Thursday, December 30, 2021

House plan would dramatically affect Crittenden

Proposed new district for Crittenden.
If approved in the coming days by the Kentucky General Assembly, Crittenden County’s state House District will change dramatically. 

Kentucky House of Representatives GOP leadership released its plans for redrawing the state's legislative districts today. The plan would drastically change the political landscape for Crittenden County, changing the district to which it belongs. The proposal calls for moving Crittenden out of the current District 4 and into District 12, joined by Union, Webster and McLean counties. 

If approved, it would also pit two current House incumbents, Lynn Bechler (R-Marion) against Jim Gooch Jr. (R-Providence). Bechler, 75, is a four-term representative of District 4. Gooch, 70, has served in the Kentucky House since 1995, representing District 12. 

Part of Crittenden was at one time a member of Gooch’s district, the same district Crittenden County resident Roy Joe Head represented in the 1980s. 

Crittenden's district was last redrawn after the 2020 U.S. Census, which aligned it with Caldwell and Livingston counties and part of Christian County. The new plan completely dismantles that coalition, putting Livingston in with part of McCracken County and Caldwell with part of Trigg and Christian counties. 

See more in next week’s full edition of The Crittenden County on what this proposed change could mean for Crittenden County.

Neither Bechler nor Gooch has officially filed to run for office, but are expected to. Two others have filed for the District 4 seat, Democrat Ronnie Heady and Republican Kristopher Driver. The current plans would mean Driver’s race would not involve Crittenden County since he resides in Fredonia. Heady, who lives in Marion, has family ties in Webster County.

In addition to the redistricting plan, the legislature will consider next week moving the Jan. 7 filing deadline until later in the month because of the changes in this area and in other districts elsewhere in Kentucky. Additionally, the Senate will unveil its proposed new district map in the coming days. 


Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Lincoln Jamboree hosting New year's festivities

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A New Year's spectacular at the Lincoln Jamboree will feature Crittenden County's Classy & Grassy and a lineup of a dozen 
other entertainers.

The festivities begin at 4 p.m., Dec. 31 with Classy & Grassy hitting the stage at 7 p.m.

A country star salute will feature Cutter Singleton and Chub at 8 p.m.,, and the show goes on through the night.

On New Year's Day, a tribute to Hank Williams Jr. will begin at 8 p.m.

The event is held at Hodgenville. Cost is $20.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Youth hunters hope to drive up low harvest

Crittenden County deer hunters have a scarce few days left to bag almost 200 whitetails or this will be the lowest deer harvest in more than 10 years. 

Local hunters have bagged 2,645 deer during all seasons this fall and winter, most of them (1,986) during the 16-day November rifle season. 

Archers have until Jan. 17 to bag deer, and young hunters armed with rifles get another crack at whitetails this weekend during the late youth hunt.

Last year, Crittenden County hunters took 2,966 deer. That was the lowest harvested since 2,829 in 2011. This year’s numbers are 184 from the 2011 figure.

Happy New Year from Duncan's Service Center

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Duncan's Service Center says thanks to its customers for a great 
first year!

Located at the corner of Main and Gum streets in Marion, Duncan's 
provides oil changes, tire service, general automotive repairs and minor mechanical corrections.

Stop by and see Junior, Nic, Jayden, Russell and Tyler next time
your vehicle is in need of repair.

Talk to Easley Construction about safe rooms

Click Image to Enlarge
Easley Construction can ease fears over severe storms with the installation of safe rooms.

Construction of indoor or outdoor rooms is available.
Rooms are constructed using concrete and steel doors. 

Lucky Easley is a licensed general contractor with 50 years experience. 
  
Call today to learn more.

Deadline approaches for registration change

Deadline to change political parties is approaching. You must swap by Dec. 31 in order to vote a new party in the May 17 primary election. 

Also, any candidate planning to change parties in order to run in the primary, must do so by the last day of the year. 

Be reminded also that the Crittenden County Clerk’s office will not be open on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 due to the New Year’s holiday. The last day for business at the clerk’s office, where you must make party changes, is Dec. 29. 

However, voters can go online to GoVoteky.com to make changes to their party affiliation. Anyone who is not registered to vote can register by April 18 to cast a ballot in the primary.



Monday, December 27, 2021

County property taxes due by end of year

County property owners have until the last day of 2021 to pay their tax bills before a 5% penalty will be assessed. 

From Nov. 2 to Dec. 31 taxes are payable at face value. 

If paid in January, there is a 5% penalty and after that penalties increase. County fire dues, which are included on county tax bills, are not subject to the discount.

Taxes can be paid at the sheriff's office at the Crittenden County County Courthouse through Wednesday. The office is closed Thursday and Friday. You can also mail you taxes with a postmark no later than Dec. 31 and avoid penalty.  

James, Hunt join Frazer Law in Marion

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Two Marion natives have joined the practice of Frazer Law in Marion.

Jonathan K. James and Wesley A. Hunt are graduates of Crittenden County High School who earned law degrees and have worked elsewhere before recently joining Bart Frazer at the Marion law office.

James will focus on bankruptcy and civil litigation. Hunt, who is serving as counsel, will serve the area with an emphasis on real estate, probate and civil litigation.

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Call Easley Construction for storm rooms

Click Image to Enlarge
Easley Construction can ease fears over severe storms with the installation of safe rooms.

Construction of indoor or outdoor rooms is available.
Rooms are constructed using concrete and steel doors. 

Lucky Easley is a licensed general contractor with 50 years experience. 
  
Call today to learn more.

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Ohio River ferry closed for wind

UPDATE
Ferry has reopened 

ORIGINAL POST
Cave-In-Rock Ferry has temporarily closed due to high winds causing turbulent river conditions.  

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas


Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and hoping that you and your 
family have a remarkable celebration of Christ's birth.

Friday, December 24, 2021

A look at local drunken driving figures

While local officials say a single drunk-driving case is too many, there is a clear trend of fewer DUI arrests in this community over the past few years. 

Still, drunken driving problems persist. Recent cases in the community that found proof of drunken driving or where it was suspected are also revealing true tragedies behind the matter.

In this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press we examine the last several years of drunken driving figures and try to make sense out of the numbers.

We talked to law enforcement and other court officials to take a look at what's happening on the streets and roads of Marion and Crittenden County.

Read the entire article in the Jan. 23, 2021 full edition of The Crittenden Press. 



Thursday, December 23, 2021

Hero capes soon to be in short supply

If you look in the dictionary under "Small Town America" a photo of downtown Mayfield, Ky., from a few weeks ago would be likely there. Or Dawson Springs, Ky., or even Samburg, Tenn. They are among dozens of small towns hit by a catastrophic tornado on the evening of Friday, Dec. 10, 2021.

To say that lives were changed is an understatement. 

At her job in a candle factory in Mayfield, Rebecca Marsalla found herself rolled up in a stack of her co-workers when the tornado picked up the building and dropped it back down on top of them. Suddenly, debris from the building where they had been working was crushing the life out of them. Some didn't make it. She did.

She recalls how people walking on top of the building looking for ways get them out were causing the
debris to press down on them, making it hard to breathe. It would be an hour before firefighters could get through debris-covered roads to aid the volunteer rescue effort. Early-on, some thought the death toll could be 40.  Of the 110 workers in the building, eight died.

The volunteer citizens who tried to help Marsalla were among the first of many heroes who stepped up in the early hours after the tornado. Since then, the list of heroes has swelled to thousands.

Yes, the government is sending help through FEMA, but it is dwarfed by the incredible generosity of the American people.

A guy in Texas saw the need and put together two SEMI loads of food to send. A small church bought a box of $100 gift cards and walked up and down tornado-ravaged streets to hand them out. A chiropractor put together trailer after trailer of food and water. A sheriff's association took four new police cars for an agency that lost cruisers to the tornado. The cars were also stuffed with supplies. A retired doctor stood in the middle an intersection for hours directing traffic to speed relief efforts.

Help for the disaster zone has come from all parts of the nation. So much so, that it has overwhelmed the donation reception centers and, perhaps more importantly, the hearts of people who have had their lives and hometowns turned upside down in an instant.  Some families arrived at shelters with no more than a shoe box of belongings.  The mass of life-sustaining supplies heading toward Mayfield and other devastated towns is a thing to behold.

Since the tornado that caused so much damage rolled through, I have had the honor of assisting with communications at in the Mayfield-Graves County Regional Emergency Operations Center. I work among people who have come from all over the nation to help get food for people who need food, water for people who need water, clothing for people who need clothing and shelter for people who need shelter. There is nothing more profound.

 Hearing about the needs in the tornado corridor, people began scraping up their spare cash, organizing food drives, gathering donations of water and doing their part to help. In a lot of countries, the people depend on the government to help. In America, we are about helping each other. It's what we do. 

The devastation is such that it will take years to fully recover.  People in the tornado corridor are in this for the long-haul.  Based on what I've seen, so are the people sending them help.

A FEMA disaster strike team from the New York Emergency Management Agency, which has traveled to disasters across the country – including 911 and Hurricane Katrina – say the Kentucky damage is the most devastating they have seen since 911.

Somewhere out there is a small company making hero capes.  They are about to get a very big order.

Donations to the Mayfield-Graves County Tornado Relief Fund may be sent in care of Independence Bank, P.O. Box 9, Fancy Farm, Kentucky 42034 or online at https://gofund.me/3dabe793. This account will be used to assist individuals in the tornado corridor.

KEITH TODD OF MARION IS PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET DISTRICT 1 AND ACTING PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, MAYFIELD/GRAVES COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER







Candidate filing deadline is Jan. 7

With just two weeks before the deadline for candidates to register for the May Primary Election, The Crittenden Press has published a comprehensive list of those who are running in local elections.

This week's full edition of the newspaper contains a variety of news, sports and other information you will find nowhere else. A compilation of the candidates who have already filed is among this week's important community information. 

Did you know some key political figures will not be seeking reelection in 2022? See who's in by reading this week's Crittenden Press.

The deadline to file for the spring primary is Jan. 7. However, there is some reason to believe that deadline could be postponed a bit this year because the state legislature is set to take up redistricting when it convenes in a few days.


Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Plan ahead to avoid overeating during holidays

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It is important to remain steadfast when it comes to healthy eating habits at the holidays.

The Pennyrile District Health Department and the National Diabetes Education Program share important tips to help keep a healthy diet in check during Christmastime or any time of the year.

Avoiding celebrations isn't necessary, but sticking to a plan, especially for diabetics, can be crucial when food is the focus of gatherings.

Remember to plan ahead. Take something healthy to a potluck or gathering so you know you have an option for yourself.

Watch your portions, limit fried foods, load up on vegetables if possible and keep sugary drinks and desserts to a minimum.

These and many other tips are valuable to review before over-doing it during a holiday celebration.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

COVID cases on 2-week decline in county

COVID-19 cases are have been trending downward in Crittenden County over the past two weeks while they’re going up in most places across the county due to the new Omicron variant. 

Here, there were 25 cases confirmed during the seven-day period ending Tuesday, giving the county a positivity rate of 38.36, which is still in the Red Zone.

Meanwhile the vaccination rate is improving slightly in the county where 42.2 percent of the population is now inoculated. Crittenden remains one of the lowest vaccinated counties in Kentucky.

Get more comprehensive COVID figures in this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press. 

Perfect Gift Idea: Gives All Year Long

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If you're still trying to figure out how to fill the back end of your Christmas shopping list, or someone's stocking, just call or click today.

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

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

Call 270.965.3191 or stop by today, we're open through Wednesday this week. 

Subscribing is just a click away. Try out new ePress electronic version, it's the whole newspaper in the your electronic mail's inbox every Wednesday. Don't wait for the mail, get it hot off the press.

THREE WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY

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. Try out new ePress newspaper emailed straight to your inbox every Wednesday. Click here to subscribe.



6 injured in crash on KY 91 North

Updated Tuesday, Dec. 21, 9:23am

UPDATE: Curtis R. Smith, the driver of the Toyota Corolla involved in the crash, has died. Investigators now say that alcohol may have played a role in the wreck. The investigation is ongoing. 

ORIGINAL POST
Six individuals were injured in a two-vehicle head-on crash at about 3:40pm Saturday on KY 91 North near the intersection of Jack Dotson Road.

There were four people in an SUV and two in a red four-door compact car.

Three individuals were transported by ambulance to the hospital and the others were taken to the hospital by private vehicle. 

Crittenden County Deputy Chuck Hoover investigated the crash. The sheriff's department said it appears a 1996 Toyota Corolla operated by Curtis R. Smith, 35, of Smithland was northbound when the driver lost control and crossed into the southbound lane, hitting head on a 2017 GMC Acadia operated by Ruth Potts, 38, of Elizabethtown, Ill.   

Smith and his passenger, Robert T.G. Mayhugh, 14, of Smithland were transported by ambulance to Crittenden Community Hospital, then later transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville with life-threatening injuries. 

Potts and the other occupants in her vehicle, David Potts, 45, of Elizabethtown, Ill., Gary Winters, 78, of Cave In Rock, Ill., and Adrionna Potts, 14, of Elizabethtown, Ill., were all taken to Crittenden Community Hospital.

Assisting the sheriff's department at the scene were Crittenden County EMS, Crittenden County Rescue Squad, Crittenden County Emergency Management, a county constable, Kentucky Department of Highways and numerous good Samaritans and witnesses, Hoover's report said.



Monday, December 20, 2021

Clerk's office announces holiday closings

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor and staff wish local citizens and friends a very merry Christmas.

The clerk's office will be closed Dec. 23-24 and Dec. 30-31 in observance of Christmas and New Year's.


Nunn Switch closed today for repairs

Update: Nunn Switch is now open

ORIGINAL POST
Nunn Switch Road in rural Crittenden County will be closed to through traffic today and tomorrow to allow maintenance crews to repair a cross drain. 

The closure and work area is just south of Chapel Road (CR 1019).  

There will be no northbound traffic permitted on Nunn Switch Road from Cave Springs Road due to this closure. Southbound traffic will have access as far as Chapel Road.

Undefeated girls host Lyon tonight

Leading scorer Taylor Guess and the Lady 
Rockets are looking to stay undefeated tonight.
Crittenden County's undefeated Lady Rocket basketball will host Lyon County tonight at Rocket Arena is a makeup game. The game was a postponed on Dec. 10 as deadly storms bore down western Kentucky.

The CCHS girls are 6-0 on the season and can improve to 3-0 in district play with a win against the Lady Lyons (5-4). Tonight's action in Marion will be a girls' junior varsity and varsity doubleheader. 

Tickets are available here on TicketLeap

If you can't make the game, watch it and all other home CCHS girls' and boys' games at the NFHS Network. Viewing requires a subscription. Recent improvements, including the addition of a live scoreboard has improved the viewing experience. 

Get to know those who serve community


A regular feature in the full version of The Crittenden Press is our 5 Questions Spotlight with community leaders and public service workers. 

The Dec. 16, 2021 edition of The Press featured Wynne Wallace, a lifelong Crittenden County native who was recently elected president of the Chamber of Commerce. Wallace, 32, is a CCHS graduate and received a college education nearby at Murray State before coming home to work at Par 4 Plastics in the human resources department. 

Don't miss interesting articles like this! Be a subscriber so you never miss an issue. 

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. Try out new e-Edition newspaper emailed straight to your inbox every Wednesday. Click here to subscribe.


Don't forget about our new eMail version of The Press, mailed directly to your in box every Wednesday.

Copyright 2021

The Crittenden Press

Friday, December 17, 2021

Safe rooms offer protection from violent storms

Click Image to Enlarge
Easley Construction can ease fears over severe storms with the installation of safe rooms.

Construction of indoor or outdoor rooms is available.
Rooms are constructed using concrete and steel doors. 

Lucky Easley is a licensed general contractor with 50 years experience. 
 
Call today to learn more.

Employment opportunities await at job corps center

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The Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center is offering a sign-on bonus.

The Morganfield academy also offers competitive salaries, a benefits package and advancement opportunities.

Both full- and part-time positions are available.
To learn more about the sign-on bonus or any of the employment opportunities available, visit mtcjobs.com.

Tips help prevent over-eating during holidays

Click Image to Enlarge
It is important to remain steadfast when it comes to healthy eating habits at the holidays.

The Pennyrile District Health Department and the National Diabetes Education Program share important tips to help keep a healthy diet in check during Christmastime or any time of the year.

Avoiding celebrations isn't necessary, but sticking to a plan, especially for diabetics, can be crucial when food is the focus of gatherings.

Remember to plan ahead. Take something healthy to a potluck or gathering so you know you have an option for yourself.

Watch your portions, limit fried foods, load up on vegetables if possible and keep sugary drinks and desserts to a minimum.

These and many other tips are valuable to review before over-doing it during a holiday celebration.

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Governor provides storm recovery update

Gov. Andy Beshear provided his weekly Team Kentucky update, focusing on his administration’s latest response efforts to last weekend’s quad-state tornado outbreak. He was joined at the briefing by Michael Dossett, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management and First Lady Britainy Beshear. 

The official death toll stands at 75 confirmed fatalities, with one additional death reported since Tuesday, Dec. 15.

The Governor said 138 Kentuckians were treated at emergency rooms in the aftermath of the storms.

Gov. Beshear praised President Joe Biden for his personal visit Wednesday to Mayfield and Dawson Springs and thanked the President for his quick action in declaring disaster and major disaster declarations.

During the visit, President Biden and Gov. Beshear announced the President approved the request for the federal government to cover 100% of costs for emergency work and clean up for the first 30 days of recovery.

Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), announced Wednesday that President Biden has made additional federal emergency aid available to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

This assistance allows for funding at 100% federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, for a 30-day period from the date of declaration.

More than 400 FEMA responders are working on the Kentucky tornado response. FEMA deployed four

Criminal cases from Crittenden Circuit Court

In this week's full edition
Keep up with criminal activity in your community. The Crittenden Press provides comprehensive coverage of grand jury indictments and felony cases heard in circuit court each month.

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. Try out new e-Edition newspaper emailed straight to your inbox every Wednesday. 

Click here to subscribe.


Don't forget about our new eMail version of The Press, mailed directly to your in box every Wednesday.



Storm relief if lieu of basketball admission

Crittenden County Schools are asking for storm relief contributions in lieu of admission to Friday night’s Fifth District basketball games between Crittenden County and Trigg County at Rocket Arena. 

The school is asking for items such as storage totes, blankets, towels, personal hygiene products, bulk quantity paper products, building materials, First Aid supplies, baby formula, diapers, wipes, Gatorade, bottled water, snacks, non-perishable food or toys. 

No clothing other new socks or underclothes will be accepted.

The boys' and girls' basketball teams will be playing a doubleheader starting at 6pm.



Wednesday, December 15, 2021

NWS says twister was an EF4 tornado


The National Weather Service at Paducah has released its preliminary tornado track rating for the twister that created massive destruction and deaths in western Kentucky on Friday, Dec. 10.

The NWS says the tornado rating was an EF4 with peak winds at 190 mph. It traveled 128 miles and the path was a mile or more wide.

The tornado began 5.5 miles southwest Cayce, Ky., on the Kentucky-Tennessee boarder in Fulton County. It developed at 8:56pm and ended at 11:10pm 7.5 miles northeast of Breman, Ky. in Muhlenberg County. However, the NWS said the tornado continued beyond this point into the Louisville area, outside of the jurisdiction of the NWS in Paducah.

The tornado caused massive impacts along most of its track. The worst damage was in Cayce, Mayfield, north of Benton, south of Princeton, Dawson Springs, Barnsley and Breman, and possibly others.

Additional details to the NWS report may be added later, it said in a news release today.

President Joe Biden visited Mayfield, Princeton and Dawson Springs today, touring the damage and pledging continued support for those affected by the storm.


James, Hunt join Frazer Law Office

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Two Marion natives have joined the practice of Frazer Law in Marion.

Jonathan K. James and Wesley A. Hunt are graduates of Crittenden County High School who earned law degrees and have worked elsewhere before recently joining Bart Frazer at the Marion law office.

James will focus on bankruptcy and civil litigation. Hunt, who is serving as counsel, will serve the area with an emphasis on real estate, probate and civil litigation.

Fohs Hall ideal location for special events

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Fohs Hall in Marion is the ideal venue for your next event. 

Whether it is a small celebration, anniversary party or corporate meeting, Fohs Hall is an historic setting with plenty of room to accommodate your needs.

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

To learn more about space availability, contact Elliot West.

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Benefit Concert Friday for Storm Victims

Area musicians will rendezvous for a Love Thy Neighbor benefit concert at 7 p.m., Friday at the former Fredonia School gymnasium, which is owned by Fredonia First Baptist Church. 

There will be bluegrass, country, folk and gospel singing with local entertainers Sammy Jo Lindsey, Classy and Grassy, Logan Shuecraft, Glen Browning, Tim Rhodes and The Wheelhouse Rousters.  

All donations will go to area tornado victims in Princeton, Dawson Springs and other nearby communities. For more information call 270-969-1066. 

Donation checks should be made to FBC Fredonia and tagged Disaster Relief in the memo.

Branson's Texans performing in Marion Sunday

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Celebrate the Reason for the Season at Marion's First Cumberland Presbyterian Church Sunday night.

The church, located on West Bellville Street in Marion, will host The Texans. The Texans have been named Entertainers of the Year three times in Branson, Mo.

The concert featuring a selection of Christmas music, including four new sons by The Texans, begins at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 19.



Monday, December 13, 2021

Mediacom outage continues to affect city

 Mediacom's outage since the storm last weekend continues to hamper businesses and inconveniencing residents who rely on it for television, internet and telephone services. 

City Administrator Adam Ledford said he's spoken with Mediacom representatives and was told earlier today that the services would be restored early afternoon. 

"I am not confident that the information I have is much good," Ledford said, shortly before 3 p.m.

Businesses that rely on Mediacom as their sole provider for internet are unable to accept credit or debit cards.

City's leaf pickup ends early

 The City of Marion has suspended its fall leaf pickup indefinitely due to equipment issues and a need to sustain readiness for tornado relief assistance in Dawson Springs and perhaps other areas.

City Administrator Adam Ledford said today that there has been expressed interest in having Marion crews help with leak detections and repairs that are needed throughout the Dawson Springs water system.  

Additionally, some of Marion's city maintenance equipment has been sent to support cleanup crews working in the Mayfield area, Ledford said. 

Marion's leaf pickup was scheduled to end Wednesday.

 

FFA alumni dinner is Thursday


The annual FFA Alumni Dinner will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16 at the Agriculture Building at Crittenden County Fairgrounds. 

Anyone planning to attend should RSVP Maggie Blazina at 270-969-0300.

Community Christmas distribution this week


Distribution for Community Christmas will be 9 a.m., to 4 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16 and from 9 a.m., until noon on Friday, Dec. 17 at Marion Baptist Church.

Sunday, December 12, 2021

Tornado relief supplies collected at Health Quest

Health Quest Wellness Center on South Main in Marion is the local headquarters for local tornado relief supplies.

Dr. Johnny Newcom said two enclosed trailers full of water, diapers, non-perishables and new and gently used clothing were sent Saturday to Dawson Springs. More is being collected today.

Newcom said a collection trailer will remain on the Health Quest parking lot this week.



Stuff the Bus expands to tornado relief

Stuff the Bus holiday gift collection effort is expanding to tornado relief.

The Crittenden County Schools event is collecting items through Wednesday, Dec. 15. Crittenden County students can make contributions through Wednesday at any school or adults can take items between 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday to the bus parked in front of CCMS. 

Crittenden County Schools has more information on its Facebook page.

Clerk tip involves providing proof of insurance

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Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor is providing consumer tips to help the community. 

There are a number of transactions handled in the clerk's office, and Tabor is sharing information about each of those in a helpful advertising series.

This week's tip is a reminder that proof of insurance is required when registering a vehicle in Kentucky.

Grocery store stamps buying yearbooks

An effort is underway to help students at Crittenden County Elementary School receive a yearbook even if their family cannot afford it.

Families can use Smart Shopper Reward Stamps to earn credit toward buying a yearbook. Many from the school staff typically donate their Food Giant Stamps and some individuals and former teachers collect stamps and give them to the school.

Amy Jent is a parent who collects extra stamps and donates them toward the cause.

“Tuesdays are when the customer collects double stamps,” Jent says, which is good to know if your shopping can be scheduled on that day for the greatest benefit.

It takes 300 stamps to cover the cost of one $15 yearbook.

Jessica Penn, who works in the elementary school office, said the goal of the school is to make sure every fifth grader gets a yearbook because that will be their final year at the elementary school.

The deadline for this fundraiser is late February. That’s when the school orders yearbooks, which are delivered in the spring. A more detailed article on this subject was printed in the full edition of The Crittenden Press on Dec. 9, 2021.



Saturday, December 11, 2021

Tornado Relief Fund started in Crittenden County

A relief effort for families and individuals displaced by the severe storms that ripped through western Kentucky Friday night has begun in Crittenden County.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said plans are to begin accepting a variety of items, including bottled water and juices, hygiene items, non-perishable foods, multi-use gift cards for children’s toys, blankets, pillows, sheets and clothing, particularly coats, gloves, sock and hats.

Donations of these items can be made at the former National Guard Armory in Marion from 9 a.m., until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday this coming week. 

Cash donations should be made to Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, which is now live online at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.

Additionally, Lyon County Judge-Executive Wade White is organizing teams of relief workers Sunday. Anyone able bring chainsaws, drag limbs, pick up debris or pack valuables that can be salvaged is asked to meet at the Lyon County Courthouse in Eddyville at 12:30pm Sunday for a coordination meeting.

Health Quest Wellness Center is accepting donations from 8 a.m., to 4 p.m., Sunday.  Cleaning supplies, non-perishable food, tarps, new towels, blankets, new or slightly used coats, gift cards or monetary donations will be taken to nearby communities once collected here.

"We started today and filled up two trailers. We sent one loaded down with water to Dawson Springs. Our effort is being assisted by Rocket football personnel and players," Dr. Johnny Newcom said.

Judge Newcom said the donations are being coordinated through emergency management agencies in nearby counties.

“We have been in touch with community leaders in other counties and these are the things they need right now,” Newcom said. “It’s just so overwhelming and their needs may change as time passes so will adapt as needed.”

Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on his administration’s response to last night’s deadly quad-state tornado. The governor said President Joe Biden has approved the emergency declaration the governor requested earlier today. The declaration orders federal assistance to help with local response efforts. 

The Governor also reminded Kentuckians of three tips for assisting impacted families:

First, if they are in a community that has been hit hard by the storms, and they are safe and have power, stay off the roads. “Let our first responders get to everybody. Don’t go to these areas to see it. We need to make sure those who do this work can do it at the fastest possible speed,” Beshear said.

Second, give blood. “We were already pretty short with COVID out there. We’re going to have a lot of deaths, but we are also going to have a lot of injuries,” the governor said.

“Third, we have set up a single fund connected with the state that people who want to help – in Kentucky and out of the state – can give to. It is solely dedicated to helping the on-the-ground efforts going on right now and the relief efforts these families are going to need to rebuild. The Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund is now live at TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov.”


Earlier today, the governor declared a state of emergency and activated over 180 Kentucky National Guard members as well as the Kentucky State Police. The state also is using armories as places of refuge for Kentuckians in need of shelter.


Cave In Rock Ferry temporarily closed

UPDATE: Ferry is reopening at 5pm.

ORIGINAL POST
High winds along the Ohio River has prompted the Cave In Rock Ferry has temporarily closed.

It will reopen once winds subside and its safe to operate, perhaps later in the day.

Winds are at about 19mph and gusting much higher out of the northwest, blowing directly up the Ohio River from Hurricane Island toward the ferry landings. 

CCHS sports events canceled out of respect

Tonight's Crittenden County girls' basketball game scheduled at Union County has been canceled out of respect for those dealing with loss of life and destruction from last night's tornadoes.

Additionally, the Rocket football banquet scheduled for today is being canceled for the same reason. It will be rescheduled. 

There has been no serious damage in Crittenden County, but nearby communities were hit hard by the storms. 

Minor damage here, crews sent to Princeton

Daylight has now revealed the true nature of last night’s devastating tornados that wreaked havoc on western Kentucky, and it’s a tragic and grim scene in many areas.

Fortunately for Crittenden County, there was very little damage. Crittenden County Emergency Management Director Jason Hurley said emergency management and county road crews were out most of the night clearing roadways of trees and debris, but they have found no major destruction here. The minor damage in this county was widespread, from Tolu, Cotton Patch and Cave Springs areas to Piney and Shady Grove. Where it existed at all, property damage appeared minor and low in frequency. Trees and heavy debris were blocking roads in places, but Hurley said most of that is now cleared.

Crittenden County sent a team of 17 individuals and five trucks to Princeton last night to assist recovery efforts. Rescue Squad Chief Donnie Arflack said some of the first responders came home over night, but about a half dozen were still there at 8am this morning cutting trees from U.S. 62. The local resources sent to Caldwell County were from the rescue squad and multiple county volunteer fire departments. 

Hurley said the first responders working in Caldwell this morning are finishing up their assignments and will be released from duty. Hurley said first responders here will continue to prepare and be ready for further assistance in Caldwell or elsewhere if needed.


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Healthy eating tips offered by PDHD

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It is important to remain steadfast when it comes to healthy eating habits at the holidays.

The Pennyrile District Health Department and the National Diabetes Education Program share important tips to help keep a healthy diet in check during Christmastime or any time of the year.

Avoiding celebrations isn't necessary, but sticking to a plan, especially for diabetics, can be crucial when food is the focus of gatherings.

Remember to plan ahead. Take something healthy to a potluck or gathering so you know you have an option for yourself.

Watch your portions, limit fried foods, load up on vegetables if possible and keep sugary drinks and desserts to a minimum.

These and many other tips are valuable to review before over-doing it during a holiday celebration.

Help available for paying water bills

Kentucky will receive over $18 million in federal aid to help households that have fallen behind on paying their water bills and face disconnection of service or have already been disconnected.

The funding, which totals $18,684,749, will come from the federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, also known as LIHWAP, and Kentuckians can now apply for aid.

The funding will allow benefit payments to be made directly to water vendors, for covering delinquent water bills, past-due charges, fees and taxes, for both drinking and wastewater services.

LIHWAP is a federal program funded through the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. LIHWAP is a temporary emergency water/wastewater program intended to help low-income households and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will be administered through Kentucky’s Community Action Agencies that serve all 120 counties. In Crittenden, Caldwell, Livingston and Lyon counties, the program will be administered by Pennyrile Allied Community Services. Here are phone numbers for those offices: Crittenden County 270-965-4763, Caldwell County 270-365-5097, Livingston County 270-928-2827 and Lyon County 270-388-7812.

Friday, December 10, 2021

No damage in county during first round

There was no serious damage in Crittenden County during the first round of storms expected Friday night. However, Caldwell, Marshall and Graves counties suffered greatly.

Crittenden County Emergency Management Director Jason Hurley is out checking the area. At about 11:30pm he said there had been no damage found in this county.

Severe damage was reported in Princeton, including homes destroyed. Mayfield was hit extremely hard, too, with the courthouse damaged, homes destroyed and other downtown buildings damaged. 

Another round of severe weather is expected before dawn. 

The Crittenden County Courthouse basement remains open for shelter. 

Courthouse open tonight for storm shelter

Crittenden County Courthouse will be open throughout the night tonight for shelter purposes. 

"We have many in our community that utilize the basement during severe weather outbreaks and it appears tonight is setting up for the potential of some major storm activity," said Judge-Executive Perry Newcom. 

Late-night and early-morning storm events pose the greatest threat to our community due to the fact it is difficult to detect the extent of the storms severity in the dark, Newcom explains. 

 "I thank our emergency services members and first responders for their willingness to help keep watch during these storm outbreaks and communicating updates and warnings to our community," the judge said. "Should sever weather strike during the night as anticipated, I am sure our road crews, electrical linemen and other essential workers will be out as well."

The Carlisle Street door on the south side of the courthouse will be open with lights left on.


Tonight's basketball games now CANCELED

UPDATE: The games tonight have now been canceled due to potential for hazardous weather. Ticket refunds will be provided to those have already paid for admission.  

ORIGINAL POST
Because of the threat of bad weather later this evening, tip-off for CCHS' basketball games has been moved up.

The first game will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Lady Rockets and Lyon County Lady Lyons play the first game. The boys' game will follow.

Tickets are available by clicking the CC icon in the top right-hand corner of this page.


Reward offered for damage to park

Crittenden County Park Board is offering a reward for information leading to criminal charges against the person or persons who recently damaged park property.

Officials believe the graffiti was spray painted on skate park and playground equipment at some point since just before the Thanksgiving holiday and late last week.

A contractor will have to be hired to repaint the park structures because of the profanity and explicit nature of the drawings and language.

If you have any information about this matter, call Crittenden County Tipline at 270-965-3500.

The park is a public area supported and maintained by local tax dollars. When it is damaged, the people of the community are ultimately responsible 

Thursday, December 9, 2021

One man missing after mishap on Ohio

A small boat capsized this morning near Birdsville on the Ohio River.

One man was rescued, but another is still missing. 

Livingston County rescue and recovery teams have been working in the area all day.

The two were reportedly duck hunting on the river at 8:30 a.m., when the accident happened.


Replacing Lucy's Livingston County Bridge


Here is a bird’s eye look at work on the new Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland. Construction is slightly ahead of schedule. Plans currently call for moving traffic from the existing bridge that’s almost 100 years old to the new one in the spring of 2023. The new Livingston County bridge will replace a span built in 1931 and known as the Lucy Jefferson Lewis Memorial Bridge or Smithland Bridge. The bridge was named for Thomas Jefferson's sister, who had settled nearby more than 200 years ago. Fore more details on this work see the Dec. 9, 2021 edition of The Crittenden Press.

Legacy plates on sale for Rocket Arena

Legacy plates to honor graduates of any Crittenden County school are being sold for $115 each.

They are being produced by Superior Trophies & Engraving on Main Street, which was the Rocket Foundation’s first business partner in November. Marion Pit BBQ is the December business partner, and there is a spotlight on the project in this week's full edition of the newspaper. 

During November, owner Mike Hamilton, himself a Crittenden County graduate and honoree of the first Legacy Plates donated 15 percent of store sales to the Rocket Foundation.

Superior Trophies serves the area with a broad selection of trophies and plaques and will print the Legacy Plates designed to support the foundation and honor Crittenden graduates. 

Each plate will list the honoree and their accomplishments or involvements in high school.

The plates will be affixed to the walls inside the lobby of Rocket Arena.

To learn more, visit the Crittenden County School District’s website at crittenden.kyschools.us.

There is also a place on the website to make a contribution via PayPal to the Rocket Foundation.

Man arrested for allegedly selling daughter

Kentucky State Police in Henderson have arrested an Ohio County man on human trafficking charges for allegedly selling his underage daughter to another man.

Diego Alonzo-Perez, 34 of Beaver Dam is charged with Human Trafficking – Commercial Sex Activity, during an investigation involving his juvenile daughter.

The KSP and Social Services launched an investigation in November when investigators learned the girl gave birth in March 2021. Troopers say Alonzo-Perez sold his juvenile daughter to Lucas Mateo, 20, of Beaver Dam in August of 2020.  The juvenile had been residing with Mateo since that time.

Mateo has been also arrested and charged with rape. Both men are being held in the Ohio County Detention Center in Hartford.

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Crittenden Fiscal Court in special session Friday

A special called meeting of the Crittenden County Fiscal Court will be held at 8:30 a..m., Friday, Dec. at the Courthouse.

The purpose of this meeting is to approve the Building Code Review and approve payment to the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Louise's celebrating with Christmas giveaways

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Customers are being showered with 12 Days of Giveaways at Louise's Flowers.

To say thank you to loyal customers of the Marion flower shop, owner Teena York is spreading holiday cheer with goodies and giveaways daily through Dec. 21.

The weekday gifts are a sign of thanks for customers' patronage since 1975.

While you're there, take advantage of a variety of Christmas gift ideas, including stocking stuffers, fresh centerpieces and poinsettias.

Rising waters prompt removal of dock

The new Riverview Park boat dock hadn’t much more than gotten its feet wet before high water came calling

Crews were working Tuesday to remove the dock just a few days after it was initially put into the river following years of red tape and delays that tied up its launching.

The Ohio River is on the rise, but could soon crest and go down. Read this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press on water levels and what it will take to get the dock repositioned in the water next to the boat ramp.



Monday, December 6, 2021

Children's author brings guest to library

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Children's author Betty Brantley of Salem will have copies of her latest book available Saturday in Marion.

The Crittenden County Public Library is hosting Brantley, author of "We Believe in Christmas," at 10 a.m.

The book signing will include a special guest... none other than Jolly Old St. Nick.

Families are welcome to stop by and put the kids on Santa's lap.

For more information, contact the library.

Marriage licenses topic of clerk tip

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Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor is providing consumer tips to help the community.

There are a number of transactions handled in the
clerk's office, and Tabor is sharing information about each of those in a helpful advertising series.

This week's tip deals with the proper steps for obtaining a marriage license.

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