Saturday, December 31, 2022

Obituary: Kiebler

Kerry Dwayne Kiebler, 74, of Paducah passed away Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.

Kiebler was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Free Spirit Biker Church.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl Lynn Kiebler; two sisters, Sharon Kiebler and Judy Riley both of Paducah; one brother, Johnny Kiebler of Ledbetter; one uncle, Jim Schade of Ledbetter; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a beloved pet, Nicky.

Kiebler was preceded in death by three brothers, Ricky, Bobby, and Eddy; and his parents, William and Dorris (Day) Kiebler.

Graveside funeral services will be Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 12 Noon, at Bethel Cemetery.  There will be no public visitation.

Condolences may be left online at boydfuneraldirectors.com.

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Obituary: Kurtz, 62, of Marion

Melinda Lee Kurtz, 62, of Marion died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah. She attended Pryorsburg Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, James Kurtz of Marion; children, Bobby Brewer of Mayfield, Hazel Lee Brewer of Texas and Jacob Kurtz of Marion; grandchildren, Brooke, Riley, James, Clay, Russell and Kenneth Wayne Brewer; and brother, Larry McKinney of Mayfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Lee and Mattie McKinney and brother, Randy McKinney.

Services are scheduled for 1 p.m., Monday Jan. 2, 2023 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Marion with interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery.  

The family will receive visitors from 10am until service time Monday at the funeral home.

Clerk's office closed for New Year's holiday

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The Crittenden County Clerk's Office is sharing its holiday closing schedule. 

The office will be closed Dec. 23-26 and 
Dec. 30-Jan. 2.

The clerk's office extends warm holiday wishes to Crittenden County citizens and looks forward 
to serving everyone in 2023.

Last chance to pay taxes, switch party affiliation

Crittenden County property taxes are due by the end of the year. 

The last day to pay in person without penalty is Thursday, Jan. 29. 

Any payment mailed and postmarked by Jan. 31 will be accepted without penality. 

Taxes can be paid at the sheriff’s department in the courthouse. 

Payments made in January will incur a 5 percent penalty. The penalty goes up to 21 percent in February. 

The sheriff’s department will be closed Friday for the New Year's holiday. 

Additionally, the last opportunity to change party affiliation and vote in the May primary is 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31. You may do so at GoVote.ky.gov or in the county clerk's office. However, Crittenden County Clerk's office is closed for the year after today.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Job openings at Earl C. Clements Job Corps Center

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The Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center now has a $15 minimum wage.

The Union County center is seeking employees at a competitive salary with a benefits package and opportunities for advancement. 

View current job openings at mtcjobs.com.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Duck hunters plucked off frigid lake

Some area duck hunters' boat stalled on Kentucky Lake last weekend and the Marshall County Rescue Squad had to rescue them.

Read more here at Kentucky Today | Duck Hunters

Lady Rockets persevere amid airline meltdown

Lady Rocket players Natalie Boone and Chloe
Hunt interviewed by Nashville newscast.
A major air carrier’s meltdown the day after Christmas delivered a strong blow to the Lady Rocket basketball team’s travel plans, but the airline debacle didn't knock the local girls out.

After 17 hours stranded at Nashville International Airport on Monday, Crittenden County High School coach Shannon Hodge landed a crew of 37 players, managers, parents and supporters onto a chartered bus and left a bad experience in Tennessee for warmer circumstances in Orlando, Fla.

An historic winter storm tangled with one of the heaviest travel periods of the year provided the perfect recipe for an airline incapable of navigating perhaps deeper issues, catching tens of thousands across the country in a miserable situation. Among them were Lady Rocket basketball girls who learned that corporate struggles of epic proportions are no match for tenacity through adversity.

   -- WATCH NASHVILLE NEWS COVERAGE OF LADY ROCKET SAGA --

“We always try to talk about what it means to deal with adversity,” coach Hodge said as her team made alternative plans to bypass the airline's breakdown by chartering a Clair Stauffer bus out of Mount Vernon, Ill. 

Over the past 24 years, Hodge has planned sixth holiday break trips to Florida. This one was booked months in advance and when the team gathered at Rocket Arena at midnight on Christmas Day, it headed toward an avalanche of difficulties that at times seemed insurmountable, and almost persuaded the group to turn around and come home.

Instead, Hodge and the girls forged ahead, painting a story of perseverance that didn’t go unnoticed by Nashville television stations who got wind of their story and produced live and taped broadcasts about the girls' experience.

Across the country, Southwest Airline canceled almost 3,000 flights Monday — at least 70% of its schedule for the day, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Crittenden County’s girls ball team was among the chaos that stretched from Denver and New York to Nashville and beyond. The airline struggled to handle the flight disruption, leaving the basketball team and thousands upon thousands more stranded at airports across the country, many of them with little idea of when they might get to their destinations or how to retrieves bags checked for their flights. 

As it turned out, coach Hodge and her team were caught in a remarkable travel meltdown where Southwest had more than 10 times higher flight cancelations than other carriers, according to a report by CNN.

With some logistical help from folks back home, the Rocket girls got on the road about 7 p.m., from Nashville and arrived in Orlando about 12 hours later after riding through the night. They were scheduled to play the first game in the KSA Holiday Tournament two hours later, but tournament hosts made special arrangements to postpone the game for a time.

Stay tuned for more updates.



Monday, December 26, 2022

Get Ready for Wildcats at Music City Bowl

One Kentucky player who certainly is not disappointed the Wildcats are playing Iowa in the Music City Bowl Saturday is freshman receiver Barion Brown, a Nashville native. 

He says he’ll have a lot of friends and family at the game and cannot wait to play in front of them in his hometown along with Nashville high school football standouts who might also want to come play for UK.

“Letting them see how hard we have worked for this will be great,” said Brown. “Great school, great environment, great coach. You come here ready to work.”

Brown certainly worked well for Kentucky. He had 45 catches for 604 yards – 13.4 yards per reception – and four touchdowns. He returned a kickoff 100 yards for a score and averaged 28 yards per return. Brown proved he was one of the best  young receivers not just in the SEC but in the country.

“God put me in this position. I always could be better and will always push to be the best I can be,” he said. “I feel I left a lot on the field and can be better (next season).”

Top-ranked Georgia saw plenty of what he can do already when he had 10 catches for a UK-high 145 yards and a touchdown. He was named to the all-SEC freshman team and third-team all-SEC pick. 

He says he can still pick up defenses quicker and he continues to adjust to the speed of SEC football. He’s confident more reps/experience will take care of that in 2023.

“Picking up the speed of the game and knowledge of the game will help me a lot. Just knowing the coverages and defender’s tendencies by watching more film,” he said. 

Kentucky won’t have quarterback Will Levis or running back Kenneth Horsey in Saturday’s game. Head coach Mark Stoops also fired offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello after the season ended and

Crittenden Hospital adds pain management clinic

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Pain management is now offered at Crittenden Community Hospital.

Pain management uses a variety of methods to treat the effects of a number of chronic conditions. It specifically is designed to avoid the prolonged use of narcotics and instead utilizes physical therapy, joint injections and other techniques to treat pain. 

Sharon Hodges, APRN, sees patients in Marion three days a week. 

Call the Family Practice Clinic for an appointment.

Sunday, December 25, 2022

UPDATE!! Ferry is Now Closed Again

LATEST UPDATE : After opening for a time this morning, the ferry has CLOSED again due to weather conditions. Metal ramps used to dock the ferry for loading and unloading are iced over. As the ferry crew started making runs this morning it became apparent that the ice creates a hazard for vehicles attempting to board the ferry.  The ferry will remain closed until temperatures stay above freezing long enough to melt the accumulated ice. 


ORIGINAL POST

Cave In Rock Ferry has resumed operation this morning after a couple of days of downtime, the result of brutal weather-related issues.

The ferry is back on its normal service schedule, starting at 6 a.m., seven days a week until its last run from the Illinois landing is at 9:40 p.m. The last run from the Kentucky landing is at 9:50 p.m.

It ferries about 500 vehicles across the Ohio River in an average day. When the ferry is forced to close it turns a normal 10-mile trip between Cave In Rock, Ill., and Marion into a 70-minute detour.

 


Merry Christmas!

May your blessings be many this holiday season as we celebrate the birth of Christ.

The Crittenden Press wishes everyone a safe, restful and reflective holiday season.

There will be no newspaper published the last Thursday of the year. Our next issue will be on Jan. 5, 2023, marking the 142nd year The Press has been serving this community.

Merry Christmas, God Bless and Happy New Year!

Friday, December 23, 2022

Easley obituary

Terry Allen Easley, 78, of Marion, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at the Crittenden County Health and Rehab in Marion.

Easley was born Sept. 20, 1944 in Evansville, the son of the late Erisle Easley and Castella Taylor Easley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Paulette Myers Easley on Sept. 11, 2020, and a brother, Jackie Easley Sr.


Easley served his country in the United States Air Force in Vietnam, and he was a member of the Jack McDowell VFW Post #5484 in Providence. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing golf and spending time with his family. He worked for Hawk Construction in Dawson Springs for many years before his retirement, he was an avid UK basketball and football fan.


Surviving are his mother-in-law, Norma Myers of Providence; a sister-in-law, KimmiDawn Alsbrooks of Marion; a nephew, Brandon Lamberth of Marion; and a brother, Gerald (Nannette) Easley of Mayfield.


Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Wednesday Dec. 28 in the Lucille Melton Memorial Chapel at Melton Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Rigdon officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery in Crittenden County, with the Hopkins County Honor Guard providing graveside military rites. Visitation is from 11 a.m.m, until the service hour at Melton Funeral Home.

Sills obituary

Mary C. Sills, 90, of Salem, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at her home.

She was a retired nurse’s aide at Livingston Hospital. She was a member of Pleasant Grove General Baptist Church, and loved spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband of 67 years, Steve Sills; two daughters Karen Sills of Salem and Kim (Steve) Bass of Nashville; four grandchildren, Crystal Lockhart of Salem, Hope Sills Eagleson of Paducah, Brad (Liz) Bass of Nashville and Charlie (Amy) Bass of Duncan, S.C.; seven great-grandchildren, Ellie Kate; Riley Lockhart; Dylan Lockhart; Langley Bass; Luke Bass; Ian Eagleson;and Sean Eagleson.

Services are at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 26 in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services with Rev. Trae Gandee officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m., until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the  Bass Foundation for Charities, PO Box 203, Brentwood, TN 37024-0203. Condolences may be left online at boydfuneraldirectors.com

Mathis obituary

John Edward Mathis, 56, of Grand Rivers, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at his home.

He was a 1st Classman in the United States Air Force. He grew up attending Benton Church of Christ.


Surviving are his wife, Connie (Reynolds) Mathis; his mother, Dwanna (Smith) Mathis; two daughters, Samantha (David) Bailey of Washington, D. C., and Ashley (Josh) Sharp of Olive; a son, Sonny (Courtney) Mathis of Paducah; three step-children, Jake (Bridgette) Reynolds of Many, La., Hoyt Reynolds (Amberle) of Marion, KY and Victoria Jessee (Ryan) of Many, LA.; brothers Gary Wayne Mathis of Murray and Steven Mathis of Benton; and eight grandchildren.


He was preceded by his father Joe Wayne Mathis.


Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 29 in the chapel of Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services.


Condolences may be left online at boydfuneraldirectors.com

Miniard obituary

Jay Miniard, 78, of Ithaca, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022 at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma.

Miniard was born Nov. 7, 1944, in Harlan, Ky., the son of Bill and Arretta (Richardson) Miniard. He owned the Standard stations in Ithaca before retiring. He was a member and former president of the Eagles. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and loved spending time with his family.

Surviving are three children, Randy (Tina) Miniard, Gary (Crystal Sikon) Miniard, and Brandalyn (Tim) Perilloux; eight grandchildren, Jordy, Garrett, Bailey, Brittany, Blake, Gabe, Haley and Taylor; three great grandchildren, Andrea, Carson, Brynlee; seven siblings, Ralph Miniard, Juanita Nolan, Elmo Miniard, Don (Linda) Miniard, Doug (Kimberly) Miniard, Tony Miniard and Eddie Miniard; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Arretta; and siblings Hurst Miniard, Dallas Miniard and an infant sister, Rowena Miniard.

Funeral services are at 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 29 at Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home in Alma with Pastor Craig Hollenbeck officiating. Burial will follow at North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be held at noon, Thursday, Dec. 29 until time of service at the funeral home. Condolences may be left online at www.luxfuneralhomes.com.

Ferry service halted due to extreme cold

The Cave-in-Rock Ferry has halted operation due to weather conditions. Due to the extremely cold temperatures, moisture is rising off the river and freezing on the ferry. The rising moisture limits visibility and causes the pilot house windows to freeze over, creating additional visibility problems.

The ferry halted service at 8 a.m., and will remain closed until weather conditions improve enough for the ferry to reopen.

Merry Christmas from The Crittenden Press

Merry Christmas! Our hope is that our readers have healthy and safe Christmas and New Year's holidays and enjoy spending time with friends and loved ones.

We appreciate your loyalty to the newspaper and look forward to sharing local news with you in 2023!


Thursday, December 22, 2022

Impending weather prompts early closures

The following businesses have altered their normal business hours as
a result of impending winter weather:

• First United Bank’s Marion Banking Center will close at 3 p.m., today.

• The Crittenden County Public Library will close at 12:30 p.m., today. The board of trustees meeting is cancelled and is rescheduled for 5 p.m, 
Monday, Dec. 26. 


The Crittenden Press will be closed through Dec. 27 and Dec. 30-Jan. 2.




Donation Purchases 'Lucy' Device

Crittenden County Rescue Squad used a donation left to it by the estate of the late Rev. Lucy Tedrick to purchase a $13,000 Jaws Combi unit, which is a combination spreader and cutter typically used for extractions at serious automobile accidents.

Rescue Chief Donnie Arflack said Sister Lucy left the squad almost $10,800 in her will so members decided to name the tool “Lucy” out of respect and in honor of her memory. “She always helped us financially year after year,” Arflack said. The tool was christened with its new name last Thursday during the squad’s regular meeting. 

Pictured are rescue squad members (from left) Barb Arflack, squad secreatary; Larry Brown, vice president; Bob Wilkenson, Chief Arflack, Ashley Farmer and daughter Haisley, and Mark Farmer, squad president. The device will complete the squad’s replacement of its aging hydraulic Jaws of Life equipment with a new set of battery-operated tools. 


Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Watson obituary

James Watson, 84, of Salem, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022 at Crittenden Community Hospital.

Watson was a University of Kentucky graduate and an avid UK fan. He was also a Christian and former pastor.


Surviving are a brother, Bill Watson of Edmonds, Wash.; and a life-long friend and work colleague, Matt Casey.


Memorial services will be held in the spring.


Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements.


As a service to our readers, The Crittenden Press will be posting obituaries online during the next seven days since there will not be a Dec. 29 paper.

Threat of wintry weather stops Thursday hoops

Crittenden County holiday tournament basketball games schedule for Thursday have been canceled due to threat of wintry weather. 

The Lady Rockets were scheduled to play McLean County at the Owensboro Christmas Tournament and the Rockets were to play Montgomery Central (Tenn.) in the Logan County Christmas Tournament.


Clerk's office announces holiday closings

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The Crittenden County Clerk's Office is sharing its holiday closing schedule. 

The office will be closed Dec. 23-26 and 
Dec. 30-Jan. 2.

The clerk's office extends warm holiday wishes to Crittenden County citizens and looks forward 
to serving everyone in 2023.

New Beginnings helps combat holiday blues

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New Beginnings can help you overcome life's challenges.

Therapy offered by New Beginnings can help combat the holiday blues.Between physical, psychological and financial stresses, it's easy to get the blues.

Contact New Beginnings, which is affiliated with Livingston Hospital, at 9270) 988-2675 to discuss meeting with a therapist.a

Marion Water Crisis: Ups and Downs


There's good news on the water crisis front, but some troubling issues are re-emerging.

The good news is that recent rainfall and runoff has left Old City Lake – currently Marion's only raw water source – in a favorable position heading into the Christmas weekend when water usage will almost certainly be in high demand.

At Monday night's Marion City Council meeting; however, it was revealed that water leaks are on the rise once again.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press will have a report from the council meeting and a closer look at the city's response to the ongoing water crisis, including input form the mayor-elect.

Also in this week's community newspaper, you will find information that could affect your garbage collection and much more.

The Press will be on sale today at our office and participating vendors. You can also get the newspaper electronically under our Subscribe button for as little as $2.95 per month.

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Community Christmas: A brighter holiday

 

Merry Christmas from Marion, Kentucky

Seibert sworn for new term as Fredonia mayor

Fredonia Mayor Jim Seibert was among individuals sworn to office today during a formal ceremony in Princeton.

Seibert has been mayor of Fredonia the past six years after serving one full term and part of another unexpired term. His new term is four years.

Pictured are (from left) Seibert, Caldwell County Judge-Executive-elect Dakota "Kota" Young and Princeton mayor-elect Brock Thomas. 

Thomas is a former county judge in Caldwell and Young is the current mayor.

Food Bank distribution moved to next week

Due to anticipated wintry weather, Crittenden County Food Bank distribution has been moved from later this week to Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Distribution is from 8 a.m., to noon at the Crittenden County PACS building on North Walker Street.


Monday, December 19, 2022

Governor warns of child flu deaths

 Today, Gov. Andy Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to get vaccinated against the flu and reported six new, flu-related pediatric deaths, including three in the past week. This toll already meets the prior record for the highest number of pediatric influenza deaths ever reported in Kentucky in a single flu season. The prior record was established during the 2019-2020 flu season, when six children died of influenza.

None of the children who died in the current influenza season had received a flu shot, according to the Department for Public Health.

“This is a milestone we did not want to cross, and our prayers are with each of these families as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” said Gov. Beshear. “We are urging our families to get vaccinated as soon as possible to get protected from contracting the flu and COVID.”

“This current flu season is on track to be the worst in Kentucky in at least 10 years,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Department for Public Health. “The flu vaccine is the single best way to

Child Support office moving in January

Crittenden County Child Support office will close Dec. 23 at its current location in the law office of Rebecca Johnson, and will reopen Jan. 3 at the new Crittenden County Administrative Building (former Marion Ed-Tech Center) in Industrial Park South.

Kelly Wesmolan is the new case worker, and assistant county attorneys Wes Hunt and Jonathan James will be coordinating the service. County Attorney-elect Bart Frazer said aggressive prosecution of child support matters will be a priority for his office beginning in 2023.

During the transition between offices, anyone with questions regarding child support can call the regional office at 270-889-6532.

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Keeping it Rural carries exclusively Kentucky gifts

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If you're looking for unique gift made in Crittenden County, stop by Keeping It Rural in Kentucky on Ky,. 365 between Mattoon and Sturgis.

Keeping It Rural sells only hand-made crafts and goods made in Kentucky.

From wooden bowls to fresh soaps and jellies, everything you find at Keeping It Rural was hand-crafted by local artisans.


Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-noon on Christmas Eve.

Woman's Club building for sale

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The Woman's Club building on Carlisle Street in 
Marion is for sale.

The building is a combination of office space and an events center, better known as the club building for the Woman's Club of Marion.

Listing price is $125,000 for the property. Contact Al Starnes for more information.




Friday, December 16, 2022

Tax reform will affect some utility customers

While there’s still been a bit of confusion about who is affected by new Kentucky sales and use tax laws, it's becoming a bit clearer as implementation of the tax approaches.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press reviews what House Bill 8 means for you, and it's broader than just utilities. Lawmakers who approved the change say the tax reform package is aimed at eventually bringing down your income tax.

In short, local residents with utility services at a single property aren’t affected by the new regs. But if you have multiple meters and multiple properties, get ready for some paperwork.


Thursday, December 15, 2022

Water Watching: The latest on Marion's situation

Old City Lake was overflowing early
this week after recent rainfall.
Marion’s cup runneth over, thanks to recent rainfall that has watered down what had begun as one of the driest falls on record. Indeed, it was the driest in more than 10 years.

Recent precipitation has pushed the level of Old City Lake over its levee, giving Marion more than enough water in its cache to find weeks of comfort. While the town’s situation remains tenuous, and a Level 3 Conservation Order remains in place, there’s a sense of relief now that the rainy season has arrived. 

Since April, the city has held its collective breath, praying for regular rainfall to keep its only remaining raw water reservoir full. Other than a few weeks over the summer of water hauling by area farmers and the National Guard, Marion has been able to meet basic water demands by its customers, albeit, with great thanks to the Crittenden-Livingston Water District. The county’s water system is currently providing 100 gallons per minute, or 144,000 gallons per day, to Marion to supplement the meager amount it’s able to make on its own at the water plant.

The city water plant is only running two or three days a week and making about 400,000 gallons during a seven-day period. 

Meantime, local officials continue to work behind the scenes on an intermediate and long-term plan to permanently solve the water crisis. See this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press for more on weather trends and some insight into issues that could become driving forces on the path to solving Marion's water crisis. 

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Schools on lockdown exercise only

UPDATE
Earlier today, the middle and high schools participated in a safety exercise involving a visit from the Sturgis Police Department and K-9 team.  During the visit, a lockdown was called in order to allow the dog and its handler to properly perform their jobs.  

"Student and staff safety remains our number one priority, and we are committed to creating a drug-free environment on all of our campuses," the district said in an announcement to parents.

Visits such as the one that occurred today will continue in the future at unannounced times in order to continue to help the district secure a drug-free environment for students and staff, the announcement said.

ORIGINAL POST
Crittenden County Middle and High Schools are engaging this morning in a routine safety exercise.

The schools are on lockdown for the exercise only. 

There is no danger to students or staff, the school district said in an announcement sent to parents via text at 10:34 am.


Pain management now offered at Crittenden Hospital

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Pain management is now offered at Crittenden Community Hospital.

Pain management uses a variety of methods to treat the effects of a number of chronic conditions. It specifically is designed to avoid the prolonged use of narcotics and instead utilizes physical therapy, joint injections and other techniques to treat pain. 

Sharon Hodges, APRN, sees patients in Marion three days a week. 

Call the Family Practice Clinic for an appointment.

Monday, December 12, 2022

Power outage caused by cut Caldwell County line

A widespread power outage left Marion businesses and residences in the dark around 4:15 p.m. The cause of the outage is a cut utility line in Caldwell County. 

There is no indication of a timeline for restoring power. 

At right, Marion police monitor the intersection at Main and Bellville streets in the absence of one of the town's two stoplights. 

According to Kentucky Utilities' outage map, more than 3,000 customers are affected including those in Marion, Fredonia and into Lyon County.

Water leak repair on Sturgis Road


City maintenance crews are working today to repair a broken water line on Sturgis Road near Bobby Stinnett's Used Cars. 

The leak should not be affecting service to customers at this time.

Symphony performs at Fohs Hall

Almost 200 attended Sunday's performance of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra at Fohs Hall as notes of the season dominated the show.

It was only the second time in history that the popular musical group has been to Marion's community center.

Local opera singer Corey Crider also performed with the symphony and he and his wife, Michelle, also an opera singer, entertained premium ticket purchasers with more Christmas songs at an after-party, accompanied by punch and holiday treats.

 

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Stuff the Bus designed for community teens

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Crittenden County 4-H is again spearheading a local Stuff the Bus campaign to help provide gifts for teens in the community. 

Items of specific interest to teens, which are listed at right, are suggested. 

Drop-off will be Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the school bus in front of Crittenden County Middle School. All gifts received will be supplied to teens involved in Community Christmas.

Items also may be taken to any Crittenden County school on or before Dec. 14.

Santa to make stop at hospital Wednesday

Santa Claus will greet children at Crittenden Hospital later this week.

The jolly fellow will bend his ear and offer up his knee between 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14 in the Crittenden Hospital lobby. 

Visits with Santa are free. The community is welcome to stop in
and pay St. Nick a visit.

Friday, December 9, 2022

Crittenden County FFA hosts Alumni Dinner

An FFA alumni dinner will be held Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Crittenden County Lions Club building.

The event is a fundraiser for FFA to help with routine expenses the organization faces throughout the school year.

Various soups will be served beginning at 6 p.m., and club members will conduct a silent cake auction. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

FFA member Cutter Singleton and his band, Classy & Grassy, will perform.

All alumni are encouraged to attend. They are asked to RSVP one of the advisors Jessica.Abercrombie@crittenden.kyschools.us or Kimberlie.Lady@crittenden.kyschools.us.

Buy The Press for someone special this Christmas

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A subscription to The Press is the gift that gives every week of the year!

Whether you buy it for someone who lives in Crittenden County or out of state, The Press is a great way to keep up with community news and sports.

Subscriptions may be emailed or mailed or as little as $32 per year. 

Do you have someone hard to buy for on your list? Look no farther than a subscription to their hometown newspaper.

We accept credit card payments over the phone for your convenience. Call us at (270) 965-3191.

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Paducah Symphony Orchestra in Marion Sunday

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The Paducah Symphony Orchestra will perform at Fohs Hall in Marion Sunday afternoon.

The presentation begins at 3 p.m., and tickets will be available at the door. General admission tickets are $20 each.

The 17-instrument orchestra will perform a Christmas Celebration and will be joined by soloist Corey Crider. 
Crider, a Marion native, has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, Gulfshore Opera, Evansville Philharmonic among others, and is the artistic director of Tapestry Productions. 

The local performance of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra is made possible by the generous sponsorships of a number of local and regional businesses and individuals.


Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Courthouse woes continue with ruptured pipe

UPDATE 2: On Thursday, the circuit clerk's office was scheduled to reopen. However, cleanup and repairs will continue at the courthouse.

UPDATE: Water is restored to restrooms and other parts of the courthouse, but work continues on repairs and circuit clerk's office remains closed.
Coincidentally, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, a Republican who is running for governor in 2023, has a scheduled visit to Marion today, at the courthouse. He should be in town shortly after lunchtime. 

ORIGINAL POST
From heating problems to busted pipes, woes continue for the Crittenden County Courthouse.

This morning, county employees were greeted with flooded floors in the circuit court office after a pipe to a new boiler system developed an overnight leak. 

Circuit Clerk Melissa Guill’s office is closed today for cleanup and while repairs are being made, yet the remainder of the courthouse is open. 

All water is shut off the building for now so there are no restrooms available to the public or employees. Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said water should be restored at some point later this morning once repair crews can isolate the leaking line. 

The courthouse is figuratively on death row, set for demolition in the coming months so a new county justice center can be built on the same spot. Meantime, the aged structured continues to struggle to provide an adequate venue for county business. A temporary heating system was brought in recently so warm air could be pumped in through the front door after the boiler failed to work as cooler weather set in this fall. Portable heaters were used for a time, but those were not adequate to warm the entire building.


Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Head-on collision at county line near Salem

Multiple individuals are reportedly injured in a head-on, two-vehicle crash near the Crittenden and Livingston County line just east of Salem on US 60.

First responders have been dispatched to the scene. 

No further information was immediately available.

The crash was reported shortly after noon on Tuesday.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Reminder: Citywide Burn Ban Remains in Effect

City of Marion officials want to remind residents that a citywide Burn Ban remains in effect as part of the Phase 3 Water Conservation Order issued last summer by Marion Mayor Jared Byford.

Police this week have issued a citation to one individual for illegal burning in the city. There have been other recent cases of burning in violation of the city's ban, said Marion Police Chief Ray O'Neal.

The county lifted its burn ban a few weeks ago following a periods of rainfall. However, the city ban is not predicated on rainfall. It is simply in response to the Marion water shortage.


Sunday, December 4, 2022

Here's how to support Community Christmas

Financial donations for Community Christmas are being accepted at Farmers Bank. 

Donations are being accepted at Farmers Bank to sponsor a teen in various dollar amounts to fund vouchers for teenagers participating in Community Christmas. Drop off for Angel tag donations for children should be made at Marion Baptist Church between 9 a.m., and 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15 during set-up for distribution. Volunteers are needed for set up. 

Distribution is 9 a.m., to noon, Friday, Dec. 16 at the church.

Friday, December 2, 2022

Parade, Santa, Polar Express in Marion Saturday

Crittenden County Middle School teacher Mandy Perez, along with the high school golf team, will serve as grand marshals of tonight's Marion Christmas Parade.

Along Main Street, the parade will begin at 5 p.m., with a theme, Let It Be Christmas.

Perez, who teaches sixth grade English and language arts, was selected as Kentucky’s Teacher of the Year a few weeks ago. She is also a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year.

For the first time ever, a sports program will be among those who lead the parade. Under the direction of varsity coach Vicki Hatfield, Crittenden County’s entire boys’ golf team and two female golfers qualified in September for the All A Classic State Tournaments in Richmond. Girls’ finalists were Addie Hatfield and Brylee Conyer. Male finalists were Jeremiah Foster, Grayson Davidson, Avery Belt, Parker Kayse and Jaxon  Hatfield. They and their coach will join Perez and other golf team members as grand marshals this weekend.

Also on Saturday in Marion:

  • Santa will be hearing children’s wish lists from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Crittenden County Lions Club’s annual Snack With Santa will be at the Lions Club Agriculture Building at the fairgrounds in Marion. This is a free event.
  • A fun-filled morning of activities to get kids in the Christmas spirit will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday at Fohs Hall. Polar Express golden tickets will be given to everyone in attendance. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and hear a reading of the Polar Express and have a chance to visit with Santa. There will be an elf training course, a coloring station, craft station and hot cocoa and cookies. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the Community Arts Foundation, Crittenden County Public Library and the Marion Tourism Commission.





Fredonia Christmas Parade Tonight

Steve Faughn and Pam Rogers Faughn have been chosen grand marshals of the Fredonia Christmas Parade, which is at 6pm Friday.

The parade theme is Hometown Christmas. 

The Faughns are lifelong residents of Fredonia and are active in community events. Pam was involved in organizing the first T-ball league in Fredonia played at the park named for her father, Buddy Rogers. Steve is involved at Bright Life Farms and spent many years coaching youth baseball. He was a longtime member of the Fredonia Lions Club. A local historian, Pam was a founder of the Fredonia Valley Heritage Society and has been its president for the past 15 years.

The couple is also involved in the First Baptist Church.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Rifle deer season figures down again

Crittenden County’s 2022 deer season was a tad better than last season, which saw a 10-year low in the county harvest. 

The rifle deer season, when most animals are taken by modern firearms, ended Sunday after 16 days of hunting. It’s the only segment of the deer season when high-powered rifles can be used to take animals. There are other seasons for taking deer including muzzleloader, crossbow and archery. The bow and arrow season goes until Jan. 16.

Hunters took around 1,999 deer with modern firearms during November. That’s slightly above last year’s take of about 1,977. These figures do not include deer taken by other means during the rifle hunting segment, such as bow or blackpowder harvests.

The average modern firearm harvest for the five-year period ending in 2020 was 2,400. In 2019, 2,588 were taken.

Crittenden County has typically been among the top three counties when it comes to deer harvests, but last year it was fifth in overall harvest at the end of all deer seasons and this year the county has slipped even farther down the list to seventh in the state. 

Polar Express, children's activities at Fohs Hall Saturday

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Loads of fun to get kids into the Christmas spirit will be offered during a Polar Express event Saturday, Dec. 3 at Fohs Hall.

Offered by the Community Arts Foundation, Crittenden County Public Library and Marion Tourism Commission, the event is packed full of Christmas fun for kids beginning with the reading of The Polar Express at 10 a.m.

Following, there will be an elf training course, coloring and craft stations, free photos with Santa and hot cocoa and cookies. 

The event continues through noon.

The event is free. For more information, call (270) 965-3354.

Retirement ceremony Friday for county officials

Crittenden County Courthouse will be closed to the public on Friday, Dec. 2 between noon and 1 p.m., for the annual County Employee Christmas Luncheon. The courthouse will be open otherwise on Friday and there will be some other special events that the public may attend.

At 1:15 p.m., Chief Circuit Judge Rene’ Williams will be swearing in all newly elected local officials in the Judicial Courtroom on the top floor of the courthouse.  

From 2 to 4 p.m., there will be a retirement reception for all county elected officials and others who are retiring from office at the end of this year. 

Everyone is urged to stop by and say farewell and good luck to Judge Williams, County Attorney Rebecca Johnson, Sheriff Wayne Agent, Jailer Robbie Kirk, Magistrate Dan Wood, PVA Ronnie Heady and Co. Road Department employee Noble Easley. Retirement gifts will be presented at 2:10 p.m., by the county, followed by special comments, cake and punch.

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Give the gift of The Crittenden Press this Christmas

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Are you shopping for a great gift? Give the gift of local news that arrives every week!

A subscription to The Crittenden Press fits everyone on your list. Who wouldn't appreciate a weekly update of  news, sports and local advertisers' sales!

Even if they are a current subscriber, you can pay to extend their subscription for a year. It's the perfect gift!

Call today! Payments may be made in person or over the phone.


Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Courthouse's front entrance closed for heater

Portable heater at courthouse
The main entrance of the Crittenden County Courthouse will be closed for the remainder of this week to facilitate the use of a portable heating unit to warm the courthouse. 

Duct work is going to be run into the courthouse through the front door, so that warm air can circulate throughout the building's hallways, offices and courtrooms. 

Front sidewalks will be closed off with appropriate signage.

This temporary heating system belongs to the Crittenden County Rescue Squad and is being deployed to eliminate continued use of multiple space heaters in the courthouse. As we reported in last week's full edition of The Crittenden Press, the courthouse is without heat because a new boiler, which was approved for purchase in June, has yet to be completely installed. 

County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said the contractor installing the new boiler system expects to be finished by Monday. At that point, the temporary heating device can be removed.


Bus drivers needed for Crittenden County Schools

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Crittenden County School District continues to search for individuals interested in joining its transportation team.

The district is in the middle of a "Keep Education Moving" campaign, and is encouraging individuals who may be interested in the benefits available to bus drivers to please apply. 

There is a shortage statewide of bus drivers, which is affecting many school district. Locally, the board of education has been beefing up the salary and benefits for bus drivers in an attempt to attract new applicants. 

To learn more call the Crittenden County Board of Education.

For legal services, contact Rebecca Johnson

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When you need trusted legal advice, turn to the Law Offices of Rebecca Johnson.

With offices located in Marion for more than 30 years, Johnson has experience in the areas of estate planning and administration, tax and prenuptial planning and living will directives.

Other areas of legal counsel include medicaid qualification, powers of attorney and irrevocable and revocable trusts.

Contact Rebecca Johnson if you need assistance in this areas.

Monday, November 28, 2022

US 60 closed for crash near KY 1668

UPDATE
At least three vehicles were involved in the crash and three people were taken to the hospital, including two local teens who were going home from school.

ORIGINAL POST
US 60 West is closed until around 5:30pm while crews clean up an automobile crash site.

The highway is closed near the intersection with Crittenden Springs Road (KY 1668).

There were apparently no serious injuries in the wreck, but towing companies will have to get the site cleared before the highway can reopen.


Lost dog last seen on 91 North

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Have you seen this dog?

It was last seen Sunday morning near Frazer Road, which is located off Ky. 91 North just outside of Marion.

A reward is offered by its owners. Please call (270) 314-8986 if you have seen it or know its whereabouts.





Lions host Snack With Santa

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Crittenden County Lions Club will provide photo opportunities for children Saturday, Dec. 3 before the Marion Christmas Parade.

Snack With Santa will begin at 2 p.m., at the Lions Club building at the fairgrounds in Marion.

The Lions Club tradition of Santa hoisting kids on his knee is free and continues until 4 p.m., Saturday.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Small Business Saturday

The Chamber of Commerce is giving away goodie bags starting at 9am today at city hall. 

Friday, November 25, 2022

The Press makes a great Christmas gift

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A subscription to The Press is the gift that gives every week of the year!

Whether you buy it for someone who lives in Crittenden County or out of state, The Press is a great way to keep up with community news and sports.

Subscriptions may be emailed or mailed or as little as $32 per year. 

Do you have someone hard to buy for on your list? Look no farther than a subscription to their hometown newspaper.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Salem postpones parade because of rain chance

The Salem Christmas Parade has been rescheduled because of the chance of rain on Saturday. 

The parade will now be held on December 17.

Its theme is National Lampoon Christmas. 

Browning appreciates community support in mayoral bid

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Marion Mayor-Elect D'Anna Browning sends Thanksgiving wishes to local voters.

Browning will replace Jared Byford in January as the first female of the City of Marion.

Special thanks are also extended to voters who elected her Nov. 8.

What's News in This Week's Full Edition

In this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press readers will get a complete water crisis update from our coverage of the Marion City Council's Monday meeting where engineers and the city's new consultant Tim Thomas (pictured) briefed local leaders about the ongoing response. 

Also, find out what's creating shivers at the courthouse. Although the building is scheduled to be torn down soon, there's a need for a new heating system.

County government is considering a new solid waste ordinance that could remove competition in commercial trash collection. Right now, businesses can shop around for their trash pickup and dumpster service, but this proposal would change all that. See this week's newspaper for details.

Find out in this week's Press why a magistrate has resigned.  

Fohs Hall has some big events coming up, including a very popular area syphoned. 

What's going on with local restaurant sales? We take a look at the data.

Also, in this week's full edition you can get caught up on plenty of other local news and get the rifle deer harvest totals, which continues to puzzle local gunners.

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


Copyright 2022

The Crittenden Press

PVA closing at noon today

The Crittenden County Property Valuation Administrators office is closing today at noon for the Thanksgiving holiday. The office of the PVA, in the courthouse basement, will be closed until Monday.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Marion Baptist preparing Thanksgiving for community

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Marion Baptist Church will continue its tradition of serving a free meal on Thanksgiving.

Between 11 a.m.-1 p.m., community members may stop by and have the traditional Thanksgiving meal consisting of turkey, dressing and more.

Meals will be delivered to those who cannot attend. Call (270) 965-5232 to request a delivery.

KY Homestead Exemption up to $46,350

Kentucky Department of Revenue (DOR) has set the maximum homestead exemption at $46,350 for the 2023 and 2024 tax periods. By statute, the amount of the homestead exemption is recalculated every two years to adjust for inflation. The 2023-2024 exemption reflects a $5,850 increase over the 2021–2022 exemption of $40,500.

To qualify for the homestead exemption, a person must be at least 65 years old during the tax period or classified as totally disabled by any public or private retirement system. The property must also be owned, occupied and maintained as the taxpayer’s personal residence on the January 1 assessment date to be eligible for this exemption. 

“The last two years have presented many challenges, as together we have faced a worldwide health pandemic and endured two major natural disasters,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “The tax savings available

Monday, November 21, 2022

For trusted legal advice, contact the Law Offices of Rebecca Johnson

Click Image to Enlarge
When you need trusted legal advice, turn to the Law Offices of Rebecca Johnson.

With offices located in Marion for more than 30 years, Johnson has experience in the areas of estate planning and administration, tax and prenuptial planning and living will directives.

Other areas of legal counsel include medicaid qualification, powers of attorney and irrevocable and revocable trusts.

Contact Rebecca Johnson if you need assistance in this areas.