Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Johnny Newcom

Johnny Newcom has never worried too much about whether the difference he tries to make in others’ lives is recognized. But his induction this week as one of two 2019 Crittenden County Distinguished Alumni proves that someone has indeed been taking heed.

“Never wonder if someone is paying attention if you’re trying to do something good,” Newcom said last week, reflecting on the honor. “There may be days you believe no one notices the difference you’re trying to make, but that’s a lie.”

For his long record of volunteerism and contributions to community’s well being, Newcom is being recognized with one of the county’s highest honors for achievement. He is the second graduate from Crittenden County High School’s Class of 1994 to be honored as a Distinguished Alumnus in as many years. Last year, Corey Crider, a renowned opera singer and close friend of Newcom’s, was inducted.

Newcom joins Jonathan Burdon, a digital media entrepreneur in Nashville, Tenn., being honored for his endeavors in the industry. The private induction ceremony will be Friday in Marion.

For Newcom’s full story, as well as Burdon’s, find a copy of this week’s issue of The Crittenden Press on newsstands Wednesday or subscribe to the online edition by clicking here.

Partners ready for Open Enrollment

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If you're considering a Medicare supplement or prescription drug plan, contact Partners Insurance. 

Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15.

Denise Byarley, an agent at Partners Insurance, is offering a free Medicare review and will discuss the various policies available through the insurance agency.

Let the professionals at Partners Insurance show you what they have to offer in the way of Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans and other specialty products such as dental, vision, cancer and life insurance policies.

Grant Rogers, WoodmenLife agent

https://www.facebook.com/GrantScottRogers/

To discuss issues related to your life insurance and retirement plans, or to see what WoodmenLife has to offer, give agent Grant Rogers a call.

Rogers is a Crittenden County resident serving the regional needs of Woodmen members.

No surprise, Gilchrist headed back to state

Lady Rocket golfer Lauren Gilchrist is headed back to the KHSAA State Golf Tournament for the fourth time.

It’s no big surprise. The senior is ranked among the best golfers in all of western Kentucky and she proved it Monday with a 3-over-par 74 to finish third in the First Region Girls’ Tournament at Paducah’s Paxton Park Golf Course.

The CCHS boys will be playing in the regional tournament Tuesday at Calvert City.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for all the details.

County attorney's office recognized as leader

Crittenden County Attorney Rebecca Johnson's office has again been recognized as a leading child support collection partner in Kentucky. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) last week announced the state’s 20 top-performing child support collection partners from the past year, based on the number of active cases in the 2018-19 fiscal year that ended June 30, Johnson's office was a top-performer in counties with 1,000 or fewer cases. Pictured receiving recognition are (from left) Brenda Croft, Johnson, Peggy Hedges and CHFS Department for Income Support Commissioner W. Bryan Hubbard.

Area Death

Margaret Elizabeth (Walker) Riley, 96, of Marion died Sunday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Spirit of Tolu brightens ballpark's attraction

Tolu’s spirit far outweighs its population, most have understood that for decades.

Amazing, however, it is that the tiny hamlet on the Ohio River in northern Crittenden County continues to thrive despite unimaginable odds against it.

Count the annual Fourth of July fireworks display and haunted house fundraisers at the former school building among Tolu’s most attractive current events. Yet there’s a relatively new form of an old draw that’s pulling hundreds to Tolu on warm, summer weekends.

Softball.

This weekend's co-ed tournament will close out the season. Read more about what's happening at the Tolu ballpark in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

FROM Tolu to Dycusburg, The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Wilson Farm Rd. house for sale

This home on Weldon Road is listed with realtor Al Starnes.

Located on 2.55 acres in Crittenden County, the house has four bedrooms and three full baths.

See additional photos and more details about the home by clicking the link below.

https://westky.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=b3f62872-16e7-4128-96b4-462987c4954f&Report=Yes

Flu shots available Wednesday at Rocket Arena

Local school district officials say that last academic year, students missed several days of school due to the flu. Therefore, Crittenden County School District and its school health coordinators are offering a Flu Vaccine Clinic for students and their immediate families.

Parents, siblings and students who want to get a flu shot may come to Rocket Arena between 3-6 p.m., on Wednesday. Bring a copy or your insurance provider information. Medicare Part B, Humana, Anthem, United Healthcare and other Medicare insurance by those carriers will be accepted. Otherwise, the cost is $25.

“It may still feel like summer, but we already have confirmed reports of flu in Crittenden County. Make plans to come get your flu shots on Wednesday,” says Diana Lusby, District Health Coordinator.

Area death

Alvie Jackson, 82, of Marion died Saturday. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pumpkin Festival today in downtown Marion

Rocket offense conspicuously absent in 14-0 loss

Union RB Matthias Ervin is caught by Rockets
Preston Turley and Tyler Boone.

MORGANFIELD, Ky. – Take your pick: Interceptions, penalties, mental mistakes. The list could go on.

Any number of offensive faux pas could be held responsible for the No. 8 Rockets’ misfire at Union County Friday on a night when its defense played well enough to win against a bruising Braves’ rushing attack.

Despite forcing Union County into three fumbles, and Crittenden getting a couple of good kick returns from Preston Morgeson and

Job Corps Center seeks RA

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An opening for a Residential Advisor exists at the Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center in Morganfield.

The Job Corps Center offers benefits packages, competitive salaries and has both full- and part-time positions available.

To learn more, contact the center or visit its website.

Area Deaths

Harold Wayne Quertermous, 88, of Salem died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Deon Belt, 75, of Salem died Thursday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Traveling Ky. Vietnam Wall viewing open

A loved one of Johnny W. Lindsey, a local man killed in the Vietnam War, creates a rubbing this morning of his engraved name that appears on the Traveling Kentucky Vietnam Wall on display through Sunday at Marion Commons. The Wall is manned around the clock and there is no cost to view or create a rubbing of one of the 1,105 names of Kentucky men killed in the war, including five each from Crittenden and Livingston counties. Besides the wall, there is information on men killed in the war, a documentary on the war and posters providing a history of and insight to the war.

For more pictures and information from today's ceremony to officially open viewing of the wall, pick up a copy of next week's issue of The Crittenden Press on newsstands Wednesday.

 
Watch Friday's Opening Ceremonies Welcoming the memorial wall.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Show and Shine glows under autumn sunset

Marion Show and Shine rolled around again Thursday night around the courthouse, with a beautiful autumn sunset as the backdrop on a cool evening. The monthly car show has been taking place around the court square on the fourth Thursday of each month since May, weather permitting. Anyone is invited to bring their automobile to show off and add a little shine to in the early evening sunlight. The event has drawn a couple dozen vehicles each time, as well as dozens of visitors to downtown after business hours.

Pumpkin Fest, Farmers Day and Vietnam Wall

Wow! An incredible weekend gets kicked off at 9am this morning with the formal ceremony recognizing the presence of the Kentucky Traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall. That will be at Marion Commons in front of City Hall. The Press will be there LIVE on Facebook for the opening ceremony, starting at about 9:15am.

Farmers Bank is hosting its annual Farmers Day event in town and things are starting to look a lot of fall with the Pumpkin Festival kicking off around the courthouse square today and tomorrow.

Saturday will be full of fun and entertainment at the Pumpkin Fest with a 5K race, car show, pet show, youth pageant, corn hole, pedal tractor pull, inflatables, food and much, much more!

For complete details of what's happening grab a copy of this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press. It has everything you need to know about the Vietnam War Wall, Pumpkin Festival and so much more.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Entire county moves up drought classification

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map for Kentucky was released today, showing almost the entire state as deficient of moisture. All of Crittenden County is now classified abnormally dry, prompting Judge-Executive Perry Newcom on Monday to ban all outdoor burning until further notice.

More than 94 percent of the state is classified as abnormally dry to severe drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Last week, only 67 percent of the state was considered dry, but now at almost a month of only trace amounts of rain, the heat and dry conditions are starting to take a toll. Last year at this time, not an acre of Kentucky's 40,409 square miles was considered unseasonably dry.

Abnormally dry conditions mean lawns and vegetation are brown and crops and pastures are beginning to show stress. Kentucky pastureland is already suffering with 54 percent considered poor to very poor. And as of Monday, 17 percent of soybeans and 26 percent of hay was rated poor to very poor by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service in Louisville. Corn, much of which matured under normal conditions and is now being harvested, showed only 11 percent of acreage in poor to very poor condition.

Just 0.19 inches of rain prior to today's trace amounts in Crittenden County had been recorded by the local Kentucky Mesonet weather monitoring station since Aug. 27. And the outlook is no better. According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, no rain is forecast through next Wednesday with daily highs still eclipsing 90 degrees, about 10 degrees higher than usual.

Two-thirds of Kentucky's 120 have now issued outdoor burning bans. Violation of the order is punishable by fines up to $500.

Check out next week's issue of The Crittenden Press for an update on crop conditions and the drought status. If the drought continues, Crittenden County could move to the moderate drought classification, which is indicated by further stresses vegetation, increased risk for wildfires and more problem algae and fungus growth, a problem already plaguing some large bodies of water in Kentucky.

Area Death

Gregory Allen Sexton, 62, died Tuesday. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kentucky Vietnam War Memorial in Marion

Opening Ceremony 9am Friday

Free Viewing all Weekend at Marion Commons

Above is video from our original Live Coverage at
Marion Commons as the Wall was erected by volunteers.

Below is video from our original Live Coverage of
the caravan that escorted the Wall into Marion
along with insight by Dr. Steve Crider a veteran
of the Vietnam War

COVERAGE PRESENTED BY GILBERT FUNERAL HOME 

Distinguished Alumni: Jonathan Burdon

Failure is an option.

For the two 2019 Crittenden County Distinguished Alumni inductees, mistakes are a fact of life they encourage others to embrace just as they have. In fact, that approach to life along their individual journeys is a large part of what brought both Jonathan Burdon and Johnny Newcom to be recognized by their hometown for their accomplishments and contributions.

“Some people can always make the right decision first,” said Burdon, an entrepreneur in digital media. “I seem to find the correct route by doing all the wrong things first.”

At only 31, trial and error has served him well. He is founder and CEO of SocialCoaster Digital Agency, or SDA Media, a Nashville, Tenn.-based company billed as one of the world's fastest growing social media influence agencies. A 2006 graduate of Crittenden County High School, Burdon started with zero and grew his vision through determination and adaptability.

For his successes in the realm of digital media, Burdon is being recognized next week with what has become one of the community’s most esteemed honors bestowed upon the people it has helped shape. He joins Newcom, a local chiropractor being honored for his work beyond the office. The private induction ceremony will be Friday, Oct. 4 in Marion.

For Burdon’s full story, as well as Newcom’s, find a copy of next week’s issue of The Crittenden Press on newsstands Wednesday or subscribe to the online edition by clicking here.

Vietnam War Wall escorted into town this afternoon

A memorial displaying the names of more than 1,100 Kentuckians who died in the Vietnam War, including five men from Crittenden County, will roll into town this afternoon with a lighted escort and patriotic welcome. It will be on exhibit at Marion Commons through Sunday afternoon.

The aluminum monument was paid for with funds from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and other donations. It has been traveling the state since it was unveiled in the Capitol rotunda in March 2017. The visit to Marion this week marks the first trip the Wall has made to this area.

The Wall will be free to view around the clock beginning after setup this evening, but a special ceremony is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday to officially open viewing. Family members of the five local men whose names appear on the wall are scheduled to attend. Viewing runs through about 4 p.m. Sunday, and like the national monument in Washington, rubbings of the engraved names on the wall can be made. Students will also be brought from campus to Marion Commons to view the Wall.

Livingston Hospital CEO Elizabeth “Liz” Snodgrass, a six-year U.S. Air Force veteran, will be the keynote speaker for Friday’s ceremony.

Jailer Robbie Kirk and a caravan of law enforcement and veteran motorcyclists will be escorting the Wall from the county line on U.S. 641 to its placement at Marion Commons starting at about 1:30 p.m., on Thursday.

For more more on the wall, its creator, Friday’s speaker and many more details please read this week’s printed edition of The Crittenden Press. It’s onside starting today at area newsstands, or SUBSCRIBE NOW and get the full digital version plus our newspaper archives that date back to 2008.

READ MORE ONLINE
http://crittendenpress.blogspot.com/2019/09/traveling-ky-vietnam-wall-speaker-chosen.html

https://crittendenpress.blogspot.com/2019/09/families-of-vietnam-kias-sought-for.html

Crops suffering under heat, drought

A soybean field off Ky. 70 received a much-needed drink of water Tuesday evening amid month-long drought conditions with hardly any measurable rainfall. The beans belong to local growers P & H Farms and are irrigated from the waters of Maple Lake, or commonly Maple Sink, in southern Crittenden County. While the irrigated beans appear healthy, much of their crop on the opposite side of the highway is brown and withered by the unseasonably warm and dry conditions that have gripped Kentucky since late August.

"Beans are hurting," Natalie Parish said of the crop.

The problem is not isolated to Crittenden County, but is not yet overwhelming crops statewide. According to Monday's USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service office in Louisville, only 17 percent of Kentucky's soybean crop is poor to very poor. In fact, more than half of the state's beans, 57 percent, are considered fair to excellent.

According to the Kentucky Mesonet weather monitoring station in Crittenden County, prior to this morning's trace amounts, only 0.04 inches of rain had been recorded locally since Aug. 27, and September's average daily high of 88.4 degrees is almost 10 degrees warmer than normal.

City Hall Parking Lot Must Be Emptied Thursday

Starting at 2pm on Thursday, the parking lot in front of Marion City Hall and the police station, known properly as Marion Commons, will be closed off in order to make room for the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall that is coming to town for the weekend.

Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal says the parking lot will be closed as it occupies the Wall through Sunday afternoon.

Local military veterans and other law enforcement will be guarding the Wall round the clock while it is set up at Marion Commons.

For more more on the wall, its creator, Friday’s speaker and many more details please read this week’s printed edition of The Crittenden Press. It’s onside starting today at area newsstands, or SUBSCRIBE NOW and get the full digital version plus our newspaper archives that date back to 2008.

READ MORE ONLINE
http://crittendenpress.blogspot.com/2019/09/traveling-ky-vietnam-wall-speaker-chosen.html

https://crittendenpress.blogspot.com/2019/09/families-of-vietnam-kias-sought-for.html

Woman, children reportedly uninjured in wreck

A woman and two children reportedly escaped harm this morning when their vehicle left a rain-slicked roadway in what is known as the Deanwood Curve about 9 miles east of Marion on Ky. 120. According to a first-responder on the scene, the driver appeared to be OK as were the children. The vehicle was headed east and left the north side of the roadway around 10:15 a.m., failing to make the sharp curve and coming to a rest in a grassy clearing. The occupants were checked out by Crittenden EMS at the scene, and Kentucky State Police is working the accident.

About 75 Meet at the Pole to pray

About 75 high school and middle school students gathered this morning for the national Meet Me at the Pole service on the Crittenden County campus.

A number of local church youth groups provided music and snacks for the event and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was partly responsible for the program.

Shelby Brown, Chasity Conyer and Kate Keller spoke during the gathering, which has become a regular tradition at Crittenden County schools for many years since the grassroots, student-led, faith-based movement started in 1990.

In addition to prayer, speakers provided short devotionals, testimony and read scripture.

Farmers Day is Friday

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A display of Crittenden County's farm heritage will surround Farmers Bank's downtown location Friday during its annual Farmers Day celebration.

Several contests – including the annual apple pie baking contest, scarecrow contest and photography comest – will be held, and several special displays will help celebrate the importance of agriculture in Crittenden County.

There will also be a chance to shop, as several artisans will be selling their homemade goods.

Festivities kick off at 9 a.m., and the bank invites everyone to stop by and enjoy the annual event.

Disc golf tournament planned for November

Marion’s disc golf course will host its first tournament in November.

Last Wednesday, Marion Tourism Commission approved an early November Professional Disc Golf Association-sanctioned tournament at the newly developed, 18-hole course. The course spans Marion-Crittenden County Park and adjacent City of Marion-owned property where the Victory Gardens are located.

As a courtesy to the city’s restaurants that collect a 3 percent prepared food tax that funds Tourism, commissioners OK’d the contest with the stipulation that food cannot be sold on the course.

The amateur tournament will serve as a fundraiser for Crittenden County Lions Club. Lion Rodney Travis is organizing the event. Tourism is not charging for use of the course.

The request to use the course, which is already being used but not fully complete, caught commissioners somewhat by surprise with no policy in place for reservation of the course.

For more on this story, grab a copy of tomorrow's edition of The Crittenden Press.

CCEDC lands new investor, new directors

Last week was big for Crittenden County Economic Development Corp. (CCEDC). The group added a new investor and two new directors were added to the board.

According to Chris Cook, CCEDC chairman, Crittenden Community Hospital joined CCEDC as $5,000 investor, which entitles them to a seat on the board. Don Buchanan, the hospital's CEO, will be representing the organization on the board.

Also last week, Crittenden Fiscal Court re-appointed Magistrate Todd Perryman to replace Donnetta Travis, who resigned her seat after taking a new job in Paducah.

Travis’ resignation also left a vacancy in secretary and treasurer positions on the economic development board. The board will have to elect new officers at its upcoming Oct. 23 meeting.

At that meeting, the board will also appoint two additional at-large directors.

Rockets fall to No. 8 in football poll

Crittenden County's football team dropped another slot this week despite being idle last Friday.

The Rockets, who play Friday night at Union County, are ranked No. 8 in the latest Associated Press Class A Football media poll.

Ranked No. 5 after starting the season 3-0, the Rockets dropped to seventh following a loss to Class 2A's No. 5 team Caldwell County. Crittenden was No. 8 in the preseason poll.

Class A Rankings
KY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
ASSOCIATED PRESS
1. Pikeville 5-0
2. Paintsville 3-1
3. Ky. Country Day 5-0
4. Williamsburg 4-1
5. Campbellsville 3-2
6. Raceland 2-2
7. Newport Cent. Catholic 3-2
8. Crittenden County 3-1
9. Ludlow 3-1
10. Pineville 4-1
tie. Hazard 3-1
Others receiving votes: Louisville Holy Cross, Berea, Bethlehem, Fulton County, Eminence.

Podiatry care at Crittenden Community Hospital

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If you're having trouble with your feet, you need an appointment with Dr. David A. Dowell, a podiatrist who has a clinic at Crittenden Community Hospital. 

Dr. Dowell will be in Marion Oct. 9 and Oct. 23. He works with wound specialists to treat lower extremity wounds, and his focus is on helping patients maintain mobility and prevent future wounds. His primary interest is wound surgery but also will discuss elective procedures to prevent future wounds.

Dr. Dowell treats patients twice a month in Marion. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Des Moines Medical University. 

To make an appointment, call Crittenden Community Hospital at (270) 965-5281.

Pumpkin Festival this weekend

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A host of activities will be centered around the courthouse in Marion Saturday for the annual Pumpkin Festival celebration. Marking the arrival of fall, the event features the popular FFA pedal tractor pull for kids, inflatables and dash for cash, a car show, and live entertainment and vendor booths.  

The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event, which this year will also include a special appearance of the Kentucky Traveling Vietnam Wall. Located in front of Marion City Hall, the exhibit features the names of all Kentuckians who died in combat in Vietnam, including five from Crittenden County. The exhibit is co-sponsored by Marion Main Street, Inc.

All outdoor burning in county prohibited

Early-morning rains today were not enough to reduce fire dangers in Crittenden County, prompting Judge-Executive Perry Newcom to enact a county wide outdoor burning ban that affects some summertime cooking.

The ban is effective immediately and is in response to "the continued dry and unseasonable hot weather conditions and the fact that long-term weather forecasts indicate no change in the current pattern," Newcom said in the proclamation warning of extreme danger of wildfires in the county.

All outdoor burning is prohibited under Kentucky statute and generally includes:

• Burning of forest, grass, crops, woodlands, marshes or other similar areas.
• Burning leaves or debris.
• Campfires, bonfires and warming fires.
• Open pit cooking and charcoal grilling.
• Use of fireworks and welding may also be prohibited or regulated.

Violation of a burning ban is a misdemeanor punishable by law. The fine as established by statue is anywhere from $50 to $500. Last Tuesday's drought map for Kentucky (shown above), the latest available from the U.S Drought Monitor, shows moderate drought (tan) across 26 percent of the state and abnormally dry conditions (yellow) in another 40 percent. The areas are expected to expand with this week's map.

More details on the dry weather and burn ban can be found in this week's edition of The Crittenden Press, on newsstands Wednesday afternoon.

Coffee with the Congressman Oct. 1

U.S. Rep. James Comer will host Coffee with the Congressman with community leaders and elected officials in Marion to learn more about what he can do to help the residents of Crittenden County. The second-term congressman will be at the Marion Ed-Tech Center at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. He will make a short presentation about the happenings on Capitol Hill that affect Crittenden Countians, opening up the floor for questions and answers afterward.

Driver was shooting heroin during high-speed chase

Michael Fortner

The man police pursued in a high-speed chase through Crittenden County last week was actively shooting up heroin at the same time he was allegedly driving at speeds up to 130 mph in his Honda Accord trying to outrun police.

Michael Fortner, 29, of Denver, Colo., remains jailed in the Crittenden County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond. He is scheduled to appear for an arraignment Wednesday in Crittenden District Court.

Fortner is charged with 18 crimes. You will want to read how the pursuit started and what he told officer he was doing during the chase. Find those and other details in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press, which will be on newsstands Wednesday.

You can subscribe to a digital version, or the old-fashioned newspaper, by clicking here. Subscriptions start at just $2.95 a month.

A sticker on Fortner's crashed Honda Accord.

Spiritual gathering at park on Sunday

A spirited crowed gathered for worship and praise Sunday at Marion-Crittenden Count Park.

Life in Christ Church, the community’s largest congregation, closed out its monthlong Fighting for Families series with a Victory in the Park celebration.

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

If you need a lawyer, contact Cobie Evans

Firemen called to McDonald’s Restaurant

City of Marion firemen were called to McDonald’s Restaurant at 5:30 pm this evening, responding to a fire.

Employees of the restaurant say it was a stove vent.

Everyone was outside and okay, and it appears firemen have it under control.

No driver testing Friday, Sept. 27

No written or driving tests will be administered on Friday, Sept. 27. Circuit Court Clerk Melissa Guill said the state is short an examiner, therefore no one will be available to give the tests in Marion.

First United hosts car show

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First United Bank is sponsoring a car show during next weekend's Pumpkin Festival.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and continues through lunchtime at the Marion Baptist Church parking lot.

Registration is at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for a number of categories, including Best of Shop, Top 5 Cars, Top 3 Trucks and Oldest Car.

For more information, contact George Richter at (270) 965-2348. Door prizes will be awarded compliments of First United Bank.

Area Death

Preston L. Driskill, 88, of Fredonia died Wednesday. Lakeland Funeral Home in Eddyville is in charge of arrangements.

Salem gets almost $75,000 for resurfacing work

Last week, a representative with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet was in Salem to announce $73,962 in discretionary funds for resurfacing work on four city streets. Pictured above are (from left) Salem City commissioners Craig Dossett, Janet Hughes and Brandon DeBoe, KyTC Department of Rural & Municipal Aid Commissioner Gray Tomblyn II, Mayor Gary Damron, City Commissioner Darryl Chittenden and Salem Utilities Director Doug Slayden.

See next week's print edition of The Crittenden Press for more details.

Marion City Council meeting in special session

Marion City Council will meet in special session at 5:15 p.m. Monday for one-item agenda. The council will consider a resolution to name an official to act as an agent on behalf of the city for all matters pertaining to federal financial assistance under the President's Disaster Relief Fund.

The Crittenden Press will offer further details in next week's edition.

Traveling Ky. Vietnam Wall speaker chosen

 

Next Thursday, the Traveling Kentucky Vietnam Wall will arrive in Marion for a three-day display set up at Marion Commons. The wall will be viewable round the clock, but a special opening ceremony has been scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27.

The keynote speaker for the kickoff will be Elizabeth "Liz" Snodgrass. While most people in the area may recognize her as CEO of Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services, Snodgrass is a Cold War veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Susan Alexander, executive director of Marion Main Street, said the primary sponsoring organization chose Snodgrass because of her veteran status and her eloquence as a speaker. Snodgrass is also married to a 20-year Air Force retiree whom she met while in the military.

"It's a huge honor, honesty, when you get to represent others who have given their lives for their country," Snodgrass said of the invitation to speak.

Five of those lost lives are from Crittenden County, and their names appear on the wall.

Crittenden County Historical Society, Marion Tourism Commission, Henry and Henry Monuments and Crittenden County Detention Center are also helping sponsor the wall's visit to Marion.

For the full story on the Traveling Kentucky Vietnam Wall and its schedule, grab a copy of next week's issue of the newspaper or subscribe to our online edition by clicking here.

Photo contest has agriculture theme

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A photo contest will earn a couple of lucky winners $25. All you have to do is submit a winning photograph with the theme "What Ag Means to Me."

The photo contest is held in conjunction with Farmers Bank & Trust Company's annual Farmer's Day Celebration, planned for Friday, Sept. 27 at the bank's South Main Street location in Marion.

Photographs must be submitted before Sept. 27 at the Crittenden County Extension Service on U.S. 60 East or at the Farmers Bank's main building on Main Street.

Winning photos will be displayed at Farmers Bank. Photos must be 8x10 prints. Divisions exist for amateur and professional photographers and for youth and adult divisions.

Crafters gather semimonthly to share interest

Hooks & Needles Crafter’s Corner Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at Crittenden County Extension Service in order to exchange crafting ideas, share tips and visit with old friends. Formerly Crochet Club, the group of about 10 strong invites newcomers interested in needlework – embroidery, knitting, tatting, etc. Shown at yesterday's meeting are (clockwise from top left) Violet Lee, Victoria Edwards, Jo Brown, Barbara Gross, Judy Lanham and Nancy Lapp.

Tourism to help promote yard sales

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Having a yard sale during the Hwy 60 Yard Sale? The Marion Tourism Commission will advertise it for you.

Hundreds of people will be hosting yard sales up and down the Hwy. 60 route from Livingston to Meade counties Oct. 3-6. 

If you're having one, let the Tourism office know, and your address will be published in an annual advertisement in The Crittenden Press and Early Bird. There is no cost to participate.

Area Death

Thomas Leon Morse, 71, of Salem died Wednesday. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.

Jailer defends treatment of prisoners

Jailer Robbie Kirk defended his decision to Crittenden Fiscal Court today to reward state prisoners who are part of supervised work crews with a dip in the pool at Marion Golf and Pool last month.

Magistrate Todd Perryman opened the discussion when he saught more details on the late August event at the country club pool. Kirk said Crittenden County Detention Center gave the opportunity to swim and cookout to 38 "community level" inmates who had been working on mowing crews and other supervised job details in late-summer heat.

County Attorney Rebecca Johnson was concerned with the decision on the basis of liability to the county, from the aspect of harm to an inmate or the public.

Kirk said the country club granted use of the pool, which was closed to the public at the time. He also said adult life guards were on duty at the time.

"We ask those guys to do things that are liability related," the jailer said. "I see no reason why they can’t get a reward."

Find out how other fiscal court members felt about the decision in next week's edition of The Crittenden Press, on newsstands next Wednesday.

Elementary students read to board members

Crittenden County Board of Education got a treat at Monday’s meeting with Readers Theater, a presentation by five students under the direction of teacher Daphne James who showcased their reading skills through expression and using cues to recite their part of the skit. Pictured above are (from left) James, board member Ryan McDaniel, student Brin Tramble, board chairman Chris Cook, student Jazzy Travis, Superintendent of Schools Vince Clark, student Micah Arriago, board member Eric LaRue, student Noah Holland, board member Tim Grau, student Gage Adamson and board member Bill Asbridge.

Tourism awards bid to tear down home

Marion Tourism Commission at a special meeting today awarded to bid to tear down a home at 112 Poplar St. in Marion that lies behind to the Market on Main. Razing the structure could begin as early as this week to make way for additional parking at the farmers market. To be graveled initially, the lot eventually be will be capped with asphalt, probably in the spring. Ethridge Excavating of Princeton was awarded the $5,000 bid to tear down and remove the small home. The company was the only bidder.

Band earns first place in season's first event

In its first competition of the season last weekend, Crittenden County High School Marching Band took first place at the Russellville Show of Bands.

Band Director Lindsey Byrd said her squad earned a score of 52.2 as the lone Class A competitor. 

The band competes again Saturday at Graves County High School, where it will compete against Mayfield in Class A.

Farmers Day Sept. 27

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Area farmers and artisans will be in a spotlight designed especially for them by Marion's oldest bank, Farmers Bank and Trust Co., during its annual Farmers Day celebration Sept. 27.

A broom maker, basket weaver, soap maker and other artisans will be demonstrating their crafts throughout the day-long celebration.

There will be vendors, including a ribeye sandwich sale benefiting Crittenden County Project Graduation. The event is held next to Farmers Bank's downtown location.

Prizes will be offered to winners of three contests – an apple pie contest sponsored by the Crittenden County Homemakers; a 4-H scarecrow design comest; and a photo contest with the theme "What Ag Means to Me."

Homecoming parade entry deadline nears

Crittenden County's 2019 football homecoming parade carries a theme of "Lights, camera, action!" It is set to begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 down Main Street in Marion.

The parade gives high school classes and the community an opportunity to show off their school spirit prior to kickoff on the following night. This year, the Rockets take on Trigg County.

The school encourages participation in the parade by school and community groups, with a few guidelines.

If an individual or organization would like to enter a float or car in the parade, contact Vince at kim.vince@crittenden.kyschools.us or (270) 965-2248. The deadline to enter the parade is Friday, Sept. 27

Find out more details on parade entries inside this week's print edition of The Crittenden Press, on newsstands Wednesday.