The Press Online: February 2021

Sunday, February 28, 2021

Phase 1C Covid vaccine begins Monday

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Individuals who meet the criteria for Phase 1C of the Covid-19 inoculation plan may now receive the vaccine.

Phase 1C targets individuals age 60 and older and anyone over age 16 who is at highest risk for Covid-19 according to CDC guidelines.

There are at least nine locations in the immediate area to obtain a vaccination.

There are three Crittenden County locations and at least two each in Livingston and Caldwell counties.

Each vaccination site requires an appointment. Call or register online at the location of your choice.

To learn more about the Covid-19 vaccine, visit govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine.

Saturday, February 27, 2021

Lady Rockets headed to All A Final Four

Crittenden County's girls' basketball team made history Saturday, earning a trip to the All A Classic State Tournament's final four. Get all the highlights, stats and more here in SPORTS section.

Friday, February 26, 2021

County's cases trend upward late in week

Crittenden County’s number of new COVID-19 cases rose a bit late this week compared to the previous 10-14 days.

There were six cases confirmed on Thursday and two more Friday, bringing the county’s seven-day total to 14. It's not enough to push the county back into the state's so-called Red Zone on its color-coded COVID map, but close.

When counties are in the Red, there are stricter guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus.

There have now been 597 cases here since the pandemic began, and 21 deaths.

Book your next event at Fohs Hall in Marion

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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.

Fire in rural Crittenden County

Update: There were no occupants in the home.

Crittenden County Fire Department was dispatched to the scene of a structure fire on Millie Peek Road in rural, southern Crittenden County around 9:15 a.m. Assistance was requested from Lyon County to help extinguish the blaze, which had fully engulfed the structure when officials arrived on scene. It was not immediately known whether there were any occupants in the home.

PODCAST: A chat with Bronx rapper T.O.N.E.z

LISTEN NOW

An unlikely relationship between a New York entertainer and Marion residents has continued to blossom for several years now.

From receiving a key to the city several months back to now giving away cash to local residents in a social media promotion, T.O.N.E.z has certainly found a fond following among native Crittenden Countians.

We talked with him via phone this week about his career, cultural differences, music, his trying first date with a tiny western Kentucky town and much more on the Discover Marion, Kentucky Podcast of the Week. Go here to LISTE N.

911 net lower for old-fashioned phones

There’s good news for penny pinchers. The new countywide Emergency 911 fee that will go into effect late this year is going to cost some local residents a bit less than originally expected.

For more than a year, Crittenden County leaders have been working to develop a plan that would properly fund the community’s 911 dispatching center, which pages out ambulances, police, rescue and other first responders in times of need. A few months ago, a committee formed to explore options to improve the center’s financial operations settled on a mandatory $36 fee on every dwelling or commercial building in the county. Other ideas were bantered around, but the annual fee, which will be included on tax bills, emerged as the best option.

Now, it looks like the cost will be $12 less, if you have a .... See the rest of this article in the February 25, 2021 full edition of The Crittenden Press.

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Get your newspaper emailed each week

You will have to see this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press to get the whole story, but in a nutshell, the community has long been present in name on some Kentucky campuses of higher education.

Don't miss this article about lasting marks left by a half dozen of our favorite sons.

It's in this week's full edition

Ask us how to have the full edition of the newspaper emailed directly to your inbox each week.

Inquire via email now

Firemen on scene, downtown to be avoided

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Update: The scene is clear.

A plume of black smoke coming from a tanker truck carrying anhydrous ammonia set off alarm bells in Marion around 1:30 Thursday.

Firemen at the scene say there is no imminent danger to businesses people in downtown Marion; however, they urge everyone to avoid town for the time being.

Marion fireman Mike Crabtree saw the situation and stepped out of his barber shop to direct traffic away from the area after the truck stopped on Main Street.

Crabtree said possibly a brake issue caused black smoke to billow from the rear of the semi. There is no evidence of a leak.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Vaccine available in Marion for 60-over Thursday

Crittenden County Health Department will have about 70 doses of first-shot COVD-19 vaccine available in Marion on Thursday.

Anyone interested in getting the vaccine can call the health department in the morning to make an appointment. The phones will be answered starting at 8:30 a.m.

Local public health officials say they hope to have all of the vaccine given by around noon.

This vaccine clinic is open to anyone age 60 or older. You do not have to be a Crittenden County resident to get an appointment.

Call the health department at 270-965-5215.

County remains firmly in Yellow on state map

Five new cases of COVID-19 were announced Tuesday in Crittenden County. That brings the county's seven-day total from Feb. 17-23 to six.

Fortunately, cases continue a drastic decline here as Crittenden remains firmly in the Yellow on the state's color-coded map that reflects incidence frequency. Crittenden's incidence rate is among the lowest in Kentucky.

There are 13 counties, including Crittenden, currently in the Yellow Zone, which is for incidence rates below 10. Green is the map's color that indicates the best incidence rate, which would be a frequency of less than one case among a population of 100,000 people over a seven day period. There are no counties in the Green Zone.

Crittenden has seen 35 new diagnoses during February, the lowest monthly total since last summer. There have been 588 cases reported here during the pandemic, including 21 deaths.

Vaccine opening up to Phase 1C on Monday

COVID-19 vaccine will be available next week for a much broader segment of the state’s population.

It’s what Gov. Andy Beshear has named Phase 1C in Kentucky’s rollout of the vaccine, which began in late December. The first vaccine was available to a narrow segment of the community that included first responders and healthcare workers. That was Phase 1A. Individuals over 70 and teachers were able to be inoculated in January and February as part of Phase 1B.

Phase 2 will include anyone age 40 and older, but there is no indication at this point when vaccine will be available for that group.

On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s positivity rate has declined to 5.9 percent, the lowest since Oct. 27.

There are at least nine locations in the immediate area to obtain a COVID-19 vaccination. There are three in Crittenden County and at least two each in Livingston and Caldwell counties. Crittenden Community Hospital, Glenn’s Prescription Center and Glenn’s Apothecary, Caldwell Medical Center and Pennyrile District health departments in most area counties are taking appointments. Each vaccination site requires an appointment. Call or register online at the location of your choice.

Crittenden’s health department is tentatively scheduled to give shots on Thursdays. Livingston is Mondays.

The state wants each site to use 90 percent of its vaccine allocation within a week of a shipment's arrival.

“When we open it up to 1C, we're going to need patience out there," Beshear said in a news conference last week. “We're gonna have more and more appointments as we go, but when we open that up at large, it's going to feel like it's really hard to get one, but we're going to get to everybody.”

No school Friday in Crittenden

There will be no school in Crittenden County on Friday, Feb. 26. The original 2020-2021 school calendar approved last year calls for a day off. Students will return to class on Monday, March 1.

Buntin conducting Hunt auction Saturday

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Buntin Auction Service will sell farm equipment and tools belonging to the late Mike Hunt on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Included in the sale will be quite a bit of hay equipment and even stores of hay in one of the barns on the property. A wide range of additional farm equipment is included in the auction.

The sale will be located at 3751 U.S. 641 near Fredonia.

For more information about specific equipment, contact Curt Buntin, Auctioneer.

Numerous photos of items to be sold can be viewed on the Buntin Auction Service Facebook page.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Extension Cooking Show: Today's guest Coach Thompson

Video is available on Facebook Live

This is the second in a series of local cooking programs

being produced by extension agent Janeen Tramble

Monday, February 22, 2021

Several vaccination sites in immediate area

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There are at least nine locations in the immediate area to obtain a Covid-19 vaccination.

There are three Crittenden County locations and at least two each in Livingston and Caldwell counties.

Currently, individuals who meet guidelines for Phase 1A-B are priority recipients of the vaccine; however, officials say they are moving into Phase 1C, which targets individuals age 60 and older and anyone over age 16 who is at highest risk for Covid-19 according to CDC guidelines.

Each vaccination site requires an appointment. Call or register online at the location of your choice.

To learn more about the Covid-19 vaccine, visit govstatus.egov.com/ky-covid-vaccine.

Schools back, All A game tonight

Crittenden County Schools are back on a regular schedule today after nearly two weeks of weather cancelations. Students who are attending as in-person learners should bring Chromebooks and chargers today when they return to class.

The Lady Rockets basketball team will also be back in action tonight after a long idle period. They will host Murray in a retooled version of the All A Classic State Tournament.

The game is at 7pm at Rocket Arena but attendance is limited to player families only. You can watch and listen to the state tournament on the NFHS Sports Network. The Press crew along with former Lady Rocket Maddie Champion will be calling the game.

Friday, February 19, 2021

Rogers WoodmenLife representative

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Do you have life insurance? Are you preparing for your family's future?

You may not realize that you can secure $100,000 in life insurance coverage for as little as $17.24 a month.

Grant Rogers, a WoodmenLife Financial Representative, can give you all the details.

Rogers has an office in Marion and serves the area with multiple WoodmenLife products.

Call today to discuss financial planning (270) 965-3333.

All A Classic Basketball Tournament is back on

UPDATES WITH GAME TIME AND DATE

The on-again-off-again All A Classic Basketball Tournament is back on.

Scheduled for this week, but snowed out twice, the small-school tournament was officially canceled, then resurrected in the last day or so with a retooled regional-style event that will culminate in a Final Four showdown at Richmond’s McBrayer Arena March 5-6 on the Eastern Kentucky University campus.

The Lady Rockets, who won the Second Region All A to earn their seventh berth in the state tournament, were suppose to play Newport Central Catholic in the opening round. Now, with a reworked bracket so teams can play in their areas of the state, the Lady Rockets will host Murray High at 7 p.m., Monday at Rocket Arena. There will be no general admission to the game, but it will be broadcast on the NFHS Network.

Coach Shannon Hodge applauds the All A Classic leadership for finding a way to get the tournament in this season despite the obvious challenges of weather and a pandemic. She said her team has not practiced in about a week because of weather. She will be working with Murray today to find a date and time for the All A Classic first-round game.

As of now, the Lady Rockets are scheduled to host Paducah Tilghman tomorrow at 1 p.m., and the Rockets to host University Heights at 6 p.m., at Rocket Arena. It remains unclear if those Saturday games will be played or canceled due to weather and road conditions.

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Sizing up the courthouse situation

A previous courthouse that was torn down in 1960.

After sizing things up, there is renewed hope that Crittenden County’s proposed new justice center can be downtown.

Perhaps even more compelling is that some of the preliminary designs are taking into account historic features from one of the town’s earlier courthouses.

The six-member Justice Center Project Development Board met last week and chose architectural firm Sherman Carter Barnhart of Paducah to develop plans for the projected $12 million facility. Funding for the project was announced about 10 months ago, yet it could be another two years or more before the facility is done.

One thing that’s almost certain is that county government offices that exist in the courthouse now – such as sheriff, judge-executive, county clerk and property valuation administrator – will be ... for the rest of this article see the Feb. 18, 2021 full edition, go here.

Emergency transportation assistance ends tonight

As temperatures warm and weather-related conditions continue to improve across the community, Crittenden County Emergency Management and Crittenden County Rescue Squad will cease its emergency transportation assistance.

Emergency crews have taken a number of local residents to and from work this week since the county judge declared a State of Emergency.

Billy Arflack, assistant director of emergency management, said the transportation assistance will end tonight at 7pm.

Also, the courthouse will cease serving as a warming shelter at noon Friday.

WCA expected to resume trash pickup

Residential garbage collection is expected to resume Friday in Crittenden County.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said WCA Waste is planning on getting some trucks rolling tomorrow, but it's unclear what routes they will be on.

Due to winter weather, WCA announced Tuesday that it was suspending pickup until conditions were safe.

"Starting next Monday, we will pickup all of your trash. Please put additional trash in a personal can, or bundled/bagged next to your cart as best possible," Jeff Simms, WCA account manager, said Tuesday when collection was paused. "We will be doing our best next week to pickup on your regular service day. Please be patient as we expect that all routes will be delayed due to the time it will take to pick up extra trash."

COVID cases drop dramatically

Whether it's a welcomed trend, a weather-related anomaly or a lag in data processing, Crittenden County's COIVD-19 cases have nearly dried up over the past week.

Three cases were reported during the seven-day period from Feb. 11-17. That figure marks the fewest cases in a seven-day time frame since back in the summer. In early August and before, caseloads were at levels similar to what's been announced here in the past week.

Meanwhile, more vaccine clinics are being announced in the area. Crittenden Community Hospital says it now has vaccine and is accepting appointments.

Rep. Bechler on Kentucky's unemployment insurance

BY REP. LYNN BECHLER
KY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

As we are all well aware, Kentucky's Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program has been riddled with issues since the state shutdown in mid-March last year. Through the use of executive orders, the Governor put thousands of Kentuckians out of work without any apparent consideration of how a system designed to serve a relatively low caseload would handle skyrocketing claim numbers. As a result, there are still more than 100,000 claims that remain unprocessed, communication with the UI Office is virtually non-existent, and there are more questions than answers.

Press Podcast
LISTEN TO A CONVERSATION
WITH REP. LYNN BECHLER

The Kentucky Auditor is an independent office within the executive branch that is constitutionally charged with auditing the accounts and financial transactions of all spending agencies of the Commonwealth. Auditor Mike Harmon just released a report that brought to light new concerns about the troubling lack of leadership over the state’s UI program. The Auditor’s Office performs hundreds of audits each year, and the UI issues were presented as part of the Statewide Single Audit of Kentucky.

The Audit focused on several problems, the most infuriating of which was that the UI Office archived more than 400,000 unread emails. Yes, you read that correctly, more than 400,000 emails were ignored without any regard for the people who sent them. These are messages from Kentuckians inquiring about their applications for benefits, many at the end of their financial rope and likely still wondering why their claims have not been processed.

In addition to the unread emails, the UI Program also appeared to have violated federal law and sacrificed program integrity by adopting an auto-pay approach that allowed benefits to be paid without requiring claimants to report the weekly wage information required to determine eligibility. That’s right, claims were paid without verifying whether or not they were eligible. In fact, more than $655 million in claims were paid while the UI

SNOW: Today's community closings

Crittenden County Public Library will be closed today. However, plans are to clear the parking lot and walkways so the library can be open tomorrow.

Friends of the Library will have its regular meeting tonight at 6pm on Zoom.

MORE SNOW: Thursday'S Road Report Part 2

Mac's Custom Tint and Detail Road Report

See an early Road Report from Mexico on our Facebook Page

Tax preparer is familiar Marion name

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A familiar name has returned to the tax preparation scene.

Debra Bostick-King, who is well known in Crittenden County in terms of bookkeeping and tax preparation, is now accepting new clients.

If you are looking for someone to help prepare your 2020 tax return, contact King at (618) 287-8999.

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

School wiped out rest of the week

Crittenden County School District announced this afternoon that it's canceling school for the rest of the week due to road conditions and a looming forecast of more snow and cold temperatures.

Thursday will be another NTI day for students, but the district is planning what it calls "an old fashioned" snow day for Friday. Students will get a break from the virtual classes and Chromebook screens and are encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy the free time.

"Go sledding, have some hot chocolate and build a snowman or two, and we hope to see our in-person learners back next week," said school spokesperson Tiffany Blazina.

Residential trash pickup suspended until Monday

Residential garbage pickup has been suspended until Monday due to the weather.

WCA Waste, which has the contract for residential service in Crittenden County, issued a news release late Tuesday.

It read as follows:

"As you all know through previous social media and radio communications, WCA has been unable to service our residents due to the ice event last week and recent snow event yesterday. Another snow event with measurable snow accumulation has been forecasted for our area again through Thursday. Record breaking temperatures have left road crews unable to clear roads as they have in the past. Our area hasn’t seen these temperatures and snow accumulation in some time. Unfortunately, WCA is suspending all residential services until Monday February 22, 2021. We do not take this action lightly and understand the inconvenience involved. We are committed to safely providing service to our residents, but that also means keeping our employees safe. We know that everyone understands the treacherous situation that we all face this week."

If something changes with the projected forecast, WCA will send out further communication if it is able to pick up residential homes safely.

The Princeton office and transfer station will also be closed until Monday.

"Starting next Monday, we will pickup all of your trash. Please put additional trash in a personal can, or bundled/bagged next to your cart as best possible," said Jeff Simms, WCA account manager. "We will be doing our best next week to pickup on your regular service day. Please be patient as we expect that all routes will be delayed due to the time it will take to pick up extra trash."

Farmers shortens hours Wednesday

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Due to continued wintery road conditions, Farmers Bank locations in Marion, Salem and throughout western Kentucky are operating today on limited hours.

Each location will serve customers only at drive thru locations between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. due to inclement weather.

For more information on specific transactions, contact any Farmers Bank location.

Structure fire this morning near Lola

Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department was summoned early this morning to assist at a structure fire near Lola in Livingston County.

The blaze was on Daniel Cemetery Road.

Salem Fire Department was first on the scene shortly after 6:30am.

Buntin to sell Hunt farm equipment

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Buntin Auction Service will sell farm equipment and tools belonging to the late Mike Hunt on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Included in the sale will be quite a bit of hay equipment and even stores of hay in one of the barns on the property. A wide range of additional farm equipment is included in the auction.

The sale will be located at 3751 U.S. 641 near Fredonia.

For more information about specific equipment, contact Curt Buntin, Auctioneer.

Numerous photos of items to be sold can be viewed on the Buntin Auction Service Facebook page.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Firemen working fire on View Road

Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department and Salem Fire Department are working to extinguish a fire at a mobile home on View Road.

The home was unoccupied, according to early reports.

Snow show continues in Marion

It's not very often that you need a snow blower in western Kentucky, but Tuesday was one of those rare occasions when it came in pretty handy for one Marion resident.

The sidewalks around Ric Carder's home – and his neighbors – on East Bellville and College streets were among the best in town in no time Tuesday afternoon.

About four inches of snow fell in Marion Monday, cancelling everything for the majority of the week and closing numerous businesses. More snow is forecast for Wednesday.

State snow event cancels All "A" Classic

The All "A" Classic State Championship in Richmond has been cancelled due to significant snowfall throughout Kentucky.

Crittenden County's girls' basketball team was to make its seventh appearance in the small school tournament.

The girls' and boys' tournaments were to be held at McBrayer Arena on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University.

COVID clinics at Glenn's postponed

COVID-19 vaccination clinics planned at Glenn's Pharmacies in Marion and Salem are cancelled this week due to significant snowfall. The pharmacy is among a handful of independent Kentucky pharmacies expecting to receive vaccine weekly for the foreseeable future.

People who had appointments this week should show up at the same time and location on Monday at Crittenden Community Hospital and Tuesday at Glenn's Prescription Center in Salem.

Pharmacist Tashena Hill encourages everyone interested in getting an appointment for a vaccine to call either of the pharmacies or register or visit www.glennspharmacies.com.

A vaccination questionnaire will be in every copy of The Early Bird Tuesday, Feb. 23. Hill encourages everyone who wishes to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine to complete the questionnaire and take it with them to their appointment.

Healthcare insurance portal now open

STATE NEWS RELEASE

Aggressive steps continue to be taken to battle COVID-19 and provide access to quality, affordable health coverage to the uninsured, which is why U.S. President Joe Biden reopened the federal health care marketplaces from Feb. 15 to May 15.

Beginning today, uninsured Americans, including those eligible for financial help through the Affordable Care Act marketplace or zero-dollar coverage through Medicaid, may enroll in health coverage.

HERE IS HOW TO ENROLL kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-459-6328. You can also contact a health insurance agent currently licensed in Kentucky.

“Health care is a basic human right and I encourage every Kentuckian without coverage to take advantage of this opportunity and sign up,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “This pandemic has made us even more aware of how expanded health care in Kentucky has helped us to have fewer deaths than most states. It is critical for every Kentuckian to have health care coverage and I urge those still needing coverage to take time to enroll during this period.”

“Although we’re making great strides with regard to getting Kentuckians vaccinated against COVID-19, we remain watchful about the spread of the coronavirus and are on guard for mutations of this

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Farmers Bank locations in Marion, Salem and throughout western Kentucky are operating today and tomorrow on limited hours.

Each location will serve customers only at drive thru locations between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. due to inclement weather.

For more information on specific transactions, contact any Farmers Bank location.

New Lions 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.

Cold and deep snow... Stay in if you can

Enough said!

Cold, snowy conditions make it easier to just stay home today. If you cannot, be cautions as you move about the community. Snow removal will continue today on roads and streets, but another dose of winter precipitation is on the horizon.

Today, the governor has closed state buildings. Locally there are plenty of non-essential businesses and agencies not open, among them schools and the county clerk's office. However, vehicle registrations can still be renewed online at https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/renewal.

PACS Transportation is running only for dialysis or life-sustaining issues.

Stay tuned to The Press Online to find out what's happening as the day progresses. We will also get you a road report later this morning.

Monday, February 15, 2021

Schools closing for next two days

Due to the winter storm, and the resulting hazardous conditions, school is canceled in Crittenden County for Tuesday, Feb. 16 and Wednesday, Feb. 17.

Both days will be NTI days with in-person learners connecting remotely with their teachers, and virtual learners continuing to work on their Pathblazer and Edgenuity platforms.

County judge declares State of Emergency

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom has declared a State of Emergency due to the winter storm wreaking havoc on the county this week.

In his declaration, the judge activates all local agencies and puts personnel on call for response to the storm and frigid weather.

“Although I did not state so in the declaration, I am encouraging everyone that does not have a need to be out on the roads over the next two-day period to try and stay in. Our road crews will need all available space on which to work without being hampered by other non-essential vehicle traffic. Our road department remains in an on-call status but will be heading home early to get some much needed rest this afternoon before coming back out in the early-morning hours (Tuesday) to start plowing,” the judge said.

He said the county road department will deploy 9 pieces of snow-plowing equipment on the roads as needed to remove as much possible to ensure roads are made as safe as possible as quickly as possible.

“Due to more accumulating snowfalls forecast for Wednesday and Thursday this appears to be a week-long effort so I ask that everyone be as patient as possible and know we will do all we can to ensure essential emergency services are met,” Newcom added.

Lady Rockets' game in All A State Tournament Thursday

Crittenden County's trip to the All A Classic – their seventh since the tournament began in the 1990s – was going to be unique this time due to the pandemic, but now weather is weighing in.

The girls, who were supposed to play this evening, were told they would play Tuesday after a winter storm hit Kentucky. Now, the game is rescheduled for Thursday morning at 8:30.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE BRACKET (Times are EST)

The game is supposed to be broadcast live on the web. A link will be available on the All A Classic website, according to tournament organizers.

Courthouse offices closed, building open for warming

Most Crittenden County Courthouse offices are closed or are in the process of closing because of anticipated heavy snowfall; however, the courthouse itself will remain open as a warming shelter through the night.

The Crittenden County Animal Shelter and Crittenden County Convenience Center are closed, and trash pickup in Crittenden County has been halted indefinitely.

Between 6-10 inches of snow is expected today in western Kentucky depending on the forecast models you read.

BUCKLE UP: Monday's CrittendenPress Road Report

Today’s CrittendenPress Road Report is brought to you by Mac’s Custom Tint & Detail now on Orb Taylor Road; and Marion Golf & Pool, which has a new membership offer. If you have trouble viewing this video, go to our Facebook page to see it : https://www.facebook.com/CrittendenPress/

PACS limiting transportation today

Due to hazardous conditions because of the weathers, PACS Transportation will be running Life Sustaining and Dialysis trips only today.

Sunday, February 14, 2021

No school on Monday in Crittenden

Due to continued icy conditions and the high likelihood of the winter weather moving into our area this evening and tomorrow, there will be no school in Crittenden County on Monday.

This will be an NTI day with in person learners connecting with teachers remotely and virtual learners continuing work on their Pathblazer and Edgenuity platforms.

All A Classic is postponed

The All A Classic Girls' State Basketball Tournament is being postponed temporarily due to current weather conditions and predictions of more snow early this week.

Originally set to begin tomorrow at Richmond's EKU McBrayer Arena, the tournament is likely going to be delayed a few days. More details will be forthcoming, Lady Rocket coach Shannon Hodge said this morning. Her team was scheduled to leave for Richmond today, but an early-morning briefing with All A Classic officials scrapped those plans.

The Lady Rockets first-round opponent will be Newport Central Catholic.

Thursday, Feb. 18 is the last day to take the survey

Take Test Now

While you're cooped up in the house, hunkered down from the weather and icy roads, it's a great opportunity to take the internet speed test using your smartphone, computer or tablet.

Information gathered from this speed test will help local and state leaders determine whether funding should be appropriated to improve internet speeds in Marion, Crittenden County and beyond in rural Kentucky.

GO TO TEST

You should take this test with whatever device you typically use to access the internet, email or online apps. Data will be compiled across Kentucky to determine whether adequate speeds and internet availability exists in your area.

Deadline to take this test in Thursday, Feb. 18. Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is encouraging everyone who uses the internet to take few moments to complete the online test survey.

Saturday, February 13, 2021

STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEW

7TH TRIP TO STATE ALL A CLASSIC

Crittenden County Lady Rockets (9-3) make their seventh appearance in the All A Classic State Tournament on Monday, Feb. 15.

Their opening round opponent will be Newport Central Catholic (5-5). Crittenden’s game will begin at 5:30pm (CST) and will be broadcast live on the All A Network. A link can be found at the All A Classic website.

We visited with coach Coach Shannon Hodge and some of the senior players at Friday’s workout in Rocket Arena as the squad readies for a trip to Richmond, Ky., in the face of a pandemic and predicted winter storm.

Call Bostick-King for tax preparation

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A familiar name has returned to the tax preparation scene.

Debra Bostick-King, who is well known in Crittenden County in terms of bookkeeping and tax preparation, is now accepting new clients.

If you are looking for someone to help prepare your 2020 tax return, contact King at (618) 287-8999.

Friday, February 12, 2021

Convenience Center will be open Saturday morning

Crittenden County's Convenience Center for garbage and recyclables will be open Saturday until noon.

It had been closed the past two days due to unsafe conditions caused by the recent winter storm.

County personnel have worked to remove ice from the area so that vehicles can now access dumping bins.

Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the convenience center will not have its typical manpower on Saturday, so he urges patience as there could be a waiting line.

Marion Discount Tobacco offers Valentine special

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Wine specials are ongoing this week in honor of Valentine's Day at Marion Discount Tobacco & Liquor.

Open 7 days a week, Marion Discount Tobacco & Liquor has everything you need to celebrate Valentine's Day, and is offering 10% off all in-stock wine through Feb. 14.

Stop by and check out the selection, or access the convenient drive-thru window.

Local government offices back open today

Marion City Hall is open from 10am until 4:30pm today.

Crittenden County Courthouse is open.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

School canceled again on Friday

Due to continued icy and hazardous conditions, there will be no school in Crittenden County on Friday. Students will have missed four of five days this week.

This will be another remote learning day, with typically in-person learners working remotely, and virtual learners continuing work on Pathblazer and Edgenuity platforms.

Roadways remain treacherous this afternoon

Roads and streets in the county and across the region continue to be treacherous for motorists even though precipitation in the latest winter weather event seems to have subsided. Another winter storm is forecast for early next week.

Cold temperatures will set in over the weekend, and that's why Crittenden County Emergency Management is planning to have the courthouse open as a warming shelter Friday and Saturday nights.

Th crash pictured here happened on U.S. 62 between Eddyville and Princeton about 1:30pm this afternoon.

Caldwell County Sheriff Stan Hudson investigated the crash where a 2006 Chevrolet pickup operated by Jennis Shelton, 25 of Eddyville left the ice-covered road and overturned several times. The driver refused treatment.

I-24 in Livingston County reopened early this afternoon after crashes had halted traffic part of the day. Other crashes between the Kentucky-Tennessee State Line and Paducah have caused traffic delays since early morning on I-24.

Consider Marion restaurants for Valentine's Day

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If you're sticking close to home this Valentine's Day, consider dinner out or dinner in at a Marion restaurant. Every restaurant is open for dine in or carry-out this weekend.

Maybe you need a gift certificate for the kids on your Valentine list.

Supporting Marion restaurants is the ideal gift this year.

This information is sponsored by the Marion Tourism Commission.

I-24 troubles continue in face of storm

Large sections of I-24 are still blocked heading into Thursday afternoon by the biggest ice storm in a decade in western Kentucky, according to the West Kentucky Star.

More overnight freezing rain and sleet Thursday morning made I-24 impassable from Livingston County to the Tennessee state line .

From Fort Campbell to Lyon County, hundreds of vehicles were .... for the remainder of this article, go to the West Kentucky Star website.

Power outages, State of Emergency declared

Gov. Andy Beshear has issued a State of Emergency as a dangerous winter storm blanketed much of the commonwealth in a wintry mix of snow and ice amid plunging temperatures. The State of Emergency directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Department of Military Affairs to execute the Kentucky Emergency Operations Plan and coordinate the response across state agencies and private relief groups.

It also directs the Finance and Administration Cabinet to provide funding for the response and authorizes the Division of Emergency Management to request additional resources.

As of about 10 a.m., Kentucky Emergency Management reported about 70,500 Kentucky customers with power outages.

Locally, Kenergy is reporting an outage in the northeast portion of Crittenden County and into Webster County, affecting about 270 customers. Kentucky Utilities has no local outages at this point; however, there are a number of customers in the Louisville and Lexington area without power. The closest KU power outage is in Central City where only five customers are without electricity.

Mac's Custom Tint & Detail: Road Report

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Here are known closings today in Marion and Crittenden County.

Convenience Center and Animal Shelter closed
Courthouse offices closed
City hall closed
Circuit Court no in-person cases, all virtual
Marion Code Board and Marion Planning and Zoning Commission meetings tonight canceled.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

School canceled Thursday in Crittenden

There will be no school in Crittenden County on Thursday due to continued icy and hazardous conditions and projections of more inclement weather overnight and into tomorrow.

Thursday will be another NTI Day for students, with in-person learners connecting remotely with teachers, and virtual learners continuing their Pathblazer and Edgneuity work.

Time is running out: Take speed test today

Take Test Now

While you're cooped up in the house, hunkered down from the weather and icy roads, it's a great opportunity to take the internet speed test using your smartphone, computer or tablet.

GO TO TEST

Deadline to take this test in Monday. Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom is encouraging everyone who uses the internet to take few moments to complete the online test survey.

Stop and shop at Johnson's for appliances

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If you're in the market for a new washer and dryer, stop by Johnson's Furniture & Appliances. The Main Street store carries GE's new high capacity laundry pairs that are spacious and efficient.

Johnson's also carries multiple brands and styles of kitchen appliances.

Shop local from people you know at Johnson's Furniture & Appliances.

Troy's Collision Center: Road Report

Crashes all over the county, 17 last count.
County Clerk, PVA, City Hall are closed.
Residential garbage pickup will be done only where trucks can safely operate.
Otherwise, trash will picked up when conditions improve.
Today's printed edition of The Crittenden Press will be on newsstands by noon.
Hazardous conditions all across county and the region.
District Court canceled.
All sheriff’s office personnel are working accidents, so the 965-3400 phone number is not being manned at this time. If you have an emergency call 911.
Both Peoples Bank locations are closed.
Crittenden County Public Library is closed.
Warming shelter at Crittenden County Courthouse will be open overnight this weekend.
County's recycling and garbage convenience center is closed.
County Animal Shelter is closed.

DON'T GET OUT unless for emergency

Local authorities say roadways are hazardous due to the overnight icing.

The sheriff's has crashed his cruiser this morning on U.S. 60 and Police Chief Ray O'Neal says Marion streets are "as slick as I have ever seen."

O'Neal is urging everyone to stay put unless it's an emergency.

"We already have 10 vehicles off the roads," O'Neal said shortly before 6:30 a.m.

Marion City Hall has also announced it will be closed today.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

No school Wednesday in Crittenden County

Crittenden County School District has announced that due to anticipated freezing rain, ice and possibly snow expected to fall overnight and tomorrow, in-person classes will be canceled for Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Wednesday will be a remote learning day for students.

In-person learners will connect with their teachers via Google classroom or other means as instructed by their teachers, and virtual learners will continue their work on Pathblazer and Edgenuity.

Major "icing" event shouldn't be as bad as 2009

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The National Weather Service is projecting a winter storm that could produce the greatest icing event in the last two or three years.

Precipitation is expected to begin tonight and last through Thursday. Western Kentucky could see up to one-half inch of ice. There is a 70-80% chance for at least a quarter inch of ice accumulation during winter storm event.

A specialist with the National Weather Service (NWS) says the storm is projected to be similar to the ice storm of 2009. But we should not see near the amounts that we saw in 2009,” Pat Spoden of the NWS.

Temperatures could break records this weekend with predictions of cold weather around zero.

Pictured is the NWS map showing when precipitation is expected to begin tonight and early tomorrow.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) highway snowfighters have been pretreating roadways today across the region.

“This is forecast to be the kind of severe winter weather that presents us with multiple challenges – a prolonged storm with freezing rain, bringing a buildup of ice that not only makes for slick roads but also can bring down tree limbs and power lines,” Transportation Secretary Jim Gray said. “The ice will be followed by snow and possibly single-digit temperatures.”

Weather forecasts call for a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow beginning tonight, moving west to east. There could be 1 to 3 inches of snow in some places. Motorists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution as this winter weather reaches the area.

Home auction Thursday in Marion

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An auction will be conducted Feb. 11 in Marion to sell a Marion home located on Gum Street.

The 3 BR, 1 bath home was recently remodeled and features stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors.

The home is being sold by Robert Alexander Auction Group.

The home features two outbuildings, a spacious deck and a walk-in tiled shower.

To learn more, contact RARE Auction Group at (800) 307-SOLD.

Rocket Tire hiring in Marion

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Rocket Tire in Marion is hiring.

Applications are accepted in person while the company looks to fill positions of general laborers, forklift operators and machine operators.

The tire business is located on Sturgis Road across from Food Giant in the former Pamida building.

For more information, stop by during business hours.

County has 7 more cases, highest death rate in area

Crittenden County reported seven new cases of COVID-19 over the past weekend, bringing its seven-day total to 24 for the week of Feb. 1-7.

There have been 20 deaths and 577 cases of the coronavirus diagnosed in Crittenden County since the pandemic began last spring.

Crittenden County’s mortality rate from COVID-related issues is higher than of any of its neighboring counties. See this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press for details.