Riverview Park to reopen for camping

Riverview Park is reopening.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom announced today that Riverview Park at the Dam 50 area will reopen for camping this weekend.

The park on the Ohio River with seven camper sites has been closed for a few weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newcom said he received the okay from the Kentucky Department for Public Health to allow camping to return. The judge stressed that hygiene and social distancing should be strictly observed by those using the facility.

Camping sites must be reserved at the Marion Welcome Center and there is a small fee for overnight usage.

Look who's on our show Friday!

Friday's CrittendenPress NewsTalk will be broadcast earlier than normal this week to accommodate the schedule of our guests – Classy and Grassy.

The local bluegrass music trio will join The Press at historic Fohs Hall for a sit-down interview about music, cars and coronavirus. They will be promoting their Saturday classic car parade that will drive by nursing homes in Marion and Salem, and discussing their weekly live concert that is broadcast Saturday nights while the virus has us homebound.

Don't miss CrittendenPress NewsTalk at 11am Friday LIVE from Fohs Hall on Facebook. You can watch the re-run, too, on YouTube, The-Press.com and Facebook.

This week's show is sponsored by 

Tom Potter your Marion State Farm Agent 

and Frazer and Massey Law Firm.

Cruce Rock Yard opens south of Marion

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Gary Cruce Hauling, Inc. now includes a rock yard on the outskirts of Marion. Located on U.S. 641 about a half mile from the southern Marion city limit, the rock yard contains several sizes of rock, sand, mulch and dirt.

Evan and Gary Cruce recently purchased land on at the intersection of Coleman Road and expanded the family's long-time hauling service to include the rock yard. Pick-ups are required with loads priced by the skid steer bucket.

For more information or to arrange pick-up time, call Evan or Gary Cruce.

Outline for Reopening Kentucky

Following is a timeline for a number of businesses to reopen, according to Gov. Andy Beshear's plans revealed this week. As the state slowly reopens, those places of business will be required to follow the 10 Safe at Work Rules, which are also below.

Opening May 11
Manufacturing facilities
Construction sites
Car Dealerships
Professional Services with restrictions
Horse Racing with no fans
Dog Grooming / Boarding

Opening May 20
Retail shops, with limitations
Churches with no Sunday school and other limitations

Opening May 25
10-Person Social Gatherings
Barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and other similar services

Here are businesses that are NOT reopening under Phase 1

• Restaurants
• Gyms
• Movie theaters
• Campgrounds
• Youth sports
• Public pools
• Day care facilities
• Summer camps

10 "Healthy at Work" rules:

1. Continuing teleworking where possible
2. Phased return to work (not everyone comes back to the office at once)
3. Onsite temperature/health checks 
4. Universal masks and any other necessary personal protective equipment 
5. Close common areas (no break rooms or cafeterias)
6. Enforce social distancing
7. Limit face-to-face meetings
8. Sanitizer/hand wash stations
9. Special accommodations (those who in high-risk groups don't return to work)
10. Testing plan (What will happen if an employee tests positive after coming into the workplace?)

Beshear announcing plans for state re-opening

Gov. Andy Beshear will unveil plans for re-opening the state today during his 4 p.m. live update.

Can we expect little league baseball, softball?

Local little league baseball and softball organizers say there’s still plenty of hope that leagues will be able to organize and play ball this summer.

Spring soccer has already been cancelled.

Tanner Tabor, president of the Crittenden County Dugout Club, said there are no current plans to cancel recreational baseball and softball. However, there will clearly be a delay in the start of the season, which would have been starting now.

“We plan to play in June and July, and if we .... for the rest of this article, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press or subscribe to the full online e-Press here for as little as $2.95 a month.

CCHS graduation plans coming together

In an attempt to honor seniors’ wishes and comply with requirements to social distance, Crittenden County High School is moving forward with plans for a virtual graduation ceremony on May 22.

However, principal Amanda Irvan is still holding out hope that the district can host an in-person graduation at a later date when restrictions caused by COVID-19 are relaxed.

“We think this will meet a lot of wishes of the senior class,” Irvan told the Crittenden County Board of Education Tuesday night, via a remote presentation.

“We will have a fully virtual graduation that will air live at 7 p.m., May 22,” she said. “There will be some live elements, but the majority will be pre-recorded and it will be available on DVD.”

Several details must still be worked out, but Irvan also described student interest in some form of a parade, perhaps also on May 22. 

“The class of 2020 is missing out on the opportunity for a processional, recessional and the fanfare and pomp of graduation, and the spotlight of that night,” the principal said.

“We are working on a Google form that will let kids know where they fall in the in line-up and the parade route,” she said. “We are asking for volunteers for kids who don’t have vehicles, but students may ride with their families.”

Attending the parade is not mandatory for seniors, she added.

Commission focuses money on city only

No longer will the Marion Tourism Commission include restaurants outside of the corporate city limits in its marketing materials.

In an recent meeting, commissioners met remotely to discuss a number of items on the tourism department’s agenda. Among decisions made during the 30-minute meeting was a measure to restrict the tourism’s marketing strategy.

The commission decided that it wouldn’t be prudent to spend money raised from tax revenue derived from restaurants inside the city to promote those outside its boundaries. Currently, the resolution adopted by the board will affect just ... for the rest of this article, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press or subscribe to the full online e-Press here for as little as $2.95 a month.

AG says governor's travel ban too broad

Attorney General Daniel Cameron has notified a federal court of his position that Gov. Andy Beshear’s travel ban unconstitutionally infringes on the rights of Kentuckians to travel across state lines. In a filing in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Attorney General Cameron asks the court to realign him as a plaintiff to represent the people of Kentucky and protect their constitutional right to travel from infringement by Governor Beshear’s travel ban. “Kentuckians have a fundamental and constitutional right to freely travel from one state to another,” said Attorney General Cameron. “While the spread of COVID-19 requires Kentuckians to follow CDC recommendations for social distancing and use caution when traveling, the Governor’s order is overly broad by banning nearly all travel.  If the Governor is going to ask Kentuckians to surrender their constitutional right to freely travel as part of the fight against COVID-19, such a restriction must be narrowly tailored.  The sweeping scope of his travel ban, if left unchecked, creates a dangerous precedent.” Governor Beshear’s March 30 and subsequent April 2 executive orders instruct Kentuckians not to travel to other states during the pandemic, except for limited reasons.  If Kentuckians violate the order by traveling to another state for an unapproved purpose, Beshear’s order requires them to self-quarantine for 14 days.  Violating the order could be prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor pursuant to KRS 39A.990. Governor Beshear’s executive order mandates a one-size-fits-all approach that Kentuckians must follow if they desire to travel, despite the incidence of COVID-19 varying greatly in each county and in each state.   To view a copy of the motion, click here.

Masked is the only way to go

Effective May 11, Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentuckians will be asked to wear face masks in public, as the state begins to slowly reopen.

This new requirement will be for people working in areas of the economy that have restarted. Workers, shoppers and consumers will need to be masked any time they will be around other people.

The governor said the move to requiring masks is part of a new normal that will likely be around for months, at least until there is a COVID-19 vaccine. Beshear said masks are key to personal protection. It will keep the wearer and others nearby protected.

Medical-grade masks are not necessary, only cloth ones. Many in the community are starting to make them. Read more about this and get other COVID updates and local news in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

New case of COVID in Crittenden

Crittenden County officials have confirmed today that a fourth positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed here.

The patient is a 70-year-old male who is self-quarantined at home.

Of the four known confirmed cases in Crittenden County, one is deceased, one is recovered, one is hospitalized and one is at home.

For updates on the COVID-19 crisis, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

How close is KY to meeting benchmarks?

FROM KYHEALTHNEWS

So how close is Ky. coming to benchmarks needed to reopen? It's hard to tell, but Beshear says he will discuss possible dates Mon.

Gov. Andy Beshear says he is following benchmarks "to guide his decisions about re-opening Kentucky’s economy during the covid-19 pandemic, but figuring out how to measure the state’s progress has been difficult," reports Lexington Herald-Leader political writer Daniel Desrochers. "The Democratic governor and his administration have provided scant information about how it is defining and tracking each indicator."

Beshear said at his daily briefing Sunday that he would talk Monday about possible dates for reopenings, but "It's gonna be a fluid situation."

The seven benchmarks, Desrochers writes, "really boil down to four things: how many people are getting sick from the coronavirus, how many people can be tested for the virus, how many people are available to trace the contacts of infected people, and how much personal protective equipment is available to those who need it."

The benchmarks follow guidelines recently issued by the White House and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of which is "Downward trajectory of documented cases within a 14-day period." Beshear said Saturday that doesn't mean the number of cases has to decline each day; he previously spoke of looking at three-day averages, noting that the numbers can vary depending on lab reports, especially on and around weekends. Read the Rest of this Article here.

Practitioners starting to reopen today

Local healthcare practitioners – including chiropractors and the eye doctor – who had previously been forced to close by state guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to reopen.

On Thursday Gov. Andy Beshear announced that health care facilities can resume non-urgent/emergent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services. Also, physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices and optometrists may restart today. Dental offices may also, but there are added restrictions in place for dentists.

Most in Marion have now reopened, and some on different hours than normal. You may contact your local practitioner by phone to set up an appointment and to find out what special guidelines might exist for office visits.

Scam Alert: Sheriff urges caution

Crittenden County Sheriff Wayne Agent says calls from local residents with regard to scam attempts are on the rise.

The sheriff said it appears scammers are alleging they are from the Social Security Department when the contact local citizens by phone.

"Never give your Social Security number, or any personal information to someone who calls on the phone," the sheriff said.

Agent said the phone number 833-597-8772 has recently been associated with scam calls.

Southside development begins

Site development has begun for new construction on South Main Street in Marion.

Early indications are that this will be a second location for Dollar General. Officials at DG told The Press last October that it was looking for a location to build a second store in Marion.

The lot was recently purchased by a development company in Jackson, Tenn., which has previously built a number of Dollar General stores. 

The Press has reached out to DG and the contractor. We should have additional details for next week's printed edition of the newspaper.

Marion already has a 9,100 square foot Dollar General store on Sturigs Road, which opened in August 2008.

What's Making News this Week...

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press is on sale now at area newsstands and online. Click here to subscribe.

Due to challenges facing local businesses, including The Press, the paper is smaller this week. For the first time in more than 40 years, The Press printed edition is only eight pages. With businesses temporarily closed due to concerns and mandated protocol surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, advertising has slowed dramatically. Our advertisers key partners in helping The Press continue to report reliable news, and we appreciate them and understand the challenges they are facing.

Despite having fewer pages than normal, The Press printed edition will continue to meet its obligation to the community. We're here to serve Marion, Crittenden County and beyond through this and other difficult times. Know that you can rely on us being there for news, sports and other important information as we all push through these very trying times together.

In this week's newspaper you will find these articles and more:

• A local legislator says it's time to get back to work
• There's a parade planned for next week
• Schools begin to prepare for what's next, including graduation and the fall semester
• Several local athletes are being wooed by colleges, and one has already signed
• Turkey hunting results
• Historian Brenda Underdown examines some of Marion's early leaders 
• New details on the missing Salem man, whose body was found Sunday
• And a sad profile on Marion's first COVID death

Illness can affect blood sugar

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People with diabetes should pay close attention to their blood sugar if they are sick. Numerous illnesses can cause the body's blood sugar to increase, and it is more difficult to manage diabetes during an illness.

Diabetes educators advise that a sick day plan is important, and that plan includes having the proper medicines on hand and knowing when to call a doctor.

It is important that diabetics eat a normal diet when sick and to routinely check blood sugar.

To learn more about managing diabetes, contact the Pennyrile District Health Department or specialists Kelly Dawes or Ali Perryman.

Hunt Law Group provides local services

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Hunt Law Group in Marion provides a wide range of legal services.

Some areas of practice include estate planning, will preparation, probate cases and preparation for long-term care.

Contact attorney Wesley A. Hunt to discuss any of these legal needs.

Hunt is a Crittenden County native whose practice is located on East Carlisle Street in Marion.

Honor grads with yard signs

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Do you have a high school or college senior you would like to recognize? Show your graduate you are proud of them with a durable, two-sided yard sign.

Provide a photo and the name of the school and we will create a custom yard sign for you to place in your yard, your business' yard or in your storefront.

Signs are $45 each or two for $80.

The Crittenden Press also prints graduation announcements. Call for details.

No more school this academic year

Gov. Andy Beshear has said Kentucky classrooms will remain shut down for the remainder of this academic year.

Crittenden County Supt. Vince Clark cautions students and parents, however, that NTI days will continue.

Clark said state law requires every school district to meet a minimum of 1,062 instructional hours. The superintendent said students here should reach that threshold sometime in mid May. Until then, remote-learning programs will continue.

Further details will be rolled out later, including how teachers will administer grades and end-of-year events like graduation. Crittenden County had hoped to delay long enough for an in-person graduation ceremony, but new guidelines announced by the governor today eliminate any in-person school active until after June 30 at the earliest.

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

Tourism Commission meets on Zoom

Marion Tourism Commission will meet remotely at 1pm Wednesday via Zoom.

This is a public meeting and anyone wishing to join in electronically over the internet may contact the Marion Tourism Commission office for a pass code. Phone (270) 965-5015 to reach the tourism department.

Missing Salem man found

The body of a Salem man missing since January has been found.

Crittenden County Coroner Brad Gilbert was summoned to an area off Ky. 855 North in rural Crittenden County early Sunday morning to investigate an apparent suicide.

Gilbert said Gary “Gabby” Cowan’s body was discovered in a remote area by a turkey hunter. Cowan was dressed in the same clothing that he was wearing when he was last seen in the Shelby Store and Johnson Road area of Livingston County, which across country isn’t too far from where he was found. Cowan is believed to have died the day he went missing on Jan. 21.

Read more in this week’s printed edition of The Crittenden Press. Click here to subscribe.

Authorities confirm local COVID-related death

A state health official has confirmed the first Crittenden County death associated with COVID-19. 

Pennyrile Area Health Director Jim Tolley said Kathy Schroeder, 59, has died at an area hospital. 

A retired 911 dispatcher for Crittenden County, Schroeder was the first confirmed coronavirus case in this county. Local officials said on April 1 that she was hospitalized with the virus. She had remained hospitalized from the time the case was confirmed until her death overnight. 

Tolley said she passed away “as a result of complications associated with COVID.”

City will start flushing lines Sunday

The City of Marion will be conducting a systematic flushing of its water lines starting Sunday night.

The flushing of hydrants will take place in different areas across town for a few hours each night through Sunday, April 26.

The city periodically flushes its drinking water distribution system to maintain quality.  W

ater main flushing can result in discolored water. These conditions are not harmful and should not last very long. Briefly running the cold water through your tap may help to clear discolored water.

Crittenden County NewsTalk COVID Crisis

Crittenden County NewsTalk on COVID-19 from The Crittenden Press. Today’s guests are Wade Berry, President and CEO of Farmers Bank of Marion, and Bob Yehling, an award-winning author of 10 books and founder of Word Journeys. Host is Chris Evans, editor and publisher of The Crittenden Press. Today's broadcast is brought to you Mickey Alexander, financial advisor.

Berry financial consultant for Keystone

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Financial advice is a phone call away.

Jason Berry recently joined Keystone Financial Partners as a financial consultant. As a registered investment advisor, Berry partners with individuals and businesses during all life phases as well as retirement.

To plan for retirement, Keystone focuses on implementing wealth accumulation strategies while managing risk. During retirement, Keystone assists clients with wealth distribution strategies and overall portfolio management. Additionally, we work with clients on estate planning, insurance needs, and education planning.

County Government Meeting Open to Public

BY CONFERENCE CALL ONLY

Regular April Meeting 

Crittenden County Fiscal Court 

5 p.m., Thursday, April 16

DIAL IN TO MEETING

1-877-309-2073 

ACCESS CODE

899-110-661

Crittenden County Fiscal Court will not meet in person this month. Instead, its regular April meeting will be conducted via conference call, and the  public is welcome to dial in.

There will be a period early in the meeting when guests will have an opportunity to speak, otherwise their lines will be muted while the court conducts its agenda. The public will continue to hear the audio, but public comments will not be taken again until the end of the meeting, the judge said.

Each member of the public who participates is asked to key in their name once they join the call.

The meeting will be at 5 p.m., on Thursday, April 16. Fiscal court meetings are generally at 8:30 a.m., on the third Thursday of each month. However, the court approved two evening meetings for 2020, in order to accommodate citizens who might otherwise be unable to attend daytime meetings.

 “We are limited to 150 callers,” Judge-Executive Perry  said. He does not anticipate overtaxing the system. Generally, there are only a handful of guests who attend court meetings.

 To access the meeting’s conference call, dial in using the phone number in the gray box at left, then key in the access code. Court meetings usually last less than two hours.

WEBCAST: Interview with local COVID-19 survivor

This week, The Crittenden Press talked with Anna Hillyard of Marion, who is a nurse and COVID-19 survivor. This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press included a front-page article about Hillyard's recovery from the virus.

To listen to our entire interview, GO HERE for audio only, or GO HERE for the YouTube link. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel in order to receive future video and audio news reports.

Today's podcast interview is brought to you by Hunt Law Firm in Marion.

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.

Copyright 2020

The Crittenden Press

Making News This Week in Marion...

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press is on newsstands now.

On the front page, readers will find an article about a local nurse who survived COVID-19. She tells us her story. Tomorrow morning at 6am the full audio of that interview will post online.

Also making news are a local policeman who has been deployed to Louisville with the National Guard to help operate a field hospital and a CCHS senior who has been recognized as the best in her field. See what that is!

In this week's newspaper you will find gardening tips, news from Frankfort's final days of the legislative session and you will learn why your garbage is piling up.

Plus lots more you will find nowhere else... not on the web, not on Facebook, Twitter or SnapChat.... Only in your local newspaper.

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.

Copyright 2020

The Crittenden Press

Former state prosecutor Greenwell, 78, dies

Former Commonwealth Attorney Bill Greenwell, 78, of Marion died this morning at his home following a battle with cancer.

Greenwell grew up in Union County and opened a law practice in Marion in 1968 after earning a law degree from the University of Louisville.

He served as the state’s attorney for Crittenden, Union and Webster counties, and also was formerly the county attorney in Crittenden County.

Greenwell was a active in community affairs throughout his professional career in Marion, and for a time, he was a sports correspondent for The Crittenden Press.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Greenwell's complete obituary will appear in next week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

Livingston has a second virus case

Livingston County has confirmed its second case of COVID-19. This case is directly related to the original one confirmed earlier this week.

According to a post on social media by Livingston County Judge-Executive Garrett Gruber, the new positive case was confirmed after individuals close to the first case were monitored and tested.

The new case is a 36-year-old man and he is self-quarantined at home.

A 27-year-old man was confirmed positive on Monday. He, too, is self-quarantined at home.

Until this week, Livingston was one of just 20 counties in Kentucky that had not reported a case since then pandemic began.

Flags at half staff

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at state buildings to be flown at half staff.

Notice was given early this week and on Tuesday flags were lowered to honor the more than 100 patients in the state who have died from the n

WoodmenLife offers variable annuity

WoodmenLife offers investment options with guarantees. An annuity is the ideal choice for many people, and Marion financial representative Grant Rogers can explain the benefits.


WoodmenLife Variable Annuity is an ideal place to put a maturing Certificate of Deposit or a 401(k) from your previous employer. There are also guaranteed death benefits.


Contact Grant Rogers at (270) 965-3333 to learn more.

Livingston County reports first positive case

Livingston County Judge-Executive Garrett Gruber announced this afternoon on social media that his county has confirmed its first cases of COVID-19.

In a Facebook post, Gruber said the individual that tested positive is a 27-year-old man.

The man is self-quarantined at home.

The health department is currently conducting a contact investigation.

Until today, Livingston was one of just 20 counties in Kentucky that had not reported a case since then pandemic began. Additionally, Livingston was previously just one of four counties west of Bowling Green without a confirmed case.

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press for further details of the cases in Crittenden and Livingston counties.

Telehealth continues at Family Practice

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Due to concerns over COVID-19, Family Practice Clinic is continuing to implement procedural changes that affect its patients.

Two ways to reduce the potential spread over the virus are offered, including telehealth conferences with practitioners and curbside appointments at the clinic.

Calls to the clinic are answered as normal; however, determinations will be made whether patients come into the clinic, are seen outside at their vehicle, or are seen via an internet appointment.

Call the clinic to learn the best course of action for your healthcare appointment.

Fatal Easter Morning House Fire

Coroner confirms identity of victim

Crittenden County Coroner Brad Gilbert has confirmed the identity of the man who perished in the Easter-morning fire off Red Road in the southern end of the county.

Johnny Barlow, 66, was unable to get out of the home, which was completely engulfed by flames when the first firemen arrived at dawn. The coroner said he died of smoke inhalation.

Barlow's wife was able to escape the home unharmed.

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

No longer a symbol of terror

Sulphur Springs Baptist Church rests in a subtle valley in rural Crittenden County. These three crosses rising in front of the church may not stand on a hillside outside of Jerusalem, but their firm witness bears as a reminder of what happened at Golgotha, or Calvary, almost 2,000 years ago.

Today, Christians celebrate Easter, the arisen Christ.

It is in troubled times like these that the strength and promise of the cross fosters a sense of comfort. Once a symbol of terror, the cross is today testimony that through hope and faith, fear can indeed be subdued.

Over the last few weeks there has been so much lost, so much sacrificed because of this terrible pandemic, yet let us never forget the greatest sacrifice of all. For through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can all be saved.

May God bless you all as we rejoice in a celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and Savior of the world.

So, however you find to mark this day, know that He is here.

Attorney General on drive-through church

Attorney General Daniel Cameron today released the following statement regarding the prohibition of drive-in church services during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“We are aware that some Kentucky jurisdictions are discussing a prohibition of drive-in church services for the upcoming Easter holiday.  As long as religious groups and worshippers are complying with current Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) recommendations for social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, we see no problem with these drive-in services occurring.

Religious organizations should not be treated any differently than other entities that are simultaneously conducting drive-through operations, while also abiding by social distancing policies.  As long as Kentuckians are permitted to drive through liquor stores, restaurants, and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the law requires that they must also be allowed to participate in drive-in church services, consistent with existing policies to stop the spread of COVID-19.

We must all continue to work together and do our part to fight back against COVID-19.  However, individuals who wish to celebrate religious holidays using a format that follows social distancing policies and CDC guidelines should not be unnecessarily banned from doing so.”

Pandemic News Conference with Judge Newcom and Pastor McDonald

Community COVID-19 News Conference
Presented by The Crittenden Press
on Friday, April 10, 2020. 

Panelists are Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom

and Pastor Chris McDonald of Life in Christ Church.

Brought to you by
Marion Pit BBQ

Check Out our Daily Specials on Facebook

Senior yard signs available

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Show your senior some curb appeal with a custom yard sign.

This year's celebration of graduates likely will look a lot different than ever before. We're initiating a community salute to graduates, offering durable, two-sided yard signs to recognize graduates.

Two styles are available – a sign with the graduate's photo or a general sign recognizing the entire class of 2020.

We empathize with the senior class that already has missed out on many traditional activities, and it's yet to be determined how the remainder of their high school career will play out.

Ideal for parents, grandparents and employers.

INSTRUCTIONS: Order and pay below then email your photograph using the link provided below. You may also call (270) 704-0447 with questions or to order and pay by another method.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOU PHOTO

WHICH SCHOOL?

Crittenden Livingston Other

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOU PHOTO

Vaccines important for diabetics

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There are several vaccines that are very important for people with diabetes. Many vaccines can prevent serious health complications and hospitalizations.

Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can experience serious adverse effects from illnesses like influenza, outbreaks of hepatitis B, lung infections, blood infections and meningitis.

It is important to know if you are up to date on vaccines, which are one of the safest ways to protect you even if you take prescription medications.

Contact the Pennyrile District Health Department to learn more.

Weight limit reduced over Piney Creek

Crittenden County has officially reduced the weight limit on a bridge in the rural, eastern part of the county.

The Piney Creek bridge on Blackburn Church Road has damaged wooden pilings underneath it. Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the bridge isn’t too old, built in 1988, but heavy debris in the creek appears to have whittled away at the pilings over the past 32 years. The judge hopes to enroll the repair project in a state-funded program that costs the county only 20 percent of the costs. The state pays the rest. Bids could go out in July, he said.

Meantime, the gross weight for the 80-foot bridge is nine tons and signs have been posted. Newcom said that although agriculture vehicles have an exemption, they cross at their own risk now that the limit is officially posted.

A bridge on Cave Springs Road was recently replaced, and a few others are need of repair, the county has recently reported.

County judge calls for caution

Warm weather is creating a challenge for local leaders who are trying to help flatten the virus curve.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said some issues are starting arise, particularly one today where a deputy had to be dispatched to a local creek where a number of people had gathered to swim.

In addition to cautioning citizens that social distancing orders remain in effect, Deputy Chuck Hoover reminds everyone that streams are private property. Swimming without permission is also trespassing.

"We need to ensure the message gets out we must continue to isolate. This thing has the potential to explode on us and I don’t want to see that," the county judge said. "Just because we have better weather doesn’t dismiss the threat of this virus. It is crucial that we push through this and be vigilant in our protections of ourselves our families and our neighbors. Stay home and stay safe."

Lighted Field Recognition POSTPONED

POSTPONED
Due to a high risk of storms tonight, the Lighted Field Recognition for Spring Sports Seniors has been postponed until 8pm on Thursday.

ORIGINAL POST
Crittenden County School District will join others in the Second Region to honor its senior spring sports athletes by lighting their sports venues at 8pm Wednesday night for 20 minute and 20 seconds.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spring sports athletes have been negatively effected, particularly seniors who would have participated in their final seasons.

Lights at the park track and fields will be lit to honor these student-athletes. While the public is invited to drive by and honk in a show of support, they are asked to please not stop due to social distancing protocols.

Schools are closed through May 1. Spring sports seasons typically end the third week of May.

This Week's Crittenden Press printed edition...

This week's Crittenden Press printed edition is on sale now at local vendors and en route to your home through the US Mail.

In these uncertain times, you can trust your local news of news since 1879 to bring you reliable, verified content.

This edition includes new information about:

• What could happen if students do not return to class this academic year,
• What the pandemic is doing to local public service,
• Positive tests in this community, 
• A dilemma that comes with proposed funding to build a new courthouse
• How public meetings will be held here in the coming days,
• Who can turkey hunt this spring and who can't,
• A bridge that's had its weight limit lowered,
• Where Crittenden County ranks among US Census respondents,
• And much, 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.

Copyright 2020

The Crittenden Press

Essential stores limiting traffic

Marion Police Department is posting signs like the one above at essential businesses that remain open during the pandemic crisis.

By executive order, traffic inside the stores is limited.

See the complete text from the executive order in this week’s printed edition of The Crittenden Press. 

Family Practice offering telehealth visits

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Due to concerns over COVID-19, Family Practice Clinic has procedural changes that affect its patients.

Two ways to reduce the potential spread over the virus are offered, including telehealth conferences with practitioners and curbside appointments at the clinic.

Calls to the clinic are answered as normal; however, determinations will be made whether patients come into the clinic, are seen outside at their vehicle, or are seen via an internet appointment.

Call the clinic to learn the best course of action for your healthcare appointment.

New Mexican coming to town

A new restaurant that is to be named La Delcia Mexican Grill is coming soon to Marion.

Owners of a similar restaurant in Eddyville are currently remodeling the former Marion Pizza Hut in Darben Plaza to ready for the ethnic restaurant.

Plans are also underway for the proposed new restaurant to apply for a ABC permit in order to serve alcohol.

No driver's licenses being issued

As a result of an Executive Order by the governor, drivers license holders have a 90-day extension from their expiration date.

The Crittenden County Circuit Clerk cannot renew or issue a driver’s license or identification card at this time.

Berry joins Keystone Financial Partners

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Financial advice is a phone call away.

Jason Berry recently joined Keystone Financial Partners as a financial consultant. As a registered investment advisor, Berry partners with individuals and businesses during all life phases as well as retirement.

To plan for retirement, Keystone focuses on implementing wealth accumulation strategies while managing risk. During retirement, Keystone assists clients with wealth distribution strategies and overall portfolio management. Additionally, we work with clients on estate planning, insurance needs, and education planning.

Third confirmed case of COVID-19 here

Crittenden County has a third confirmed case of COVID-19.

The patient is the 65-year-old husband of a 59-year-old woman who last week was diagnosed as the first case in Crittenden County.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the husband has been hospitalized. A third person who had been in close contact with the couple remains quarantined at home, and shall remain there for another 14 days. That individual has shown no symptoms.

The other active case, which was confirmed over the weekend, is a 56-year-old woman, who is quarantined at home.

Fields to be lit Wednesday for seniors

Crittenden County School District will join others in the Second Region to honor its senior spring sports athletes by lighting their sports venues at 8pm Wednesday night for 20 minute and 20 seconds.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spring sports athletes have been negatively effected, particularly seniors who would have participated in their final seasons.

Lights at the park track and fields will be lit to honor these student-athletes. While the public is invited to drive by and honk in a show of support, they are asked to please not stop due to social distancing protocols.

Schools are closed through May 1. Spring sports seasons typically end the third week of May.

Tourism promoting local restaurants

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Restaurants, convenience stores and grocery store delis located within the city of Marion remain open amid the ongoing closures due to COVID-19.  The City of Marion Tourism commission encourages local residents to support these restaurants, all of which are offering carryout or delivery. Many had not previously offered delivery, but added the service in order to keep as many employees working as possible and to further serve their community. One restaurant, The Front Porch, is temporarily closed.

One way to further help these restaurants is to buy gift certificates, whether you need one for a gift right now or not.  Purchasing a gift certificate helps pump a little more cash into the establishments, many of which have seen declines in traffic due to stay at home recommendations and statewide closures of non-essential businesses. Experts suggest that buying a gift certificate now helps the businesses, and you'll have it to give as a gift when you need it or when you choose to use it yourself.

County judge confirms 2nd case here

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom announced this afternoon that the second case of COVID-19 has been confirmed here.

The judge said a 56-year old female has tested positive.

The county judge confirmed last week the counties first case, a 59-year-old female.

The newest confirmed case and her husband are self-isolating at heir home, Newcom said. The husband has shown no symptoms.

Firemen respond to blaze off Mott City Road

Despite a very wet late winter and early spring, Kentucky’s forest fire hazard season continues through the end of this month.

Multiple fire departments responded about noon today to a field fire off Mott City Road in southern Crittenden County.

Local firemen say that despite the greening up of the landscape, there’s still plenty of reason for concern, particularly with so many people off work for the coronavirus pandemic.

Scott Hurley, chief of the Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department, said sage grass, other dry vegetation and leaves provide plenty of fuel for wildfires. With so many people laid off work and doing chores around their homes and farms, Hurley cautions everyone to continue exercising extreme care. So far, Crittenden County hasn’t had too many field fires this spring.

It is very important that people do not develop a false confidence during wet conditions, Hurley said.

 Kentucky law designates Feb. 15 through April 30 as spring forest fire hazard season. During this time, it is illegal to burn anything within 150 feet of any woodland or brush land between the hours of 6 a.m., and 6 p.m.

Burning is permitted from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., as winds and humidity are generally lower. However, no one should burn unless the air is calm and there is adequate moisture in the air to prevent the spread of fire, the fire chief said. It is always illegal to start a fire any time of the year on or near timberland without taking all reasonable precautions to prevent it from spreading.

Hurley said that controlled burns no matter how large or small should be reported to central dispatching at 270-965-3500. Reporting your intentions to burn – within guidelines – ahead of time is necessary so that fire departments are not paged out to the control burn, if it happens to be reported by neighbors or motorists.

One of the leading causes of forest fires in Kentucky is fire accidentally escaping when people burn trash or unwanted material. It is illegal to burn garbage or any other materials except natural plant matter. Fires should be attended at all times.

Sorting out local virus testing figures

As COVID-19 spreads, the reporting process is becoming a bit more difficult to follow, at least for those trying to provide timely, accurate community information.

Those who have followed The Press’s reporting of coronavirus testing in Crittenden County know that it has been periodically posting or publishing the number of tests administered and the disposition of each case. Those are numbers of individuals tested at Crittenden Community Hospital. As of now, there have been 13 individuals who have met testing protocol and have been tested. None have been diagnosed positive from tests taken at CCH, according to Emergency Management Director Chuck Hoover. Results from four tests were outstanding as of Saturday morning.

CCH also said a few days ago that it does not have an active-case patient in its facility.

Figures reported by The Press do not represent tests administered outside of Crittenden County.

Jim Tolley, public health director for the Pennyrile region, tells us that reporting can be done in various ways.

Reporting can be made by doctors, the facility administering the test, and perhaps even the person who was tested. Some people from Crittenden County could be tested in another county or out of state. In that case, their information may or may not eventually be identified with this community. That has, and will continue to happen.

You might read on social media where people say themselves or loved ones have tested negative, and there has been an instance where someone posted that they’ve tested positive.

If a person is tested at a healthcare facility in another county, that information doesn’t necessarily come back to local leaders in a timely fashion. By law, COVID-19 is a reportable virus. That means the state tracks the number of cases, and that information is currently being made public by the governor’s office. The Kentucky Poison Control Center (which oddly enough is the agency operating the hotline call center) is managing at least some of the reporting for Kentucky.

KDFWR stops sales of non-resident hunting licenses

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As published on the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources' website, effective immediately, standard nonresident spring turkey permits for 2020 will no longer be sold in order to conform to Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive order and current CDC guidelines to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Only non-resident hunters who have already purchased 2020 spring turkey permits, and can comply with the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-266 should consider hunting in Kentucky during the spring season.

The governor's order requires all non-residents who travel to Kentucky to self-quarantine immediately for 14 days upon arrival.

The youth turkey season is this weekend and the statewide season is April 18 - May 10. Hunting has a large economic impact in Crittenden County.

Friday Community News Conference

COMMUNITY NEWS CONFERENCE from The Crittenden Press with panelists Michael Faughn, a local CPA, and Kara Turley, CCMS principal. Today’s news update is brought to you by Frazer and Massey Law Firm in Marion, Kentucky.

Riverview Park now closed to camping

Non-resident hunters face challenges

Following the Gov. Andy Beshear's lead in closing all state parks to camping and overnight lodging, Crittenden County has closed its only public campground.

Effective today, there will no longer be any overnight camping allowed at Riverview Park on the former Dam 50 area.

Riverview Park will otherwise remain open, although use of playground equipment is prohibited.

The governor has also issued a travel ban on people coming into Kentucky from out of state. They must self-quarantine for 14 days before being allowed to move about freely. The order will have a major affect on the upcoming wild turkey season. Further details about those challenges for non-resident hunters will be forthcoming.

The youth turkey season is this weekend and the statewide season is April 18 - May 10. Hunting has a large economic impact in Crittenden County.