Thursday, December 31, 2020

Did you hear who won the decorating contest?

 



It was in the newspaper last week... 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. 

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Woodmen Life works for growing families

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Considering new life insurance? Call Grant Rogers. 

As a WoodmenLife representative, Rogers can provide information about the company's life insurance options, one of which includes Family Term Life. 

A popular feature of the Family Term Life is the policy changes with your growing family. Furthermore, WoodmenLife guarantees no premium increase for 20 years. 

Call Grant Rogers today.

County's rate not reflected on state map

Crittenden County reported eight new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing its pandemic total to 408, which is approaching five percent of the county’s population.

There were 29 cases reported in the county over the seven-day period from Dec. 25 through Dec. 30, which is an incidence rate of 47.02 when the state’s formula per 100,000 population is applied. On Kentucky’s COVID-19 website, the color-coded map is clearly not current as it shows Crittenden in the Yellow with a 4.9 incidence rate. Based on data provided by the area health district, the rate should actually be well into the Red, which has a threshold incidence rate above 25.

Area health officials say data lag and an overwhelmed reporting system is likely to blame for the apparent inaccurate data on the state website located at kycovid19.ky.gov.


Clerk's Office closed until Jan. 4

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The Crittenden County Clerk's Office will be closed through Jan. 3 and will re-open Jan. 4.

If you have business to conduct in the clerk's office, you may also deposit payments in the drop box outside the courthouse. The blue box is available to securely send correspondence to the clerk's office.

Warmest wishes for a happy and safe New Year.

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Woodall's buck of a lifetime... again!

Did you miss this article a couple of weeks ago in the full version of The Crittenden Press? Don't miss another big news article or important local information from your community. Subscribe now to get stories like this every week. This is just an example of the interesting news, sports and information that can be found in your weekly newspaper. It's generally nowhere else.

Harvesting a buck of a lifetime is... well, it’s a lifetime achievement.

Unless, you’re Chris Woodall.

The 41-year-old Marion man has more than duplicated a feat he rang up 19 years ago. Woodall is now one of a remarkably few hunters on earth who can boast multiple such milestones.

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It was the last weekend of rifle season, two days after Thanksgiving, when Woodall found in his rifle scope the second Boone and Crockett buck of his long hunting career. This one may be tough to trump.

The whitetail sported a rack with 23 visible points and roughs out at nearly 200 inches on the Boone and Crockett scoring system.

“I am very fortunate, very humbled by it,” Woodall says. 

It’s a mainframe 12-pointer with incredible mass and characteristics like kickers, fliers and drop tines that certainly put this deer among the best ever harvested in Crittenden County, a place known for trophy whitetails. 

The story begins more than a year earlier when a neighbor showed him a trail camera photograph of a monster buck. The deer was never seen in daylight, only captured on camera in the dark of night. That season, Woodall believes he may have had a close encounter with the deer in a heavily thicketed area with limited sight distance.

“I just believed in my gut that was a big deer, maybe this one,” he said.

Earlier this fall, another neighbor found a picture of this buck on one of his cameras. It, too, was taken at night. But no one hunting in the area had laid eyes on this trophy buck during the daytime. At least until 4 p.m., Nov. 28.

Woodall is a self-described old-school hunter. He doesn’t rely on too many gimmicks to harvest big bucks, but his formula is well tested. In 2001, he bagged a huge buck that grossed 180-plus and went

County taxes are due Thursday


Crittenden County taxes are due Thursday.

If taxes are not paid or postmarked by that day, there will be a 5% penalty added.

The penalty goes up to 21% if not paid by Jan. 31.

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Crittenden reports 16 cases today

Crittenden County had 16 new cases of COVID-19 announced today. All were recovering at home.

The cases range in age from 5 to 93. Nine of the cases were age 70 or over.

There have been 38 cases reported in the area over the previous seven-day period, 400 since the pandemic began and six deaths since April 1.


Area Deaths

Bea Hardin, 97, of Hampton died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Shirley L. O’Neal, 82, of Newburgh, Ind., died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 at her home. Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel in Evansville is in charge of arrangements. 

Billie Jewell (Mitchell) Belt, 85, of Salem died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services in Salem. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Brandon Matthew Ladd, 44, of Smithland died Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

William D. Marvel, 93, of Marion died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Beverly Susan Gerard, 75, of Marion died Monday, Dec. 28, 2020 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Clerk's office closed Thursday-Sunday


The Crittenden County Clerk's Office will be open today (Tuesday) and Wednesday. Wednesday will be the last day of 2020 the office will be open. 

If you have business to conduct in the clerk's office, you may also deposit payments in the drop box outside the courthouse. The blue box is available to securely send correspondence to the clerk's office.

The office will be open through noon Wednesday then re-open Jan. 4, 2021.

Some get COVID vaccine today at health department


Crittenden County Rescue Chief Donnie Arflack, other healthcare professionals and staffs and local first responders began receiving the Moderna vaccine to help prevent COVID-19. The vaccine is being administered from 9am to 4pm today at the Crittenden County Health Department. Administering the shot (at right) is nurse Rene Sizemore.

This inoculation is free.

Caldwell County and Lyon County health departments will be doing the same today. Tomorrow, the Pennyrile District Health Departments in Livingston and Trigg counties will be providing the vaccine to the same classes of individuals and the same times.


Monday, December 28, 2020

Area Deaths

Madeline Crider Belt of Marion died Saturday, December 26, 2020. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John Paul, Hamilton, 81, of Marion ied Saturday, December 26, 2020. Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Hoffman, 81, of Marion died Friday, December 25, 2020 at his residence. Vanover Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Sammie George Belt, 82, of the Joy died December 26, 2020 at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Dorothy Ann Wesmoland, 74, of Marion, died Monday Dec. 29, 2020 at Morganfield Nursing & Rehab Center in Morganfield. Whitsell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Delois Ann Tinsley, 86, of Marion died December 27, 2020 at Crittenden County Health and Rehab. Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Gregory Eugene Belt, 61, of Joy died December 20, 2020 at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 



21 cases of COVID reported over holiday

 Crittenden County has reported 21 COVID-19 cases since Christmas Eve.

Today was the first time the local caseload has been updated because of the holiday.

Most of the cases reported today were elderly. Fourteen were over the age of 60 and 11 were 75 over or older. All were reported to be self isolated with none hospitalized.

Over the past seven days, 28 cases have been reported here. There have been 385 cases here since the pandemic began. 

Elderly, first responders, educators next for vaccine

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, said the next priority group (Phase 1b) for vaccination will be Kentuckians who are at least 70 years old, as well as first responders and educators.

Depending on the vaccine distribution schedule, Phase 1b could begin as early as Feb. 1, 2021, plus or minus a week.

The Governor said 40 additional sites will receive vaccine doses for the first time this week.

“Remember, this vaccine roll out is, I think, one of the toughest and largest logistics challenges we’ve seen since World War II,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s not going to be clean the entire time – we’re building the airplane while we’re flying it – but right now, we believe we’ve got the right plan in the right way to distribute this vaccine equitably all across the state.”

“In Kentucky, we are going to include people who are 70 and older – that’s five years younger than the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended. We believe here, because we have such a disproportionate burden of death in this population, we want to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Stack. “We are also going to

Reserve Fohs Hall for your next event

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Fohs Hall in Marion is the ideal venue for your next celebration. Whether it is a small celebration, anniversary or corporate event, Fohs Hall is an historic setting with several meeting spaces to accommodate your needs.

The former school is the site of community events such as concerts, plays and special performances by school groups. It is also available for private events.

To learn more about space availability, contact Elliot West.

Crittenden providers receiving COVID-19 vaccine

Dr. Jonathan Maddux was one of the Crittenden Community Hospital providers on Monday to receive his first does of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Administering the shot is Gayle Guess. 

One hundred doses of the vaccine were received just prior to Christmas and began being administered to healthcare workers Monday at the Marion hospital. Healthcare workers will receive their second vaccine, or booster, in 28 days.

The vaccine is voluntary but encouraged for Crittenden Community Hospital employees. As of Monday afternoon about 40 percent of employees had opted to receive the vaccine.

Vaught's Views: Great White Shark Whisperer

Larry Vaught is a weekly contributor to The Crittenden Press. To get his column regularly, subscribe now to the full version of the newspaper, online or in print.

Chip Michalove is known as the “Great White Shark Whisperer” who has hooked a 3,500-pound great white shark a few miles off the South Carolina coast. 

The Kentucky native moved to Hilton Head Island in 1989 and now owns and operates Outcast Sport Fishing. However, his love for Kentucky basketball has never stopped.

That’s why last weekend when Kentucky played Louisville, his boat was not available for charter. It’s the same in March if Kentucky is playing in the NCAA Tournament.

“I was born in Lexington and spent about the first 10 years of my life in Louisville before my parents divorced and I moved to Hilton Head with my mom,” Michalove said. “I still get back to Lexington about twice a year to catch a game. I like to see games like Louisville, North Carolina and Kansas. But the boat never leaves the dock on the Kentucky-Louisville game or for NCAA Tournament games. Everyone knows that.”

He almost named his boat “Bleed Blue” but knew that might not be a good business move with Indiana and Tennessee fans. 

“But our logo is a great white (shark) with a jockey and the jockey silks are blue and white checkered,” he said. “My dog is named Cali after (John) Calipari because I am a huge fan of his. I believe he’s vastly underrated. I hate seeing all the heat that has been on him. Some of it has been ridiculous but he’s great at developing players.”

His first sports memories are his parents pulling for Kentucky and/or Louisville. He remembers arguing with elementary school friends about UK and the Cards. He remembers getting to watch stars like Rex Chapman of Kentucky or Pervis Ellison of Louisville play when he got to go to games. He jokes one of his best days was when Chapman followed him on Twitter.

“My dad still lives in Louisville and we are best friends. We talk Kentucky basketball or football almost every day,” Michalove said. “He does not keep up as I do with recruiting, coaching changes and

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Area deaths

Charles Hoffman, 81 of Marion died Friday, December 25, 2020 at his residence. Vanover Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Katherine F. Champion, 98, of Marion died December 25, 2020 at Salem Springlake Health and Rehab.  Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Vern Thompson, 69 of Ledbetter died December 14, 2020 at his home. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements.

Inez Lasher, 98, of Brook Park, Ohio, formerly of Salem, died December 21, 2020. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements. 

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Area College Student recognition

Following are Dean's Lists and Local Graduates from
area colleges and universities.

MURRAY STATE

Several area students were named to the Murray State University Dean’s List for the fall semester. To earn a spot on the Dean’s List a students must be a full-time undergraduate enrolled in 12 or more hours in graded  courses and have attained a term grade point average of a 3.50 or above. 

Following are students on the list from Crittenden County and nearby communities.

From Marion: Logan Belt, Hannah Berry, Madison Champion, Emma Rose Colwell, Gavin Dickerson, John Claude Duvall, Lauren Gilchrist, Ethan Hunt, Jesse Imboden, Jared Lundy, Amanda Lynch, Matt Lynn, Brianna Martin, Carissa Powell, Dayton Simpkins, Ellie Smith and Sam Winders.

From Fredonia: Cady Stribling, Ellie McGowan, Abril Ruvalcaba-Cuevas and Hannah York.

From Salem: Emmalea Barnes, Tabitha Paden and Josey Tolley.

From Sturgis: GraciLou Ackerman, Ashley Conway, Tyler Fuesler, Abby James, Carson O’Guin, Caroline O’Guin, Mallory White and Alexis Wright.

CAMPBELLSVILLE

Seven area students were named to the Campbellsville University President’s and Dean’s lists for the fall term. On the President’s List were Mandy White of Morganfield and Heather Murphy of Princeton. On the Dean’s List were  Kaylee Graham of Marion, Hannah Bennett of Morganfield, Emily Hibbs of Morganfield, Hannah Greenfield of Princeton and Ashley Stuart of Princeton.

WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

West Kentucky Community and Technical College recognized more than 840 candidates for graduation during a virtual Fall 2020 Commencement program aired on the college's Facebook page and YouTube channel on Friday.

Following are those who earned degrees or certificates. Graduates are listed by the county of residence.

Crittenden County: Jason Tyler Smith, Associate in Applied Science Degree in the Criminal Justice Program; Rachael Marie Haley, Associate in Applied Science Degree in the Nursing Program; Brandyn Elizabeth Murray, Associate in Science Degree; Jimmy Dale Rose, Certificate in the Auto

Friday, December 25, 2020

Local 911 disrupted by AT&T issue

Crittenden County’s emergency 911 system is temporally down due the AT&T outage that’s affecting service in Kentucky, Tennessee and other parts of the region. The situation was apparently caused from the exploration this morning in Nashville.

Anyone with an emergency can dial 270-965-3500 to make sure their call gets through to local dispatchers. 

It is not clear how long this situation will last.


COVID Basketball starts after holidays

Go Here to Read Basketball Outlooks for Boys and Girls


Good tidings and blessing to our readers

 

Merry Christmas!

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Invitation open for Christmas Eve communion

 Marion Untied Methodist Church
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Wednesday, December 23, 2020

One new COVID case on Wednesday

Crittenden County reported just one new case of COVID-19 on Wednesday, and that will be the last day for reporting of new diagnoses until Monday, Dec. 28 due to the extended holiday period.

The county has reported 20 cases over the previous seven-day period and 364 since the pandemic began. Wednesday's case was a 20-year-old female who is recovering at home.

Stay safe this holiday season. Take applicable precautions to keep not only yourself, but your loved ones free from the virus. 

Courthouse closings

Some offices in the Crittenden County Courthouse, including the clerk and PVA, will be closing today at noon and will remain closed until Monday in observance of the Christmas holiday. 


Resolve to manage your diabetes in 2021

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Keep your diabetes in check and share with others during classes focusing on Healthy living with Diabetes.

The Pennyrile District Health Department will begin its next series of classes to help individuals manage the disease in January.

Classes may be attended using a smart phone, tablet or computer.

To learn more, contact the diabetes professionals at the Pennyrile District Health Department.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Six new COVID cases here today

Crittenden County’s COVID numbers picked back up a bit today with six newly reported cases Tuesday evening. That brings the seven-day total to 25 cases Dec. 16-22. All were recovering at home

All but one of the new diagnoses were age 58 or above, with one being a 92-year-old male. There was also a 17-year-old male confirmed on Tuesday.

Sixteen of the cases reported here in the past seven days have been age 50 or above while there have been seven age 17 or younger.

Prior to today's announced cases, the county had moderated to a point that it would have been out of the so-called Red Zone on the state's color-coded COVID-19 map. Now, the incidence rate is back in the critical area, based on the state's formula.

There have been 363 Crittenden County residents who have tested positive since April 1. That’s about four percent of the population. There have been sixth deaths associated with COVID-19 in this county, a death rate of 1.7 percent of those infected. 

Livingston Hospital began providing vaccines today, pictured is Dr. Barnes receiving a shot from infectious control nurse Jessica Head.

Press subscriptions are a perfect gift

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If you're still trying to figure out how to fill the blank at the end of your Chistmas shopping list, call us today.

Give them a gift they'll receive every week – a subscription to The Crittenden Press. 

Local rates are $32 – that's a $20 savings off the weekly newsstand price. 

Call or stop by today, we're open until 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Trafficking charges result from traffic stop

A Marion man faces drug trafficking charges in Caldwell County after being pulled over in a traffic stop just before midnight Monday in Fredonia.

According to a Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department news release, Deputy Kenneth Vincent observed a vehicle traveling north on Ky. 91 and making a right turn onto Cassidy Avenue in Fredonia, failing to use a turn signal. 

Deputy Vincent conducted a traffic stop and could smell a strong odor of marijuana. Upon further investigation, Deputy Vincent charged and arrested Dawson Close, 21, of Mott City Road with Trafficking in Controlled Substance 2nd Degree 1st Offense (Drug Unspecified), Trafficking in Controlled Substance 3rd Degree 1st Offense, Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz) 1st Offense and Possession Drug Paraphernalia.  

Close was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.

Leaf collection ends in city

 City leaf collection has ceased for the season.

Marion City Administrator said the leaf gathering crew worked for weeks while shorthanded due to the pandemic.

"At the end we mostly were fulfilling requests, but I think we got all of them," Ledford said about the leaves.

The city's fall leaf collection is a service greatly appreciated by most residents and property owners Marion.

Methodist Church hosts Christmas Eve Communion

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Open Christmas Eve Communion will be offered between 5-7 p.m., Thursday at Marion United Methodist Church. 

A virtual-only blessing of the sacraments will be offered at 4:30 p.m., in the church sanctuary and broadcast on Facebook. 

Social distancing and masking is required for the in-person communion. Servers will be masked and gloved and the alter sanitized after each use.

Families are encouraged to come together and celebrate the holiness of the Christmas holiday. Special music will be presented by Corey and Michelle Crider. 

This communion is open to everyone. 

Monday, December 21, 2020

Local cases continue downward trend

Crittenden County has reported six new COVID-19 cases today. These cases were confirmed over the previous three days.

Among the new diagnoses is a nine-month-old child. Another is a 71-year-old female, who is hospitalized. Otherwise, all were recovering at home.

There have been 13 cases reported here in the last seven days, which continues to show a downward trend in the virus in Crittenden County. 

There have been 357 cases reported in this county since the pandemic began, including six deaths.

Ferry shuts down temporarily for winds

 UPDATE 4:15pm: Ferry has reopened

ORIGINAL POST
Cave In Rock Ferry is temporarily closed due to high winds.

 The ferry made a final run at about 10:50 a.m., after winds shifted to create hazardous river conditions. The ferry reports sustained winds of about 20 miles per hour with gusts of 35 miles per hour in mid-river at the crossing.

Based on the weather forecast, winds are expected to remain high until about sundown.

The ferry will attempt to provide timely notice when the wind speed drops sufficiently to allow service to resume.


Final tax deadline without penalty is Dec. 31

Crittenden County tax bills, which were sent out in early November, are due by Dec. 31.

Those paid after that date will be subject to a 5% penalty through Jan. 31.

The penalty goes up to 21% after Jan. 31.

The county publishes in the newspaper its list of delinquent taxpayers in early 2021.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Will you take the vaccine?

Major pharmacy retailers CVS and Walgreens are charged with delivering COVID-19 vaccines to long-term care facilities. The next block of inoculations will go to first responders and healthcare workers. Those will likely be available and administered this month. The rest of the population might have to wait until early 2021 to get the vaccine.

Pennyrile District Health Department, which serves five area counties including Crittenden and Livingston, requested 500 doses for each county to vaccinate local first responders and healthcare providers. It's unclear whether all of those doses will make it to each county. Those in line for the shot if they want it will be doctors, nurses, paramedics, firemen, police and the like.

“I plan on being first in line to get mine when it becomes available,” said Marion Police Chief Ray O’Neal. He wasn’t sure how many other officers would opt to receive the vaccine.

Will you take the vaccine once it's available to you? Respond to our online poll before noon Monday to be counted. Results will be printed in this week's newspaper. 

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Governor issues new back-to-school order

Crittenden County schools are officially on holiday break, and it's unclear whether the governor's announcement on Friday might affect their return in 2021.

Classes have been almost exclusively virtual for the last three weeks, although CCES students did go in person for a week during the state's mandated closure for Red Zone counties. 

Gov. Andy Beshear said yesterday that his new executive order will recommend that public and private schools hold off on in-person learning until Jan. 11. Crittenden County is scheduled to return to class on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

The governor's move to push back the start of in-person classes would likely help minimize the spread of COVID-19 after the holidays, he said. 

Beshear's new order says public schools that are not in so-called Red Zones on the state's color-coded COVID map could restart on schedule as long as they meet the following guidelines:

  • Offer "meaningful virtual options" for all students, including access to advanced courses.
  • Follow health and safety guidelines previously crafted by state education and health officials.
  • Continue reporting COVID-19 and self-quarantine data to the state.
  • If in an orange or red zone, accommodate high-risk employees who request an alternative work assignment.


Santa here today; Christmas trail voting, too

Santa Claus will be at the courthouse gazebo in Marion on Saturday from 11 a.m., until 1 p.m., to accept wish lists from area children. 

The jolly old elf had to make special arrangements to be here during the pandemic and will be taking particular precautions. 

Please make sure children are wearing a mask and maintaining approprirate social distancing. A dropbox will be provided where wish lists can be deposited and Santa will make sure they get to the North Pole in time for Christmas.

Also, today is your chance to vote on your favorite local Christmas scene. 

Have you traveled the Christmas Decoration Trail yet? If not, get going and cast your ballot today. The Chamber of Commerce will tally the votes and announce the winners on Sunday. Cast your vote on the Chamber’s Facebook page, where you can also find a map for the trail. 

You can get a hard copy of the map at Farmers Bank branch, at the kiosk behind the Extension office or at Marion Welcome Center. 

Friday, December 18, 2020

Cases increase, but count still fairly low

Five new cases of the COVID-19 virus were confirmed in Crittenden County today, bringing its pandemic total to 351.

Among today’s cases was a three-year-old boy. There have been 11 children under the age of 10 diagnosed with COVID since April 1. 

There have been 19 cases in the past seven days, which would keep the county in the so-called Red zone after numbers had fallen enough yesterday for Crittenden to emerge from among the most critical pandemic counties in Kentucky for the first time in a more than three weeks. 

Although cases on Friday spiked a bit, the frequency of positive diagnoses has trended lower in the past few days. 

County's color should move to Orange

Out of the Red for the first time in more than two weeks, Crittenden County’s COVID-19 cases have turned to a trickle in recent days compared to where they were in late November and early December.

There were two new cases reported Thursday, which brought the county’s seven-day total to 14. Based on the state’s formula for updating its color-coded map, that would drop Crittenden out of the Red zone and into the Orange. However, a data lag between western Kentucky and Frankfort has typically meant a multi-day delay in accurate response on the map. Go to the Map Here. County's in the Red are deemed the most critical, and more restrictive guidelines are suggested for them. 

A seven-year-old male and a 78-year-old female were the lates two cases in Crittenden County, bringing the yearly total to 346.

Livingston reported 11 new cases on Thursday, one was hospitalized.


Thursday, December 17, 2020

Legal Notice of Sale

This legal notice was published in the Dec. 17, 2020 issue of The Crittenden Press with an incorrect date posted by the notice provider. It is being corrected here and will be published in its entirety in subsequent issues of the newspaper. 

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
CRITTENDEN CIRCUIT COURT
CIVIL ACTION 20-CI-00048

PLAINTIFFS
JESSE BRENT HODGE, JAMES KENT HODGE, JO ELLEN SOBOTKA, ROGER SOBOTKA, DORIS GENNELL HODGE-LYNN, ROBERT DON HODGE, BETTY HODGE, EBBA JACQUELINE WARDEN, BENNETT RAY HODGE, FREDA HODGE, JAMES DOUGLAS HODGE, BEVERLY D. HODGE, TEDDY RANDELL HODGE, DORTHEA HODGE, KITTY RAUCH, EARL HODGE, SHARON HOGGARD, THOMAS RANDALL HODGE, VIRGINIA HAMERLINCK, WALTER HODGE, DARLA SUE ECKROTH
VS.
DEFENDANTS
BILLY DUKE HODGE, GERALDINE WINN, UNKNOWN SPOUSES & HEIRS OF ELBERT HODGE AND KITTIE HODGE
         
NOTICE OF SALE
By virtue of a Judgment and Order of Sale rendered by the Crittenden Circuit Court on the November 25, 2020, I will on Friday, January 8, 2020 beginning at the hour of 10:00 A.M. in the City of Marion,

Diabetes classes begin Jan. 12

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Keep your diabetes in check and share with others during classes focusing on Healthy living with Diabetes.

The Pennyrile District Health Department will begin its next series of classes to help individuals manage the disease in January.

Classes may be attended using a smart phone, tablet or computer.

To learn more, contact the diabetes professionals at the Pennyrile District Health Department.

Monster Tale: In this week's full edition

 


In this week's newspaper we trace a 19-year-old tale of incredible measure that you'll find not only fascinating, but unimaginable. 

Don't miss a week of Crittenden County's most reliable news source. SUBSCRIBE now to get this article and others like it on a regular basis. Get the newspaper in print or online for as little as $2.95 per month.


Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Despite 6 new ones, COVID cases trend downward

Crittenden County announced six new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, after just six in the previous three days.

The county’s total is now 344 since the pandemic began. 

Among the cases reflected in Crittenden County’s Wednesday total was a 14-year-old male and a 34-year-old male. Otherwise, all of the individuals were age 57 or older. All were recovering at home.

There have been 27 cases reported in the county over the past seven days, an incidence rate of 43.8 and still in the red based on the state’s formula and color-coded COVID map. Despite the six new cases, virus diagnoses are trending downward here. 

Across the five-county Pennyrile Health District, numbers were up considerably on Wednesday with 30 cases confirmed in Lyon County, 12 in Trigg and nine in Livingston and Caldwell counties. 

Man charged in crash between Princeton and Fredonia

A Crittenden County man is facing charges after crashing his vehicle on Ky. 91 in Caldwell County.

The single-vehicle crash occurred Tuesday between Princeton and Fredonia. 

Caldwell County Sheriff's Department investigated the rollover wreck, charging Charles Gray, 71, of Sulphur Springs Road in Marion with driving on DUI suspended license. 

Gray was taken into custody because of two outstanding warrants, one from Caldwell County for failure to appear in court and one in Crittenden County for failure to pay court-ordered fines. 

Gray was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.

Medley Plumbing now serving Marion

A new plumbing company is expanding to service Marion and the surrounding area.

Medley Plumbing based in Franklin, Tenn., has a three generation, 35-year history. Eugene Medley is a master plumber and owner of the company, which also includes Medley’s son and daughters.


The company is taking calls now in the Marion area and soon will have a physical location at 6798 Ky. 70, about midway between Frances and Dycusburg.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

See Nesbitt's for jewelry, guns

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Stop in Nesbitt's Pawn Shop on Sturgis Road in Marion and see the selection.

Christmas gifts await, from jewelry to firearms, and loans for cash can be given for quality merchandise.

Stop by and see the new arrivals just in time for Christmas!

Wildfire hazard season ending, but ...

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Wildfire hazard season officially closes today in Kentucky, bringing an end to the seasonal prohibition against otudoor fires between the hours of 6 a.m., and 6 p.m., if the fire is within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland. 

Although official fall wildfire hazard season ended on Tuesday of this week, local officials say it’s always wise to be cautious, particularly this year when rainfall has been limited. November was one of the driest in years and although December is shaping up a bet wetter there’s still plenty of reason to exercise great caution when burning outdoors.

The Press publishes a Weather Almanac (see attached) each month in the newspaper, displaying weather trends and highlights. You can only see it in the newspaper or the full e-edition. Subscribe now to get all of the exclusive local news and other information found only in our full edition. 

Six news cases reported here Monday

There were six new cases of the coronavirus reported in Crittenden County on Monday. There were none Sunday and one on Saturday, bringing the county’s seven-day total to 35 cases.

All of those diagnosed in the past few days are recovering at home. The cases announced on Monday were all adults over the age of 40. 

There have been 338 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Crittenden County since the pandemic began. Livingston County, which has had 400 cases during the pandemic period that began April 1, had just one new case on Monday.

Monday, December 14, 2020

City of Marion seeking police dispatcher

The City of Marion is looking for an E911 dispatcher.

Read the information included here, and apply at Marion City Hall.

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Dean of Fredonia has something to say

FROM LAST WEEK'S CRITTENDEN PRESS
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For a man who’d perfected the art of listening and responding to others, it’s understandable that Dean Akridge finally had something to say.

In the twilight of his life, at age 87, Akridge has, with help from family and friends, published Papa’s Almanac, a 74-page tome that’s quickly read, readily understood and priceless, particularly for anyone interested in a quick reference to a life well lived, and an inspirational glimpse into how it was accomplished. 

Dean Akridge is Fredonia through and through, but he’s a little bit Crittenden, a tad Caldwell and a pinch of Lyon County. His mother hailed from the Deanwood area of Crittenden County and his wife’s parents once operated a popular restaurant in Marion. 

The Fredonia Valley is Akridge’s fatherland, but he’s lived and taught school in Marion, toured the ruins of Hiroshima while in Japan courtesy of Uncle Sam and seen the inside of a bunch of gymnasiums in Kentucky and beyond because of his abilities and interest in sports. A collegiate basketball player at Murray State University, a U.S. Army veteran, husband to Nona for 60-plus years, lifelong Christian and a businessman with an uncanny ability to attract and keep customers, Akridge has piled up more than enough experiences from which to draw insights for a book.

His voice weakened by time and his mobility fading from a life on his feet, Akridge remains a robust spirit, living “day by day” as he says. He remains just a hop, skip and a jump from the rural hardware stores he and his family built into something of a regional empire, serving farmers, homeowners,

Sunday, December 13, 2020

No in-person classes, but schools provide food

There will be no in-person classes this week, Dec. 14-18, in Crittenden County Schools. However, the district will resume its bus route lunch deliveries and the daily drive through at the back of CCES. Visit the school district's Facebook page or website for updated route information, including times and locations. 


The CCES drive-through will operate daily, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Any student may receive a hot lunch and a breakfast for the following day. 


See bus routes and drive through information here


Dec. 18 will be the final day of remote instruction until school resumes in January. More information will be provided over the holiday about the return to school on Jan. 5.


Nurse practitioners get school loans wiped out

Two local nurse practitioners, Samantha Greer and Kaitlin Loveless, have received an early stocking-stuffer from the Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (KSLRP). 

In fact, the news has been enough to light up their entire holiday.

The two nurse practitioners at Livingston CARE Clinic will receive up to $40,000 to pay off their student loans over the next two years.

“The KSLRP is a very competitive program in which numerous applicants compete for a limited number of awards. Previously, when Livingston Hospital’s pharmacist was selected, there were 53 applicants and nine awardees,” said Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services CEO Liz Snodgrass.

Snodgrass also explains that KSLRP is a program to incentivize providers to practice in Kentucky’s rural communities. 

“We are truly blessed to have these two providers as part of the Livingston Hospital family. They are both talented, passionate and committed to the patients we serve mainly in Livingston, Crittenden and Lyon counties,” added Snodgrass.

Saturday, December 12, 2020

Help available for paying utilities

Gov. Andy Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman want to highlight an approaching deadline for eligible families to receive assistance to pay overdue utility bills.

The $15 million Healthy at Home Utility Assistance Fund helps those who are struggling to pay water, sewer, electric or gas bills due to COVID-19. Those who qualify can receive up to $500 for water and wastewater bills and up to $400 to pay gas or electric utility bills.

The fund expires on December 31, or earlier if the fund is depleted, so eligible Kentuckians should apply now. To date, $6.81 million has already been requested. 

Team Kentucky is partnering with Kentucky’s Community Action Network to distribute these funds statewide. To receive funds, households must have an income up to 200% of the federal poverty line, have past due utility bills and have been economically impacted due to COVID-19.

“We know that many of the people who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic also face

Cave In Rock Ferry closed for high winds







UPDATE: Ferry did not reopen today. It will return to service at 6am Sunday. 

ORIGINAL POST
High winds blowing from the west have put a stop to the Cave In Rock Ferry this morning.

The forecast is for winds to begin to calm mid afternoon. Ferry operators will be watching the weather and will reopen as soon as it is safe to cross the Ohio River.

Friday, December 11, 2020

Clerk's Office closing for Christmas, New Year's

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Between now and the end of the year, several Crittenden County offices will be operating under shortened holiday work weeks.

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor has announced holiday hours for his office. The clerk's office will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25 for Christmas and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 for New Year's Day.

When conducting personal business with county offices during 
the Christmas and New Year's holiday, consult with county officials to ensure their operational hours.



Nine new cases of virus in county today


Nine new cases of COVID-19 were reported today in Crittenden County, bringing its yearly total to 332.

There have been 32 cases reported here in the past seven days. 

All of those diagnoses announced Friday were at home recovering. The individuals ranged in age from 15 to 60. Four were teenagers. 

Since April 1, 3.8 percent of the population in this county has been diagnosed with the disease at one point or another. There have been six deaths here related to COVID-19.

Auction Saturday in Marion

An auction Saturday in Marion will sell a home on West Gum Street in Marion.

Located near Crittenden County High School, the 3 bedroom, 2 bath house is being sold by west Kentucky Real Estate & Auction.

The property has a concrete drive, large garage with electricity and a concrete floor.

To learn more, contact Wayne Boyd at west Kentucky Real Estate & Auction.

Stuff the Bus evolves with times

Like most everything else, fundraising in the wake of a global pandemic has experienced many challenges. Stuff The Bus, an initiative to collect teen gift items for Crittenden County’s Community Christmas, is no exception. Student organizer, Maggie Blazina, a junior at Crittenden County High School, said she is thankful to live in a community that supports each other and meets challenges head-on. 

“Our community is known for its support of one another,” said Blazina, “especially our students. When it became clear that our traditional method of collecting wouldn’t work this year, I knew my community would stand in the gap, and they did.”

   WPSD-TV DID A PIECE ON THIS PROJECT Go Here to See It

Blazina, a junior and active 4-H member at the county and state level, first developed the idea of Stuff The Bus as a 6th grader, while assisting friends at Baptist Health Paducah with a similar event, called Stuff The Truck. She said it’s a great way for students like herself to connect to the community and develop leadership skills. After introducing the idea to her 4-H club, they immediately supported the initiative and learned many lessons along the way. 

“There are many parts of this event to coordinate,” said Blazina. “Learning how to plan and work with others helps students like myself learn collaboration skills that will surely benefit us in the future.”

In the past, Crittenden County’s middle and high schools have come together to donate items in a Community Christmas drive, with a friendly competition among classrooms. Items were then loaded onto a school bus and driven to the count’s distribution center. This year, however, with middle and high school

Thursday, December 10, 2020

16 cases in two days; CCES will close next week

Six new cases of COVID-19 have been reported here today as Crittenden County moves into the so-called Red Zone on the state’s color-coded pandemic map. That means local elementary school students who spent this week attending in-person classes will be homebound next week.

All students will now be on virtual learning plans for the remainder of the term. In-person classes are expected to resume Jan. 4.

The county has experience a spike in the virus over the past two days with 16 newly diagnosed cases. Among today’s diagnoses are a 3 and 10 year old. 

Over the past seven days, the period of time the state uses to determine each county’s incidence rate, Crittenden has had 28 cases. Since the pandemic began, this county has seen 323 cases of the virus and six deaths related to COVID-19.

The Pennyrile District Health Department also announced six new deaths today, four in Livingston County and two in Caldwell County. In Livingston, the deaths were a 92-year-old male, 88-year-old male, 91-year-old female and a 76-year-old female.

Kentucky's restaurants and bars can reopen to 50-percent in-person dining capacity starting Monday when the executive order that closed them to in-person dining expires. Gov. Andy Beshear made the announcement at Thursday's daily press briefing. See further guidance below.

Crittenden County School District issued the following statement late this afternoon:

Unfortunately, Crittenden County has been updated to "red" today, as indicated by the Kentucky Department for Public Health Covid-19 Dashboard. This means that our elementary school students must return to remote learning next week, Dec. 14-18. Elementary students who are in person learners, however, will continue with in-person learning tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 11. 

To clarify, there will be no in person learning for elementary, middle, or high school students beginning Monday, Dec. 14 until we return from Christmas break on Jan. 5.  

We will share information with you about next week's feeding plan tomorrow. Getting our students back to in person learning is a community effort, and we appreciate your help in the weeks to come with continued mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing, and personal health monitoring. We thank you, as always, for your flexibility and support.

From the governor's office today:
NEW GUIDANCE STARTING NEXT WEEK
  1. Indoor social gatherings are recommended to have no more than eight people from a maximum of two households. There is no recommended limit on the number of people from the same household. There is no limit on outdoor social gatherings.
  2. Gyms, fitness centers, pools and other indoor recreation facilities can operate at 50% capacity. Masks must be worn while exercising.
  3. Venues, event spaces and theaters can reopen at 50% capacity.
  4. Professional services can operate with up to 50% of employees working in-person; however, all employees who are able to work from home must do so.
Gov. Beshear also said that businesses and establishments reopening to Monday need a renewed commitment to the guidelines, such as social distancing and masks. These actions come on the heels of CDC guidance issued last week that people wear masks indoors at all times, except at home. This is the first time the agency has advocated for universal mask use indoors. 

Community Christmas halfway to needs

The 46th annual Community Christmas program has twice as much demand for assistance this holiday season as it did in 2019, and about half as much money.

The shortfall, if it persists through next week, will likely mean sacrificing food vouchers for those who’ve applied for assistance, said Brandie Ledford, one of the local volunteers orchestrating the Community Christmas effort.

Distribution day is one week from Friday, on Dec. 18 at Marion Baptist Church.

Click the image at right to enlarge for instructions on how to contribute. 


USDA deadline approaching for acreage reports

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds agricultural producers in Crittenden and Livingston counties to complete crop acreage reports by December 15, 2020 for fall-seeded small grains.

“To make sure you’re eligible for many USDA programs, you need to file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said Nina Hunt, FSA County Executive Director.

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Crittenden and Livingston County:

  • December 15, 2020:  Small Grain (Wheat, Barley, Oats, etc.)
  • January 2, 2021: Honey
  • January 15, 2021: Peaches, Canola

To complete your acreage report, please call the Crittenden/Livingston FSA office to schedule an appointment.  FSA can work with producers to file timely acreage reports by phone, email, online tools and virtual meetings as well as by appointment in person.

The Crittenden/Livingston County FSA office will provide maps to producers along with instructions for completing and returning the maps through either mail or email.  After planting is complete, producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA office through mail, email or OneSpan for eSignature by the dates listed above.

The following exception applies to acreage reporting dates:

•If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting date, the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

•Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP-covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

For questions, please call the Salem Service Center at 270-988-2180.