Hoops action just around corner

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Ky. 365, Ky. 723 paving starts Monday

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans milling and paving along KY 365 and KY 723 in Crittenden County starting Monday, October 2, 2017.

Paving along these highways will be at the following locations:

KY 365/Baker Church Road from the US 60 intersection at milepoint 0.0 extending northward to milepoint 2.44 near the Chandler Farm Road intersection.  This is along KY 365 between US 60 and the Crittenden-Union County Line.

KY 723/Salem-Irma Road from just north of Cecil Croft Road at the 2 mile marker extending northward to the KY 297 intersection at milepoint 7.129, a distance of about 5.1 miles.   This is along KY 723 between Irma and the Crittenden-Livingston County Line.

Milling is expected to start along KY 365 and KY 723 on Monday, October 2nd, with asphalt paving to follow along KY 365.  Paving along KY 365 is expected to take about 3 days.  Asphalt paving along KY 723 is expected to start on October 5th.

Once paving is complete, the crew will install thermal stop bards and pavement markings.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers.   Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Rogers Group is the prime contractor on this $602,637 highway improvement project.  Weather permitting, this paving project along KY 365 and KY 723 has a target completion date of October 11, 2017.

Timely traffic advisories for the 12 counties of KYTC Highway District 1 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict1. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Revival at Marion Baptist

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Home invasion suspect arrested

Joshua Bean

Nine months after a home invasion and burglary that left one person injured, Marion Police Department has made an arrest.

Joshua Bean, 25, of Marion was recently taken into custody on a felony indictment warrant charging him with first-degree burglary, first-degree robbery and non-payment of fines.

Police Chief Ray O’Neal said Bean is a suspect in a Jan. 14 home invasion at 106 Conway Dr. The police investigation alleges that three masked men broke into the home just off North Weldon Street, held three residents at gunpoint and stole about $60 in cash.

O’Neal said an adult male and female and a juvenile female were home at the time. The victims’ names have not been released because the investigation is ongoing. However, the chief said the juvenile and one of the adults sought treatment at the Crittenden Hospital emergency room following the incident.

The intruders busted open a door at the home then kicked open doors to two bedrooms where the family was sleeping, according to police records. The police chief said the victims were forced into a room together where the assailants ordered them to the floor at gunpoint and demanded cell phones, car keys and money.

The chief said the masked men were armed with handguns and fired one round inside the home as they were fleeing the scene. The gunshot did not strike anyone, but the juvenile was allegedly hit with a baseball bat during the assault.

Bean was a suspect during the early part of the investigation, and he allegedly fled town when police began closing in.

The chief said a tip came in to the police department one night alerting law enforcement to his whereabouts. They found him a short time later at a residence on North Maple Street and he was taken into custody without incident.

The case remains active as two more suspects are being sought. Anyone with information about the alleged robbery on Conway Drive can phone (270) 965-3500. If information leads to an arrest, TipLine may pay a reward.

Livingston man files for county attorney

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Accident victim, Easley, dies

Larry Easley, 78, the Tolu man injured in an automobile accident early this week has died.

Easley was hurt Monday in a single-vehicle crash near Crayne. He was extricated from his pickup truck and taken to an area hospital.

He passed away Wednesday. Boyd Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements. 

School tax jump mandated by KRS

State law requires a substantial school tax increase on Crittenden County property owners despite voters’ overwhelming rejection last week of a higher levy to build a new high school. An additional 1.9-cent tax per $100 valuation will appear on 2017 tax bills mailed out this month.

County voters recently rejected the board of education’s “recallable nickel” tax increase to build a new high school and move middle-schoolers out of a 68-year-old building fraught with problems. The measure was defeated 1,485-649 and rolled back what would have been a 5.9-cent increase on school property taxes. 

But in the event of a failed referendum, Kentucky law – specifically KRS 132.017 – requires a board of education adopt a tax rate that will generate 4 percent more revenue than in the previous year tax year. In this case, the 2017 real property levy will jump to 48.2 cents per $100 valuation from 46.3 cents in 2016. For the average homeowner in the county – based on the median home value of $76,000 – this will be an additional $14.50 in property taxes to the school district’s general fund.

In a news release issued by the school district this week, Superintendent of Schools Vince Clark explained that the 4 percent revenue increase through the 1.9 cent tax bump is not a decision made by the school board, but rather one that occurs automatically by statute.

“As to why they mandate the 4 percent rate?,” Clark speculated. “I’m guessing that Frankfort expects each (board of education) to take the maximum each September to lessen the burden on state officials.”

Had the nickel tax been approved last week, the 5.9-cent increase would have amounted to almost $45 more annually for the typical homeowner. However, with the state-mandated 1.9-cent bump, there is no matching money from the state and the additional revenue is not restricted to school construction like the nickel tax would have been. 

The nickel tax would have generated an additional $3.4 million in bonding (borrowing) potential for the local school district matched by $3.1 million from the state if lawmakers approved the grant in the General Assembly next year. Actual additional revenue would have been about $229,000 annually, of which 100 percent would have been dedicated to funding construction. Now, the mandated 4 percent revenue increase will generate roughly $75,000 in additional revenue for the district, which can be spent as any general funds can.

Clark said careful consideration will be given to that spending.

“The (board of education) will be discussing the best use of these additional tax dollars and investing them for the benefit of our students and the future of our community,” Clark said.

The school district will owe the county $20,695 – per County Clerk Carolyn Byford’s office – to pay for the special election.

New twist on Demo Derby Saturday

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

Distinguished Alumni honored

The exemplary life’s work of this year’s Crittenden County Distinguished Alumni involves careers in justice and the performing arts. This year’s inductees Judge Alan C. Stout and William O. Winstead exemplify the very best of ambition, drive and hard work. Both will be recognized during this week’s homecoming festivities.

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

• DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: Winstead earns esteem through career in music
• DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: Stout’s ascent to federal bench began in Marion
• Alumni induction moved to fall
• Magistrate Underdown, 74, dies
• City opens up for Country Club Drive solutions
• Arflack nominated by Trump for U.S. Marshal
• CHS walk-in clinic opens next week
• County tax bills to have new look
• County hears jail plan for ankle monitoring
• Celebrate Recovery expanding to teens
• Local sign amnesty program ends soon
• OPINION: Pension misconceptions need clearing
• OPINION: Legacy of Kentucky budget cuts hit home
• OPINION: Brown: CCHS off to best start in tenure
• Forest fire hazard season starts Oct. 1
• Flu shots available at health centers
• Peoples Bank breaks ground for Glasgow site
• Emmaus celebrates 150 years
• Playground discovery leads to bird lesson
• SPORTS: Rockets 2-3 after loss at Union; this week’s foe winless in 2017
• SPORTS: Sophomore Gilchrist heads to state tourney
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Gators take bite out of hopes; UK drops 31st straight to UF
• Local men hurt in separate crashes
• Chamber gearing up for Pumpkin Festival
• Highway 60 Yard Sale starts Oct. 5; registrations sought
• Wilson running for Livingston County Attorney
• Atmos rated tops in South

Honor loved ones during LHHS Foundation event

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Gilchrist heading back to state

Lauren Gilchrist, just a sophomore, is headed back to the state tournament for the second straight time.

She shot 6-over-par Tuesday to finish sixth in the First Region Tournament at Miller Golf Courses in Murray and earned a berth in the Oct. 7-8 KHSAA State Tournament at Bowling Green.

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

Greenwell leads Rocket golfers

Greenwell

Although Crittenden County didn't have anyone from its high school golf team qualify for the state tournament, several shot very well at Monday's regional tournament at Paducah.

Freshman Sam Greenwell led Rocket golfers.

Sophomore Lauren Gilchrist is representing Crittenden County in today's girls' regional tournament at Calvert City.

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

Stolen Sign Amnesty Period ends Saturday

A half dozen or traffic and road signs have been returned as part of the countywide Sign Amnesty program during September.

With the amnesty period ending this week, county officials are reminding citizens that anyone caught with stolen traffic signs could face up to $1,000 in fines, plus court fees.
Crittenden County Fiscal Court partnered with TipLine and the Crittenden County Attorney’s office recently to create a comprehensive campaign to stop road sign theft.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the problem has become such a public safety issue. Newcom said sign thefts have even occurred during the past couple of weeks despite the campaign to thwart the problem.

The sign amnesty period ends Saturday. After that anyone found stealing or in possession of traffic signs will be criminally charged.

Magistrates say they’re serious about this matter and so is County Attorney Rebecca Johnson, whose office is putting up half of the reward money that will be offered by TipLine for those reporting sign thefts. If you know of someone who is illegally in possession of a street sign, call (270) 965-3500 and you may be eligible for a reward. You may also remain anonymous.

Hoover dies at age 74

Dr. Charles "Stan" Hoover, 74, of Marion died Sunday. He was a former executive director of the Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation and served on a number of local boards and committees. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Injury accident on US 641 near Crayne

Local emergency personnel are working a single-vehicle accident just north of Crayne on US 641.

Rescue Squad and other agencies are on the scene where a pickup has crashed.

Local man hurt in single-vehicle crash

A Crittenden County man was injured in a single-vehicle accident today on Nunn Switch Road. Kentucky State Police investigated crash at approximately 1:12 p.m., 11 miles east of Marion.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Terry Brantley, 71, of Marion was traveling south his vehicle ran off the road into a ditch and hit a culvert at the intersection of Nunn Switch Road and Guy Thurmond Road. Brantley was belted, but still sustained injuries in the collision. He was transported to the Crittenden Hospital by the Crittenden County EMS.

Trooper Ben Sawyers is investigating the collision and was assisted at the scene by the Crittenden County EMS, Mattoon Volunteer Fire Department and the Crittenden County Sheriff Department.

Alumni Golf Tournament for 5th District

There will be a Fifth District Alumni Golf Tournament at Deer Lakes Golf Course in Salem on Saturday Oct. 14.

The project was created by Livingston golf coach Stephen Maddux.

It will include players from Livingston, Crittenden, Caldwell, and Lyon counties. Players must have graduated from one of those schools. Cost is $25 for green fee, cart and lunch.

High school golf teams from each participating county will share a percentage of the proceeds. The format will be medal play with the best six scores from each team counting toward county total. Men or women may participate and there will be trophies for winners.

It will begin with a 9 a.m., shotgun start. Call Deer Lakes pro shop to enter, (270) 988-4653

CHS Walk-In Clinic Opens Oct. 2

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Area deaths

Linda Sue Padon, 74, of Salem died Wednesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Floya Marie Elam, 79, of Marion, formally of Hardin County, Ill., died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Area deaths

Harry Charles Black, 75, of Marion died Monday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Floya Marie Elam, 79, of Marion, formerly of Hardin County, Ill., died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Magistrate Underdown passes

Glenn Underdown, a magistrate on Crittenden Fiscal Court, died this morning. He was 74. Underdown had served on the fiscal court for many years representing District 3.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

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

When a powerful earache or ankle sprain strikes on the weekend, no longer will waiting until Monday morning or a costly visit to the emergency room be necessary. Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, Crittenden Health Systems will be debuting a walk-in clinic designed to address non-critical medical needs outside the usual office hours of most doctors and clinics in the area. It will be open 5 to 10 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, times not competing with physicians’ normal practices.

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

• School levy up 1.9 cents per KRS
• Clark addresses school tax failure
• McD’s robber gets 7 years
• Grand jurors indict only 1
• Friday final day for Victory Garden food
• Band marches into 2nd
• MPD makes arrest in home invasion
• Christmas charity eligibility ends soon
• OPINION: 401(k) not good pension reform
• ABOUT TOWN: Quips offer relief, maybe even chuckle
• Tuesday earthquake centered in Illinois
• Conservation district poster contest starts
• TDS now improving Livingston internet
• Tradewater Music Festival draws hundreds to county
• Marion Auction Mart burglary investigated
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Gold Star symbols honored mothers who lost sons to war
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Bromley wrapping up his UK coverage
• SPORTS: UK basketball start time and broadcast schedule
• Old-timers hit field to benefit youth
• ‘Adulting’ classes help hone grown-up skills
• Club celebrates 97th anniversary
• Homemakers’ project continues thanks to generous local woman
• SPORTS: Mr. 35 leads golfers into regional tourney Monday
• SPORTS: Rocket ‘D’ annihilates Webster in 49-7 victory
• SPORTS: Fall sports round-up

Lewis joins Tri-Rivers Healthcare

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Area Deaths

Mabel Agnes Harris Cullen, 98, of Princeton died Monday. Morgan's Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.

Donald G. Thomas, 82, of Brownsburg, Ind., and formerly of Kokomo, Ind., died Friday. He was also a part-time Crittenden County resident. Stout & Son Funeral Home of Russiaville, Ind.,  is in charge of arrangements there and Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of local arrangements.

No classes Monday in Crittenden County

There will be no school Monday in Crittenden County.

Monday is a Teacher Planning and Professional Development Day.

Additionally, there are no classes for students Oct. 16 or Nov. 27 for Teacher Professsional Development Days

Marion wins Heritage Cup

Marion won the Heritage Cup Tournament last weekend at Marion Country Club.

The event is a Ryder-Cub style competition.

Among those on the winning team were Kyle, Ronnie and Derrick Myers, Jeremy Shoulders, Mike Stone, Jordan Roberts, Ronnie Nix, Emily Watson and Tate Roberts.

Marion beat Fredonia in the event.

2017 School Tax Proposal Soundly Defeated

Here are the numbers by precinct 

in Crittenden County

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Area deaths

Evalyn Carter, 77, of Marion died Friday. Gilbert Funeral is in charge of arrangements.

Maj. (ret) Francis D. “Frank” Pierce Jr., 79, of Clarksville, Tenn., died Wednesday Nave Funeral Homes in Clarksville is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Sue Lloyd Denton, 86, of Providence died Thursday. Jones Kirby Funeral Home in Providence is in charge of arrangements.

What's Bugging You Right Now?

What’s bugging you right now?

Are they ticks or mites?

Health specialists say ticks and mites are very similar – both are arachnids, as are spiders and scorpions. 

What people are calling turkey mites are actually ticks, says Charles Hiter, public health director at the Pennyrile Area Health Department.

“Right now is a big time for them,” Hiter said. “They’re ticks, or tick larvae.”

Anyone who has these types of bites and experiences conditions such as fever, fatigue or flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention. Otherwise, the itch will last from a few days to maybe a week or two.

He explains that conditions over the last several months – including a mild winter, wet spring and moderately dry late summer – have created near perfect conditions for tick hatching.

Ticks and chiggers are the two culprits that are creating big problems for folks’ ankles right now. Keeping them away is similar, but different.

Hiter recommends taking precautions when outdoors, especially in grown up or woody areas. 

“Wear socks and use a repellant,” Hiter said.

Repellants are not all created equal. To keep ticks off, you must use an insecticide that includes the active ingredient Permethrin or some type of pyrethroid. This type of spray actually kills ticks. Chiggers are another matter. They can be driven back by sprays or rub-on repellents that contain DEET, such as products under the brand names Cutter, Repel or Off. Those products do not seem to be as effective at warding off the small ticks that are biting people right now.

Chiggers are also known as harvest mites, perhaps because at harvest time is when they’re most active. They are microscopic parasites that latch onto and bite warm blooded creatures like you and me. Despite common belief, they don’t drill into your skin and set up shop. Pasting them over with nail polish will not smother them, but it will create a crusty mess on your personal exterior.

“I have heard of that remedy, but by the time you see a red spot on your skin, the chigger is long gone,” said Dee Brasher, the Agriculture Extension Agent in Crittenden County.

She recommends showering right after hiking or being in places where chiggers or ticks might be common. It’s a good preventative method, especially for chiggers which don’t tend to latch on too tightly and will wash off easily. 

Chiggers dine on humans and move on to bite again. In their wake, they leave a red, swollen spot; a skin irritation or dermatitis that can be the bane of a person’s existence if inflicted en masse.

The best treatment for chigger bites is a topical analgesic, something with hydrochloride, zinc acetate and/or hydrocortisone. Stopping the itch is about the only remedy. You can, however, scratch the spot until it becomes a sore. Some folks think sores heal quicker than chigger bites.

Hiter said that he doesn’t have any data or way to quantify it, BUT there seems to be an uptick in the number of regional cases of bed bugs and lice. 

“I have anecdotally heard an increased number of possible bed bugs as well as lice,” he said. “No hard numbers, there just seems to be more of it right now.”

New Haven hosting Bingo

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Marion still mulling Country Club Drive

The City of Marion is still weighing what to do with a deteriorating Country Club Drive.

On Wednesday, the city's Subcommittee on Streets and Alleys will meet to discuss the future of the street, which is the only way to get to Crittenden County Elementary School. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. at city hall, and the public is invited to attend to the meeting.

"We want to give people a chance to come, hear and talk," said Marion City Administrator Adam Ledford. "I think it might be important to know that our focus  during this event will be the impact on businesses. The meeting is meant to help the committee come up with a recommendation to the full council."

In August, the road was temporarily closed while repairs were made to fix an area of failing asphalt nearly as long as a football field. At the time, Marion City Council voted 4-2 to close the end of the street at its junction with Chapel Hill Road in order to prevent heavy through-traffic that is damaging the street. The next week, however, the council reversed course 4-2 to reopen the street to all traffic following repairs.

At least two council members seem to still want to dead-end the street at Chapel Hill Road, hoping to force the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's hand to either take over maintenance of the street or rework a troublesome intersection at the U.S. 60-U.S. 641 stoplight.

Hospital opens new Walk-In Clinic

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Coach proud of All A golf performances

Peyton Purvis

Crittenden County eighth-grader Peyton Purvis shot an 83 in Saturday’s All A Classic State Golf Tournament at Woodson Bend Golf Course near Somerset. He finished 39th overall.

Purvis shot the same score in the regional tournament in August to earn his first ever berth in the small-school state tournament.

Lady Rocket sophomore golfer Lauren Gilchrist, playing in her third All A Classic State Tournament at Eagles Nest Golf Course near Somerset, shot an 89 on Saturday to finish 16th among individual qualifiers.

CCHS golf coach Vicki Hatfield was proud of the performances.

“Lauren probably didn’t shoot as well as she wanted to, but she hung in there and showed some maturity,” Hatfield said.

As for Purvis, this is his first year on the high school golf team and he’s shown his own maturity on the links.

“I am super excited and proud of him,” Hardin said. “This was his first time and he played very well.”

Although this is his first year on the Rocket squad, he’s a veteran of summer league competitive golf tournaments.

Lauren Gilchrist

Livingston Central, the regional champion team, shot a 355. The team was led by junior Cameron Head and sophomore Darit Barnes, who each carded an 84. T-Roy Ringstaff shot 90, Zach Fleet 97 and Aaron Denfip 98.

For the Lady Cardinals, Carsyn Jones, a sophomore, shot her personal best round, a 94, at the girls’ state tournament.

AWANA begins Sept. 17

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

The community – or the small percentage who voted – is not ready to foot the bill for a new school in Crittenden County at this time. On Tuesday, voters from across the county soundly defeated a measure that would have increased the school property tax rate by almost 6 cents to build a new high school and take the 68-year-old middle school out of circulation. The ballot measure lost 1,485 votes to 649.

For the complete story on the special election and the following headlines, grab a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• CHS will soon be looking for new CEO
• Pricetag for Ky. license to hunt, fish could increase
• County offers free dumping to residents Oct. 20-21
• Press adds writer to staff
• MY 2¢ WORTH: Campaign funds should be public
• Faith-based pregnancy clinic open house Sept. 24
• U.S. court upholds right to public meeting prayer
• ACA plans awaiting big premium jump
• Ky. resources for jobless enhanced
• Carrsville Fall Fling slated for Oct. 21
• County recycling trailer schedule sees tweak
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: 1928 series in newspaper features local senior citizens
• Livingston Hospital Foundation honoring breast cancer survivors
• Kentucky soybeans still on track for record production
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Curry camp will be back in Kentucky
• SPORTS: Rockets’ early lead quicklydiced by Tigers’ athleticism
• SPORTS: Coach proud of Purvis, Gilchrist in State A Classic
• SPORTS: Fall sports roundup
• Faughn poetry recital Sept. 19
• Dunn chosen to serve as Chamber treasurer
• Pumpkin Fest set for Oct. 7

Carrsville Pentecostal has Homecoming

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School tax fails at polls 2-to-1

6:52 p.m.
The school tax failed by a more-than 2-to-1 margin, 649-1,485. It failed in all 12 precincts.

6:49 p.m.
With 10 of the 12 precincts and absentee ballots reported, the vote is 555-1,163 against the tax

6:45 p.m.With five precincts and absentees reporting, the school tax is down more than 2-to-1. The vote so far is 239 for and 588 against.

6 p.m.
The polls are closed on the school tax vote in Crittenden County and results are starting to filter in. So far, the vote is 65-39 against the tax from absentee ballots only.

Marion Baptist hosts Back to Church Sunday

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Voter turnout appears low

With fewer than five hours left to vote, turnout appears low in today's school tax election.

As of 1:30 p.m., only 11.6 percent of voters in Marion's largest precinct had voted. The precinct that votes at the courthouse has 859 registered voters, and as of early this afternoon, only 100 people had cast a ballot. However, many voters will head to polls after school- and workdays end later today.

Results of the election can be found right here as polls close at 6 p.m.

New school on ballot today

Voters across Crittenden County are going to the polls today to approve or reject an “equivalent nickel” school tax for construction. The ballot question reads as follows:

Are you for or against the Crittenden County Board of Education’s levy of an equivalent tax rate of five (0.05) cents on each one hundred dollars ($100.00) valuation of real and personal tangible property to raise funds that would be dedicated strictly to major renovation of existing school facilities, new construction and debt service?

Voters will be asked if they are “For” or “Against” the tax. A simple majority wins.

POLLS ARE OPEN FROM 6 am to 6 pm TODAY

Lewis joins Tri-Rivers

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Locals playing in state golf tourneys

Crittenden County eighth-grader Peyton Purvis and sophomore Lauren Gilchrist will participate in this weekend's All A Classic State Golf Tournaments this weekend.

Each qualified in an August regional tournament at Deer Lakes Golf Course in Salem.

Livingston's golf team won the boys' regional and has qualified for the state tournament.

The boys' event is Saturday at Eagles Nest Golf Course in Somerset. The girls play tomorrow at Woodson Bend Golf Course near Somerset.

Tradewater MusicFest next weekend

By Alexa Black
The Crittenden Press

Promoter Russell Edwards

Great live music, a welcoming atmosphere and gathering of both locals and visitors is what one can expect next month at the Tradewater Music Festival.

The first-ever event will take place Friday, Sept. 15 and Saturday, Sept. 16 on the banks of the Tradewater River on the Crittenden-Webster County line. It has been organized by Winghaven Lodge owner Russell Edwards and his wife, Marion Tourism Director Michele Edwards, among others. It is expected to draw music lovers from a 10-county area of western Kentucky and beyond for performances from the Kentucky Headhunters, Confederate Railroad and more. Altogether, the spectacle will feature 10 country-rock artists performing in the new Tradewater Amphitheatre located off Ky. 120 on the breathtaking grounds near Winghaven Lodge.

Hosting a major music event has been a dream of Russell Edwards' for many years.  The stars have aligned and his dream is coming true with the birth of what he hopes will become the largest weekend music event in western Kentucky.

“Without Kentucky Headhunters lead singer Richard Young, this concert would have never made it past a dream,” said Edwards, who credits Young’s expert advice as the foundation for this event.
Ranging from different country subgenres such as traditional country, Southern rock, outlaw country, folk and classic rock, the featured artists on the main stage include headliner Kentucky Headhunters, 1990 Grammy winners of Best Country Performance, will offer the finale of the two-day festival.

Starting the show Friday will be Country Music Award (CMA) winner Jack Ingram, 1993 CMA Best New Group Confederate Railroad and David Lee Murphy, best known for “Dust on the Bottle” and “Party Crowd.” Murphy’s songs have been recorded by some of the best artists in the business including Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Eric Church.

Confederate Railroad will be available to VIP ticket holders for pictures and autographs.

Kicking off a full-day of music on Saturday will be Princeton's acclaimed three-time International Thumb Picking Champion Alonzo Pennington. The semi-finals winner of the International Blues Competition on Beale Street will be followed on the main stage by country rock legend Pure Prairie League with five consecutive top 40 hits that include 1975's "Amie;" Merle Haggard’s heirs Ben and Noel Haggard with The Strangers; and Chris Knight of Slaughters performing his own style of country, rock, folk, root rock and pop music. Wrapping up the event, the Kentucky Headhunters will perform hits such as “Dumas Walker,” “Spirit in the Sky” and “Walk Softly on this Heart of Mine.”

On a separate Food Court Stage during set changes will be up-and-coming Kentucky songwriter and Nashville recording artist Clayton Quisenberry on Friday night. On Saturday, Clarksville, Tenn.'s Tim Lynch Band will feature original tunes and favorites from Waylon Jennings to Led Zeppelin.

Rolling hills and lush woods coupled with the collection of music artists will set the tone for those honoring the country life. The location also provides the perfect space for attendees interested in camping and sightseeing.

Camping is offered, there will be open grass seating and lawn chairs and coolers welcome. Food, drink and souvenir vending will be available for those hoping to take something home to remember the debut of Tradewater Music Festival. While it is suggested festival-goers bring cash, ATM’s will be available.

Depending on how many partake in the festival, organizers plan to make a large donation to the Marion-Crittenden County Park. Other community organizations providing help will be compensated and acknowledged for their assistance in making this become a reality.

Russell Edwards said gatherings such as these not only serve in bringing awareness to newcomers of the beautiful rural area, but also help in strengthening the community through music, the outdoors and most importantly fellowship.

Costs range from $35 for general admission for Sept. 15 performances to $95 for a two-day VIP pass. VIP parking and camping passes are also available. Tickets are on sale at Food Giant and Sureway locations in Marion, Providence, Henderson, Eddyville, Sturgis and Dawson Springs. Tickets can be purchased for a short time by calling (270) 635-2969 or visiting TradewaterMusic
Fest.com.

Governor orders flags to half staff for 9/11

Gov. Matt Bevin has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday in observance of Patriot Day.

In accordance with a presidential proclamation, Patriot Day serves in memory and to honor the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their lives as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks of.

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

New business opens today

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Stretch your grocery dollars

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Clerk open Saturday for absentee voting

Crittenden County Clerk's office will be open 9 a.m. to noon Saturday to accommodate voters who will be out of the county on Election Day next Tuesday. No other business can be processed that day.

Monday is the last day to vote absentee.

Info on proposed new school building tax

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Hooked on Science comes to CCES

Mr. Science Jason Lindsey will be at Crittenden County Elementary School at 6 p.m., on Thursday to lead an evening program for pre-school and kindergarten students.

 The program is hosted by the school’s Early Childhood Development project.

There will be door prizes and food. Desserts and drinks will be provided.

Hooked on Science is a program designed by Lindsey, who is a WPSD-TV on-air personality. He regularly participates in school-related activities.

The activities will be held in the school’s multi-purposes room.

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

If a new high school gets built in Crittenden County, school officials want the voters to know that a relocated football field and stadium is not part of the equation. That’s the message supporters of a 5.9-cent school tax increase are now hoping to make clear just days ahead of Tuesday’s referendum. Friday, at the first of what Superintendent of Schools Vince Clark is calling “nickel rallies,” he told the handful of people who had gathered that the overall $8 million school...

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

• Tax burden up for 2017, down from 2015
• Figure your tax burden
• MCC offering free ACT preparations
• Park board hosting organizational meet
• Guns stolen from Fords Ferry area
• Entry cutoff near for homecoming parade
• Farm to Table kicks off fall Chamber slate
• What’s bugging you?: Officials: Now big time for ticks, chiggers
• BENCHMARKS: History’s myths muddy waters
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Marion’s 1st telephone service 15 years in making
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: UK performance director demands results
• LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Writers for school tax
• Changes coming for plates, licenses in Ky.
• SPORTS: Rockets misfire against Trigg; prepping for Tigers
• SPORTS: Fall sports roundup
• Rogers honored as outstanding judge

Rockets recognizing Coach Barnes' Parkinsons challenge

Coach Barnes

When the Rockets host the Tigers in this Friday's football game, Crittenden County Coach Al Starnes, the Rocket football team and Rocket nation will be joining in faith and spirt alongside Caldwell County Coach David Barnes in his fight against Parkinson’s disease.

Barnes, the 12th-year skipper of the Tiger football team, was told a few weeks ago that he has Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that generally affects movement. There is no cure.

In a gesture of good will and support, Crittenden County’s football family will be selling “Stay Barnes Strong” T-shirts and raising money with all proceeds going to Parkinson’s disease research.
“There will be a special recognition and presentation of a check to the Parkinson's Research Association at halftime of the game,” said Rocket coach Al Starnes.

Dubbed “Paint The Night Blue and White,” a sea of blue and white helium balloons will fill the sky as Crittenden and Caldwell unify in this effort, Starnes said.

For several years, Caldwell and Crittenden counties have used their annual football game to rally around a particular off-field cause. This time, Coach Starnes says disease has hit home once again.

“Coach Barnes and his family are going through a challenging period and Rocket Football stands firmly by their side,” said Starnes, Crittenden County’s 27-year coach. “We are lead by our spirit and faith to try to make a tiny difference in his life and the lives of others struggling with this diseases.”

When Coach Starnes and his wife Angela were both fighting cancer a few years ago, Caldwell County’s football family was among the first to show its support.

“We want to show Coach Barnes that we stand with him and for him,” Starnes added.

There will be fundraising efforts inside the schools and collection containers placed around town where the community can contribute. The effort has adopted the hashtag slogan #bethedifference as part of its campaign to create awareness for the disease.

Area Death

Benjamin Kyle Ramage, 37, of Salem died Monday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Farm to Table Dinner is Saturday

It’s harvest time in western Kentucky and the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is once again celebrating a bountiful crop by hosting its second annual Farm to Table Dinner.

The event is scheduled for Saturday. It will kick off with fellowship and finger foods at 6:30 p.m., at the Market on Main.

Dinner will be served at 7 p.m., on the shady, green area next to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on West Bellville Street.

Tickets are limited to 50 seats and cost is $50 a ticket.

All food presented as part of the meal and appetizers will have been grown, raised or purchased in Crittenden County.

For more information on this event, contact Chamber Executive Director Susan Alexander at (270) 965-5015. Tickets are also available at Marion Welcome Center and Bowtanicals.

The Chamber’s fall schedule will continue to be busy through the holidays. The group’s annual Pumpkin Fest is Oct. 7, there will be another Picture in the Park on Oct. 21, a Shop Small promotional on Nov. 25 and the Christmas Parade is set for Dec. 2 with some big new plans.

The Chamber meets regularly at 8 a.m., the first Thursday of each month at the Welcome Center at Marion Commons.

Deadline for homecoming parade entries

Deadline for entries in the annual football homecoming parade is Tuesday, Sept. 19. 

The theme is Rockets Got Game. Floats or entires may depict any type of game, including sports, board games, video games or others. 

To enter, contact Glenna Rich at (270) 965-2248.

Area Death

Gloria Allen, 70, of Marion died Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Searchable archives offered at library

Press reporter Mimi Burns,
Librarian Regina Merrick and
Press owner Allison Evans
show off the new archive
systems at the library.

Citizens of Crittenden County who are looking for previously published content of The Crittenden Press are able to do genealogy research and examine the rich newspaper archives that are now available digitally on three computers at the Crittenden County Public Library.

Until now, the library had old editions dating from 2008 back into the 1800s on microfilm. Now, the public can view the 2008-2016 editions in PDF format. The files are searchable and printable.
Library Director Regina Merrick said using the PDF files provided by The Crittenden Press will save the facility hundreds of dollars a year microfilming contemporary editions of the newspaper. The savings will be redirected toward the preservation of old microfilm  files that are cracking and becoming difficult to use.

It costs $200 to put a year’s worth of local newspapers on microfilm.

Merrick said the library has partnered with The Crittenden Press to make these PDF files available at virtually no cost to the library.

“By letting us download the PDFs of back issues of the paper to our server, The Crittenden Press saved us hundreds of dollars that we could use to digitize some of our old microfilm that is starting to get brittle with age,” Merrick said.

“This is saving us a lot. The editions will be available only to the visitors of the library in the genealogy section where they can pull them up and look at them. We have the hard copies of the newspaper as well,” Merrick said.

 She hopes this action will better serve the people of the community since they often come and search for previously published articles, obituaries or other content  in back issues of The Press that can be found only at the library. She is equally excited that the printouts of the newspaper pages are of high quality from the PDFs, compared to the lower quality printouts from microfilm.

Chris Evans, publisher of The Crittenden Press, said the newspaper is pleased to offer these files.

“We are happy to be able to partner with the library and to offer quality archives of The Crittenden Press for research and to simply preserve the community’s history for posterity,” Evans said.

Archery deer season opens today

Hunters get their first chance at whitetail deer this morning with the start of the archery hunting season.

The archery season is among the longest hunting opportunities in the state with bowhunters being able to take either sex animals from now until Jan. 15.

The fall turkey archery season runs for the same period as deer hunting with a bow.

Doggy daycare a big hit in Crittenden County

BY BLAKE SANDLIN

Linda Watson's dream of a friendly kennel-inn for dogs
has been highly successful in Crittenden County.

When Linda Watson quit her job as a medical lab technician in 2012 to open up a daycare service for dogs, her friends thought she was crazy.

“I just woke up one day and decided I didn’t want to do that anymore,” Watson said of her decision to quit her job after 30 years. “I had always wanted to do something with animals but I had given that dream up a long time ago.”

Not many people would entertain the thought of quitting a good-paying job to pursue their childhood passion, but not many people have the work ethic and determination that Watson does. In the months following her departure from the workforce, she began working for Crittenden County Animal Clinic and volunteering at the Mary Hall Ruddiman Canine Shelter.

But while she was cultivating her kind-hearted obsession with animals, she was also doing research. Watson began studying and visiting countless “doggy daycares” in the area, and while most of the prospering businesses she visited were in larger areas, she never lost faith in bringing her idea to a smaller community like Marion.

“I didn’t have a lot of support,” Watson said. “A lot of people thought that in a small town there was no way, but I thought ‘I don’t think so.’ Everybody has a pet just about, and we love ours just as much as city people. I just always felt that I could make it work because it just wasn’t a service that was right here in this area.”

Watson’s unwavering faith in herself led to her childhood dreams coming true. In 2013, she became the proud owner of Buddy and Sissy’s Bed and Biscuit, a boarding and daycare service for man’s best friend.

The goal behind her business was simple: Watch and care for ... (for the rest of this article see the Aug. 24, 2017 printed edition).