Farmers offers parade fun

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No driver exams today

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

Area deaths

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

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

Holiday concert at Life in Christ Church

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Enjoy a snack with Santa

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Area deaths

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

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

Diabetes information available

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Bus Drivers needed

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Area death

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

Hometown Chiropractic has Open House

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Boutique has Saturday/Sunday sales

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Crittenden's opioid scripts among highest in state

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

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

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

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

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

Area death

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

Hospital job openings

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Press closed for Thanksgiving

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

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

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

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

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

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

Send us your Christmas activities

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

Ag commish invites farmers to roundtable

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

Bus Drivers needed

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Upward make-up evaluations next week

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

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Small Business Spotlighted Saturday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Schools close Wednesday for long student break

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

Other important dates are:

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

Free Thanksgiving community meal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leaf machine broken, collection stalled

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

Church serves Thanksgiving

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Several file to seek re-election here

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rockets 2 wins from State Title Game

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

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

Rockets vs Eagles

7pm Rocket Stadium

Class A First Region Championship

Crittenden County 8-4

Campbellsville 6-6

This is the first meeting ever between the two teams.

Playoffs at a Glance

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

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

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

PREVIOUS ROCKET REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

1963 - 1985 - 2008

PREVIOUS APPEARANCES IN 

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

1963 - 1985 - 1998 - 2002 - 2008

KHSAA CLASS A PLAYOFFS

This week’s regional championships

Campbellsville at Crittenden County

Beechwood at Kentucky Country Day

Raceland at Paintsville

Pikeville at Hazard

Last week’s regional semifinal results

Crittenden County 41, Bethlehem 20

Campbellsville 50, Russellville 26

Kentucky Country Day 32, Lou. Holy Cross 7

Beechwood 47, Frankfort 7

Raceland 31, Paris 9

Paintsville 43, Bracken County 0

Pikeville 42, Williamsburg 6

Hazard 43, Lynn Camp 8

CLASS A FINAL AP RANKINGS (Oct. 30)

1. Paintsville - still alive

2. Beechwood - still alive

3. Hazard - still alive

4. Kentucky Country Day - still alive

5. Paris - eliminated

6. Raceland - still alive

7. Ludlow - eliminated

8. Williamsburg - eliminated

9. Pikeville - still alive

10. Bracken County - eliminated

11. Russellville - eliminated

12. Crittenden County - still alive

13. Lynn Camp - eliminated

14. Frankfort - eliminated

School district needs bus drivers

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21-month-old child dies in US 60 crash

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

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

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

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

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

Both occupants were properly restrained.

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

Serious crash reported near Rosebud

UPDATE: Reports are that there was one fatality. Tragically, it was a child. No other details are available at this time other than the site is now clear.

ORIGINAL POST
There is a serious single-vehicle crash on U.S. 60 East near Rosebud in Crittenden County. No details have been released at this time.

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

Magistrates will revisit one of their biggest concerns when Crittenden Fiscal Court meets today (Thursday) – how to protect county roads from damage from heavy traffic. In October, the court took a long look at enacting a road warranty agreement with haulers utilizing county-maintained roads in order to hold them liable for damage from overweight transports. The concerns are not new, but as transportation funds shrink and the cost of repairing roads grows, magistrates are feeling the pressure to preserve the integrity of nearly 400 miles of county-maintained roadways.

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

• Community meal, worship scheduled for Thanksgiving
• Several file for 2018
• countywide election
• Report: Local kids’ well-being measures mixed
• Chamber shows love for small businesses
• Deer Creek Church live Nativity continues growth
• Machinery repair delays leaf collection
• Ky. report: 1 in 9 on disability; county SSI opioid scripts 3rd
• Jail equips inmates with skills for change
• Woman gets 7 years for part in holdup of McDonald’s workers
• Pair charged with Amish store thefts indicted
• September unemployment rate down in county
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Richards' early-season deficiencies are ones Calipari can fix
• SPORTS: Crittenden thumps Bethlehem behind Nesbitt’s four TDs; CCHS hosts Campbellsville this week
• SPORTS: Meet the Rockets Saturday to start off basketball season
• Cooking club fun for instructor, kids
• OUTDOORS: Early reports: Deer season’s a blast
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Businesses made Common Sense Review

Area deaths

Wausecka Mae Newcom Fitzgerald, 92 of Marion died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at her son’s residence in Morganfield. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frances Louise Kirk, 88, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Southbound Twin Bridge to be closed for paving

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a change in the traffic pattern on the Fix for 41 bridge rehab project.

Beginning Tuesday, contractors will begin paving on the southbound Ohio River Crossing between Evansville and Henderson. During the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the bridge will be completely closed for this operation. Outside of those hours, motorists will see normal traffic patterns resume, but paving may still be taking place under normal traffic conditions. The change in the traffic pattern is expected to last three to four days depending upon weather conditions. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

For more information, please visit  fixfor41.indot.in.gov. Motorists can learn about highway work zones and other traffic alerts at indot.carsprogram.org, 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone.

Deer Season Brings Crowd to Town

Marion is bustling this evening with hunters pouring in from all across the county.

Tonight there will be a Buck Expo at Marion Baptist Church starting at 7pm and hunters should be sure to register at Hodge's for the annual Big Buck Contest, which has a $1,000 cash prize.

Below are some excerpts from stories published in this week's newspaper. For the whole story, pick up a paper at local grocers and convince stores.

Be Safe and Be Sure of Your Target!

War vet's season ends early
For most hunters, deer season begins Saturday morning and runs 16 straight days until Sunday, Nov. 26.

For Joey Rich of Marion, the season is already over.

Rich bagged what’s commonly referred to in hunter lingo as a “Booner” on Wednesday, Oct. 25 with his bow.

It produced a green score of 1766⁄8 and the deer weighed about 240 pounds.

“I’m not sure of his age, but I think he is 51⁄2 or 61⁄2 years old,” said Rich, whose taken other good bucks in his hunting career, but none larger than this one.

The local coal miner is a former U.S. Marine who served in combat in Iraq.

Rich has methodically reconnoitered his hunting area with high-quality trail cameras. He has many images of the deer, almost exclusively at night. Some were from last winter. He knows it’s the same deer because of a cut or tear on an ear that is evident in all of the photos.

“The main beams are kind of the same shape and G2s look the same as last year,” Rich said.
The buck carried a 10-point mainframe rack with two additional kicker points on  the left base. The spread was nearly 22 inches at the tips of each main beam.
Rich was hunting a narrow funnel field between .... See this week's printed edition for more.

Local experts weigh in on deer season
A couple of the area’s wildlife experts say the deer hunting opportunities should be just about right by the weekend.

Rifle season opens Saturday and runs for 16 days through Nov. 26.

Philip Sharp, a Marion-based biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, says things are already going very well with a big number of mature bucks having already been taken during archery and muzzleloader seasons.

Sharp anticipates a very successful rifle hunt coming up.

“Good, maybe a great season,” he said. “Acorns are non-existent forcing deer to search for food, moving a lot more,” he said.

Sharp knows of several recordbook bucks that have already been checked in the area. He said hunters are a bit more secretive these days about their success because of competition for good hunting spots.

“More and more the two and half year old and younger deer are getting free passes, allowing our buck age structure to mature,” the biologist said.

He said hunters can help improve the herd quality by allowing more immature bucks to live through the season and to harvest more does.

Rick Prado is a longtime local hunter who has a keen sense of observation when it comes to the outdoors. He said the full moon last weekend will be just far enough in the past that daytime deer movement should peak just ahead of the weekend.

“If the weather prediction holds, it looks like a great opening weekend,” he said pointing to the first few days of rifle season. “However, opening day it doesn’t matter because... See this week's printed edition for more.

Modern gun deer season opens Saturday

KENTUCKY AFIELD OUTDOORS
A burst of fall colors, frosty mornings and an uptick in deer activity recently are encouraging and telling signs for hunters.

The season that contributes the greatest percentage of Kentucky’s annual deer harvest and fills many freezers with protein-rich venison is almost here.

Modern gun deer season opens statewide Saturday.

“Opening day should be spot on,” said Gabe Jenkins, deer program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Our gun hunters should have some fantastic deer activity. The start of the season falls early this year. It touches on the end of the chase period and continues into the peak of the rut. We should see some good movement early and late in the season.”

Kentucky’s modern gun deer season is designed to coincide with the peak of fall breeding, known as the rut. It runs for 16 consecutive days in Zones 1 and 2 and for 10 consecutive days in Zones 3 and 4.

County zone assignments are published in the annual Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide, available on the department’s website at fw.ky.gov and where licenses and permits are sold. The guide also provides information about license and permit requirements, hunter education and hunter orange requirements, bag limits and legal equipment for deer hunting. Also available on the department’s website is a detailed list of frequently asked questions about deer hunting in Kentucky. Type “Deer Season FAQs” into the search box on the homepage to access it.

Hunters in Kentucky have taken more than 130,000 deer annually over the past five seasons. The 2016-17 tally was the third highest on record with the modern gun season harvest accounting for more than 70 percent of that figure.

This year, the modern gun season harvest will provide biologists additional data to further assess the scope and impact of the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in eastern Kentucky.

As of Nov. 2, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife had received reports of more than 4,500 sick or dead deer across the state since mid-July. The outbreak was confined primarily to counties east of Interstate 75 and along and south of Interstate 64.

EHD is a virus spread by small biting flies or midges. A recent cold snap effectively ended the outbreak since frost kills the insects that carry the disease.

The virus is not transmissible to people and the meat is safe to eat. In any year, hunters are advised to avoid eating the meat from animals that appear to be overtly sick.

Hunters concerned about hunting elsewhere in the state should have no reservations whatsoever, Jenkins said. The herd remains robust.

“We’ve got a lot of deer,” he said. “I look for it to be just as strong in the rest of the state as it has been in recent years. We had a good fawn year last year, good acorns last year, a mild winter and nice summer. All factors for good survival, good antler production. Lots of goods in there.”

The statewide deer harvest from September’s record opening weekend of archery season through October was up compared to 2016. Harvest reports from the youth-only gun and early muzzleloader seasons in October were down.

A middling mast crop could play to the hunter’s favor. This year’s statewide mast survey found about a third of white oaks with acorns. Red oak acorn production was better at 63 percent. White oak acorns are the first choice for deer because they are sweeter and more palatable to deer than red oak acorns, which have higher tannic acid.

“If you find a white oak with acorns, be on it,” Jenkins said. “During the early muzzleloader season, two does came right underneath me. There was a red oak tree and a white oak tree and one of the does was just sniffing around trying to find those white oak acorns and passing up those red oak acorns. She’d find one and crunch, crunch, crunch.”

In addition to the hunter orange and hunter education requirements, as well as following the guidelines for safe handling of firearms, hunter safety during the modern gun season also extends to the use of tree stands.

Serious accidents can be prevented by following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, use and maintenance of tree stands.

Hunter education classes offered by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife cover the basics of tree stand safety. Olivia Dangler, a conservation educator with the department, said hunters must not let their guard down.

“Do not let your excitement cause you to forget about safety,” she said. “It does not matter how good of a climber you are, or if you think it will never happen to you, always wear a harness and stay clipped into the tree because it can save your life.

“Inspect your equipment prior to use and wear a full body harness whether you are hanging, practicing or hunting from a tree stand. Once you leave the ground, your harness should be connected to the tree. According to the International Hunter Education Association, 99 percent of fall victims injured were not attached to the tree.”

Tree stands and harnesses are rated to support up to their stated weight capacities.

Keep your hands free and never carry equipment while climbing up to or down from a tree stand. Use a haul line to raise or lower equipment instead.

“Firearms should be unloaded with the safety on,” Dangler said. “Attach the haul line to the sling or stock so the muzzle is pointed down when pulling it up to you or lowering it to the ground. If using a bow while hunting, make sure it is unloaded before attaching the haul line and have arrows secured in covered quiver.”

An online tree stand safety course can provide a good introduction or refresher. A free, interactive course is available through the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association website at tmastands.com.

Hunters should choose trees that are straight and large enough to adequately support their tree stands. Avoid ash trees. The emerald ash borer has decimated the ash tree population in recent years. Any ash trees still standing should be considered unsuitable. Knowing where ash trees are in proximity to your location is another important consideration. Dead limbs can break under their own weight without warning.

Hunters who are still looking for a place to hunt can find information about public lands on the department’s website. On any wildlife management area that allows gun deer hunting, anyone hunting from inside a ground blind must now attach a hat or vest made of solid, unbroken hunter orange material to the outside so it is visible from all sides. Hunter orange clothing requirements still apply for anyone inside the blind.

Once you know where you will be hunting, it’s always a good idea to let a family member or friend know where you will be that day and when you expect to return.

“Get out there and go,” Jenkins said. “The full-swing rut is definitely here.”

Schools celebrate veterans

Crittenden County Schools marked Veterans Day this morning with what has become an annual community celebration of our nation's military, both past and present. The entire student body of almost 1,300 as well as about 200 veterans and members of the community packed Rocket Arena for the service that included elementary school students performing patriotic songs for the veterans. Above, CCES Guidance Counselor Laura Poindexter distributes paper poppies to students to hand to veterans in attendance (below). The red poppy has become the national symbol of sacrifice and remembrance of those lost to war since 1919, when Armistice Day (now called Veterans Day) was first established on Nov. 11, the day World War I formally ended the year before.

Ky. 295 blocked by wreck

Ky. 295 in Crittenden County is blocked due an overturned fuel truck near the Crittenden-Lyon County line.

The truck is leaking diesel fuel. Another tanker is on the way to offload the fuel to allow the truck to be removed.

Estimated duration is 3 hours.

A detour is being established.

Area deaths

B. Michael Laughlin, 73, of Marion died Tuesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Ann Lonette Dunning Watson, 59, of Marion died Tuesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Brown learns life lessons with Asbury hoops

For Bailey Brown, playing college basketball at a seminary school has taught her valuable lessons about life, God and the things in life that are truly important.

Although Asbury – a four-year multi-denominational university  located 20 minutes southwest of Lexington in Wilmore, Ky. – is perhaps best known for producing clergy, it’s provided an even broader faith-based foundation for a former Crittenden County basketball player.

Brown just started her senior season as part of the Asbury Eagles basketball team. She scored 13 points in the opener, which was a loss for her team. Brown has twice played in the NAIA National Tournament with her squad, advancing to the second round of the Division 2 tournament as a sophomore. 

During her collegiate career she’s balanced faith, fun and education and it’s been tough at times.
“I won't lie, it's so hard. There have been some semesters I've balanced 18 hours of classes, basketball and two part-time jobs,” Brown said.

In the summers she’s gone on mission trips, twice to Nicaragua and last year to Puerto Rico.
“My entire college experience has made me grow up so much, so I'm thankful for those times,” she said.

Brown says Asbury isn’t your typical basketball school. The university doesn’t bill itself as a destination for aspiring hoops stars.

“Asbury is a school that puts very little emphasis on sports, and that was kind of good for me. I definitely have grown up a lot and put my focus on other things like school and my job,” Brown said, who is working for a technology firm in Lexington.

“I still wake up at 6:45 a couple days out of the week to get shots up with one of my teammates, but I do know that there is life beyond basketball, and it is approaching quicker everyday,” she said.

Her job is in tech marketing which is right up her alley. Brown, the daughter of Gina and Jamie Brown of Marion, is studying marketing and Spanish.

“I chose to minor in Spanish because I know in my future I want to go on mission trips to Latin America, so I wanted to be prepared. I chose marketing because everything we do involves marketing. We market ourselves when we interview for a job. Every occupation and business requires marketing. It just so happened, thanks to my awesome business professors at Asbury, that I was introduced to a job opportunity for a digital marketing company. I didn't really know much about digital marketing, but I knew I could learn.”

She’s been offered a chance to start her career with Summit Digital Marketing as a search engine optimization specialist.

“I interviewed and got the part-time job that I work right now. I have an unofficial official job offer for when I graduate and I am so thankful I am not having to stress about finding a job after graduation while playing basketball,” she said. “It was definitely a God-thing. Things just really work out that way when you work hard and take advantage of the opportunities God gives you.”

Brown says her most rewarding season on the basketball court was her first one when she played in 33 games for the Eagles, starting four and averaged 10.7 minutes per game and scored 111 points, had 34 assists, 22 steals and 27 rebounds.”

“Back then, I was a kid who only cared about basketball. The summer before my freshman year, I spent every day getting about 1,000 or more shots up with my dad. Since then, I have still had incredible seasons and experiences, and I have played at least some in every college game at Asbury, which is such an accomplishment to me,” Brown explained. “Some people get a reality check when they go to college because in high school, they were the best ones on the team, but in college, they are middle of the pack.”

As her basketball career has evolved alongside maturing as a person, Brown has found that her focus has changed. While basketball is still important, a life of faith, family and her future are now paramount to sports.

“I came in with some seniors who were hungry to win a championship and a new coach who definitely knew the game. That year was just so fun, I got to play some serious competition,” she said.

“I would say the greatest reward is being constantly reminded that this is what I've wanted to do since I was five years old,” she adds. “Most kids who are asked what they want to do or who they want to be when they grow up change their minds five or six times before they even get to college.
I have literally known from when I first started playing that I wanted to play as long as I could. It's actually cool that if time travel was real, I could go back to my five-year-old self and make her proud because I've done what I've said I would.”

Tri-Rivers honors veterans

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

Sunday's massacre during worship service at a small Baptist church in Texas  has prompted churches elders around Crittenden County to take another look at how to best protect congregations. “It has made myself, along with other pastors and leaders, have to re-evaluate systems we have in place and look at things needed to help ensure the safety of those who worship with us,” said Chris McDonald, pastor of one of the county's largest congregations at Life in Christ Church. “It is sad to think we have to view things this way, but it has quickly become the reality.”

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

• Campbell heads daily operations of Ky. Guard
• Schools to dismiss for 1st day of special pension session
• Christmas parade grand marshal sought
• Refinancing jail debt will save county $110,000
• Installation of boat dock at Riverview Park meets delays
• Marion leaf collection still on hold: Ledford
• Blue Knights dominate Murray chess tourney
• After 30 years, Merrick retires from education
• Kentucky rated 6th fattest state in U.S.
• More child advocates needed
• MY 2¢ WORTH: Mass killings not gun problem but societal
• PASTOR'S PEN: Has absurdity become fabric of our lives?
• OPINION: Everyone, not just public sector, impacted by pension crisis
• OPINION: Draft pension reform bill isn’t the answer
• SPORTS: Crittenden smokes Caverna, seeking revenge vs. Eagles
• SPORTS: Dossett top WR in Kentucky
• SPORTS: League Champs! Rockets win junior pro jamboree
• SPORTS: Volleyball awards presented
• SPORTS: Distance runners rack up PBs at state
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Lyons reflects on lessons learned under coach Rich Brooks
• OUTDOORS: Local experts explore signs for a high-quality whitetail game
• OUTDOORS: Deer season opens Saturday
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Two Crittenden veterans remembered

No driver testing Friday

Due to the observation of Veterans Day, there will be no driver testing in Crittenden County Friday.

Area deaths

Doris Edna Williams, 75, of Salem died Monday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Vernon DeBoe, 80, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Brittany Nicole Stone, 27, of Marion died Monday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Harold “Red” Hardin, 84, of Salem died Monday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

President orders flags to half staff

President Trump has ordered flags across the nation to be lowered to half staff until sunset Thursday in honor of the victims at Sunday's mass church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

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11 Rockets earn All-Conference honors

All Western Kentucky Conference

Crittenden County opens Class A Playoffs tonight

7pm at Rocket Stadium against Caverna

Enter Big Buck Contest!

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Ticket prices for tonight's playoff football game

All tickets for tonight’s Class A football playoff game at Rocket Stadium will be $6 and no passes will be honored other than official KHSAA passes.

Kickoff for the Rockets vs Caverna game is 7pm.

Police looking for stolen Pontiac

UPDATE: Vehicle is recovered at the parking lot in Mott City.

Marion Police Department seeks the public's help in locating a stolen vehicle.

According to Police Chief Ray O'Neal, a red 2000 Pontiac Grand Am four-door passenger car was reported missing overnight from a Jarvis Street address.

The vehicle is similar to the one pictured, but this is not the actual car believed stolen. The missing car has a loose driver’s side headlamp and the driver’s side front window is taped up.

If you have any information, please call Marion Police Department at (270) 965-3500. If an arrest is made, you could be eligible for a reward through TipLine.

Marion Feed Mill changes hands

Memories have been milled by the bushel basket over the last 40-plus years as Charlie Hunt and Keith Hart have owned and-- operated Marion Feed Mill.

This week, a changing of the guard begins as Hunt and Hart give way to new feed mill owners, Randell and Margie Lanham and their 36-year-old son, Michael. 

Hunt and Hart have supplied everything from feed and fertilizer to hardware and rat poison to three generations of customers. It’s been a lifestyle for the two partners, who met in college as fraternity brothers and have shared more than just a business over the last four decades. Their ties run much deeper.

“I like to tell people that Keith and I lived together for a year then decided to get married,” quipped Hunt, who bought the feed mill in 1974 then took on his new partner three years later.

Hunt’s father and uncles – John A., Bill and Shorty – had operated the Hunt Bros. Feed Store just up the street for 30 years, until Charlie Hunt says he finally ran them out of business – with tongue in cheek of course – in 1984.

Hunt is 66 and Hart turned 64 on Tuesday, the day they officially handed the keys over to the Lanhams. Hart and Hunt plan to stick around for a couple months, but then will be at least semi-retired. They might show up and help at the mill if needed. Hunt says he will maintain an office at the store where he will run a few of his other enterprises, including a hunting outfitting service and other local investments. 

“I’m going to travel,” Hart said. “I don’t feel old enough to retire, but I didn’t want to wait until I was 80. I enjoy spending time with my wife, and I like to travel. I enjoy seeing places I haven’t ever seen.”

Both of their wives have also retired in the last few years, making this seem natural, but Hunt admits he’s glad he’ll still have a presence at the mill. 

“I can’t bring myself to leave here,” he said.

Michael Lanham will be the most visible new owner for the time being. Eventually, his mother will be at the mill daily. She plans on retiring from the local school district next summer.

“I don’t like change and people don’t like it either,” Michael said in explaining what customers will find different at the Marion Feed Mill once the baton is exchanged.

“It’s going to be the same,” he added.

Clifton Etheridge is one of four employees currently working at the mill, besides Hunt and Hart. Etheridge has been a fixture at the mill himself. Next summer will mark his 40th year there.

The entire crew says the mill has been a place where relationships have grown. It was originally a few hundred feet closer to town, on the other side of the railroad tracks, but the partners were leasing that operation. They built their own mill in 1979 and remodeled the mill and store in 2006, expanding the retail business to include clothing and other home and farm items.

In days gone by, the mill was a place where men hung out, whittled, ate peanuts and left their shells on the floor. It was a place to find the latest news and get a commodity and weather report. There were several characters who were regular loafers at the mill. Roy Beashers, Kernie Crider, Todd Wilson, Lee Lamb and Gleaford Easley were among those who first come to mind when the mill gang starts reminiscing about the past. And former employees Dave Hunt and Keith Gipson were always up to something and kept things lively around the mill. 

The Lanhams are lifelong farmers and understand the business. They say the switch over in management will be seamless and would likely go unnoticed if it weren’t for new faces at the checkout counter. 

“I’m going to miss my customers,” said Hart. “That’s going to be the hardest thing. I will miss them and the salesmen who have called on us for years.”

Marion Feed Mill has been more than a retail business in Marion under Hunt and Hart’s management. It’s a landmark and their individual marks on the community are wide and long as both have been heavily involved in civic and community affairs throughout their business careers.

Governments beef up tech for services

Three local governments are stepping up their technology to better serve constituents.

The City of Marion now has municipal ordinances available for viewing on and download from its website, MarionKy.gov.

In Salem, starting in January, city hall will begin accepting credit and debit cards and beginning an automatic payment program for utilities.

And recently, Crittenden Fiscal Court approved an agreement with Louisville Geek, an information technology company, to provide email service and addresses for county employees and elected officials. The cost would be about $170 a month for 25 addresses.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said this will allow the county to better manage communications both internally and externally with constituents and organizations.

A county government website is also being designed. The email and internet domain will be CrittendenCountyKy.org.

Press and other phone lines are out

Mediacom has a widespread outage affecting Kentucky and Indiana.

The Crittenden Press and others in Marion who use Mediacom as their phone, TV and internet provider are likely experiencing connection issues.

The Press landline phone is not working and posts to the web site will likely be irregular.

Mediacom says the outage can be expected until around 6 pm when a fiber repair job is complete.

The printed edition of The Crittenden Press is also late today. It should be on newsstands by 3pm.