Bebout: 30 minutes start to finish for vaccine

Kayla Bebout

Christian County Public Health Director Kayla Bebout, a Marion native, says individuals age 70 and over in Crittenden County can make appointments to be vaccinated in Hopkinsville. 

Bebout said the health department there is receiving 500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine each week for the next three weeks. There will be a vaccination site at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville which is located at 303 Conference Center Dr., near the Pennyrile Parkway.

Appointments are being scheduled at 15-minute intervals. Once an individual receives the vaccine, they will be asked to wait 15 minutes so attending healthcare workers can observe them for any adverse reactions to the inoculation. 

“From start to finish, including time for the paperwork, is about 30 minutes,” Bebout said.

Once your appointment is made, she explains, there are no long lines. A dose is assigned to you and will be available when you arrive in Hopkinsville. 

MAKE YOUR HOPKINSVILLE APPOINTMENT HERE

There are other regional vaccine sites at Lourdes and Baptist Health hospitals in Paducah and Baptist Health in Madisonville. 

SEE REGIONAL VACCINE SITE MAP

All of the regional vaccine sites in Kentucky are accepting appointments for residents age 70 and order and all of those in Phase 1A and 1B, which mostly includes healthcare workers, long-term care residents and school employees. 

Already, 400,267 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been administered in Kentucky, 342,771 through the state’s program, and 57,496 for the long term care facilities program, reported the Louisville Courier-Journal.

“We are on track to vaccinate Kentuckians faster than the federal government sends us doses for the fourth straight week. Everyone will get a turn, we just need more supply," Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Diabetes classes begin online Feb. 16

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Living with diabetes can take some getting used to, and the Pennyrile District Health Department's diabetes specialists are here to help.

In conjunction with its state partners, the Pennyrile District Health Department offers monthly workshops designed to help people with diabetes.

The next series of classes, which are offered line via smart phone, tablet or computer, will begin Feb. 16.

The workshops advise participants how to manage diabetes, including healthy eating, developing an active lifestyle, taking medications and reducing risks of long-term complications.

Call to learn more!

Recycling program back in action

After a brief hiatus due to pandemic issues, Crittenden County is back in the recycling business.

Area resident Jack Mason (at right) brought plastic recyclables to the County Convenience Center last week. The center is now accepting common recyclables and recycling trailers are being rotated throughout communities in rural Crittenden County.

Additionally, the county has begun a cardboard recycling collaboration with McDonald's.

You can find out all about the county's recycling program in the Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 edition of The Crittenden Press.

Area leaders call for more regional vaccine sites

Updates with correction on Madisonville vaccine site

Kentucky has announced locations for COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Feb. 1 at regional clinics offered at four venues in western Kentucky. 

Both Lourdes and Baptist Health hospitals in Paducah will be among the regional sites announced by Gov. Andy Beshear. So is Baptist Health in Madisonville. 

There is also a vaccine clinic operated by the Christian County Health Department at the Hopkinsville Convention Center. Marion native Kayla Bebout is the director of public health in Christian County.

These locations will be for Kentucky residents age 70 and order and all of those in Phase 1A and 1B, which mostly includes healthcare workers, long-term care residents and school employees. 

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom and other leaders from the five-county Pennyrile Public Health District have sent the governor a petition asking for more clinic sites, particularly community hospitals and health departments. In their resolution, leaders from Crittenden, Lyon, Caldwell, Trigg and Livingston counties say that the Pennyrile Public Health Departments and hospitals in those counties have proven their ability to handle the logistics of administering vaccine efficiently. 

“They’re making this harder than it has to be,” Newcom told The Press on Friday. He said drive times and wait times at “mega-clinics” will have a chilling affect on individual desires to get the vaccine.

“For someone from the Tolu area, a drive to Madisonville, Hopkinsville or Paducah is an hour long, and then there is the question of whether the available doses will be gone when they get there,” Newcom said.

GO TO REGIONAL VACCINE CLINIC SITE MAP

In other news today, Gov. Beshear announced the state’s positivity rate has declined to 8.75 percent.

“Our declining positivity rate shows that Kentuckians are continuing to make those small sacrifices we’ve been talking about all year in order to protect each other until we get enough vaccines for everyone who wants one,” Beshear said. “Wearing masks around people from different households, social distancing, washing their hands, staying home when they can and getting tested regularly. It’s the simple things you’re probably sick of hearing about by now that can make the biggest difference as we near the finish line.”

The state has also launched a vaccine website, vaccine.ky.gov, to help Kentuckians determine if they are eligible to receive a vaccine. It also helps them find a location in their region to get a shot.

“Beginning Feb. 1, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination priority will be phase 1B, people ages 70 or older, and all vaccination sites are asked to prioritize this population until further notice,” Beshear said. “Other Kentuckians from phases 1A and 1B remain eligible for vaccination and as vaccine quantities and available appointment times allow, persons in phase 1C may also be scheduled, to ensure each vaccination site administers 90% or more of all vaccine doses received within seven days of arrival.”

Crittenden falls out of COVID Red Zone

Go to State Map

Crittenden County is out of the COVID-19 Red Zone on the state's color-coded map for the first time this year.

The county saw three new cases reported on Thursday, bringing its seven-day total to 15. 

Suggested guidelines are less restrictive for schools and communities who are not in the so-called Red Zone. However, School Supt. Vince Clark says the difference in classroom guidelines between Red and Orange zone counties is minimal.

Positive cases have been trending down in the county for the past two weeks.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 548 cases diagnosed here, and 19 deaths, including two announced last week.

Coyote Contest set for Feb. 5-6

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Calling all coyote hunters: Coyote contest Feb. 5-6.

New rules apply for this year's annual coyote contest in Crittenden County. Night vision and spotlights are allowed with a shotgun and rifles may be used on private property.

Take the most coyotes of all two-man teams registered and win 80% of the pot.

The annual event is sponsored by the Marion Tourism Commission and Hodge's Sports & Apparel.

To register or more information, stop by Hodge's.

Woodmen works for growing families

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Considering new life insurance? Call Grant Rogers. 

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

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

Call Grant Rogers today.

Providence Road is covered by water

 Due to recent rains and a rising Tradewater River, a rural road in Crittenden County is under water.

Crittenden County Road Department says Providence Road in the eastern part of the county is covered by backwater. 

In Crittenden: January deadliest month of pandemic

Crittenden County’s COVID-19 incidence rate hovers just above the threshold that makes it one of the numerous Kentucky counties in the so-called Red Zone on the state’s color-coded pandemic map. 

Counties that are in the Red have the most restrictive guidelines for schools and businesses. 

There have been eight new COVID cases reported in Crittenden County over the past two days, bringing its seven-day total to 18 cases, or an incidence rate of 29 based on a theoretic population of 100,000 people. That’s the formula used by Kentucky to determine which color is assigned to a county. Any incidence rate at 25 or under can trigger fewer restrictions. Because of data lag, however, the state's online map sometimes takes a few days to catch up to actual figures on the ground in Crittenden County. Click here to go to the map.

Of the latest cases, almost all have been female and they ranged in age from 19 to 96. None required hospitalization. 

January has been the second most active month for the virus in this county. As of Wednesday, there had been 126 diagnosed cases in Crittenden County this month. There were 141 confirmed cases in December. 

January has also been the deadliest month with 13 of the county’s 19 deaths during the entire pandemic period reported since the start of the year.

There have been 545 cases of the virus diagnosed among county residents since April 1, 2020. That's about six percent of the county's population. 

Illinois TV station latches onto seat story

WSIL-TV came to Marion-Crittenden County Park today for a look at the seats that saw Hank Aaron’s magic in 1974. 

Gordon Guess, Marion's own Mr. Baseball, was interviewed for the piece that will air tonight on the 6pm newscast on Channel 3.

Daniel Valle, the morning news anchor at WSIL, got wind of the story after The Press Online posted Friday an article about the link between Aaron, who passed away that day, and the ballpark seats here.

Guess, who in 2008 helped renovate the baseball field named in his honor, purchased the seats from a vendor who had salvaged them from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. That is where Aaron, a legendary baseball slugger, hit many of his homers, including No. 715 that broke Babe Ruth's record in 1974. 

Aaron was buried today near Atlanta.

Company looking for owner/operator

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An established company serving western Kentucky is searching for a truck driver.

Position offers excellent pay and fuel rebates.

Call to learn more. (219) 663-5678, extension 17.

Tracing Dog Years at the county's shelter

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Timmy Todd, the local dog warden, has some interesting information about what's been happening at the county's animal shelter, including information on nice gifts of cash and food.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press takes a close look at "Dog Years" of the local shelter and traces the benefits of donations to the facility. 

Inset at right is a hand-written letter from a woman who made a nice contribution to the shelter recently. 

Todd says people give to the shelter for varying reasons, but mostly because they love animals. 

UK variant of COVID-19 appears in commonwealth

Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that two cases of the COVID-19 variant from the United Kingdom have been confirmed in the commonwealth.

“Public health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack is going to talk about this more tomorrow. The UK variant does spread more aggressively, but he’ll take us through all the implications of having this strain here,” said Gov. Beshear.

The governor also said that he had a call today with the President’s COVID-19 team where he learned the federal government will increase each state’s supply of COVID-19 vaccines by 17%.

“That is a great start,” said Gov. Beshear. “The other thing they are doing is guaranteeing a minimum supply for three straight weeks. One of the tough things we’ve been dealing with is only knowing on a Tuesday what we would have the next week and not knowing what we would have in the weeks after.”

Marion woman among the injured in multi-vehicle crash

An early-morning automobile accident on Ky. 91 near Princeton sent a Marion woman and others to the hospital.

At approximately 5:25 a.m., the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched to the 13000 block of Marion Road in reference to a single-vehicle accident. Upon arriving at the scene, Deputy Brook Dixon determined Jennifer Odom, 40, of Sturgis had been approaching the curve when the rear end of her vehicle began to slide due to the wet surface. She overcorrected causing the vehicle to make a 180-degree turn and hit an embankment.  Her vehicle then reentered the roadway, crossed the center line and came to rest in the ditch on the opposite side of the road, facing northbound in the southbound ditch line and partially in the roadway. 

A second vehicle driven by Denise Clark, 47, of Marion approached the scene and attempted to avoid a collision, but was unsuccessful. Clark's vehicle struck Odom’s car that was partially in the roadway. 

This secondary crash also injured a pedestrian – Neal Gardner, 34, of Dawson Springs – who had stopped and was attempting to render assistance to Odom.  

The impact also pushed Odom’s car into another vehicle that had stopped to render assistance, causing damage to the vehicle of Angela Blair, 64, of Fredonia.  

Both drivers and Gardner were taken to Caldwell County Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  

The sheriff's department was assisted on scene by Princeton Fire & Rescue, Caldwell County EMS and Wallace Towing.

Lions Club building available for rentals

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The recently constructed building at the Lions Club Fairgrounds is available for a variety of rentals.

The building has hosted community dinners, parties, meetings, pageants and wedding receptions since it was constructed, and is available for rent for those and other purposes.

The building contains a spacious commercial kitchen.

If you are planning a special event this year, consider the Lions Club building. Rates vary. 

For more information, contact Natalie Parish.

Need help with utilities? Relief is in sight

Local leaders say Marion and Crittenden County will be applying for the maximum amount of relief aimed at helping residents affected by the pandemic to pay utility bills.

However, households in need must individually apply as part of the process.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Monday that up to $38 million is available statewide to local governments to help Kentuckians who have not been able to pay their bills due to COVID-19 hardships. Each unit of local government may request up to $200,000 for assistance in their communities, the governor said.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom and Marion City Administrator Adam Ledford each said Tuesday that application is being made on behalf of the county and city, but individuals in need must make a personal application. 

“We will plan to take part in the relief program for those most in need,” Ledford said. “While we take the initial steps, it still requires those wishing to benefit to apply individually.”

Newcom said forthcoming will be additional information on the application process and a timeline for

Ten cases reported over weekend

Across Kentucky COVID-19 cases are moderating and the incidence rate is the lowest it’s been since the holidays. 

In Crittenden County, the virus has also been trending downward, but a bump in confirmed cases late last week has moved the needle a bit, marking an incidence rate of 36 here, based on the state’s color-coded online COVID map and its formula. Anything above a 25 incidence rate is considered a Red Zone county. 

There were 10 cases of the virus confirmed here from Friday through Monday. Those were announced late Monday evening. Among those were six on Friday and several of the new cases over the weekend are elderly individuals. Half are 80 or older. All of the newly diagnosed men and women are recovering at home.

Over the seven-day period from Jan. 19-25, there were 22 cases reported in Crittenden County. 

Second-Dose Vaccine's being Scheduled in Area

Public health officials with the Pennyrile District Health Department have begun scheduling second doses of the Moderna vaccine. Contact will be made this week with those eligible for the vaccine in order to schedule phase 2 shots for next week.

Crittenden and Livingston counties will be scheduling their second-dose vaccinations on Monday, Feb. 1. In Crittenden, shots will be given at the health department. In Livingston County, shots will be given at the high school.

Lyon and Caldwell counties will be administering second-round shots on Tuesday, Feb. 2 with Caldwell’s at the health department and Lyon’s at Lee Jones Park.

Trigg County Senior Center will be the vaccine location in Cadiz on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

Public health officials are contacting everyone who received first-phase doses on or about Jan. 4-7 at area clinics.

If you received a first-round shot on those days and have not been contacted by Friday about scheduling a second vaccine, contact your local health department.

Breakthrough in meth addiction treatment

• Researchers think they have finally found a treatment that works on methamphetamine addiction, but say more research is needed

Kentucky Health News
As methamphetamine causes more addiction and death, treatment specialists have despaired for medicine to fight it. Now researchers may have found one.

A study published The New England Journal of Medicine found that a combination of two relatively familiar medications "was safe and effective in treating adults with moderate or severe methamphetamine-use disorder," the National Institutes of Health said in a news release.

The medicines are the antidepressant bupropion, usually sold as Wellbutrin, and naltrexone, which is use treat alcohol and opioid-use disorder. "The findings suggest this combination therapy may be a... Go Here for the rest of this article.

Search and rescue mission on Ohio River

UPDATE

(latest 8am Jan. 25 with additional detail)

The body of a man was located in the Ohio River at the Cave In Rock Ferry landing on the Illinois side at about 11:30pm Saturday night. 

Crittenden County Rescue Squad, dragging the waters just in front of the ferry landing, was able to locate the deceased. The identity of the victim had not been released as of early Sunday morning; however, Illinois authorities have confirmed that it was a 39-year-old man from Pope County, Ill.

Cave In Rock Ferry, which halted operations while the search was underway, reopened at 6am Sunday morning after service was stopped while the search and rescue mission was conducted. 

ORIGINAL POST

Crittenden County Rescue Squad is assisting in a search and rescue mission on the Ohio River on the Illinois shore at the Cave In Rock Ferry landing.

The ferry is temporarily closed due to the incident. 

About 9pm a side-by-side ATV apparently drove into the water on the Illinois side of the river. The ferry was loading on the Kentucky side when the crew observed the ATV traveling at a high speed travel down the ramp at the end of Illinois Route 1 and into the river.

Witnesses believe there may have been two occupants in the ATV.  The side-by-side has been recovered, but at 10pm there had been no sign of the possible victims. Divers are searching the area.

Hardin County, Ill., Sheriff’s Department and Hardin County Emergency Management initiated the search, and requested assistance from Crittenden County. 

Rescue squad members from here launched their boats at the ferry landing on the Kentucky shore and began helping with the search. 

 

COVID stirs basketball schedule

Score & Time is now working

COVID has stirred the local basketball schedule a bit this week. The Rockets did not play Madisonville last night due to a pandemic cancelation, but they are hosting Whitesville Trinity today in a 4:30pm start at Rocket Arena. The game will live on the NFHS Sports Network and many of the bugs have now been worked out of the system so the score and time should show on your screen. At times there will also be audio to go along with the video broadcast. 

The Lady Rockets were scheduled to play at Webster County today but that game was nixed because of COVID. So, Crittenden will now play at McLean County at 1pm today. There is no broadcast of that game, but you can get results here in the sports section.

Fohs Hall rental rates updated in '21

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

Rental rates have been modified and updated for 2021.
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.

Two new COVID deaths confirmed here

Two new Crittenden County deaths related to COVID-19 were announced Friday by the Pennyrile District Health Department, bringing the county’s pandemic total to 19.

Public health officials in the area do not release the names of those who have died from complications related to COVID-19.

More than half of the COVID-associated deaths in the county have been confirmed in the past three weeks.

As of last report on Thursday evening, the county has had 527 cases since April 1. Of those, 108 have been announced since Jan. 1. However, the incidence rate continues to decline here in recent days. 

Over the past 10 days, confirmed cases have moderated here.

In the five-county Pennyrile District Health Department reporting area, Crittenden ranks second in deaths since the pandemic began despite being fourth in the number of confirmed cases. The chart below shows the district's latest figures. 

Hank Aaron's connection to Marion ballpark

Hall of Famer and one-time home run king Atlanta Braves legend Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron died this morning at the age of 86. 

Thee folding stadium seats at Gordon B. Guess Field at Marion-Crittenden County Park have a significant connection to the former professional baseball star, who first broke Babe Ruth's home run record with his 715th homer at the now retired Atlanta Fulton County Stadium on April 8, 1974.

The seats were there on that eventful day when Aaron broke the home run mark Ruth had held for almost 40 years. 

Gordon Guess, a local benefactor who renovated the Rocket baseball stadium about 15 years ago, purchased the seats from a vendor who had removed them from Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta. He had them installed at the ballpark in Marion.

A lifelong Dodger fan, Guess said today that the seats have great meaning and hold a special place in history. An interesting sidebar to the local link is the fact that Aaron's Braves were playing Guess's Dodgers on that day in 1974 when he belted that historic homer off of pitcher Al Downing.

Armory tank leaves Marion for Fort Knox

Local leaders calling for your response on surveys

Crittenden and surrounding counties are pushing for residents to participate in an internet speed and access surveys that they hope will help improve broadband in the area.

The effort got a statewide boost from Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman yesterday when she announced the fact-finding plan during the governor’s daily YouTube update then followed up with a statewide news release to media outlets.

The state’s online survey provides a link for internet customers to test their broadband speed. Additoinally, here in Crittenden County, your local government has commissioned its own paper survey, which is something akin to a petition, says Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom. It’s being made available at various locations in Marion.

“We’re taking it to schools and businesses and want everyone to have an opportunity to sign it,” the judge said. “We want as many signatures as possible.”

Below are links to the online speed test, and the hard copy survey/petition can be found locally at The Crittenden Press, county offices at the courthouse, city hall and private retail businesses. 

Watch for more on this important fact-finding mission in your next edition of The Crittenden Press.

http://ewdc.ky.gov/Initiatives/Pages/KBI.aspx
https://www.thinkrural.com/internent.html

Rusty Sign has Valentines in mind

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Valentine's Day is just around the corner. How about getting the love of your life something that will last a lifetime – galvanized metal or steel artwork from The Rusty Sign.

Call Brandy and Todd Clements in Clay to order your custom sign in time for Valentine's Day.

Personalize your husband's man cave, add a sign to the entrance of her She Shed or give the unique gift of a personalized piece of wall art this Valentine's Day.

You dream it, they can design it. Call the Clements today at The Rusty Sign (270) 836-6583 or (270) 871-4786.

Two cases Wednesday, virus trending downward

Two teenagers were Wednesday’s confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Crittenden County. Both are recovering at home.

Cases continue to decline in the county. Over the seven-day period between Jan. 14 and Jan. 20, there were 16 confirmations of the virus in Crittenden County. 

Since the pandemic began last spring, there have been 520 confirmed cases here. There have been 17 deaths associated with the virus. Although public health officials have not confirmed the identity of those who died with COVID-related issues, there is other information that indicates many of them were in a long-term care facility. 

Statewide, there have been 3,243 COVID-related deaths. Of those, 1,994 or 61 percent were long-term care facility residents.

Collyer's Tax Service closing

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Area residents who were former clients of Kim Collyer's Tax Service will need to find a new tax preparer.

Collyer has announced this week that she no longer is in business.

News is Good: COVID cases dropping dramatically

For the first time in weeks, Crittenden County’s COVID-19 cases have moderated to the point that it should fall out of the Red zone on the state’s color-coded incidence rate map.

Public health officials are not gathering and announcing caseload data as regularly now because they’re concentrating all resources on vaccine logistics. Because of that, this morning we have several days worth of cases to announce. The good news is that there are only a handful of positives. 

There were just nine new cases reported here over the extended holiday weekend. For the seven-day period from Jan. 13 to Jan. 19, there were 17 cases confirmed in Crittenden County. Anything under 25 in a seven-day period drops the county out of the so-called Red zone.

All of those diagnosed in the past several days are recovering at home.

Vaccine for school's faculty and staff today

As part of the state's four-phase plan to vaccinate the commonwealth's citizens in a priority fashion, today will be an opportunity for teachers and school staff to get their shots.

Crittenden County Health Department will be administering the vaccine starting at 9am with a group of teachers and staff that will include Superintendent Vince Clark. The school district will be sending small groups of teachers to the health department until 1pm, staging the vaccinations so as not to have too many gone from campuses at one time.

Faculty and staff will drive to the health department where healthcare workers will meet them in the parking lot and bring them inside to administer the vaccine. 

As for any residents who have received their first round of the two-shot vaccination, Crittenden County Health Department will soon be notifying individuals of their appointments for the second dose. There is no need to call the health department because it already has established a schedule for those shots and will be calling everyone who has already received the first round of vaccine. 

Sheriff's department warns of scam

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department says there’s a new phone scam targeting local residents.

Deputy Ray Agent said residents are being contacted by scammers alleging they represent Publisher’s Clearing House. 

“They’re saying you won a large amount of money and you need to send money for processing the winnings,” he said.

The deputy says residents should be vigilant against such fraud and never send money with the proposition of getting more later.

Owner Operator sought for regional truck route

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An established company serving western Kentucky is searching for a truck driver.

Position offers excellent pay and fuel rebates.

Call to learn more. (219) 663-5678, extension 17.

Fairbanks accepting patients at Family Practice

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Dr. David Fairbanks is now seeing patients at Family Practice Clinic in Marion.

He joins providers Dr. Jonathan Maddux and nurse practitioners Lee Anna Boone, Marcie Ellington and Jennifer Brown.

Fairbanks has 25 years experience in family medicine and emergency room services. 

Dr. Greg Maddux and Dr. Gary James, who started Family Practice Clinic in the early 1980s, retired in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Winds shut down ferry

The Cave In Rock Ferry closed around 1 p.m. today due to high winds. The ferry will re-open when winds subside and make it safe to resume operations.

Undefeated girls take on Lyon for All A crown

Live Game Today at 4pm

Crittenden County hasn't lost a game this season and Lyon County has lost just one – that was to Crittenden County a couple of weeks ago.

Now the two teams square off in the All A Classic Second Region championship this afternoon at Smithland. It's sure to be a hotly contested matchup with the winner advancing to the All A State Tournament in Richmond starting on Feb. 16.

The game will be broadcast live at The CrittendenPress on YouTube. Join former Lady Rocket Madison Champion and The Press's Chris Evans for play by play of the live action. Tipoff is at 4pm. Pregame show begins at 3:50pm

COVID death figures jump in county

According to new information released today by the Pennyrile District Health Department, Crittenden County has had 17 deaths since the pandemic began due to complications from COVID-19.

That number jumped significantly over the past week. As of last Friday, the mortality figure was nine.

No further information was immediately available. 

It’s likely that data lag resulted in a number of deaths associated with the virus going unreported for a period of time. Healthcare agencies are spending more resources working to get vaccine logistics finalized instead of tending to data tracking, according to recent information provided by state healthcare officials and local leaders.

Friday's Weekly Report from PDHD

Livingston contemplates full return to school

Livingston County School District has notified students that if the pandemic continues to trend downward and cases are mitigated by February, students may return full time to class.

It would mark the first time since last spring for Livingston students to be in school full time.

This academic year, Livingston students have operated on an A/B schedule with students alternating for in-person classes two days a week. There are no in-person classes on Monday.

The return to full-time in-person classes could largely hinge on the county dropping out of the so-called Red zone on the state's incidence map.

Crash blocking US 641 south of Fredonia

SITE CLEARED

U.S. 641 is blocked between Fredonia and Eddyville because of a tractor-trailer accident

This crash is near the one mile marker close to Eddyville.  The truck is loaded with tires that may have to be offloaded by hand.

Northbound traffic is blocked at the U.S. 62 intersection.  Southbound traffic is blocked at the Ky. 1943 intersection.

It is possible that the road could be blocked until around 11:30am.

 

Rockets in semifinal tonight; watch on YouTube

Crittenden County's basketball boys will be playing Caldwell County tonight in the All A Classic semifinal round at Lyon County.

The winner advances to play the tournament host Lyons at 7pm Saturday. 

Friday night's semifinal game will be broadcast live on YouTube, courtesy of Lyon County's channel. Go here to watch.

Trend in virus cases continues downward here

Cases continue on a downward trend in Crittenden County with 40 cases reported in the seven-day period between Jan. 8-14.

There were five cases confirmed here on Thursday. None were hospitalized. 

Pandemic affects crime, traffic in Marion

The pandemic created its share of chaos for most of the world, but in Marion it’s had one positive affect. That’s less crime and other personal mishaps.

Marion Police Chief Ray O’Neal says COVID-19 is probably responsible for curbing interactions between people and slowing traffic. With that came a decline in criminal cases and traffic accidents.

“People are just staying home more,” said the chief as he reflected on year-end data that show police activity in the city for 2020.

“March and April were flat out stay home months,” O’Neal said. “COVID is a big reason for some of our numbers being down.”

Traffic accidents were down 36 percent from 2019 and the lowest they’ve been in the past five years.

Likewise, criminal investigations were 35 percent from the five-year average. The 113 cases opened in... for the rest of this article please subscribe to the full version.

Regional vaccination sites announced by Beshear

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, state officials and the grocery chain Kroger announced a new partnership to significantly increase the speed of COVID-19 vaccinations across the commonwealth.

The first Kroger regional, drive-through vaccination sites will open the week of Feb. 1 for Kentuckians in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C. For more details on who is included in each phase, click here. On Jan. 28, the Governor said more details would be announced on site locations and how to sign up.

“Last year, when we were wondering when anybody who wanted a COVID-19 test would be able to get one, Kroger made that a reality. That testing partnership created the national model for surge testing,” said Gov. Beshear. “These drive-through vaccination sites are fantastic news all Kentuckians, and we’re grateful to the entire Kroger team for making it possible. Your help in this effort will save countless lives.”

The Governor announced that Transportation Secretary Jim Gray has also been named Director of the Vaccine Distribution Project.

“This is all about Team Kentucky delivering on an ambitious, life-saving project,” said Secretary Gray. “This regional system will grow over time to reach even more Kentuckians. As we speak, we are

Lady Rockets headed to small-school title game

Lady Rockets are one win from a seventh All A Classic Second Region championship after tonight's semifinal win over Dawson Springs.

Click here to read more about the game.

Crittenden's All A championship game on Saturday will be broadcast live by The Crittenden Press on its YouTube channel. 

Enon Church Road is now passable

Enon Church Road, which has been under water for several days, is now clear.

The Crittenden County Road Department announced today that all county roads that have recently been affected by backwater from rising creeks and streams, are now all clear.

Pursuit in Mexico leads to arrest for drugs, fleeing

A Granite City, Ill., man was arrested Wednesday night in rural Crittenden County in the Mexico community after a brief police pursuit that reached speeds approaching 90 mph. He is now facing felony charges for fleeing or evading and first-degree drug trafficking.

According to a Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department citation, Deputy Chuck Hoover observed a reckless driver near the intersection of Ky. 70 and Mott City Road at about 8 p.m. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle, a maroon Pontiac G6, tried to speed away. 

The pursuit left Ky. 70 and continued onto Jackson School Road at a high rate of speed. It ended at a dead end on Williamson Road where John Robert Valle, 44, was taken into custody. 

The sheriff’s department said Valle has Crittenden County connections. Valle also has a lengthy criminal record in Crittenden and surrounding counties dating back more than 10 years. 

The suspect was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond. Valle is charged with speeding 26 mph or greater over the speed limit, reckless driving, fleeing or evading police, operating on a suspended or revoked license, failure to dim headlines, failure to use or improper signal, trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The sheriff’s department citation indicates that Valle was in possession of almost 40 grams of suspected meth, valued at around $1,500 or more, and almost $3,000 in cash.

COVID-19 vaccine available at Salem Springlake

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COVID-19 vaccinations will be administered Jan. 18 and Feb. 8 at Salem Springlake Health & Rehabilitation in Salem.

The vaccine will be available for staff and residents.

The Pfizer vaccine has been found to reduce the rate of the disease by 95 percent after the first two injections. Distribution is available through Phase 1A of the COVID-19 vaccination schedule.

Side effects may include those similar to the flu vaccine including fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and/or joint pain.

To learn more, contact Salem Springlake by calling (270) 988-4572.

Visit FDA.gov for additional information.

COVID cases trending downward

COVID-19 cases are trending downward in Crittenden County over the past few days.

There were four newly confirmed cases announced here on Wednesday, bringing the seven-day total to 43. That seven-day average had been around 50 or better since around Christmas. 

Healthcare workers and individuals age 70 and over who are currently on prescribed oxygen are eligible for vaccinations while supplies last. Those wanting the shot should contact the health department and in some cases their healthcare provider. 

Be on the look for critical speed test

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Alert to Local residents

Be on the lookout for a broadband speed test coming to a digital device near you.

Results from the test could help area leaders improve your online speeds and make quality internet available to more homes in rural Crittenden County. 

A Statewide Broadband Mapping Initiative has been commissioned by the State of Kentucky to gather reliable information about internet speeds in rural areas. The Press published an extensive article in this week’s edition that answers a number of questions about why speeds here are slow, how local leaders are working to make them better and some of the stumbling blocks they’re encountering.

At some point in the next two or three weeks, local leaders anticipate being able to make available to the public a digital link where residents can use their smartphones, tablets or computers to register a speed test from their device and its location. Data generated from the speed survey will be used to create a map of the commonwealth that would more accurately represent broadband speeds that exist across the state. 

Currently, internet providers furnish data to the FCC that indicate the speeds available in rural areas. Local leaders say data are grossly in accurate and prevent further investment in “last mile” development. The so-called “last mile” refers to internet connections that go into homes and businesses. Private and public development of the so-called “second mile” has greatly outpaced the final mile. 

Amanda Davenport, executive director of the economic development group Lake Barkley Partnership, said it’s imperative that local residents complete the broadband speed survey when it becomes available. Doing so will greatly assist an effort to improve broadband availability and speeds in this area. 

Medley Plumbing has job opening

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Medley Plumbing, now serving Crittenden County and the surrounding area, is looking for a laborer.

The employee's responsibilities will include assistance on plumbing projects with opportunities to grow within the company.

To learn more, call or email today.

Girls basketball team seeks 7th regional crown

Lady Rocket guard Natalie Boone.

Crittenden County's Lady Rocket basketball team is the favorite to win this year's All A Classic which continues Thursday night at Smithland.

Crittenden beat University Heights 70-32 in Monday’s small-school tournament opener at Hopkinsville. The Lady Rockets, ranked fourth overall in the Second Region, will play Dawson Springs at 5pm tomorrow. The winner will play Caldwell County or Lyon County in Friday's championship game.

Crittenden, which has six Class A regional tournament titles to its credit, last won the All A Classic Second Region Tournament in 2017. This year’s state All A tournament starts Feb. 16 at Eastern Kentucky University. 

The girls are now 4-0 on the season.

Due to the pandemic, admission to games is limited to players' families. 

County's COVID count now over 500

 There were five new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Crittenden County on Tuesday. 

All were female and all were 48 or under.

Since the pandemic began there have been 501 confirmed cases among Crittenden County residents. 

Over the seven-day period between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12 there were 51 diagnoses in the county.

Trailer mishap on US 60 E

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department and the state road department are on the scene of a trailer mishap on U.S. 60 East on the west end of Mattoon. 

Flaggers are alternating traffic flow while a tractor removes large round bales of hay which were scattered along the roadway in the mishap.  

Recycling returns to local convenience center

Crittenden County Convenience Center has begun to accept plastic recyclables again.

The center had halted its recycling of plastic for several weeks due to a pandemic issue that affected the repository where its recyclables are taken.

That matter has cleared up and recycles can now be dropped off for free at the center in on U.S. 60 West in Marion from 8am to 3:30pm weekdays and 8am to noon on Saturdays. The convenience center is located next to the county maintenance facility. 

Vaccine available now to high-risk group

One high-risk population may now make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Marion.

The Crittenden County Health Department has a limited amount of Moderna vaccine and is offering it to individuals age 70 and over who are on oxygen. The shots will be available while supplies last.

Call the health department  (270) 965-5215 after 10am today to make your appointment. 

Superload will cause traffic disturbance today in Lyon

 The movement of an oversized load along U.S. 62 in Lyon County is likely to create major traffic delays between Barkley Dam and Kuttawa today.
 
A contractor for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to move a large transformer from Barkley Dam to Kuttawa along U.S. 62 starting around noon.  This slow-moving oversized load will block both lanes of travel along about a 5-mile section of U.S. 62 as it moves eastward over what is expected to be a 2 to 3 hour trip.
 
Motorists are asked to avoid traveling this section of U.S. 62 between noon and 3 p.m., eastbound traffic will have no opportunity to get around the load between the U.S. 62 Cumberland River “Eureka Highway Bridge” at Lake City and mile point 5.8 at Kuttawa.  Westbound traffic will also encounter substantial delays.
 
The 115 ft. long truck will be hauling a 16 ft.-10 inch tall transformer that is being moved to a location in Kuttawa where it will be dismantled.  Utility crews will be required to lift power lines over the load.
 
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Department, the Lyon County Road Department, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will assist with traffic control.
 
Motorists who normally travel U.S. 62 should detour via Interstate 24 to avoid long delays.
 
Residents and businesses along this section of U.S. 62 in Lyon County should be aware that while the load is moving, they will have limited travel. Some driveways and side roads may have no access to U.S. 62 for 20 minutes or more as the load passes.

First House Bill aims to keep things open

The first day of the 2021 Regular Session of the General Assembly was certainly different from those of previous years.  Face masks, social distancing (although there is nothing social about it), technology allowing members to participate virtually from anywhere on the Capitol campus, and no guests in the gallery all worked together to make it a very strange day.  Nevertheless, the oath of office was taken and the General Assembly got down to business.

Odd year sessions are limited to 30 days and the General Assembly must adjourn by March 30 as opposed to even year sessions that have 60 days with adjournment no later than April 15.  The first week of an odd-year session is usually reserved for organizational work but because of these unsettled times bills were brought forth, voted on, and sent to the Governor for his action.  A number of bills were passed during the week and I will address four (4) of them in this update.

The first bill passed by the House this session was House Bill 1 (HB-1).  HB-1 is aimed at keeping businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations safely open during the remainder of the pandemic that was brought to our shores by China.  HB-1 provides clarity and reassurance for businesses, schools, parents, and nonprofits.  It would allow any of these entities to remain open and operational if they follow a comprehensive operating plan detailing how they will adhere to safety guidelines established by either the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the executive branch, whichever is least restrictive.  HB-1 also prevents the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) from restricting, modifying or suspending in-person non-custodial parental visitation for children in state care.  Furthermore it requires the CHFS to establish guidelines for long-term care facilities that choose to allow in-person visits if it is deemed necessary to the residents’ health and mental well-being.  I voted YES, HB-1 passed the House, and was sent to the Senate for its consideration where it also passed.  It has been sent to the Governor for his action.

In the 2020 session the General Assembly passed a bill giving the Attorney General authority to regulate abortions, but the Governor vetoed the bill and there was no time for the legislature to override his veto.  This year’s House Bill 2 (HB-2) does the same thing.  It gives the Attorney General rather than the CHFS the authority to enforce the Commonwealth’s abortion laws and to seek both criminal