Road work scheduled in southern Livingston County

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to close a section of KY 917 (Tucker Temple Road) in eastern Livingston County on Monday, August 2.

The road will be closed north of the Iuka community to allow full-width paving between KY 93 (Iuka Road) and KY 866 (Paradise Road), a distance of just less than 4.2 miles.

Full-width paving will allow the project to be completed in one day to minimize traffic disruptions.  The crew will attempt to minimize access disruptions to property owners along this section.  However, the roadway will be closed to through traffic in the immediate area where the paver is working.

This project is scheduled on a weather-permitting basis.

Once paving is completed along this section of KY 917, the paving crew will move to the 4-lane southbound section of KY 453 (Dover Road) just south of the I-24 Grand Rivers Exit 31 Interchange to pave at the site of a water line repair in the passing lane.  Work at this site should only take a couple of hours with southbound traffic able to pass on the shoulder.

Some delays are possible during the movement and placement of equipment to facilitate the work.

Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Clerk closed for another computer issue

Crittenden County Clerk's office has closed early today due to another glitch in the statewide computer system.

Computers issues earlier this month also hampered the clerk's ability to serve the public and transfer automobiles titles. 

Fohs Hall rentals available for all occasions

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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.

COVID gets eight more on Thursday

COVID-19 simply won't go away, and probably never will. For now, public health officials continue to track its path.

On Thursday, there were another eight cases reported in Crittenden County. There were a dozen on Wednesday. 

That makes 31 cases reported here during the seven-day period that ended Thursday. Those are the highest one-week figures since last winter.

E911 board hiring coordinator

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Candidates for a full-time position as E911 coordinator should contact the City of Marion by Aug. 13.

The successful applicant will supervise activities at the E911 dispatch center at Marion City Hall among other responsibilities.

Starting pay is commensurate with work experience.

Applicants must be certified dispatchers and have at least three years experience.

Bluegrass selling Switzer property Aug. 7

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Farm equipment, shop tools, guns and hunting equipment will be on the auction block Aug. 7 during an auction conducted by Bluegrass Realty-Auction.

Auctioneer Kenny Odom and broker Robert Kirby will conduct the retirement auction of Bill Switzer at Jeff Clements Rd., in Marion.

Check out the full list of auction items, or contact Kirby for more information.

Fundraising car wash this weekend

 

MAXED OUT: Truth Is ...

Crittenden Press columnist Kayla Maxfield tells it like it is after listening to folks around town complain of being out of the loop on real community news. Read her column, Maxed Out, regularly in The Crittenden Press.

A dozen new COVID cases yesterday

COVID-19 is back in Crittenden County with a vengeance just as schools are ramping up for a return of students to the classroom.

There were a dozen new cases reported yesterday in the county, bringing the community total to 24 new cases over the seven-day period ending Wednesday. That’s the most cases in one week’s time frame in months.

The county also reported its 24th virus-related death of the pandemic last week.

Crittenden County Fair entires due Aug. 3

After a long absence, a few Family Consumer Science categories are returning to the Crittenden County Fair. These are open to any Crittenden county resident.  Only one entry per class is permitted.  

All entries should be entered between 11a.m. – 3 p.m. on Aug. 3. Judging will take place Aug. 3. Entries can be viewed between 1-6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 4  and between 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 5. 

Awards for first, second and third place will be given in the following classes: 

PHOTOGRAPHY

FCS 001          Best color photo – any size or subject

FCS 002          Best black and white photo – any size or subject

NEEDLEWORK

FCS 003          Crochet or knit item

FCS 004          Embroidered, cross-stitched, crewel, tatted or similar item

SEWING

FCS 005          Clothing item 

FCS 006          Non – Clothing item

PODCAST: Driver's Licensing Moving out of Town

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Crittenden County Circuit Court Clerk's office will stop renewing driver's licenses on Aug. 20. 

Listen to our Podcast with Clerk Melissa Guill.

In August, written and road testing will also cease at Crittenden County for new drivers.

Driver's licensing services are moving to regional centers. 

See this week's Crittenden Press full edition for more information.

COVID-19 claims another life in Crittenden

There were five new cases of COVID-19 reported on Tuesday and 13 cases of the virus reported in Crittenden County during the seven-day period that ended Tuesday.

Public health officials report that a Crittenden County person with COVID died last week, marking the 24th pandemic-related death since April 2020.

As of Tuesday, there had been 46 new diagnoses here during July. That, after 22 cases in June and nine in May. A resurgence in the virus began in mid June here, and across the country. 

As of early this week, Crittenden County had vaccinated 26.69 percent of its population. That’s a distance from the statewide vaccination rate where 45.3 percent of Kentuckians are fully inosculated. Kentucky trails the broader national average of 49.7 percent. 

Clerk announces plan for 2022 election bid

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Well ahead of the 2022 election which will include numerous Crittenden County offices, County Clerk Daryl Tabor has announced his candidacy.

With a slogan "Keep the Change," Tabor has publicly announced his desire to seek his first elected term.

He was appointed last fall to fill the unexpired term of former Clerk Carolyn Byford.

Will students have to wear masks at all?

Crittenden County Board of Education met in regular session Tuesday and passed a measure that will make masks optional at school this year.

See this week's full edition of this week's newspaper for all the fine details on masks, and what's happening with school construction plans. The blueprint for a new high school has changed due to some stumbling blocks at the originally proposed site. So now, the football field is right in the way. 

Get the scoop in this week's Press, which will be on newsstands Wednesday after lunch and in your mailbox Thursday. 

Ask us about getting the entire newspaper emailed to your inbox every Wednesday so you never miss an issue.

Driver's licensing, testing will end here in August

Crittenden will join eight more Kentucky counties in making the transition in August to a new, secure driver-licensing model, administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

The traditional issuance system of licenses and permits initiated at the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is being phased out. It is being replaced by a network of KYTC Driver Licensing Regional Offices intentionally located across the state. Eighteen regional offices have been opened statewide to date, with more to come. KYTC and Kentucky’s circuit court clerks are working together to smoothly complete the transition statewide by June 30, 2022.

“It’s a new era of driver licensing in Kentucky,” Gov. Andy Beshear said “We are using technology to offer more service options than ever before, such as online appointment scheduling and, for the first time, online license renewal. After many years of issuing driver licenses, circuit court clerks will be able to focus solely on court business and driver licensing will be executed at new regional offices whose only business is licensing.”

Making the transition in August will be Bath, Carter, Crittenden, Cumberland, Jackson, Lawrence, Lyon, McLean and Warren counties. 

Crittenden County Circuit Court Clerk Melissa Guill said in-person licensing services will cease in Marion on Friday, Aug. 20. From then on, licensing services will be performed at KYTC’s regional offices.

With the August transition, 49 of Kentucky’s 120 counties will have made the transfer of services.

Residents of counties making the transition may renew or apply for a REAL ID or new standard card

Car fire at Marion Recycling Center

An automobile caught fire behind Marion Recycling and required a run from the Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department.

Firemen quickly extinguished the blaze with no further damage.

The recycling center is located on Mott City Road between Marion and Crayne. 

Marion residents seek legislative assistance

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In a paid advertisement, Marion residents Bryant and Evelyn Hayes are encouraging City of Marion water customers to ask local legislators for help.

The cost of rising water bills being a concern, the Hayeses say government officials should help Marion receive part of the Kentucky Infrastructure Grant.

Both Rep. Lynn Bechler and Sen. Robby Mills can be reached by calling the Frankfort switchboard. 

Bechler's home phone number was listed in a paid advertisement in the Early Bird Shopper's Guide this week. He has called The Crittenden Press office today asking that calls in reference to the advertisement be made to his office in Frankfort (the number which is listed at right), and not his home.

A look back at the county fair

 

There's nothing quite like a county fair, and it's that time of year in Crittenden County.

Join us this week in The Crittenden Press as we take a stroll down memory lane, looking back at some of the last 48 years of county fairs in Marion and how it all got started.

Our full edition of the newspaper will be on newsstands Wednesday and in your mailbox Thursday. We will also have an interesting podcast to post later in the week as a companion to our newspaper fair coverage. 

Livingston transitions to regional driver's license offices

A new era of driver licensing services, offering an array of options and conveniences for obtaining or renewing driver’s licenses and state identification cards, will begin in 10 more Kentucky counties this week, including Livingston. Crittenden is expected to begin transition, too, perhaps in August.

The traditional trip to the local Office of the Circuit Court Clerk is being replaced in those counties with a visit to a secure, specialized Driver Licensing Regional Office operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

“To make a better Kentucky, we have to strive for constant improvement in our public services and the manner in which they’re delivered,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The transition to licensing through a network of Driver Licensing Regional Offices, with modern services and more choices for cardholders, takes this essential service to the next level.”

Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Garrard, Hickman, Livingston, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan and Muhlenberg counties will make the transition this month. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each of those counties ceased in-person driver licensing services today and licensing services will instead be performed at

Crittenden County Sports Briefs

 SOCCER

CCYSA registration is Aug. 1

Registration for fall youth soccer at Marion-Crittenden County Park begins Aug. 1. An online registration portal is available at the Crittenden County Youth Soccer Association (CYSA group site on Facebook). Also, updates will be posted there as the season draws near. The soccer season will begin Aug. 30 for children born in years 2008 through 2013 and on Sept. 6 for players born in 2014 through 2019. For more information or assistance registering call, 270-969-8042.

FOOTBALL

Junior Pro registration is Saturday

Registration for Crittenden County Junior Pro Football for players in grades 3-4 and 5-6 will be held on Saturday, July 31 at Rocket Stadium. Players in grades 5-6 can register starting at 8:30 a.m., and players in grades 3-4 can begin signing up at 9:45 a.m.

GOLF

QB Club fundraising tournament

Crittenden County Quarterback Club will host its annual fundraising Hardin/Myers Memorial 4-Person Golf Tournament Wednesday, Aug. 4 at Marion Golf & Pool. Register by calling 270-704-1225.  

Livingston hosts Cardinal Kick-Off to School

Livingston County Schools will host their kickoff to the new academic year on July 26.

The event will be on the Livingston Central High School campus.

This is for all grades and will be from 5-7pm.

Providence Road rises from backwater

Providence Road, which was closed this week due to high water from a rising Tradewater River, has reopened in eastern Crittenden County.

At last report, Enon Church Road and Cool Springs Road were still under water in the same area of the county.

Restration for Community Christmas open

Families who will need assistance can begin thinking about Crittenden County’s Community Christmas program.

A tracking form is required of each family requesting assistance. Copies can be picked up at the following locations: Crittenden County Extension Office, Crittenden County FRYSC, Crittenden County Public Library or PACS Office. Three signatures are required on each application. 

Participants will be required to attend three community classes/events to qualify for assistance. For information, contact Brandie Ledford at the Crittenden County Public Library 270-965-3354 or Crystal Wesmoland at FRYSC 270-965-9833.

The Crittenden County Interagency Council discussed organization of the 2021 Community Christmas program during its July 15 meeting. 

The Happy Feet Program, which provides new shoes at the start of each school year for those who need them, will conduct its distribution event Aug. 10

Additionally, free haircuts will be available, and there will be a yard sale on the same night. 

To determine eligibility or refer a family, contact Wesmoland at the FRYSC office.

2021 Lions Club Fair begins Saturday

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Events begin this weekend for the Crittenden County Lions Club Fair.

First up for the Lions Club lineup is a car show Saturday, July 24 at the fairgrounds in Marion. Registration is between 9 a.m.-noon. Awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

On Thursday, July 29, Classy & Grassy will perform at the fairgrounds. Admission is $5 for 7 and older. Ages 6-under are free.

Other events on the schedule include the Enduro Derby, a Tractor Pull, the ever-popular Demolition Derby and Miss Crittenden County Fair Pageant.

Rooster Hill Flowers, stop by today

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Fresh flowers for your table, fresh flowers for a friend. Stop by Rooster Hill Flowers!

Located on State Route 297 near Sheridan, Rooster 

Hills is a u-pick flower farm you don't want to miss.

A family-owned farm of fresh flowers await.

Stop by today.

Town's historic building sells at auction

One of Marion’s most historic and recognizable buildings sold at public auction at the courthouse door this morning. It has been known by many names, originally built as a Masonic Lodge and later was Hunt's Department Store.

It has been co-owned since 1997 by Thom Hawthorne and Paula Collins and they formerly operated a diner in the building, which is located at the corner of Main and Bellville streets.

Records indicate that Collins had petitioned the court for a partition sale, which was recently awarded.

At auction, Collins bought the property with a bid of $130,000. Only she and the other owner, Hawthorne, cast bids during the public auction.

By law, the purchaser will have 30 days to complete the deal.

A court-ordered appraisal figured the building's worth at $150,000.

Speeding driver arrested in Fredonia

Caldwell County Deputy Evan Head arrested a Christian County man early this morning in Fredonia on a variety of charges.

While patrolling at 1:09 a.m., the deputy observed a vehicle speeding in Fredonia and conducted a traffic stop. Deputy Head's investigation discovered the driver of the vehicle had two warrants out of Christian County.  

Vontrae Lewis, 27, of Hopkinsville was charged with with Speeding Over 26 MPH over the speed limit, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia and was served and arrested on the Christian County District Court Warrants for Failure to Pay Bond for Trafficking Marijuana (Less than 8 oz) 1st Offense and Failure to Pay Bond for Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (Motor Vehicle) 

Lewis was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.

Demolition underway at highway garage

Demolition work has begun at the former Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's highway maintenance garage next to the high school.

Crittenden County School District has purchased the property in order to grow the campus and make way for the new high school that will be built starting next year. 

Survey work for the new school has already begun.

Once the new high school is built, middle school students will occupy the current high school

Red Cross looking for volunteers

Did you know preparing your community before a disaster is part of the American Red Cross mission? 

As a Community Preparedness Volunteer you can help educate individuals, families  and communities on actions to reduce the risk of a disaster and prepare to respond effectively and cope with disapreparedness education opportunities like Hands-Only CPR or providing disaster education presentations Or, become a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Teams (DAT).

Every day people are forced from their home due to fires, storms or other disasters. The Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers respond day and night to meet the immediate needs of their neighbors. Assistance given may include financial provisions for food, clothing and lodging, emotional support, prescription medication and other critically needed items.  

To learn more, visit: www.redcross.org/dat or contact the local Disaster Program Manager. Call Linda Porter at 270-570-0395 or email here at this address: Linda.porter@redcross.org.

Hurricane Camp Meeting begins Monday, July 26

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For the 133rd year, the Hurricane Camp meeting will convene on the grounds of Hurricane Church beginning Monday, July 26. 

Headlining the special music on Monday will be local bluegrass band Classy & Grassy.

Steve Stone will be the evangelist for the week, with music by The Stone Family Tuesday, July 27 through Sunday, Aug. 1.

Meals are available in the dining hall prior to church each evening, 

and the canteen will be open after services for ice cream and hamburgers.

Due to COVID-19, the youth camp generally held the same week as Camp Meeting was not held this year, but organizers hope to have it back next year.

Hurricane Church is located off Ky. 135 between Tolu and Ky. 91 North.

Ed-Tech Center hosts group viewing of hearing

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) reminds areal residents and commuters who travel U.S. 641 in Lyon and Caldwell Counties that registration is still open to participate in an online hearing scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, July 19.

There will be a group viewing of the virtual meeting at the Marion Ed-Tech Center. It is open to everyone and doors will open at 5:45 p.m. Anyone interested in making a comment should contact Crittenden County-Judge Executive Perry Newcom by noon Friday.

KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat says public comments helped guide the project since the study began 15 years ago.  The online meeting is an opportunity for citizens to provide a final round of input on the project to realign 9.2 miles of the U.S. 641 corridor as a four-lane highway. The July 19 public hearing will be held online via Zoom. Participants must register in advance at www.641connect.com.

“With 49 online registrants and several citizens who have submitted written feedback on the project website or verbally, we are pleased with the engagement from the community and look forward to the public hearing,” Poat said.  “During the online meeting, residents and stakeholders will get an update

Crayne Cemetery Road washed out

Crayne Cemetery Road is closed is closed due to a washout. 

The damage is just east of the Lloyd Road intersection. 

A 48-inch culvert washed out and took the road with it. 

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department says motorists should avoid the area.

Dead birds causing alarm statewide

Have you seen any dead songbirds? 

If so, check out the article in the July 15, 2021 issue of The Crittenden Press.

The whole state is on alert about dead birds

Find out what's going on and how you can help in your local newspaper.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Livingston installs CodeRED alert system

Livingston County announced last month that it now has CodeRED notification capabilities. CodeRED is an emergency notification service through which public safety agencies can notify residents and businesses by landline or cellular phone about emergency situations. 

The system is capable of sending messages to specific neighborhoods or the entire community.

Examples of how CodeRED can be used are severe weather situations, substantial utility outage, evacuation notices, missing or lost persons, fires or floods, major roadway issues, significant criminal situations, chemical spills or gas leaks. 

CodeRED can be used for any emergency alert. 

To register, text LivingstonCo to 99411 or call 270-928-3177 option 3. A link is also available on the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page.

Three Roads Closed in County

 Due to rising levels on the Tradewater River, three roads in the rural eastern part of Crittenden County are under water at various points.

Those are Providence Road, Cool Springs Road and Enon Church Road.

Motorists should avoid these areas.

Veterans services: Virtual Coffee Time

The new “Virtual Veterans Coffee” which will be an opportunity for veterans, spouses, widows and caregivers to get information and answers to questions about available veteran’s services is ready to kick off.  Johnny Allen, who is with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, will present a topic and answer questions at the Zoom (Microsoft Teams) meetings. 

The “coffees” are scheduled for the first Monday of each month at 9 a.m., beginning Aug. 2. For more information and to receive an invitation link, contact Gary Lovell by email at grlovell1966@gmail.com. 

Meetings can be accessed by smart phones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. The virtual portal is sponsored by United Community Bank of West Kentucky.

Job Corps Center has job openings

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Earle C. Job Corps Center is looking for employees.

The center has positions available in a number of departments. Competitive wages and benefits are provided.

For more information, contact the center.

Fire station clock gets back in order

Workers did some maintenance Thursday on the clock on the fire station in Marion.

The clock's light had stopped working.

Located at the corner of Main and Bellville streets, the city timepiece is a key feature on the town's landscape. 

Assailant robs Fredonia store, assaults employees

The robber caught on video inside the store

Fredonia Foods and More was robbed and employees assaulted by an armed assailant at about 10 p.m., Wednesday.

Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department is investigating. 

The police report says that a suspect wearing dark-colored clothing and ski mask entered the store and after assaulting the employees with what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun, took an undisclosed amount of money and fled in an unknown direction.

No other details were released by investigators. 

Caldwell County Sheriff's Department is asking for help from the community. Anyone who might have observed anything around the time of the robbery in or around Fredonia is encouraged to call the sheriff at 270-365-2088 or central dispatching at 270-365-7860.  

The sheriff’s department is also asking businesses or homeowners in the area to check their surveillance cameras for anything that might be helpful in solving the crime and/or contact the sheriff’s department to discuss having an officer review footage.

 

Fohs Hall fundraising for stage lights, sound system

One of the community’s most recognizable, historic buildings is in need of some upgrades, and the group that oversees it is launching a major fundraising campaign to raise $50,000.

Fohs Hall, once a grade school and now a community center, hosts a variety of entertainment and community functions every year. Its sound system and theater lighting is grossly antiquated, according to a consultant who recently surveyed the facility.

Alan Stout, president of Fohs Hall, Inc., said the goal is to take Fohs Hall to the next level as a regional performing arts Center. 

An initial proposal has been received from Telecast Communications of Hodgenville to install the new systems for $45,000. Telecast installed and maintains the lighting and sound systems at the Lincoln Jamboree in Hodgenville, where Marion musicians and entertainers Classy & Grassy regularly perform.  

“Other expenses associated will involve a local electrician and other incidental expenses that will probably push the total cost to over $50,000,” Stout said.

Stout said the proposal includes removal of existing, fragmented, outdated and undersized audio system and to install a new, upgraded audio system in the auditorium. It will be be specifically designed for the venue to ensure the entire audience will receive a high quality, balanced listening and visual experience.

A GoFundMe Account has been created called Fohs Hall Performing Arts Center. Also, contributions may be mailed directly to Fohs Hall at PO Box 1, Marion,  KY  42064. Fohs Hall will be making grant applications to various sources as well as holding some special fundraising events.

Fohs Hall is a 501c3 charitable organization (EI#31-1038947)and incorporated as a Kentucky non-profit corporation, therefore, most contributions are tax deductible.

For more details on this subject see the July 8, 2021 issue of The Crittenden Press.

Computer glitch solved at clerk's office

Crittenden County Clerk's office is now getting back to normal after a statewide computer glitch late last week and early this week stymied vehicle transfers.

Clerk Daryl Tabor said transaction are going smoothing now.

County Road Report: Tradewater now the issue

All of the county roads are now back open that were temporarily closed by last weekend's heavy rains that left flooding, debris and damage across the county.

However, rising backwater from the Tradewater River has now closed Providence Road near the Webster County line. County officials say more roads in that area are likely to go under water soon due to the rising river.

COVID just won't go away

Livingston County showed back up in the Red early this week on the state’s color-coded map. It was the only red county in the state. Red indicates the highest risk factor for the virus based on an incidence rate of infection. 

Crittenden County’s numbers keep rising, too.

Crittenden reported six new COVID-19 cases today.

That makes 26 in July and 18 over the seven-day period from July 8 to July 14.

The county’s vaccination rate is 26 percent. Livingston County’s vaccination rate is 39 percent.

Public hearing on school funds

Crittenden County School District will have a public hearing at 5pm July 27 to receive comments about how best it should use Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funding.

Information about ESSER funding will be presented prior to the comment period. 

Boil water order is lifted

The boil water order has been lifted for Marion water customers.

The order was issued on Friday after a major break in a large water line on the south side of town.

More computer issues Monday for clerk's office

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor is asking customers with any motor vehicle transactions to wait until Tuesday to conduct their business with the office.

Indications are from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that the issues that plagued the state's motor vehicle registration system last week will continue through at least today. Some transactions have been locking up the system statewide, charging incorrect fees or retrieving incorrect information.

"There is no guarantee we will be able to process motor vehicle transactions Monday, so we are asking customers to wait another day before coming in," said County Clerk Daryl Tabor. "Again, we regret the inconvenience this has caused anyone, but the matter remains out of our hands. Transportation officials are aware of the statewide issues and have been working to make the necessary patches to allow the 40-year-old system to work properly."

With weekend work from state programmers, KyTC officials are planning to test the system today for bugs then make any necessary updates this evening. That should remedy issues beginning Tuesday, the county clerk said.

Crittenden County Clerk's office will open today on a delayed scheduled at 9 a.m.

Body recovered from Lake Barkly

A former Marion resident died in a boating accident on Lake Barkley Saturday. The body of Dustin Fox, 31, of Princeton was recovered by divers just before midday Sunday about 24 after he was reported missing.

Crittenden County Rescue Squad was involved in the recovery effort along with Pennyrile Recovery Dive Team, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Lyon County Rescue Squad and other agencies.

The fish and wildlife service was notified Sunday at about 2 p.m., that witnesses had seen Fox go overboard while operating his boat near Davenport Bay close to the Land Between the Lakes shoreline across the Cumberland River from Kuttawa Harbor. Witnesses told authorities that Fox’s boat hit a large wave and he was ejected then struck by his own boat.

He was the only person on the watercraft at the time of accident.

Flash flooding closes roads, leaves debris

Approaches on both ends of the bridge on
Jackson School Road are washed away.

Heavy rains have washed out approaches on either end of a bridge across Dry Fork Creek on Jackson School Road. The road will be closed an undetermined period.

County Road Foreman Audi Maraman said there widespread damage around the county, but the bridge on Jackson School Road is the most severe. 

A few other highways are closed, following last night’s torrential rainfall which left 3.7 inches of precipitation on the county before midnight. Some weather watchers near Frances and Salem reported up to seven inches of rainfall from dark Saturday until daylight Sunday.

Among the roads and highways known to be closed early Sunday morning due to flash flooding are Jackson School Road, KY 70, KY 902, KY 855 North and Frances Road. Most of the road closures are in the southern quadrant of the county. Mexico Church Road has had significant damage near Sulphur Springs Church, but is passable.

Debris has also been washed onto many roads in the community, making driving hazardous. Motorists should be cautious.

Crittenden-Livingston Water District crews were out in the Frances area looking for an apparent leak, which likely was caused by the flash flooding. There was no immediate disruption in service to customers, however.

Crews out all night preparing water lines

A secondary leak formed near Siemens.

Marion maintenance crews were still working at 10:30am today on a secondary leak that formed as a result of yesterday’s major water line break on the side of Wilson Hill a few hundred yards below the city water tank.

The secondary leak formed next to Industrial Drive beside of Siemens. Gary Gerrard, city maintenance director, said it appears the leak on Industrial Drive formed due to the system being turned off and on numerous times overnight as workers repaired the 12-inch line break on the hillside behind the Front Porch Restaurant.

City employees have been on the job continuously since about 1pm Friday when a main trunkline broke, spilling about 600,000 gallons of water onto the ground, damaging at least one home.

The good news, Gerrard said, is that the city water system is back on. However, a boil water order remains in effect until further notice.

Local man cataloging cemetery contacts

A local man has done research that should make it easier for people to make contributions to area cemeteries.

Glen Leslie of Marion has compiled a list of addresses and contact information for caretakers of 16 cemeteries in the county. He was unable to locate people in charge of at least that many more, but will continue to work on the project of cataloging cemetery representatives.

His list is published on page 5 of July 8, 2021 issue of The Crittenden Press.

Leslie says caring for cemeteries is a good way to honor those buried there. Without contributions for annual upkeep, mowing and general maintenance is impossible.

He knows of several cemeteries that have been abandoned due to deaths of caretakers or loss of maintenance funds and hopes the community can find a way to make sure those grave sites do not fall in a state of ill repair.

Major leak leaves city without water

A major water line break on the side of Wilson Hill just below the city water tank flooded at least one home and will leave residents without water for a period of time.

The line broke shortly after 1pm, leaving heavy streams rolling down the hill behind the Front Porch Restaurant. 

Gary Gerrard, maintenance director for the city, said crews have already begun to repair the 12-inch line that apparently broke due to natural shifting of the ground. The leak formed between Danny Browning’s house and a utility building, sucking a large hole in the ground and creating a geyser of water.

Doug Campbell, who lives just below the leak, said his home is flooded. 

The water issue will affect only city residents. The Crittenden-Livingston Water District has independent lines and its customers will not see any effects. 

The city is under a boil water order until further notice due to the situation.

Crittenden County Courthouse closed today at 4pm due to the water outage and the Front Porch Restaurant posted on social media that it, too, is closed for the evening. Be aware that other businesses may be doing likewise. 

Clerk's office closed today due to software glitch

The Crittenden County Clerk's office closed at 11 a.m., today due to a statewide computer glitch.

Software operating system problems Wednesday and Thursday prevented the clerk from being able to transfer automobile titles. When the problem persisted Friday, the office was closed just before midday.

"We hope the problem will be resolved Monday," said Clerk Daryl Tabor.

The office will be open extended hours, from 8 a.m., until 4:30 Monday and Tuesday. 

"Meantime, people can renew their registration online at secure.Kentucky.gov/KyTC/renewal or leave them in the clerk's drop box on the front of the courthouse," Tabor added.

The county clerk typically "does about $5,000 worth of business on a slow day, probably averaging $8,000 this summer," Tabor explained. "Yesterday, we did only $500 without motor vehicles."

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) says that all county clerk offices are temporarily unable to process vehicle-related transactions due to intermittent system issues.

County clerks use KYTC’s Automated Vehicle Information System (AVIS) to process transactions such as vehicle registrations, transfers and vehicle titling, the KYTC said in a news release today.

“Our team of programmers is working diligently to identify the issue and restore service as soon as possible,” said Department of Vehicle Registration Commissioner Matt Cole. 

A transfer of systems over the holiday weekend from AVIS to a new inventory system caused a service interruption. The new system is part of an effort to modernize license plate production and to support the cabinet’s long-term goal of transferring all motor vehicle transactions from the 40-year-old AVIS system to a new KAVIS system. No driver information was impacted.

It is not known when the system interruption will be resolved and normal vehicle transactions will be resumed, the KYTC said.

Live Reality Game: Heady survives

Have you seen this week's Crittenden Press?

If not, grab one because there is a great article about a local elected official who spent a week recently competing in a live survivor-style reality game that was broadcast on variety of platforms.

Catch all the local news in your local newspaper, now available by email to your inbox each week. Go Here to sign up.

Man arrested in court for suspicion of AI

Policeman Heath Martin cuffs the defendant.

A man who appeared in court for a pretrial hearing today was arrested for suspicion of being drunk.

Mark Edward Adamson, 56, of Marion appeared before Circuit Judge Rene Williams on a series of charges stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident in August 2020.

Court officials suspected that Adamson might be impaired and he was arrested by Marion Police Sgt. Heath Martin, who told the judge he smelled alcohol on the defendant. 

Adamson was not allowed to enter a plea in his case. Instead, he was handcuffed and taken to jail on a charge of public intoxication. 

See more on this incident and a complete wrap-up of circuit court proceedings in next week's full edition of The Crittenden Press.

Manhunt under way in Lyon County

UPDATE

The suspect has been found. He was arrested in Princeton.

ORIGINAL POST

Authorities are searching for a person in Lyon County they consider armed and dangerous.

Kentucky State Police say a man fled on foot from a traffic stop Thursday morning near the 70-mile marker on Interstate 69 near Eddyville. 

The black man is described as being approximately 6-foot-1 and weighing 165 pounds with short hair and brown eyes. Police think he could be in a wooded area near Pebble Creek Drive and KY 3305. 

Anyone with information should call 911 or Kentucky State Police at 270-856-3721.

Statewide computer glitch stops transfers

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor says the clerk's office will not be able to process vehicle transfers again today after a statewide systems malfunction has caused a shutdown of such activity. 

"Our office regrets any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have questions or need to make special accommodations, please call us at 270-965-3403," said Tabor.

This applies to anyone buying or selling a vehicle.

Find Your River Odyssey

Here is a glimpse of what local rivers have to offer for the adventurous and resourceful soul.

Read more in this week's full edition of the newspaper.

Child credit checks coming next week

Do you have children?

If so, starting next week, Uncle Sam will be sending you more money. This time, it could have tax return consequences at the end of the year. 

Unless you opt out of getting this child tax credit money now, it is scheduled to be dumped into your bank account monthly or sent via check starting July 15.

You will need to know how much you're going to get and whether taking that money now is a good idea. 

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press has details about the federal government's new child tax credit payments, plus very critical information from a local accountant that can help you decide how to personally handled these payments or credits.

Tabor auction Saturday in Mexico

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A collection of farm equipment, tools, collectibles and guns will be sold 

Saturday in the Mexico community.

Roy Bunch of Bunch Auction & Realty will conduct the sale beginning at 10 a.m., on Ky. 70 about a half mile from the intersection of Mott City Road (formerly U.S. 641).

Real estate to be sold includes the former ICRR, LaRue Switch, and Zinc Mine fluorspar mines. It includes 7.5 acres sold in one tract. The property is rich in history as a mine, railroad property and contains pasture, hunting and fishing opportunities and building sites.

Auction items are part of the Donald Tabor estate; Nancy Tabor, executrix.

Contact the auctioneer or check AuctionZip for more photos. 

U-Pick tomatoes now ready

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Didn't grow a garden? No problem. Pick your own tomatoes.

To learn more, call today.

First come, first serve, $5/bucket.

Computer glitch stalls vehicle transfers today

UPDATE2: Crittenden County Clerk has hopes of being able to resume vehicle transfers today after a statewide systems issue from yesterday was resolved. However, early indications are that the state's software issues may continue to some degree today (Thursday, July 8), which could pose a problem for some transfer actions. 

ORGINAL POST

Due to issues with the state’s motor vehicles computer system, Crittenden County Clerk’s Office will be unable to process any vehicle transfers today (Wednesday, July 7). However, the problem should be resolved for tomorrow.

"Our office regrets any inconvenience this may cause you. If you have questions or need to make special accommodations, please call us at 270-965-3403," said Clerk Daryl Tabor.

County's COVID numbers remain on uptick

Across Kentucky and in Crittenden County, COVID-19 continues to kick back up after being virtually dormant in late May and early June. 

Six new cases were reported in the county over the holiday weekend.

In the past three weeks, Crittenden County has had 25 new cases, averaging more than one per day for the period from June 18 through July 6.

A local 58-year-old woman diagnosed late last week has been hospitalized. 

See this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press for a complete 2020 and 2021 monthly analysis of the virus in our community.

Saab Story: In this week's Crittenden Press

Get the whole scoop in this week's full edition of the newspaper

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Delinquent water bills may fall on landlords

In an effort to bring its fee structures in line with other nearby utilities and to help ensure that its sewer system can keep pace with future financial liabilities associated with building a new multi-million-dollar treatment plant, the City of Marion wants to start charging more for tap-ons, deposits and re-connection fees.

City leaders are also looking into a way of assuring it collects delinquent water bills. Through the pandemic, its unpaid bills grew markedly. Although COVID issues led to greater risk for non-collection of delinquent accounts, the city has historically had a significant percentage of uncollectable accounts, mostly from renters who leave a residence without paying.

Now, the city council is considering tying unpaid water and sewer bills to the property itself, which could lead to a lien on the deed if not settled by the property owner. The idea holds landlords financially responsible if tenants skip out without paying the city water and sewer bill. For the rest of the article see the July 1, 2021 full edition of The Crittenden Press, available online or in print. Go Here to Subscribe now.

The Crittenden Press is your primary source of news and information for this community. We’re proud to serve our community and we take great pride in bringing you real news, sports reporting and other information that helps you know what’s going on in town and across the county. Help ensure that real reporting continues in this community by subscribing today. You can subscribe online to the full version of the newspaper for only $2.95 a month. Click here to subscribe.

Copyright 2021

The Crittenden Press

Victory Gardens open distribution Tuesday

The first distribution of Victory Garden produce will be from 9 a.m., to 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 6 at the community garden pavilion off Old Morganfield Road. 

Available will be peppers, blackberries, green tomatoes, cucumbers and perhaps green beans. 

This is a free distribution.

Additional markdowns on fireworks at H & H

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Fireworks are on sale at H&H Home & Hardware.

Stop by and see the selection of fireworks. You won't
be disappointed!

While you're there, see the massive selection of everything you need for home improvement projects during this long holiday weekend.

Fireworks Saturday night at Tolu

Tolu will have its fireworks show on Saturday, July 3. 

The small rivertown in northern Crittenden County typically draws thousands to the event, which includes vendors and other entertainment. 

There will be no Thunder over Eddy Bay this year because organizers cannot find workers certified to set off fireworks. 

   

Crazy Train Fireworks open until 10 p.m.

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Get on the Crazy Train and get some July 4 fireworks.

Crazy Train is located on Sturgis Rd., across from Dairy Queen.

All types of fireworks are available at Crazy Train, open 

until 10 p.m. daily.

Comments accepted for U.S. 641 project

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Public comments about the so called second leg of the U.S 641 project to link Fredonia to Eddyville are being accepted. A public hearing about the project will be held via Zoom on July 19.

Maps and additional information about the project are available online at www.641.connect.com. You can also send an email to info@641connect.com or leave a voicemail at the number included in this advertisement. Written comments may be mailed to the District 1 office in Paducah.

If you wish to speak at the July 19 meeting, you will be given three minutes, and. you must pre-register at www.641connect.com.

Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 6.

Fireworks on sale at H&H Home & Hardware

Click Image to Enlarge

Fireworks are on sale at H&H Home & Hardware.

Stop by and see the selection of fireworks. You won't 

be disappointed!

While you're there, see the massive selection of everything you need for home improvement projects during this long holiday weekend.