first chapter for young men and women who entered the world in 1999.

For more on Graduation 2017 and following headlines, grab a copy of this week' issue of The Crittenden Press:

• ‘Nickel’ tax moves from 5.8 to 6 cents
• Marion council members differ on how to spend tax dollars in new spending plan
• City gets grant for $193K sidewalk fix
• Escapee trades 2 days’ freedom for 3 years
• Accused rape, drug suspects indicted by grand jury last week
• Highway garage movement shown
• ‘Noah’s March’ through county targets diabetes
• Wheat production expected down 23 percent
• Emma, Noah stay top baby names in ‘16
• WKCTC students earn recognition
• Local Memorial Day services planned
• SPORTS: Eleven qualify for state track meet at Lexington
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets capture regular-season crown
• SPORTS: Rockets close with win; open district play Monday
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Monk lock for NBA top 10 pick in June
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Daughter recalls dad’s days as jailer

Mason's Lodge destroyed by fire

A building on Sturgis Road that houses the Mason's Lodge and a retail healthcare service caught fire last night about 11pm.

The blaze was quickly contained by Marion Fire Department, but not before the lodge area in the rear of the building was destroyed. Members of the lodge say the building, which the Masons own, appears to be a total loss. The roof has partially collapsed.

Inventory at Legacy Oxygen in the front of the metal building sustained smoke damage to much of its inventory although that part of the structure was not damaged by flame.

Investigators are not sure at this time what started the fire. It appears to have begun in the very back of the building.

See more in next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Local youths win Bible Drill state championships

Two local youths are Bible Drill state champions.

Gabe Keller and Riley Kirby won Kentucky Baptist Bible Drill titles recently during the state competition at Lake City Baptist Church in Livingston County.

Keller is a fifth grader and Kirby a fourth grader, both at Crittenden Elementary School. They were champions in the Children’s Division.

Kirby was representing Mexico Baptist Church in the state competition and Keller was representing Salem Baptist.

Preparing for the competition began late last summer, according to Teresa Beavers, who coordinates drill activities for Mexico Baptist.

“This was the first time our church has participated in the competition,” she said.

The drill starts at the church level where Bible students must be able to answer half of two dozen questions within 10 seconds. From there, the qualifiers move on to the Associational Level event where they must correctly answer 16 of 24 questions. At the state level, the threshold is 20 correct answers.

“They put in a lot of work to prepare for this,” Beavers said. “It’s amazing how their minds pick up on this. They really learn how to get around their Bible.”

Article originally appeared in The Crittenden Press May 11

Local recycling effort gets a facelift

It won’t be for lack of opportunity that residents of Crittenden County don’t start rescuing the environment from garbage. And it will be hard to miss that opportunity with a colorfully-decorated reminder coming to each community from time to time.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is hoping to boost recycling in the county with a mobile recycling bin brightly painted in yellow and blue. The trailer will be placed in communities throughout the county on a rotating basis.

“I thought, let’s do something colorful,” Newcom said of the decision to decorate the trailer with  vivid colors and inviting cartoon recycling characters.

The mobile bin will have separate dumping compartments for cardboard, glass, aluminum and steel and plastics. Nos. 1 and 2 will be taken and are indicated on plastic materials.

It was paid for with a grant through a state recycling program. It cost around $8,000 and is similar to one used by the schools and another going to the hospital.

“The idea is to make recycling easier,” Newcom said. “That means less to the landfill and less through the convenience center.”

Already, recycling bins are located at the county’s convenience center, taking in recyclable materials at no charge during regular business hours. But Newcom realizes that is not terribly convenient for those living in outlying areas around the county.

His plans are to place the mobile bin on a weekly rotation in Dycusburg, Frances, Mattoon, Shady Grove, Sheridan, Tolu and Crayne. The trailer will be placed in prominent locations and will be hard to miss. Materials can be dropped in around the clock.

A schedule of placement will appear here in The Crittenden Press and other public places. The trailer will be put into commission starting today. Look for it at a location near you!

Salute your senior

Lady Rockets continue to roll on diamond

Lady Rocket Hitting Stats / Click Image to Enlarge

Crittenden County's softball team continues to pile up victories.

Over the past two days, the Lady Rockets have won three games. Tuesday they beat the state's 38th-ranked team, Union County, 7-0, then run-ruled Livingston in two on Wednesday.

The girls are now 23-6 on the season. It's the best record in school history for fast-pitch softball.

Rising river little threat to ferry service

Rising Ohio River levels shouldn't be enough to affect operation of the Cave In Rock Ferry.

The ferry generally operates until the the river gauge at Shawneetown, Ill., reaches 42.5 feet, said Keith Todd, a spokesman for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. At present, the river is predicted to crest at 38.3 feet sometime over the weekend. Today's National Weather Service-projected crest takes into account rain forecast for the next 48 hours.

Flood stage at Shawneetown is 33 feet, but Todd said traffic can safely travel the swamped ferry approach on the Kentucky side of the river until the 42.5-foot mark.

The ferry operates from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily, carrying traffic across the river between Crittenden County and Hardin County, Ill.

Bowtanicals open late for Mother's Day shopping

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

The chamber of commerce in Crittenden County has a fresh, new look.

The first official step toward a new high school – as well as a 5.8-cent tax increase on county property owners to pay for the building – was taken this week. Crittenden County Board of Education voted 4-1 on Tuesday evening to continue the process that could see a so-called “nickel” tax added to the school rate on tax bills this fall. The revenue could be used only for construction and renovations.

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

• Chamber refreshed by young women
• Tourism’s impact on community growing
• Pass the salt: Cafeteria rules loosened
• Auditor: Sheriff’s accounting errors discovered
• Police locate stolen trailer; arrest fugitive from Tenn.
• Comer votes for ‘Obamacare’ repeal
• Hampton man brings metal working experience from California, England
• Kenergy distributing credits
• WRITE NOW: Tears well for graduating first-born
• ABOUT TOWN: Motherhood a never-ending job
• Survivors sought for Relay for Life events
• Salem mainstay Croft retiring at end of June
• Summer Reading registration under way
• SPORTS: Alumni players bruised, booster club rakes in some dollars
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS:  Tracing direct lines from KY to Indiana; Why Knox decision makes sense at UK
• SPORTS: Rockets revving up for Saturday’s regional
• SPORTS: Freshman teams set high goals
• SPORTS: Rockets get ship back on better direction as postseason closes in
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets get 22nd win in avenging fashion
• Local youths capture state Bible Drill titles
• E-rate cuts library Net, phone costs

Shop for Mom at Louise's

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Board moving ahead with school tax

Crittenden County Board of Education on Tuesday evening voted 4-1 to move ahead with consideration of a school tax increase of 5.8 cents. The money would be used for construction of a new high school on the current campus and move middle-schoolers from the antiquated junior high into the current high school.

The vote is not binding, but instead moves the proposal ahead formally with a public hearing on June 1. A final vote would follow.

See this week's issue of The Crittenden Press for more.

Noah's March passes through Crittenden County

Robert and Noah Barnes of Jupiter, Fla., walk toward the Ohio River on Ky. 91 North.

An 11-year-old Florida boy with Type 1 Diabetes who is walking across the United States to raise awareness and funding for research passed through Crittenden County Tuesday afternoon.
With his dad Robert beside him and his mom and siblings close by in a support vehicle, Noah Barnes' journey began Jan. 1 in Key West, Fla. He walks 15-20 miles a day on his mission dubbed Noah's March. The family is documenting Noah's efforts to raise $1 for each of the 30 million people in the U.S. with diabetes via NoahsMarchFoundation.org.
After learning of their endeavor, Farmers Bank & Trust Co. bought dinner for the family of five – Noah's favorite, barbecued ribs – and visited with them in Marion. The family expects to stay in the area a couple more days to wait out anticipated rain on Thursday before crossing into Illinois.
Read more about Noah's story and the inspiration for Noah's March in next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

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Marion Police April Activity Report

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Multi-county economic development discussed again

There is once again some discussion about a multi-county economic development group forming to replace some of the frail or non-existent efforts in Crittenden County and a few of its border counties.

The topic was discussed recently during a regular meeting of the Crittenden County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC), which may be among the strongest organizations in the immediate area. Caldwell and Lyon counties have shown interest in a regional concept and the group hopes to bring Livingston into the fold, too.

This isn’t a new concept. It’s been kicked around at least twice before and some of the same communities are back at the table rehashing the idea. Truth is, Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said that most of the small counties don’t have the resources to adequately fund an economic development program.

“I think we can do more collaboratively than individually,” Newcom told the CCEDC’s directors. “None of us has the resources to do it on our own, not even Caldwell as much as they have.”

All three counties have had varying forms of economic development programs and are still generally active, but like Crittenden’s effort, all are crunched for cash.

The CCEDC was created here in 1996 and has withstood some troubled times. The group is a public-private entity with most of its operating capital coming from major contributors such as local government, banks and industry. In earlier times, the CCEDC had annual financial pledges approaching $90,000.

“Membership is down,” Newcom said.

Although the group’s financial condition was in dire straits a few months ago, it has stabilized by selling timber at Industrial Park North, securing an option to sell about 15 acres at the same industrial park and benefiting from a recent membership drive.

Terry Bunnell, president of The Peoples Bank and chairman of the CCEDC, said the economic development organization has about $24,000 in cash assets right now. It had gotten down to about $9,000 about two years ago.

Preliminary plans include hiring a qualified economic development director that would perhaps be headquartered at the Marion Ed-Tech Center. Since Crittenden already has the facility, there is some talk about it being the most logical place for the multi-county office. The airport in Marion is also a selling point for this being the main office.

Early discussions of a multi-county effort include budgetary needs of about $160,000 to make it feasible.

Newcom said recent job creation announcements in eastern Kentucky illustrate that rural areas can join forces to lure firms that provide employment.

Chris Cook, treasurer for the CCEDC, said he thinks the future of economic development will require a multi-county effort.

Health Departments offer health screenings

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Trash center under new management

Crittenden County Convenience Center is under new management.

Crittenden County Animal Shelter now oversees collection of trash and recyclables at the center located behind the county road department on U.S. 60 East. Previously, Crittenden County Detention Center oversaw operations, including supervision of inmates who process and help offload materials.
Residents disposing of materials won’t notice much of a difference, though.

Animal Control Officer Timmy Todd and shelter worker Melissa Ann Leneave are now managing inmate labor and day-to-day operations of the center. In their down time with the trash and recycling, the prisoners can help out at the shelter, easing the burden on Todd and Leneave, who was recently made a full-time employee by the county.

The move also frees up a deputy jailer at the detention center.

Leneave has worked part-time at the animal shelter for some time and volunteered with the animals prior to that.

Crittenden County Convenience Center is open 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday and Saturday.

Alumni football game postponed

Due to field conditions and projected weather for this evening, the scheduled Alumni Football game between Crittenden and Union counties at Rocket Stadium has been postponed until 5pm Saturday.

Power outage in Crittenden and beyond

More than 2,400 Kenergy customers are without power this morning in Crittenden County.

Electricity is out in part of Lyon County, too, affecting almost 1,800 customers.

See the Kenergy online outage center for details.

Injury accident on Ky 120

Rescue personnel are headed to an injury accident on Ky. 120 East of Marion.

It appears that at least one person is hurt and it's unclear if that individual trapped. Just in case, the rescue squad is headed to the scene.

Ferry service unaffected by rains

Ohio River Ferry service is not likely to be interrupted by the rising river anytime soon.

The river gauge at Shawneetown, Ill., at 10:30 a.m. was 32.26 feet, just below flood stage, which is 33 feet. At present, the river is expected to crest at 35.4 feet Friday, May 12, but ferry service is not typically hampered until the river reaches 42.5 feet.

CCHS SBDM elections Tuesday

CCHS Parent SBDM Elections will be held at 5:30 p.m., May 9, in the CCHS Library. Any parent with an incoming 9th-12th grader is eligible to vote in the election. If you are unable to make the election, you may vote, in person, by absentee ballot between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., May 9, in the high school office.

Preschool screening May 15

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

The annual spring quilt extravaganza drew hundreds to local displays last week

With fewer than six months to serve on a three-year felony sentence for third-degree burglary, 31-year-old Brandon Brasher of Grand Rivers saw an opportunity to run and took it. A work-release inmate at the Crittenden County Restricted Custody Center (RCC), Brasher bolted from custody Saturday afternoon and made his way on foot north of the jail on East Carlisle Street through Marion’s city streets until he eluded a deputy pursuing him in a vehicle and then on foot.

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

• Tax on board of ed agenda for Tuesday
• Unhappy with delay in state land swap, CCEDC rejects pact 
• Multi-county EDC discussed
• County budget features reduced jail support
• Coming to a community near you: Recycling trailer
• Birth-K kids offered learning Launchpad
• Report: Local schools safer than neighboring districts
• Hotline gives parents free legal aid for custody, visitation issues
• Some hospitals in Kentucky can’t find enough nurses
• CCES teacher, son hurt in crash
• Local man seriously injured in Caldwell crash
• Ky. grocery costs falling
• Fatalities up on Kentucky roads
• County jobless rate falls in 2016
• Graduation plans announced at area schools
• Although most homes include Bible, few are actually reading it
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Haynes & Taylor Drug Store recalled
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Georgia QB decommits on scholarship at Kentucky
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets softballers set school record for victories
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets get 3 straight to win consolation bracket
• SPORTS: Rain, losses keep Rockets in despair

Women's Conference this weekend

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Local Internet $59.99/month

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Escapee caught in Benton

Brandon Brasher, 31, the inmate who escaped from the Crittenden County Resticted Custoday Center last weekend has been arrested in Benton.

Democrats meet tomorrow

Crittenden County Democratic Executive Committee will meet at 5pm Tuesday, May 2 in the fiscal court room on the main floor of the county courthouse.

Area death

James Doyle Conyer, 77, of Marion died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Estate Sale this week

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Livingston church has 24-7 food box

From Isaiah to Luke, books of the Old and New Testaments are filled with commandments for Christians to feed and care for those in need.

Cave Springs Baptist with only about a dozen regular worshipers is heeding the call round the clock with its new Blessing Box in front of the rural church in northern Livingston County.

Mary Love is one of six members of the Women’s Sunday School Auxiliary that spearheaded the project. They’ve taken a China cabinet and repurposed it for outside use and keeping it full on non-perishable food. It’s there for the taking 24 hours a day, she said.

“We will keep it stocked and it will be with different things,” Love said. “For instance we might put a box pancake mix in there with syrup – just food that families need.”

The box went up on April 17 and the church wants to spread the word that food is available anytime it’s needed. The church is located on Cave Springs Church Road just south of Joy off of Ky. 133.

The Blessing Box is always available