Tuesday, June 30, 2020

NEW DEAL: Ferry will open on Wednesday

The details are unclear at this time, but it looks like a deal late today will stave off the closing of the Cave In Rock Ferry tomorrow.

As late as 5pm this afternoon, there was an impasse in negotiating a new contact. The current contract between Illinois and Kentucky and the ferry owner expires tonight at midnight.

About 7pm, officials said the ferry will open on Tuesday.

We will continue to seek further information regarding this fluid story and update you with details as they become available.

No deal: Ferry service will close today

UPDATED 6pm

At 10pm tonight the Cave In Rock Ferry will close, says its owner.

Despite a flurry of negotiations over the past few days, the divide appears too great for a compromise at this point.

Owner Lonnie Lewis says new federal regulations are putting added financial demands on tugs and other equipment. 

The ferry operates 16 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its payroll is more than $400,000 a year and Lewis said he just spent more than $400,000 to repair and update the backup tug boat.

According to information provided by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, an audit has been done on the ferry's financial records, which is prompting its negotiating position. 

According to local officials, Kentucky and Illinois have upped their original contract offer. The reported proposal is now at about $1.2 million for a one-year deal to keep the ferry running. 

However, there appear to be other concessions that have stalled the negotiations. 

Bobby Miller, the attorney for the Cave In Rock Ferry, issued a statement late Tuesday. It said in part, “The Cave In Rock ferry agreed to sign a new contract to fund ferry operations for FY20-22 on the exact same terms that were negated for FY18-20 with no price increase. However, the Commonwealth of Kentucky refused. It is our understanding that the State of Illinois was agreeable,” 

Lewis says he will use the tugs and barge to continue transporting his farming equipment across the river. He row crops in both states and owns real estate and farmland in both. 

Because Lewis owns the franchise to operate a ferry at the Cave In Rock river crossing, the states are unable to negotiate with anyone else.

Building a bridge across the river to accommodate travelers is out of the question say officials on both sides of the river. The costs would likely far exceed $100 million, according to some estimates. 


I-24 work zone will remain in place over holiday

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is alerting holiday travelers that an extended work zone along Interstate 24 in Caldwell and Trigg counties will remain up over the July 4th Holiday Weekend.  High holiday traffic volume has the potential to create travel delays.
 
There will be no construction activity in this work zone over the July 4 weekend.  However, lane restrictions along I-24 in Caldwell and Trigg counties will remain up over the holiday weekend and through the summer months. This extended work zone includes 13 miles of two-way traffic running on the westbound lanes with a centerline barrier wall, and an additional 4 miles of lane restrictions with traffic barrels.
 
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet engineers are encouraging travelers to consider a self-detour via an alternate route to help reduce traffic congestion in this extended I-24 work zone.  
 
Motorists are encouraged to monitor the I-24 work zone for potential traffic backups by checking the traffic monitoring features at GoKY.ky.gov or an app like WAZE.
 
Truckers should be aware the westbound work zone includes a maximum 15 ft. load width restriction due to the use of a centerline barrier wall.   The eastbound lanes have a 12 ft. maximum load width restriction.  
 
This I-24 work zone includes a strictly-enforced 55 mile per hour speed limit with an enhanced enforcement presence. 

Special Board of Education meeting

Crittenden County Board of Education will meet in special session at noon Wednesday, July 1 for a short agenda.

The meeting will be at the Rocket Arena conference room.

Job Corps Center has openings

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The Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center has employment opportunities.

The Union County center offers a benefits package and opportunities for advancement for full-, part-time and substitute positions.

To learn more, visit the website mtcjobs.com.

Monday, June 29, 2020

Without an 11th-hour deal, ferry will close Tuesday

Negotiations to keep the Cave In Rock Ferry running have continued in recent days and although the sides are closer, it appears the ferry will indeed close at 10pm Tuesday, June 30, barring an 11th-hour deal. 

The Ohio River Ferry Authority, comprised of representative from both sides of the Ohio River, met for about an hour Monday night in Marion. In addition to committee members, state legislators from Kentucky and Illinois were present. Together, they developed a list of concessions that might be made in order to keep the service going. The plan is going to be presented to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Tuesday morning.

The clock is ticking on a two-year contract between the ferry owner and the states. It expires at midnight Tuesday. The ferry customarily operates from 6am until 10pm.

Compensation, term and contract language have been stumbling blocks to reaching a new pact that would keep the service viable between Crittenden County, Ky., and Hardin County, Ill.

The Crittenden Press will be tracking negotiations on Tuesday and will provide updates as warranted.





I-24 one lane eastbound for a time Tuesday

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will set up a work zone area along Interstate 24 eastbound just east of the Kuttawa exit from 10 a.m., until about noon Tuesday, June 30.
 
This restricted area will allow Kentucky State Police to gather additional information for a crash reconstruction investigation of a June 22 multi-vehicle fatal crash at the site.
 
All eastbound traffic will move to the left-hand or passing lane in this work zone. Motorists should be alert for slowing and merging traffic as they approach the 44 mile marker in Lyon County which is just east of the I-24/I-69 Exit 42 interchange.
 
Here is information from the double-fatality accident
Accident occurred around 8 a.m., June 26, 2020 on I-24.

Through investigation, troopers discovered 47-year-old Johnny R. Clark of Joelton, Tennessee, was operating a 2018 International box truck eastbound around the 93 mile marker, in the right lane of travel. 65-year-old Jeffrey Clark of Hartford, Illinois was operating a 2016 Western Star tractor-trailer westbound on I-24 around the 93 mile marker, in the right lane of travel. 22-year-old Dalton Dodd of Clarksville, Tennessee, was operating a 2006 Pontiac G6 westbound on I-24 in the left lane of travel, beside Mr. Clark’s vehicle.

For an unknown reason, Johnny Clark’s box truck crossed the eastbound lanes of travel, crossed the median, traveled through the cable barrier, and entered the westbound lanes of travel. Dalton Dodd’s vehicle entered the westbound, right lane of travel to avoid a collision with Johnny Clark. Dodd’s vehicle sideswiped the front driver’s side of Jeffrey Clark’s vehicle. Mr. Dodd’s vehicle continued off the westbound, right shoulder of the roadway, and up an earth embankment.

Johnny Clark’s vehicle continued across the left, westbound lane of travel, striking Jeffrey Clark’s vehicle in a head on manner. Both operators were in their vehicles when they caught fire.

Dalton Dodd was uninjured in the collision. Johnny Clark and Jeffrey Clark were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Christian County Coroner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing by Trooper Brian Graves.

COVID confirmed case makes 10th

Crittenden County has reached double figures in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Since early March when records began being kept, this county has seen 10 confirmed cases.

The latest is a 55-year-old man, who is self-isolating at his home in Marion.

Of the other nine previous confirmed cases, eight have recovered and one passed away.

Of the roughly 9,100 people who live in the county, .001 of the population has been infected. 

Crazy Train Fireworks on Sturgis Road

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Fourth of July is Saturday! Get ready to light up the sky and stock up on fireworks from Crazy Train Fireworks in Marion. 

Crazy Train Fireworks is now located in the Masonic building on Sturgis Road across from Dairy Queen. It formerly was located at the old Pantry building on the corner of Gum and Main streets.

The store carries hundreds of types of fireworks – from sparklers to mortar shells!

Stop by and check out the selection.

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Greer joins Livingston CARE Clinic

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APRN Sam Greer is accepting new patients at Livingston CARE Clinic in Salem.

Livingston CARE Clinic is located on Main Street in the former Burkhart Rural Health Clinic.

Greer sees patients for wellness visits, chronic care management and treats patients of all ages for many conditions.

To schedule an appointment on Thursdays or Fridays, call the Livingston CARE Clinic.

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Need life insurance? Call Grant Rogers

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If you're shopping for life insurance, talk to Grant Rogers.

Rogers is a WoodmenLife representative serving Crittenden County and the surrounding area. 

Currently WoodmenLife is offering $100,000 worth of life insurance for as little as $17.24 per month.

Contact agent Grant Rogers for information about WoodmenLife's products, which also include investment opportunities.
 

Friday, June 26, 2020

FIREWORKS HEADQUARTERS H&H Home and Hardware

H&H Home and Hardware
Sturgis, Road - Marion, Kentucky
OPEN FOURTH OF JULY

Clinic offers weightless program

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If you're struggling to lose unwanted weight, maybe brought on by the COVID quarantine, consider discussing your options with APRN Samantha Greer.

Greer sees patients at Livingston CARE Clinic and offers appointments with individuals wishing to weigh their options for healthy, medication-assisted weight loss. Programs vary.

Call Greer at the Livingston CARE Clinic, formerly Burkhart Rural Health, on Main Street in Salem.

Thursday, June 25, 2020

Godzilla Dust Cloud headed this Way

A vast cloud of Sahara particles which has been dubbed by scientists as the “Godzilla dust cloud” will be evident in western Kentucky this weekend. The first signs could show up Friday evening and the effects could linger through next week.

This Sahara dust could has been blanketing the Caribbean, and it is heading toward the United States with a size and concentration that experts say hasn’t been seen in 50 years. A similar cloud settled into the Ohio Valley in 2018.

The thickest part of this weekend’s cloud will be over the Gulf Coast, but some of it will make it to the Ohio Valley.

Usually the dust cloud is fairly thin and produces some nice reddish sunrises and sunsets, but this Sahara event might be too dense to provide much magic in the skies. 

Across some its path, the "smog like" particles in the air can create health issues, but it's not expected to be strong enough in western Kentucky to be of real consequence. 

Yoder Road closed at Crooked Creek crossing


Swinging Bridge, a destination for many in the Amish community,
will no longer be open to public access.

Crittenden's Back-to-School Date Is Set

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Classes will resume for the fall semester at Crittenden County Schools on Aug. 25 with a traditional in-person format, with some safety precautions in place.

That is two weeks later than originally planned. The delay will allow the school district to continue preparing for the challenges of returning to the classroom under pandemic requirements. 

Parents who have concerns about sending students back to the classroom in a traditional format, can arrange for others options. 

Student temperatures will be checked daily and there will be increased disinfecting and sanitizing in each school. 

Social distancing will be required. Cloth masks will be required, too, but only when social distancing cannot be achieved and at any time students are moving from area of the school to the other. 

See more in next week's full version of The Crittenden Press.


Florentine caught in Colorado

Larry Florentine, the man wanted in connection to the woman's body found near Fredonia, has been arrested in Denver, Colo.

Florentine, 52, once lived in Colorado.

Denver Police Department arrested him this week. His vehicle was also found abandoned this week in another, but police did not specify the exact location. 

The body of Nicole Florentine, 36, of Rock Hill, S.C., was found in a shallow grave in Hill Cemetery in Caldwell County. 

Her husband is being held on a charge of abuse of a corpse. 

Stay tuned for details as they emerge.

You will not read this anywhere else

Have you seen this week's full version of the newspaper?

The June 25 issues of The Crittenden Press has four or five major news articles with information you will find nowhere else on the planet.

If you're interested in what's going on our neck of the woods, there's just one place to get the real news, trusted news, accurate news with details, interviews and comment from people in this community. We have it all every week in the full version of The Crittenden Press.

In this week's edition you will find:
  • New details about that body in Fredonia
  • Cell phone fate at CCHS
  • Whether the ferry will close
  • What's up at the swinging bridge
  • Details of a near-record meth bust
  • Farm and Livestock reports
  • Election returns
  • Victory garden produce schedule
  • 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

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Outdoor concert at Mulligans Friday

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Summer kicks off at Marion Golf & Pool Friday night with free swimming for kids, corn hole and putting contests and live music by local vocalists Corey and Michelle Crider, along with other members of their band, Small Batch.

Corey Crider is a trained opera singer, but he and Small Batch are pulling out country and classic rock, modern country and some folk and blues favorites for this special concert.  The Criders are members of a larger band, Tapestry, which blends rock and opera. They performed two sold-out shows last spring at Fohs Hall.  Small Batch, as the name implies, is a smaller version of that group of professionally-trained artists with a playlist spanning multiple musical genres.

The event will be held outdoors at Mulligan's Pizzeria & Pub, which will offer their full menu plus additional food and drink specials. Lawn chairs are welcome. 

Consignment auction Saturday

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A huge variety of farm equipment, machinery and miscellaneous items will be sold during a consignment auction Saturday behind Buntin Trailer Sales. Buntin Trailer Sales is located on Ky. 297 near the Sheridan community.

There will be a little bit of everything for the farmer at this auction.  Auctineer Curt Buntin has been taking consignments for this sale since late February before the auction was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sold will be tractors, farm equipment, trailers, lawn mowers, recreational vehicles, outdoor equipment and hand tools. You don't want to miss this one.


Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Judge Williams, conservatives carry the day in counted ballots

Circuit Judge Rene Williams carried the county with 75 percent of the votes cast in the First District Appeals Court Judge race and other conservatives were top vote-getters in balloting in Crittenden County Tuesday. 

President Donald Trump (R) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) were top vote-getters in their GOP primaries and presidential hopeful Joe Biden (D) and senatorial candidate Amy McGrath (D) led the way on the Democratic ticket.

Results are incomplete as hundreds of mail-in ballots have not been counted.

It could be early next week before final totals are known here and statewide.

For details of Election Day and Early Voting, see this week’s full version of The Crittenden Press.

One Polling Place Open Today for Primary Election

Just one polling place is open today for the entire county due to precautions aimed at avoiding the spread of COVID-19. 

Election Day is here and ballots may be cast only at the Crittenden County Courthouse no matter which precinct you live in.

Due to the clerk’s staff being responsible for the election, the courthouse office will be closed to normal business today, including vehicle transactions, notary applications or marriage licenses. 

Balloting in today's primary election is from 6 a.m., until 6 p.m. 

Between now and Election Day, voters may cast their ballots during regular office hours 8 a.m., to 4 p.m., weekdays on a machine set up in the clerk’s office. Registered voters should bring their driver’s license or another form of identification. Tuesday’s election was originally set for May, but it was postponed due to concerns over spreading COVID-19. 

Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked today, June 23, in order to be counted. 

Monday, June 22, 2020

Livingston CARE Clinic accepting new patients

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APRN Sam Greer is accepting new patients at Livingston CARE Clinic in Salem.

Livingston CARE Clinic is located on Main Street in the former Burkhart Rural Health Clinic.

Greer sees patients for wellness visits, chronic care management and treats patients of all ages for many conditions.

To schedule an appointment on Thursdays or Fridays, call the Livingston CARE Clinic.

EBT benefits available for Crittenden School students

It's not too late to apply for EBT benefits for Crittenden County students.

Because of COVID-19, each student in the Crittenden County School District is eligible to receive an electronic EBT card with up to $313.50 per student.

The debit card can be used for food purchases at participating groceries. 

The online application process is extremely quick and easy, and every child in the home who was enrolled in school during the 2019-2020 school year is eligible.

The deadline has been extended until July 10.

Apply at benefind.ky.gov.

Suspect in Fredonia case still at large

Larry Florentine
Larry Florentine, 52, of Rock Hill, S.C., remains at large as Kentucky State Police continue searching for him as part of their investigation into a body found near Fredonia on Saturday, June 13.

Florentine is the husband of a woman whose body was found in a shallow grave at a cemetery a short distance southeast of Fredonia. The shallow grave was found by a caretaker at Hill Cemetery in Caldwell County, who then alerted authorities.

The deceased woman has been identified by state police Nicole Renee Florentine, 36, of Rock Hill, S.C.

Police have issued a warrant for Mr. Florentine for abuse of a corpse. He was last seen driving a 2020 Caspian Blue Nissan Rogue. He is described by police as a white male, 5-foot-7, approximately 170 pounds, with gray or partially gray hair and brown eyes.

No other details have been released.

KSP advises anyone who sees Florentine to call local law enforcement immediately. Florentine should be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information about his possible whereabouts, or information about the investigation, contact state police at 270-676-3313, or via the KSP app. Callers may remain anonymous.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press which will include further details that are beginning to emerge in this case. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Sunday, June 21, 2020

Board of Education Live meeting Tuesday

Crittenden County Board of Education's regular monthly meeting will be broadcast live on Facebook starting at 5 p.m., on Tuesday, June 23. 

To watch, tune into the school district's page at www.facebook.com/CrittendenCoSchools.

If you would like to address the school board, please submit questions to the following email address by noon Tuesday crittenden.boe@crittenden.kyschools.us.


Homestead auction Thursday

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An auction in Marion Thursday conducted by Homestead Auction Realty will sell property on Lewis Street.

The absolute auction includes only the home, outbuilding and covered carport.

The auction will begin at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Homestead at (270) 965-9999.

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Salem clinic offers weight loss program

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If you're struggling to lose unwanted weight, maybe brought on by the COVID quarantine, consider discussing your options with APRN Samantha Greer.

Greer sees patients at Livingston CARE Clinic and offers appointments with individuals wishing to weigh their options for healthy, medication-assisted weight loss. Programs vary.

Call Greer at the Livingston CARE Clinic, formerly Burkhart Rural Health, on Main Street in Salem.

Friday, June 19, 2020

Body fund near Fredonia identified, husband sought

Larry Florentine
The identity of a partially-clothed woman found deceased in a shallow grave Saturday near Fredonia has been identified by Kentucky State Police, and they’re looking for her husband.

The body found by a caretaker at Hill Cemetery in Caldwell County last weekend has been identified as that of 36-year-old Nicole Renee Florentine, of Rock Hill, S.C., which about 15 miles south of Charlotte, N.C.

KSP Post 2 is now requesting the public’s assistance in locating Lawrence “Larry” Florentine, 52, of Rock Hill, S.C.

Florentine has an arrest warrant issued for abuse of a corpse. He was last seen driving a 2020 Caspian Blue Nissan Rogue. He is a white male, 5-foot-7, approximately 170 pounds, with gray or partially gray hair and brown eyes.

No other details have been released.

KSP advises anyone who sees Florentine to call local law enforcement immediately. Florentine should be considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information about his possible whereabouts, or information about the investigation, contact state police at 270-676-3313, or via the KSP app. Callers may remain anonymous.

Attached are photos of Florentine and the last known vehicle he was operating.

Blue Nissan Rogue




Ferry owner says it will close June 30 without adequate funding

Copyright 2020 The Crittenden Press
Another impasse in funding negotiations between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the Cave In Rock Ferry may prompt a closure at the end of June.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom told the fiscal court yesterday during its regular monthly meeting that funding had been cut by Kentucky, but Illinois is prepared to meet the owner’s contract proposal, which includes a three-percent increase over last year. 

Kentucky Department of Transportation’s funding plan calls for the ferry operator to be paid $464,300 in Fiscal Year 2020. Illinois has customarily matched what Kentucky pays, which means the contract for the year would be $928,600. That’s significantly less than what has been paid to Cave In Rock Ferry Company over its current two-year contract, which ends June 30.

The county judge said the state’s offer for the FY 2020 contract originally reflected a pay cut of about $300,000. After some negotiations, the amount was raised, but it’s still significantly below what the ferry owner has received to operate the service over the past two years.

“It could shut down at the end of the month if they can’t get this done,” Newcom told magistrates Thursday. “I want to know why there has been such a massive cut.”

Two years ago, the ferry operator shortened service hours from 16 hours a day to 12 hours a day because of claimed funding shortfalls. After about three months of negotiations, the state and ferry reached a compromise and it resumed normal operations in the early fall of 2018.

The ferry normally runs from 6 a.m., until 10 p.m.

Ferry company owner Lonnie Lewis said this time there will be no shortening the operating hours, it will simply close.

“I went through this two years ago when I was trying to plant my crop – corn and beans,” said Lewis, who farms land in southern Illinois and Crittenden County. “I’m just not going to go through it again. If they’re not going to do it, just tell me.”

Labor laws require employees to notified if their jobs are in jeopardy. Lewis said he will make proper notification to pilots and deckhands next week unless something changes.

Lewis said he’s asking for an increase because of equipment costs and he wants to improve the spare ferry and tug.

“If something goes wrong I want to have reliable equipment as backup,” Lewis said. 

Lewis says he’s willing to negotiate terms of the new contact. His company has operated the ferry across the Ohio River since 1994.


Crazy Train Fireworks open on Sturgis Road

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Fourth of July is two weeks away! Get ready and stock up on fireworks from Crazy Train Fireworks in Marion. 

Crazy Train Fireworks is now located in the Masonic building on Sturgis Road across from Dairy Queen. It formerly was located at the old Pantry building on the corner of Gum and Main streets.

The store carries hundreds of types of fireworks – from sparklers to mortar shells!

Stop by and check out the selection.


Where to Vote in Tuesday's Primary

Crittenden County Clerk Carolyn Byford wants to remind registered voters that there will be just one polling place for the entire county next week due to precautions aimed at avoiding the spread of COVID-19. 

Election Day voting will be done only at the Crittenden County Courthouse. Due to the clerk’s staff being responsible for the election, the office will be closed to normal business, including vehicle transactions, notary applications or marriage licenses. Balloting on Election Day will be from 6 a.m., until 6 p.m. 

Between now and Election Day, voters may cast their ballots during regular office hours 8 a.m., to 4 p.m., weekdays on a machine set up in the clerk’s office. Registered voters should bring their driver’s license or another form of identification. Tuesday’s election was originally set for May, but it was postponed due to concerns over spreading COVID-19. 

The clerk’s office mailed out about 1,000 absentee ballots. Some have already been returned and Byford anticipates that most will arrive at her office by Tuesday even though they can be mailed Election Day, if postmarked June 23.

As of Tuesday, 451 voters had cast their ballots in early machine voting at the courthouse. 
Anyone with questions can call the clerk’s office at 270-965-3403 or email carolyn.byford@ky.gov. Independents may also vote in this election, but they are limited to just one race in this county. That race is for Kentucky Court of Appeals where local Circuit Judge Rene Williams is among the candidates.

Thursday, June 18, 2020

HELP WANTED: Trailer Theft Caught on Tape

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Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's assistance in solving a theft that occurred at 2:30am Tuesday, June 16 in Sheridan.

The alleged theft was caught of video surveillance at Buntin Trailer Sales on Ky. 297. Taken was an 18-foot trailer that is capable of hauling a vehicle. It is gray and has a steel deck and tandem axles. The trailer is valued at $3,500.

Investigators are having the video enhanced in order get more details about the alleged crime, but it appears from this still capture of the footage that the thieves were driving a silver Jeep.

Anyone with information can call 270-965-3500 and remain anonymous. If your information leads to an arrest, a $1,000 reward could be available from Crittenden County TipLine and the property owner.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Dessert auction online through Friday

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Need to impress Dad with a dessert this weekend? The Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce has the answer.

An online dessert auction hosted on the Chamber's Facebook page is live through 7 p.m. Friday.

Desserts can be picked up, and payment made, Saturday at Bowtanicals.

 

Thomas estate auction Saturday

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The personal contents from the estate of Mary Ellen Thomas will be auctioned by Buntin Auction Service Saturday.

The auction begins at 9 a.m. on U.S. 60 West of Marion. 

To be sold are furniture, household items, antiques, outdoors and recreational equipment and miscellaneous tools and equipment.

For more information, contact auctioneer Curt Buntin.
 

Madisonville driver's testing office reopens

Gov. Andy Beshear today announced the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) regional driver’s licensing office in Madisonville will reopen for limited services starting Wednesday, June 17.

It is part of Gov. Beshear’s Healthy at Work initiative to safely reopen essential Executive Branch offices and services that were closed to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).

“With public health and safety in mind, we are carefully resuming some high-demand, in-person public services,” said Gov. Beshear. “Those services include issuing, renewing and replacing operator’s licenses and official identification cards for our

Judge denies bond reduction in rape case

Circuit Judge Rene Williams has denied a bond reduction for the man accused of sexually abusing and raping two children under the age of 16.

The judge is pictured here in a Zoom meeting with a parole officer, the defendant and his attorney.

The Crittenden County Grand Jury has now indicted Thomas R. Irvin, 32, of Marion on multiple felony charges related to the case. He has been jailed on a $1 million bond since February.

The grand jury also indicted others in child sexual abuse cases. 

This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press will detail the grand jury's findings in eight cases. You can subscribe online to the full e-version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Elderly woman missing: Authorities seek help

Brothers
UPDATE: She has been found safe in Princeton.

ORIGINAL POST
Local authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding an elderly woman who suffers from dementia.

Carolyn Brothers, 81, of the Hebron community in northern Crittenden County was last seen Monday night at about 10pm.

She apparently left her home sometime overnight Monday in a gray Chrysler van with license plate 305-YXL. The van has a St. Louis Cardinals sticker on the back window.

Brothers is described as a caucasian woman 5-foot-5 and 120 pounds. She has brownish, greying hair.

Anyone who sees her or the van can call central dispatching in Marion, Ky., at 270-965-3500.

Feagan's has deal for Dad

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Feagan's Furniture in Fredonia has a deal for dad this Father's Day, June 21.

Now through June 20, the furniture store is offering $25 off all recliners. 

Cloth, leather and several innovative features are available on recliners in stock at Feagan's.

Make dad relax with the purchase of a recliner this Father's Day.


Police investigating body found near Fredonia

The body of a partially-clothed woman was found Saturday in a shallow grave in a cemetery near Fredonia, and Kentucky State Police are investigating it as a possible homicide.

State police will be releasing more details later today.

What’s known at this point is a young to middle-aged female was found by a caretaker mowing the grass at Hill Cemetery off Ky. 91 in Caldwell County between Fredonia and Princeton.

Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department, Caldwell County Coroner and Kentucky State Police were at the cemetery Saturday afternoon and into the evening as they processed the potential crime scene and recovered the body.

Caldwell County Coroner Dwayne Trafford said the corpse was sent to the state medical examiner in Madisonville. He said there is no preliminary indication of cause of death.

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

You can subscribe online to the full electronic version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month or get the mailed version each week with news you can find nowhere else. Click here to subscribe.


Copyright 2020 The Crittenden Press 

Shooting investigation missing shots

Local police continue to investigate that alleged Friday night shooting in downtown Marion. However, they're coming up empty on the shot part.

Although one man faces charges in the incident, and charges could be filed against another person, police say it does not appear that shots were fired at all. A set of coincidences may have sparked the report of gunshots. 

See this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press where we will have a complete report from the investigating officer. 

Monday, June 15, 2020

I-24 eastbound traffic will detour Tuesday

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a 3-hour detour Tuesday afternoon June 16 for eastbound traffic along Interstate 24 in an extended work zone in southeast Caldwell County and Trigg County from the Caldwell line to the Cadiz/Hopkinsville exit.
 
Eastbound motorists on I-24 should be prepared to encounter a detour starting sometime around 2 p.m., between the KY 139 Princeton/Cadiz Exit 56 Interchange and the U.S. 68 Cadiz Exit 65 Interchange.  There will be a marked detour for eastbound traffic along KY 139 South to U.S. 68 East through Cadiz.
 
This temporary detour is expected to be in place until about 5 p.m., Tuesday to allow repairs to a damaged section of guardrail.  

To help reduce delays along the marked detour via KY 139, motorists from the Paducah area planning to travel I-24 East into Tennessee on Tuesday afternoon are advised to consider an alternate route via I-69 South and U.S. 68 East between Exit 25 at Calvert City and Exit 65 at Cadiz.
 
There should be minimal impact to westbound traffic along I-24 during this closure and temporary detour of eastbound traffic.
 

Case No. 9 of COVID-19 confirmed in Crittenden

Crittenden County has had its ninth confirmed COVID-19 case. 

This one is a 77-year-old woman who is self-quarantined at her home in the southern part of the county.

Of the nine confirmed cases here, one person has died, one remains hospitalized and this latest case is being carefully monitored. Otherwise, the rest have recovered.

As of late last week, the five-county Pennyrile Health District reported a total of 63 cases with four deaths – one in Crittenden and three in Lyon County. 

Here are case counts as of late last week:
Lyon 18
Trigg 17
Caldwell 12
Livingston 8
Crittenden 8*
  *Crittenden is now at 9

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Show and Shine Cruise-Ins are Back this Month

Marion Show and Shine will return to the courthouse square on Thursday, June 25. 

Similar events were held last summer and fall and experienced great participation, said organizer George Richter. The first in a series of monthly events will start at 5:30 p.m. Show and Shine cruise-ins will be held monthly through October. 

There is no registration or entry fees and no prizes are awarded. However, there will be door prizes given away. 

For more information, call Richter at 270-965--2348 or email geom3m5@bellsouth.net. 

Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the cruise-ins and the event has its own Facebook page at Marion, Kentucky Show and Shine. “I think people are looking forward to these because they’ve been strapped down with regulations and such,” Richter said.

Friday, June 12, 2020

Shots allegedly fired near courthouse in Marion


LATEST UPDATED (Monday, June 15)
Police continue to investigate this incident and may have more details later today. Stay tune for updates. 
==============
ORIGINAL POST
Law enforcement had part of Main Street blocked off for a time Friday evening in Marion for an investigation into shots fired near the courthouse.

One person has been taken into custody. Sheriff Wayne Agent said the man was initially held on suspicion of DUI. 

Duvall
Duvall
The suspect has been identified as Jeremy Duvall, 49, of Marion and has now been charged with felony first-degree wanton endangerment, second-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and not having prescription medication in its original container. 

The shots allegedly fired did not hit anyone. The investigation is ongoing.

The sheriff said it was not a random incident. There was an apparent target, he said. 

Stay tuned for details as they are released. 

COIVD-19 postpones history in Crittenden County

The Crittenden County Historical Museum on East Bellville Street will tentatively open for the season on July 1. 

The museum’s board of directors met early this week and decided to postpone its opening for a bit longer due to fears associated with the current pandemic.

The museum, which attracts many guests each spring and summer, generally opens in April. It could have reopened to the public on Monday of this week, according to state guidelines. 

The Ben E. Clement Museum, about a block away, did open.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Coronavirus puts brakes on traffic issues

As Marion residents continue to emerge from the pandemic lockdown, behaviors will change and policing will certainly pick up, but for the past three months criminal activity and other problems like car crashes have predictably been way down.

Marion Police Chief Ray O’Neal said it has been the “quietest three months” in his 21-year career on the police force.

His officers wrote no traffic tickets during the month of April. That ties a record, at the very least.

“I don’t ever remember us having a month where .... for the rest of this article, see this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press.

You can subscribe online to the full electronic or paper version of the newspaper. Pricing starts at just $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

UPDATED: OPEN: Winds close Cave In Rock Ferry

UPDATE: Cave In Rock Ferry reopened at 7pm Wednesday evening.

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

Winds pushing up the Ohio River are at about 20 mph out of the west at the ferry crossing.

When the wind runs upstream like it is today, it can create hazardous river conditions.

The ferry halted operations at 10 a.m., and based on the forecast of high winds throughout the day, it's unknown when it might reopen.

If the ferry is unable to resume service today, operations will resume at 6 a.m., Thursday, on the normal schedule.

The annual HogRock biker rally starts Thursday, which generally means high ferry traffic.

HogRock Across the River this Week

The motorcycle rally in Cave In Rock, Ill., known as HogRock will be held this week.

The event runs from Thursday through Sunday. It customarily draws a large crowd, including bikers and bike enthusiasts from all over the United States.

Motorists here should be aware of additional motorcycle traffic on roads in Crittenden County as bikers converge on the southern Illinois town across the Ohio River.

Community Christmas needs help now!

Yep, it’s already that time and volunteers are needed each Friday through July.

Call Crystal Wesmoland at 270-965-3525 or CLICK HERE to sign up if you can help on Fridays.



Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Poles and Barrels at Fairgrounds

Crittenden County Fairgrounds will host a NBHA Jackpot Barrel and Pole Show on Friday, June 19.

The sanctioned event will open for training at 4:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7 p.m.

There will be warmup barrels and poles, pee wee and youth divisions and adult and open classes.

For more information, call Mandy Hunt at 270-871-9957.

Monday, June 8, 2020

City street paving starts this week

About 20 city streets will be getting some much-needed attention over the next few days.
 
  Read this week's full edition of The Press to find out which streets are getting the attention

Paving projects will temporarily disrupt traffic in some areas.

Improvement projects will be conducted in several parts of the city. Some of the work is connected to the ongoing sewer system upgrade. Construction last fall and winter on the sewer collection system left some streets damaged. Those will be fixed and then others will be repaired as part of local and state-funded projects.

Marion received $150,000 last fall from the Kentucky Department of Transportation to pave Country Club Drive. The city completed base repairs there earlier this spring. The new pavement will go from U.S. 60 West to U.S. 641 along Country Club and Industrial drives.

Additionally, there will some state mutual aid street repairs. Marion received about $60,000 for this summer’s work.

Marion City Administrator Adam Ledford says paving by Rogers Group will begin on Tuesday and take about a week if weather cooperates.

Tourism will introduce budget for passage

Social distancing at tourism meeting.
Marion Tourism Commission spent almost three hours at its recent meeting working through the first draft of a budget for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

The group discussed developing a new part-time job description and some cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of its funding for Marion Main Street, Inc. The Main Street director, Susan Alexander, had also served as an office assistant to the tourism commission.

The commission’s spending plan which will be introduced for final passage at a meeting on Tuesday, June 9. For more details on the commission's proposed budget, see our full edition of The Crittenden Press.  You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Smithland Bridge Restrictions Start Tuesday

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a daytime work zone lane and load width restriction on the U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland starting Tuesday, June 9.

This daytime work zone is to allow a detailed inspection of U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers between approximately 8 a.m., and 4 p.m., each day. Due to the placement of equipment on the bridge deck required to facilitate the work, this work zone will include an 8-foot maximum load width.

Motorists should use appropriate caution where equipment, flaggers, and inspection personnel are on the bridge in close proximity to traffic flow. The inspection team will use climbers to help speed completion of the inspection process.

This work zone lane restriction is expected to be in place during daylight hours through about Friday, June 12.

All Kentucky bridges get a detailed inspection every two years with long-span river and lake bridges getting an extra walk-through inspection annually.

The U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland, also known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge and the Smithland Bridge, is at U.S. 60 Livingston County mile point 12.348. The 1,817 ft. through truss structure was opened to traffic in 1931. About 5,100 vehicles cross the bridge in an average day.

The bridge is at Cumberland River navigation mile point 2.7.

Friday, June 5, 2020

Eighth COVID-19 case confirmed here

Crittenden County has another positive case of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total since the pandemic began to eight cases.

The latest case is a 65-year-old man.

Since May28, there have been three new confirmed cases announced in Crittenden County.

Since COVID-19 testing started here in March, one person who tested positive has died. Five of the remaining eight have recovered.

Of those testing positive here to date, four have been women and four have been men. A 37-year-old woman is the youngest, and first under 40, to test positive. The female who died was 59 and had underlying health issues.

School Board Working Session Tuesday

Crittenden County Board of Education will have a work session at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 9 at Rocket Area.

Working sessions are informational only and no action can be taken during these meetings.

The school board will meet in regular session at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday,  June 18 at Rocket Arena.

Yard Sales, Auctions coming back

Yard sales are back!

Local residents are already hosting and planning yard sales. See this week's Newspaper Classifieds for yard sales in your area.

Contact The Press today to advertise your upcoming yard sale. Call us at 270-965-3191 or do it online under the My Ads menu bar at The-Press.com.

City and county leaders urge residents to continue exercising caution and obeying social distancing and sanitization protocols as yard sales and auctions restart.

Read more about yard sales and public auctions in this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press. Subscribe now for the full e-Edition or our traditional printed edition, starting as low as $2.95.

Candidates file for fall; primary voting today

Machine voting for the June primary election may begin today during normal business hours at the Crittenden County Courthouse.

Due to COVID-19, Kentucky’s May primary election was postponed until June 23. On Election Day, there will be only one voting precinct open in Crittenden County. Generally, there are a dozen precincts scattered around the county, but because of fears of spreading the coronavirus, Kentucky has decided to allow absentee balloting for everyone, which it hopes will cut down the number of people voting on Election Day.

Crittenden County Clerk Carolyn Byford said voters should bring a driver’s license or some sort of identification to the courthouse if they’d like to machine vote between now and June 23. A voting area has been set up in the clerk’s office.

While voting gets underway for the primary, a filing deadline passed on Tuesday for the fall election. School board incumbents Chris Cook, Tim Grau and Bill Asbridge each filed to run in the non-partisan race during the general election in November.

Also, six city council incumbents Dwight Sherer, Mike Byford, Donnie Arflack, D’Anna Browning, Phyllis Sykes and Darin Tabor have filed to seek re-election. A seventh candidate, Casey Winstead, will also be on the ballot. Winstead is a local hairdresser. Six of the seven will be elected.

Thursday, June 4, 2020

What will Back to School Look Like?

CrittendenPress NewsTalk : Back to School
Today's show is sponsored by Marion Tourism Commission MarionKentucky.org. 
Our guest is Crittenden County School Superintendent Vince Clark who discusses preliminary planning for the fall semester. Your host is Press editor Chris Evans.

Go to the Marion Kentucky Facebook Page, Like and Follow!

Dycusburg theft investigation

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the theft of several items from a van parked at a residence in Dycusburg.

The incident happened last Thursday night. Deputy Ray Agent said someone broke out a window and took tools and numerous other items from the vehicle which was parked off of Spring Street.

Anyone with information can call 270-965-3500 and remain anonymous.

Fitness Anytime reopens with safety guidelines

Click Image to Enlarge
Exercise enthusiasts will be happy to know that Fitness Anytime is open after more than two months of closure due to COVID-19.

Social distancing is required and diligence with sanitizing is expected, but the facility returned to 24/7 access June 1. Sanitizing spray and towels are provided; however, gym members are encouraged to bring personal sweat towels, as they are not provided at this time.
The tanning booth is also open. Masks are encouraged in the facility but not required.

To learn more about the gym or membership rates, call (270) 965-5803.



Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Water issues in Marion

UPDATE
The water situation has been rectified and a boil water order will NOT be required.

ORIGINAL POST
There is a water distribution issue in Marion and customers are experiencing low water pressure.

City officials say they are assessing the situation at this time.

Stay tuned for further details.

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Back to School Survey

The start of school in the fall will likely look different than ever before. Crittenden County School District say it continues to receive guidance from the governor's office and the Kentucky Department of Education, but it also values input from the communtiy. The district has made available online a very short anonymous survey about possible scenarios for the 2020-2021 school year.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE SURVEY

Your responses will help can help the school district plan for the new school year.

“We realize that your answers are likely to change as the summer evolves, so we will be sending out another survey in July,” the district said in an annoucement about the survey. “This early survey will help us develop tentative plans, however, so we would appreciate your feedback. As always, our students' health and safety remain our top priorities, and we thank you for partnering with us to achieve those goals.”