Get Ready for the Big Game with this Deal

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

Forty winters have come and gone since a handful of Amish men and their families migrated to rural Crittenden County. They initially settled on an 1,800-acre tract of property that had one small clapboard house, then systematically populated a greater portion of the landscape in the northern section of the county. Today, John Detweiler says that by his count, there are more than 30 Amish homes on that original farm where the Christian group’s settlement began in December 1977.

For the complete, in-depth look a the Amish community in Crittenden County and the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• Crittenden schools keep pupil safety top priority
• Crittenden schools move to address active shooter prevention, reaction
• ABOUT TOWN: Accountability missing in today’s world
• 2nd local seeks seat in House
• Trump’s Tax Act bringing savings to KU customers
• Health department: Flu now at epidemic stage
• LHHS receives 4-star rating with 2017 Hospital Compare
• USDA: Hay, livestock surviving winter well
• Regional economic development group official; includes Crittenden
• Press intern, editor earn top honors in newspaper contest
• ‘Little Miss Bully’ second book for Brantley
• SPORTS: Livingston goes undefeated in Fifth District
• SPORTS: Rockets fall at LCHS, three tied in league
• SPORTS: Courtney always knew he’d be on Rockets coaching staff
• SPORTS: Youth baseball, softball registration coming soon
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Recruiting woes ones some schools might love
• OUTDOORS: Cold clipper gives waterfowlers joyful finale
• Bechler applauds Rosebud funding
• Bill would ensure better Kentucky organ, tissue donation procedures
• Bechler files bill to toughen immigration
• Clark earns exemplary rating
• Crittenden jobless rate dips to
• 4 percent in final month of 2017
• Complete Election Filings: Who will be on the ballot in 2018?
• Ky. 1668 closing for surfacing work
• Ky. 1901 closing for cross drain work
• HOUSE REVIEW: Victim protection measures moving ahead
• SENATE REVIEW: Still no pension legislation to consider
• Salem native Taylor retires president’s post
• CCES honor roll
• DEFEW'S VIEWS: Apple a day adage holds some truth
• Kemper benefit planned Feb. 17

Don't forget your pet

Police trying to solve alleged hit and run

Marion Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a man who they want to talk to about a possible hit and run in Marion.

According to police, a black Lexus was damaged while parked in front of the Crittenden County Courthouse at 1pm today (Tuesday, Jan. 30).

Police want to talk to the man driving a black Chevrolet or GMC extended cab pickup that is seen in these photos. A couple of the pictures show a man, believed to be in his 60s, walking near the black pickup. When the truck left, it headed down Carlisle Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Marion Police Department at (270) 965-3500.

Filing deadline is today for candidates

Today is the deadline for potential candidates for Kentucky's May Primary Election to register. Paperwork must be filed by 4pm today with the appropriate filing official. For local elections that means the Crittenden County Clerk's office.

The Kentucky Secretary of State's online "Becoming a Candidate" portal allows potential candidates to use a streamlined web application to fill out much of the paperwork required to become a candidate. At the end of the process, users may save and print a PDF of the required documents for filing with the appropriate filing official. Kentucky law does not currently allow candidates to submit filings electronically.

The 2018 ballot features the following offices:
Kentucky's six seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
All seats in the Kentucky House of Representatives
Even district seats in the Kentucky Senate
Kentucky Supreme Court – 3rd District
District Judges
Commonwealth's Attorneys
Circuit Court Clerks
All county officers will also be on the ballot, including county judge-executive, PVA, clerk and sheriff.

Area deaths

Bertie Thomas, 100, of Marion died today. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Lois Corley Sheffield, 78, of Marion died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Lynn "Lefty" Boyd Bridwell, 78, of Arkansas died Thursday. Nelson Funeral Service in Eureka Springs, Ark., is in charge of arrangements.

Coyote Contest this weekend

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Area Death

Dolores Janette Travis, 76, of Marion died Friday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cave In Rock Ferry closes for fog

UPDATE: Ferry resumed service Sunday morning.


ORIGINAL POST
The Cave In Rock Ferry had halted operation for the night due to heavy fog and drift in the river.

After dark a thick fog lowered visibility at the ferry crossing to a few hundred feet. Rain through the day and rising river levels put a large amount of drift in the river.  

The poor visibility created by the fog and heavy drift have combined to force the ferry to halt operation for the evening.

Stay tuned to see if the ferry can resume on Sunday.

Hometown Heating & Cooling

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It's Tax Time!

Governor orders flags lowered

As a show of support for the Marshall County community following tragic events that transpired at Marshall County High School on Jan. 23, Gov. Matt Bevin has ordered the state flag be lowered to half-staff until sunset Tuesday.

"May this serve as a visual reminder to all of us that we must come together in love and solidarity during this time of heartbreak and mourning and in the months and years that follow," said Bevin. "Together, let us commit to honor the memory of those that were lost and pray for the Marshall County community during the hard days ahead. United we stand. Divided we fall."

Bevin encourages all Kentuckians, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join this show of support for the Marshall County community.

Area Death

Former Crittenden County PVA Maurice Gray Corley, 96, of Marion, died Monday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

Downtown Marion will turn into a mock crime scene on March 10, when a murder mystery event is scheduled, aiming to bring the community, small businesses and visitors together for a day of fun and excitement. The concept and the idea of this event are brought to Marion by its city administrator, Adam Ledford.

For more on the murder mystery and the following headlines, grab a copy of this week's issue of The Crittenden Press:

• Schools heighten alert after Marshall shooting
• U.S. 641 road plan funding $44 million
• Four facing indictments from January grand jury
• Former Mayor Wood, 80, dies in Tennessee
• Jail notification system available for subscribers
• Jail revenue eclipes $200,000 for 1st time
• Study: Business climate mostly ‘great’
• Snow forces city to average monthly water bills
• Bookmobile takes library to readers
• Revised trash agreement ups rates
• Surveillance videos posted online help to solve crimes
• EDITORIAL: County, state take opioid fight to top 3 drug-makers
• HOUSE REVIEW: Governor’s budget austere
• SENATE REVIEW: Bevin’s budget too harsh to support
• SUPER NEWS: NTI days engage, benefit students
• KDE commish wants NTI revamp
• PASTOR'S PEN: Roe v. Wade: Another day that should live in infamy
• Auditor finds numerous issues with Livingston Fiscal Court accounting
• Ky. exits 2017 with lowest unemployment rate of year
• SPORTS: No quit in Crittenden’s boys despite season’s struggles
• SPORTS: Caldwell sends Rockets home early from All A Classic hoops
• SPORTS: No repeat in cards for Lady Rockets in All A
• SPORTS: Dossett’s big game gets bumped in recordbook by late 2012 entry
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Michigan duo key storyline for UK football
• Union J-E’s death looks to be natural
• FSA CoC election results final
• Camp allows youth Revolutionary experience
• Marion native on Chicago Fire
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Picnics, fishing simple pleasures

Vigil honors Benton shooting victims

Crittenden County students Brandy Book and Briley Brown light candles during a prayer vigil Tuesday night held at Life in Christ Church in Marion. The vigil was organized to honor the victims of Tuesday's shooting at Marshall County High School that killed two 15-year-old students and injured nearly two dozen others.

Photo provided by Pastor Sue McDonald

Prayer vigil tonight for Marshall County tragedy

A prayer vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m., tonight (Tuesday) at Life in Christ Church in Marion.

Pastor Sue McDonald said the vigil is planned for the victims of the Marshall County shooting.

The public is invited.

Many in this community have ties and/or family relationships with some victimized and those traumatized by the events in Draffenville this morning.

Also, in Livingston County Salem Baptist Church is holding a prayer vigil at 7pm. Everyone is invited the attend.

Counterfeit investigation in Marion

Marion Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the man in this video who allegedly passed a $100 counterfeit bill at 10:30pm on Friday, Jan. 12 at the Five Star Shell Mart in Marion.

If you can help identify this man, contact Marion Police Department at (270) 965-3500.

He is wearing a camouflage Under Armor cap and hooded jacket.

Your help has been making a difference. A video posted last week online helped local police solve a gasoline "drive off" at Ideal Convenience Center in Marion.

Back to school Monday

Crittenden County students will be back in school to start the week. Buses will be running on a normal schedule Monday, January 22.

Former mayor, Wood, passes

Former Marion mayor Hayden Bernard Wood, 80, of Springfield, Tenn., died Friday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

County still looking for new EMS provider

Crittenden County leaders continue to look for a company to replace Batpist Health which is giving up operation of the ambulance service here.

Baptist told county officials a few weeks ago that by summer it will give up operation of EMS.

Local officials contend Baptist Health’s decision to give up its stake in Crittenden EMS will not result in a disruption of service to the community.

The county and hospital have begun discussions with other management services about taking over the ambulance service in Crittenden County. County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom told magistrates just last week that a couple of groups have already been engaged about becoming the provider of ambulance services to the community.

“We are looking at other avenues to make sure the county has a viable ambulance service without any disruption in service,” Hospital Board Chairman Charlie Hunt said recently.

Local government and the hospital have a joint stake in providing health care to the community. The county owns the hospital property and grounds and appoints CHS board members.

Any provider that takes over operation of Crittenden EMS will continue to receive an annual subsidy of $150,000 from Crittenden County taxpayers. In 2012, the fiscal court voted to approve an occupational and net profits tax, in part, to help pay for the ambulance service. At the time and until 2015, CHS operated the ambulance service.

Louisville based Baptist Health is a family of eight Kentucky hospitals, including nearby Baptist Health Paducah and Baptist Health Madisonville. It also manages 250-plus outpatient facilities and Webster County’s ambulance service.

Book signing Saturday, Jan. 20 at Salem

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This week in Frankfort

Budget work advances as lawmakers
receive governor’s spending plan 
LRC PUBLIC INFORMATION

Returning to the Capitol after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, state lawmakers quickly zeroed in on the biggest item on this year’s agenda as they gathered in a joint session to hear Gov. Matt Bevin lay out his proposed budget for the next two years of state spending.

The governor said his budget priorities were represented in the acronym PIE: Protection, Infrastructure, and Education. His spending plan proposes new funds to address the state’s opioid crisis, improve hiring and pay for social workers, improve workforce development efforts, and hire more public advocates, as well as county and commonwealth attorneys. Still, he noted that his proposed budget was a tight one that included significant cuts in other areas. “These are the times that try men’s souls,” he said, quoting Thomas Paine.

Some had wondered in the days leading up to the governor’s speech whether he would propose a cut in SEEK, the state’s per-pupil spending formula. He didn’t, keeping the funding level at the current $3,981 per student. School districts would, however, be challenged to reduce administrative costs and find funds to make up for a reduction in state spending on school transportation costs.

The days leading up to the governor’s speech also included speculation on the possibility of double-digit, across-the-board spending cuts. There are proposed cuts, but they differ from what some expected. The governor’s plan calls for a targeted approach that would eliminate funding for 70 programs and implement 6.25 percent spending cuts for most other parts of state government.

Also noteworthy: The governor’s proposal would fully fund state pension plans with $3.3 billion in accordance with actuarially required contributions (ARC.)

While receiving the governor’s budget proposal is a big step, it’s the first step of many that will be undertaken before the final version of the budget is crafted by lawmakers. Lawmakers typically make a number of changes in the budget as it works its way through the legislative process to make sure the final document is one that reflects their own priorities for the state.

While the budget was a major focus of the week, a number of other pieces of legislation advanced in the legislative committee system, as well as in the Senate and House chambers.

Animal protection legislation was approved by the Senate on Wednesday and sent to the House for consideration. Senate Bill 8 would provide civil immunity for damaging a vehicle if a person enters the vehicle in a good-faith effort to rescue a dog or cat if the animal is in danger of death if not removed.

In the House, representatives approved a measure that takes aim at child pornography. House Bill 70 would prohibit registered sex offenders from purposely using cell phones and other electronic communications to solicit, communicate with or collect information about a minor. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Area death

Robert Lavon Rushing, 65, of Marion died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Food bank distribution next week

Crittenden County Food Bank distribution will be Jan. 26. An ad in this week's issue of The Early Bird displays the incorrect date. Food bank distribution is the fourth Friday of each month, unless holidays or weather force a change.

No school Friday; will be make-up day

There will be no school Friday in Crittenden County due to poor road conditions. This will be a make-up day added to the school calendar.

Meet the new head football coach

There will be a meet and greet reception for new head football coach Sean Thompson from 6-7 p.m., Friday at the Rocket Arena Conference Room.

Thompson was hired last week to replace 27-year skipper Al Starnes, who retired at the end of thee 2017 football season.

The first Crittenden County High School graduate to be head football coach, Thompson played his collegiate football Campbellsville. He has been the offensive coordinator at Crittenden since 2014 and was last summer named assistant head coach to Starnes.

Board of ed meeting location moved

Due to the condition of the parking lot, tonight's Crittenden County Board of Education meeting will be moved from Rocket Arena to the central office. The meeting begins at 6 p.m.

Thursday morning road report

All of the main highways in and out of Marion are clear. That includes US 60 East and West, US 641 and Ky. 120.

Secondary highways are mostly clear at this point, but county roads and city streets are still snow packed in most areas.

Crews continue to run snow plows, widening the routes on main roads and working to uncover back roads.

As roads begin to clear, workers and businesses are trying to get back to something akin to normal today.

The Chamber of Commerce Community Breakfast on Friday will be held as scheduled at Marion Ed-Tech Center. Doors open at 7 and breakfast will be served with a short program that will include data from a recent local business survey. The Crittenden Press is sponsoring the Chamber breakfast.

Don't forget your pet!

Trivia Night Friday

Adult Trivia Night is still on for Friday evening at Crittenden County Public Library. The game begins at 7 p.m. Come early for snacks and to get your team signed up.

No School on Thursday in Crittenden

Crittenden County School District has cancelled classes for Thursday, Jan. 18.

It will be a Rocket Way Snow Day, the third non-traditional instruction day of the year.

Police looking for "drive off" suspect

Marion Police Department is looking for the person in this surveillance video taken Wednesday morning about 7:30 a.m., at Ideal Market on Sturgis Road in Marion. 

The driver of this vehicle pumped fuel from the gas station and drove off without paying.

If you can help in this investigation, call the Marion Police Department at (270) 965-3500.

Computers halting work in clerk's office

County Clerk Carolyn Byford advises customers they may want to call today before coming to her office to conduct business. She says their computer system linked to Frankfort is down, possibly due to telephone lines between here and there.

Byford's office can be reached at (270) 965-3403.

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

Near-record snowfall since Friday crippled transportation and cancelled school in Crittenden County, but the community appears to have weathered Winter Storm Inga without any major incidents or emergencies. A system moved through the area and coated the county in freezing rain and sleet early Friday morning before dumping 4.3 inches of snow...

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

• NTI saves school days from being made up
• MY 2¢ WORTH: You win. Challenging winter makes it difficult to defend
• Thompson named head football coach
• CCHS plans move to block schedule
• Proposal: Escapee alert would be sent to phones
• Inmates get into scuffle in circuit courtroom
• Propane shortage calls for delivery restrictions
• Fed OKs Medicaid work requirements
• Mental health care for veterans expanded
• Flu outbreak persists, locally still problem
• Ky. corn, soybeans, hit record last year
• Bechler’s bill would protect organ donation
• HOUSE REVIEW: KTRS dragging feet on pension input
• SENATE REVIEW: Marsy’s Law would protect crime victims
• 2017 Ky. highway fatalities down 9 percent from 2016
• SPORTS: Beavers, Starnes earn All Purchase selections
• SPORTS: All A in holding pattern
• SPORTS: Late buck spoils Rockets upset
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets’ pressing defense turns tide in close game at Trigg
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Rutledge likes UK’s talent as Calipari reloads
• Hansen’s devotion inspires authorship of faith-based book
• Lottery scholarship doles out $3.6 million
• Crittenden Counseling relocates to Ed-Tech
• Seniors receive Woodman donation
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: Influenza, typhoid hit hard in 1918-29
• Kenergy warns of high electricity usage, high bills
• AG’s website enhances transparency

No School on Wednesday in Crittenden

There will be no school on Wednesday, Jan. 17 in Crittenden County

It will be an Non-Traditional Instruction Rocket Way Snow Day, the second of the winter.

The school district made the announcement at noon today. Parents will be notified at 6pm via the district's "All Call" system.

Students will have missed a total of three days for snow after Wednesday, but the forecast doesn't look good for later in the week either. Stay tuned to The Press Online for further updates.

Food bank distribution Jan. 26

Crittenden County Food Bank distribution will be Jan. 26. An ad in this week's issue of The Early Bird displays the incorrect date. Food bank distribution is the fourth Friday of each month, unless holidays or weather force a change.

Area Death

Doris Elaine (Jane) Berry Henshaw McWorthy, 87, of Marion died Sunday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

No school Tuesday; All A Classic nixed

Students will continue to enjoy a long weekend because of the snow, and it could affect the entire week of instruction.

Classes have been cancelled in Crittenden County for Tuesday, and the All A Classic for both boys and girls today and Tuesday have also been cancelled due to hazardous conditions that still exist from last week's snow as well as another 1-2 inches expected today. Tuesday will be a make-up day, meaning it will not be utilized as a Rocket Way Snow Day, or non-traditional instruction day. A One Call will go out to parents at 6:45 p.m. today notifying them of cancellations and details.

Superintendent of Schools Vince Clark said parking lots at the schools are still about 60 percent covered with ice despite efforts to clear the pavement. Despite all-weekend efforts to clear snow and ice, many city streets and much of the almost 400 miles of county roads remain mostly covered in ice.

"We need to be patient this week," he said. "With the temps as low as they are through Wednesday, it will be long shot to have school on Thursday or Friday."

Scheduled basketball games will be rescheduled for a later date.

Students enjoy Snow School

There is no school Monday as the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Day, however, there's a likelihood of more days off this week for Crittenden County and other area students as the weekend's snowfall and the prediction for more on Monday will mean that snow on roads will probably linger for a time.

Meantime, local children are having a big time in the snow like Briley Brown (pictured). He's a local high school student who joined others having some winter weather fun Sunday riding a tube down a snow-covered slope.

The Press office will be closed Monday, but the newspaper will be published on schedule this week. Your Early Bird will probably be a day or two late this week because of the MLK holiday and the weather.

Local banks will also be closed Monday as will public service offices like the courthouse.

Area Deaths

Yvonne Delores Hall, 62, of Joy died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Caroline Margaret Brown, 77, of Marion, formerly of Ashland, died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Snow, dangerous wind chills possible

An area of light snow will move southeast across the region Monday, with 1-2 inches of accumulations possible mainly east of the Mississippi River. The snow is most likely locally between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. It will be cloudy Monday with a high near 33. The light snows may linger over west Kentucky Monday night into Tuesday morning, but any additional accumulations will be very minor.

Wind chills will drop dangerously low to below zero over the entire area Monday night and Tuesday night. Monday night's low is forecast around 5 with a wind chill of minus 7. Wind chills in this area may not climb above zero at all on Tuesday.

Got snow pics?
Send us pictures of your child enjoying the wintry weather with a snowman, snow fort or snowball fight, and it might appear in our next issue of The Crittenden Press. All snow pictures are welcome, but we ask that you tell us where you are and who is in the photo. Email your photos to thepress@the-press.com.

Area death

Patricia “Patsy” O’Bryan, 78, of Dycusburg died Thursday. Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville is in charge of arrangements.

Local offices closed Monday

All city, county, state and federal offices will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The list of closings includes city hall; all county operations, including the courthouse, convenience center and animal shelter; post offices; Extension service; senior center; and public library.

In addition, The Crittenden Press will be closed Monday. The deadline for all submissions to the newspaper, including advertising, will be moved to noon Tuesday.

Road crews make good progess

Graham Shewcraft was cleaning the
narrow road that leads to his home
near Tolu Saturday afternoon. 

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KyTC) crews across the region made good progress today in efforts to clean snow and ice from area highways. Engineers say it has been tough going through what amounted to 4-7 inches of snow on top of up to an inch of ice across the region.

Ample sunshine throughout today helped to boost pavement temperatures and reactivate salt and other ice-fighting chemicals. Crews took advantage of the radiant energy and a high in the mid-20s that helped salt spread yesterday to slush up roadways and make them easier to plow.

Crews were focused on covering as many road miles as possible today before temperatures plummet going into the new week and again reduce the ice melting properties of salt and calcium chloride. Plus, an additional 2 inches or more snow could be coming Monday. Crews that finish plowing and treating all their highways today will start turning efforts to restocking individual county salt stockpiles by hauling from central supply salt domes around the region.

While cutting through ice from Friday’s snow and ice event required more salt than the average snow storm, area salt supplies are still adequate for a normal winter at this point in the season. Engineers will evaluate salt supplies after Monday’s snow event to see if additional salt should be ordered from suppliers.

As crews wrap up another 16-hour day on the road late this afternoon, engineers are somewhat concerned by the potential for re-freezing tonight and Sunday night.  Overnight lows are expected to drop to near zero for Monday and Tuesday night, so any residual moisture remaining on highway surfaces will freeze. As temperatures fall below the mid-teens that also means salt and other ice-fighting chemicals will again become less active.

Motorists are reminded that extreme low temps expected in the new week will again require extra precautions. Motorists are urged to carry a winter emergency kit in their car that should include a blanket or extra clothing, water, a flashlight, snacks and other supplies.  Ready.Gov has a good list if items that should be in a car emergency kit.

"We still have quite a bit of winter to go, so let’s all be prepared for what’s coming at us," said KyTC spokesman Keith Todd.

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.

Timely traffic advisories for the 11 counties of KyTC Highway District 2 are available by going to www.facebook.com/kytcdistrict2. You do not have to be a Facebook member to access this page.

Navigate traffic with KyTC at goky.ky.gov and at WAZE.com or via the WAZE App.

Roads remain treacherous across region

Winds in the 10 to 15 mile per hour range during the overnight hours created some issues for a number of counties across the region, including Crittenden and others nearby. Drifting snow has been a particular problem, reports the Kentucky Department of Highways.

Union County 911 Dispatch reported 25 to 30 accidents last night.

Highway crews across the region went to standby status overnight due to cold temperatures that limited the effectiveness of salt and other ice-fighting chemicals, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

All highway crews in western Kentucky returned to full staffing this morning in an effort to get highways as clear as possible before overnight low temperatures are expected to plummet into the single digits and remain very low over the next several days, further hampering the ability to cut through accumulated ice and snow.

With another substantial snow event is expected on Monday, state highway crews have an additional sense of urgency as they ramp up snow and ice clearing efforts this morning, according to spokesman Keith Todd.

Kentucky transportation officials are also encouraging motorists to limit travel to allow highway crews to concentrate on snow and ice clearing efforts across the region.  Fewer cars on the road mean fewer incidents that would hamper movement of snow plows and salt trucks, Todd said.

Area Death

Gladys Belt, 88, of Marion died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Resolution in a bind? Here's a solution!

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No power outages thus far

Crews from Kentucky’s electric utilities are preparing for the potential impact of winter weather moving through the commonwealth on Friday and Saturday. No local power outages have been reported, however.

As of noon, Kentucky Utilities Co. showed no outages west of Louisville and Kenergy Corp. was reporting no outages over its entire service area.

However, about 100 power outages have been reported by co-ops in central and western Kentucky. Co-ops serve about 1.5 million Kentuckians in 117 of 120 counties.

“Right now, co-op electric crews are loading and checking their trucks and restoration equipment to function correctly in the next few days of freezing rain, sleet and accumulated snow expected across Kentucky,” said Clarence Greene, director of safety and loss prevention at the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Kentucky Emergency Management officials urge citizens to stay tuned to their local media for watches and warnings. As road conditions will continue to deteriorate, citizens should stay off roadways unless necessary.  Black ice and icing on overpasses will occur, causing hazardous driving conditions. Reduce your speed, give yourself extra time and check road conditions before you leave, and for your destination at SnowKy.ky.gov.

Area death

Reta Mae Beavers, 67, of Paducah, formerly of Cave In Rock, Ill., died  Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. She formerly worked at Crittenden Hospital.

Singleton to perform tonight on TV

Young Marion entertainer Cutter Singleton will perform on RFD-TV tonight at 5pm as part of regular programming called WoodSongs.

RFD-TV can be found on most satellite systems and cable television.

Singleton and his brother, Cash, are regulars on local circuits, singing and playing string instruments.

1st pediatric flu deaths reported

The Kentucky Department for Public Health reports the state’s first pediatric deaths for the 2017-18 flu season. There have been 36 flu-related deaths in the state this season, but only two of those have been children. The average age of the other deaths is 75.

Health officials are warning parents to be vigilant in protecting young children from infectious diseases.

"We strongly encourage people to protect themselves, particularly children 6 months and older and those people at high risk for complications related to the flu," said the Acting Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard.

Winter storm watch upgrade

The winter storm watch issued for Crittenden County and most of western Kentucky has been upgraded to a warning by the National Weather Service. It remain in effect until 9 p.m. Friday.

Rain will soon change over to freezing rain, sleet and then snow. Anywhere from 1 to 3 inches is expected with 0.1 to 0.25 inches of ice is possible.

Marion City Administrator Adam Ledford hopes resident will travel in the expected hazardous conditions only if necessary.

"Unless they need to leave there home tomorrow morning, the best course of action would be to avoid traveling," he said.

Ledford also warned that the soggy ground coupled with bitter cold that is expected to return over the next few days could created water utility issues.

"The new moisture in the ground could lead to new water service line issues as the freeze moves to a deeper point in the ground," he said. "I would encourage everyone to monitor the water pressure and their the path of their water lines from their homes in an attempt to identify water leaks at home."

Updates on the weather and any subsequent cancellations can be found here.

Thompson officially hired for football

Thompson (right) has been waiting in the wings since 2014.
Here he was on the sideline with coach Starnes this season.

Crittenden County High School has officially hired Sean Thompson as head football coach.

It was no surprise to local football fans.

Thompson, a 2004 graduate of Crittenden County High School, has been offensive coordinator, assistant head coach and the heir apparent to Al Starnes over the last few years.

Starnes retired from coaching this fall after 27 years as the head coach at CCHS. He made Thompson his head assistant last summer and made it no secret that he supported Thompson to become the next head coach.

Thompson played football at Crittenden County then at Campbellsville University. He joined the Rocket football coaching staff in 2009 then spent a few years at Union County before returning to Crittenden as offensive coordinating in 2014.

There will be a public meet and greet at 5pm Tuesday at Rocket Arena as Thompson is officially presented to the community as the next head football coach.

Thompson says he is thankful for this new leadership role.

“My ultimate goal is to be the best leader and role model that I can for the youth of Crittenden County,” he said. “There’s so much more to football than the game itself. I will strive to set the best example I can for the players.”

Superintendent Vince Clark said the selection of Thompson as head skipper was an easy one.

“Coach Thompson is a Rocket, through and through,” he said. “Not only has he distinguished himself as one of the offensive gurus in western Kentucky, but also he has a strong commitment to carry on the principles and beliefs that Coach Al Starnes has spent 27 years establishing. Building relationships and teamwork are his hallmarks.”

Wintry forecast cancels school tomorrow

Planning ahead for tomorrow's predicted snow storm, school has been cancelled in Crittenden County for Friday. The school district will utilize its first Rocket Way Snow Day, or non-traditional instruction day, of the academic year. A One Call will be made to parents at 7 p.m. today.

The move will give students a four-day weekend since Monday is a non-school day due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Winter storm bearing down on area

The forecast for a winter storm predicted for western Kentucky is taking shape as it nears arrival.

A winter storm watch remains in effect and Crittenden County is at the center of the watch area. According to the National Weather Service at Paducah, travel could difficult during tomorrow mornings commute with sleet and snow accumulation of up to 2 inches and ice accumulations of up to a quarter-inch are possible. Gusty winds up to 30 mph could result in isolated power outages where ice accumulations exceed a 10 of an inch.

The watch is in effect from this evening until Friday evening.

Updates, including local cancellations will continue to be provided here.

Temperatures today will reach as high as 65, but should turn to freezing rain overnight beginning as early as 2 a.m. After 5 a.m., a mix of sleet and freezing rain is expected, with the low dipping to 25. Snow could also be added to the mix. After 8 a.m., a mixture of snow and freezing rain is forecast, with a high tomorrow of 28.

According to the NWS, a pair of upper-level disturbances will bring a decent chance of light snow to much of the region Sunday afternoon through Monday. Some light accumulations cannot be ruled out at this time. The mercury will then bottom out, with wind chills may falling into the zero to 10 below zero range Monday night and Tuesday night.

Anticipating a big news event, The Weather Channel will have live remotes tomorrow from all over the region, including Paducah.

Kentucky highway crews are out treating major corridors today with brine. When a brine is sprayed on pavement surfaces, it dries to leave a fine powder that is available to be activated in the early hours of a snow and ice event. It initially helps to improve driving conditions, but also keeps snow and ice from bonding to the paving making it easier to plow off as the winter event continues. Today's rain, however, could undermine those efforts.

If the power goes out
Both Kentucky Utilities Co. and Kenergy Corp. offer outage centers online to both report and follow outages with maps complete with estimated restoration times.

Kenergy

• Outage center online.
• Report an outage by calling (800) 844.4832 or texting KENERGY to 85700 if your mobile phone is registered with your account.

KU

• Outage center online.
• For outage updates, customers with a registered online account can text STATUS to 454358.
• Report an outage by calling (800) 981-0600 texting OUTAGE to 454358.

If you get stranded
If you get stranded on the roadway in the wintry weather, Kentucky State Police offer the following advice:

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in blankets, or extra clothing.
• Stay awake, you will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in.  Make sure snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe as this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
• Do not eat un-melted snow, it will lower your body temperature.

KSP is also asking travelers to observe for stranded motorists. If you see or suspect that someone is stranded, contact KSP at (800) 222-5555.

KSP utilizes several social media applications to disseminate pertinent, real-time winter weather information. These applications include Twitter, Facebook and the KSP Mobile App.

Area death

Donald Paul Farmer, 64, of Marion died Wednesday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

KSP seeking trooper candidates

Kentucky State Police is now accepting applications for its 24-week cadet class, scheduled to begin in July. The deadline to apply is Friday.

Last year, Kentucky announced new hiring qualifications that allows anyone with a high school diploma or GED and three years of work experience to apply. Cadets can also earn an associate's degree while training at the academy.


Those interested can visit KentuckyStatePolice.org/career to find out more.

NWS issues a winter storm watch

The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Thursday evening through Friday evening.

WHAT
Rain will be changing to an icy mix of freezing rain and sleet, before changing to all snow, with significant accumulations of snow and ice anticipated.

TIMING
Thursday night and Friday

MAIN IMPACT
Icing of roads, trees, and power lines will occur first. This will be followed by accumulating snowfall. Significant accumulations of snow and ice are possible.

OTHER IMPACTS
Expect possible major impacts on travel to work or school Friday morning. This is a developing situation and may change, but this Watch means conditions are favorable for significant accumulations of snow and ice, so be prepared for impact travel due to snow and ice. In addition, gusty winds, especially late Thursday night and early Friday, may heighten the dangers related to icing, and result in isolated to scattered losses of power by felling ice or snow weighted lines.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN
A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow...sleet...or ice accumulations that would greatly impact travel. Stay tuned for later statements. This watch will be upgraded to a warning if winter storm conditions become more certain.

AFFECTED COUNTIES

• Ballard
• Caldwell
• Calloway
• Carlisle
• Christian
• Crittenden
• Daviess
• Fulton
• Graves
• Henderson
• Hickman
• Hopkins
• Livingston
• Lyon
• Marshall
• McCracken
• McLean
• Muhlenberg
• Todd
• Trigg
• Union
• Webster

Bechler's organ donation bill advances

Supporters of organ and tissue donation hope a proposed change to Kentucky law will save more lives while fully honoring the wishes of donors.

House Bill 84, sponsored by Rep. Lynn Bechler, R-Marion, would require coroners and medical examiners to contact the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, or KODA, if a deceased person’s body is in any way medically suitable for organ or tissue donation. The bill was approved today without dissent by the House Licensing, Occupations & Administrative Regulations.

Hospitals routinely contact KODA to determine if someone is an organ donor, Bechler told the committee, but donors who die outside of a hospital setting can have their wishes overlooked.

That is what happened to the late Courtney Flear, a 19-year-old Princeton woman killed in a traffic accident in 2015. Although Flear had signed her driver’s license indicating that she wanted to be an organ donor, KODA was never contacted, said Bechler.

“Had the proposed changes that are in HB 84 been law at the time of Courtney’s death, one or more lives may have been saved,” he said.

Should HB 84 become law, a provision in the bill would allow it to be cited as Courtney’s Law in honor of Flear.

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.

Winter storm could impact area Friday

A potential weather storm will impact the area overnight Thursday and continuing Friday.

According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a strong cold front will move across western Kentucky Thursday night. Rain is forecast to transition to freezing rain and sleet, then to a period of snow from west to east. The transition is expected to occur late Thursday night into Friday morning. Depending on the speed of the storm system, snow may linger through much of Friday night.

The types and amounts of precipitation will depend on the speed of the storm system. However, the potential for a high impact winter storm does exist.

After the weather hits, the temperature is forecast to remain below freezing through next Wednesday.

Several agencies, organizations and the school district are keeping an eye on the forecast to determine any potential closings for Friday. Closings will be posted here as the newspaper is notified.

Basketball game changed for weather

Crittenden County's Fifth District basketball game at Trigg County will be played Thursday night instead of Friday as originally scheduled due to the threat of bad weather Friday. This will be a varsity doubleheader.

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

To Your Health
Find our 6-page section dedicated
to a healthier you in 2018

After several months of debate, a reversed decision to close the street  and $100,000 in repairs and an ongoing need for more, Marion City Council is looking at an end to commercial traffic to prolong the life of County Club Drive.

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

• Deep freeze plays havoc with city’s water distribution lines
• State pension woes may lead to city, county service cuts
• ABOUT TOWN: Isolation becoming burden for community
• Coyote DNA sought for species expansion study
• Bill would piggyback gubernatorial polling
• Marion attorney opening own office
• Attorney’s new office necessitates counseling center move to Ed-Tech
• SENATE LEGISLATIVE LOOK: ‘Dire’ pension situation no time for partisanship
• HOUSE LEGISLATIVE LOOK: Pension crisis affects all
• Electric utility fined $20,000 for fatal 2016 safety violations
• Comer in, Gaskins out in 1st District congressional race
• Caldwell pursuit leads to DUI, other charges filed against Fredonia man
• KU seeks OK to make smart meters standard
• Crittenden County man headed
• overseas with Ky. Guard unit
• Bitter cold may qualify ag losses for FSA help
• Woman’s Club 2018 youth short story, poetry contest deadline set for Jan. 26
• SPORTS: Tall orders await CCHS in All A
• SPORTS: Rocket coach feels better after film review
• SPORTS: Roller coaster ride adds uncertainty to girls' season
• SPORTS: Cardinals caravan coming to Paducah, Evansville
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Father hopes UK fans will remember Barker's team loyalty
• Burna Legion honors Pecks, Gibsons for 2017
• Atmos replacing lines on 641
• Paducah Kmart shuts doors in April
• Highs and lows: 2017 weather almanac
• Compare 2017 Marion Police activity to 2016
• Study: State losing residents
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: 1948 in review reveals war, sports news
• Chamber breakfast scheduled for Jan. 19
• Local jobless rate up from November 2016

LHHS has job openings

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Area Death

Kenneth D. Beavers, 85, of Marion died Tuesday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

High-Speed Internet available

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Order to DirecTV today

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Area death

Donald Eugene Hooten, 89, of Marion died Saturday. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart while serving in the U.S. Navy. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Gas line improvement project

The construction along US 641 around Crayne is a continuation of an ongoing distribution system upgrade by Atmos, which serves the area with natural gas.

Clearly, the project will change the horizon in the southern part of the county as a number of trees are being taken out to accommodate the improvement project.

Workers have spent much of the late summer and fall in Caldwell County. Now, a majority of the project have moved into Crittenden.

Basketball doubleheader tonight at Marion

Crittenden County hosts Lyon County tonight in a basketball doubleheader at Rocket Arena.

The girls' game starts at 6pm with the Lady Rockets looking for a second win over the Lyons this season. A victory will help the CCHS girls content for a regular-season district championship.

Crittenden's boys meanwhile are hoping to keep Lyon County in the Second Region cellar. Right now, the Lyons (1-10) have the worst record in the whole region with just one win. However, that lone victory was against Crittenden at Eddyville in December.

Area deaths

Jody Lee Starrett, 48, of Marion died Jan. 2, 2018. Myers Funeral Home in Marion was in charge of arrangements.

Michael Steven McDonald, 66, of Morganfield died Friday, Dec. 29, 2017. Whitsell Funeral Home in Morganfield was in charge of arrangements.

Marion City Council meets Monday

Marion City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at city hall for its regular monthly meeting. By ordinance, the January meeting is moved from the usual third Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on that day.

City water leak now repaired

City of Marion utility workers labor to make repairs to a busted
water main in midday temperatures around 15 degree. The geyser has
coated a wooded area around the break in a sheet of ice.

Updated at 12:45 p.m.
The leak has been repaired and water has been restored to all customers. City Administrator Adam Ledford said there is no boil water order necessary and things are back to normal.

Original post
Beginning at noon, Crittenden County Elementary School will be without water as will some residents in that area of the community and manufacturing facilities in the Industrial Park South.

According to Superintendent of Schools Vince Clark, CCES is making plans to accommodate student needs.

"This will require some adjustments for lunch and restroom services at CCES," said Clark, "but (staff) are working on how best to handle that while providing lunch and restroom breaks for students."

The middle and high school campuses should not be impacted, Clark added.

However, some residents in the southeast part of town and Par 4 Plastics will be impacted. The county is working with Par 4 to help provide backup water and the schools reportedly have a 1,000-gallon mobile water supply that will be used at CCES.

City Administrator Adam Ledford said a water line broke early this morning and it's spewing so much water that repairs must be made soon or the city's supply could be jeopardized. He said repairs should be completed sometime after dark this evening. Crews, he said, will be making the repairs without closing off the water system. So it will be a wet and cold job, Ledford said.

The line break is on a major artery in the distribution system that takes water from the plant on Chapel Hill Road to the water tower on Wilson Hill above Marion.

Health screenings available

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What's news this week in Crittenden County

After a week off, The Crittenden Press returns with a look back at what made the news 2017 and a bevy of fresh stories that will impact your life in 2018. For that and all of the following headlines, pick up a copy of this week's issue out today on newsstands:

• Take a look back at 2017 news
• Roll call of those we lost in 2017
• City shedding light on burglaries
• Firemen save former skating rink on coldest night of winter thus far
• Financial bleeding slowed at hospital
• KU, Atmos users may save with fed tax reform
• Flu hits area hard
• Frazer files paperwork for county attorney
• Missing woman, 21, located in nearby jail
• Temps plummet to lowest in three years
• New library director takes over
• Freedom Waste seeks residential rate bump
• November jail revenue dips, but per-day income ticks up
• Audit clean for clerk’s fee account for 2016
• CCEDC appoints five to regional board
• State workers cost Kentucky taxpayers $100,000 in false election leave claims
• December police activity report
• Livingston teen dies in Christmas Eve wreck
• Local man arrested for fleeing state police
• Salem Springlake audit good
• UK research center expansion will help local farmers
• 1 in 4 Ky. vehicle recalls ignored, costing drivers
• Fewer unemployed since March 2001
• New benefits, insurance options in 2018
• Kentucky workplaces safer than ever
• Jones bids adieu to grocery store
• Schools prepare for NTI snow days
• SPORTS: District showdown Friday at Marion
• SPORTS: Lady Rockets need another W vs. Lyon
• SPORTS: Players wanted for 3-on-3 basketball
• VAUGHT'S VIEWS: Sports anchor Mizelle plans to be her self on air
• BENCHMARKS: Where is the moral compass?
• FORGOTTEN PASSAGES: School days created lasting memories
• Fredonia Heritage Society solicits survey information

Grass fire occupies local firemen

A field fire in the eastern part of Crittenden County is occupying multiple fire departments this afternoon.

About three acres were on fire at one time.

The blaze is in the Shady Grove district.

Local business seeks employees

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Firemen on scene of blaze at plaza

Marion City Firemen are on the scene of a blaze at the former skating rink behind Pizza Hut in Darben Plaza.

The fire is in the attic and there are flames visible. 

Area death

Reba Mae Riley, 85, of Burna died Thursday. Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion was in charge of arrangements.