PDB cancels Tuesday meeting

The Crittenden County Project Development Board, which is planning for construction of the new judicial center in Marion, has cancelled its meeting set for Tuesday, Feb. 1.

The next meeting scheduled for March 1.

COVID striking courthouse employees

COVID-19 is making its rounds through the Crittenden County Courthouse. 

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom issued a notice today to various community leaders and the media, pointing out that there have been four COVID positives among courthouse staff.

"Those testing positive have been vaccinated," the judge said. "As a precaution, if  you have been in or around the courthouse over the past several days for any length of time you may wish to monitor your health a bit closer regarding possible symptoms which could include headache, fever, cough, congestion and possibly more."

Newcom said the public notice was made to help ensure everyone is as safe as possible.

Coyote contest is Feb. 4-5

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The annual coyote contest sponsored by Marion Tourism Commission 

and Hodge's Sports & Apparel is Feb. 4-5.

The two-man team that kills the most coyotes in the 24-hour period wins 90 percent of the jackpot. Hunts must be conducted between 5 p.m., Friday, Feb. 4 and 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 5.

Legal firearms must be used and nigh hunting is allowed, including the use of spotlights and night vision equipment.

Check in at Hodge's on Sturgis Rd.

Marion native seeks McCracken judgeship

Crittenden County native James “Jamey” Mills is running for the office of McCracken County District Judge, Division II.

Mills is a 1998 graduate of Crittenden County High School, a 17-year trial attorney and is currently First Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for McCracken County. In 2005, he was admitted to the Kentucky Bar and has been a former assistant public advocate focusing on juvenile representation.

Marion home damaged by fire

Marion Fire Department and Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department responded a house fire early this morning in Marion.

Firemen found a home at 306 North Weldon Street on fire about 5:30am.

The two departments were at the scene until about 8am. The home was badly damaged.

Occupants at the home when the fire broke out were able to get out safely. 

Firemen are not sure of the cause, but it could have been some type of electrical issue.

Custom frames, heirloom recipe boards at Superior

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Impress your loved one this Valentine's Day with 

unique gifts from Superior Trophies.

Customized cutting boards featuring favorite family recipes, custom t-shirts or sweatshirts and other personalized gifts will make this Valentine's Day the best!

Superior Trophies designs custom photo frames and 

other one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to impress.

Stop by Superior Trophies to see samples of frames, customized cutting boards and more.

Tornado delaying soil samples

Farmers who would like to know more about financial and business planning and government reporting can attend a Small Farms Series hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service.

The program will feature information about establishing a farm business beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Grand Rivers Community Center.

Speakers include representatives from Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation, Kentucky Center for Ag and Rural Development and Kentucky Office of Ag Policy.

To register, contact Dee Heimgartner at (270) 965-5236.

Nutrient Pricing of Feedstuffs will be the topic of conversation at a Jan. 31 meeting hosted by Dee Heimgartner, Crittenden County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent.

Heimgartner will provide management tips for decision making, including how to compare feedstuffs based on the price of specific nutrients. Call to register.

The soil lab at the UK Research EduFarmers who would like to know more about financial and business planning and government reporting can attend a Small Farms Series hosted by the Cooperative Extension Service.

The program will feature information about establishing a farm business beginning at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Grand Rivers Community Center.

Speakers include representatives from Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation, Kentucky Center for Ag and Rural Development and Kentucky Office of Ag Policy.

To register, contact Dee Heimgartner at (270) 965-5236.

Nutrient Pricing of Feedstuffs will be the topic of conversation at a Jan. 31 meeting hosted by Dee Heimgartner, Crittenden County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent.

Heimgartner will provide management tips for decision making, including how to compare feedstuffs based on the price of specific nutrients. Call to register.

The soil lab at the UK Research Education Center in Princeton was destroyed by the Dec.10 tornado. Soil samples are still being collected by the Crittenden County Extension Service; however, agents ask that ample time be given since samples must temporarily be sent to UK’s Lexington lab.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  February ag and natural resources programming for February includes the following:

• Feb. 7 - Managing Forage and Fertility, 6 p.m., Lions Club
• Feb. 10 - Pesticide Private Applicator training, 8 a.m., Extension annex
• Feb. 22 Master Finisher, 6 p.m., Grand Rivers Community Center
• Feb. 24 - Paraquat Specific Training, 11 a.m., Extension annex
• Feb. 24 - Forage Fertilizer Economics, 6 p.m., Extension annex
• Feb. 28 - Pesticide Private Applicator training, 6 p.m., Extension annex

"Pop-up" Driver's Licensing Center full

Crittenden County has been selected as a site for a pop-up licensing center on Feb. 8; however, the popularity of the opportunity has filled up the program. All 32 reservations are full and no more will be taken.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said there will be another portable, or so-called “pop-up” licensing unit here in about six months.

Meantime, you may GO HERE to conduct licensing renewals or take advantage of other services at the website. 

Courthouse chair lift is again operational

 The chairlift at Crittenden County Courthouse is once again operable.

The device, which provides accessibility to the basement and main and upper floors of the courthouse, had been on the blink for a few days.

Sheriff looking for missing UTV, ATV

Stolen Honda ATV

Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a burglary that is believed to have taken place sometime last week on Travis Road off Copperas Springs Road in the rural eastern section of the county.

Discovered missing on Friday from a box trailer that was parked on a farm is equipment valued at more than $20,000.

Among items stolen were a camouflaged electric Polaris side-by-side with a fully enclosed cab, a green 500 Honda Rubicon four-wheeler, generator, winch and more.

Crittenden County TipLine is offering a reward for information leading to a conviction. The individual providing information shall remain anonymous. Contact the sheriff’s office at 270-965-3400 or central dispatching at 70-965-3500.

What's Happening Today in Marion

Here are some things you might want to know as your day begins:

• Crittenden County Schools are sending Chromebooks and chargers home with middle schoolers due to the uncertainty of in-person attendance because of COVID-19. Infections continue to be high among staff and students. 
• Crittenden County Board of Education will meet at 5:30pm tonight at Rocket Arena. On the agenda is election of school board officers for 2022, the superintendent's evaluation for the past year and plans for responding to Supt. Vince Clark's eminent retirement at the end of this academic year.
• Crittenden County Courthouse's chair lift continues to be on the blink. It is inoperable due to some type of electronic malfunction and it's not clear when it will be working again. That will create big problems for anyone in a wheelchair or unable to climb or descend stairs. The lift provides accessibility to the downstairs, upstairs and main floors of the courthouse.
• Marion Tourism, Convention and Recreation Bureau's Board of Directors meets this morning at 8:30am at the Welcome Center with a full agenda. 
• Food Giant has some new weekend hours. See the note posted on the front door of the town's only grocer. 
• There is basketball tonight at Rocket Arena. CCHS boys host Caldwell County while the girls' team is at Princeton to face the Lady Tigers. Tipoff for the varsity girls' game is 6pm. The JV will follow. The boys' schedule is normal with JV at 6pm with the varsity game to follow.
• Today is the last day to file for candidacy in Kentucky if you must run in the spring primary election. 
• In Frankfort, there's legislation on the table to ban the use of cell phones and other electronic devices by drivers. Hands-free usage would continue to be allowed. 

For more on these matters and other news of the town, see 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. Try out new e-Edition newspaper emailed straight to your inbox every Wednesday. Click here to subscribe.

Consider the Lions Club building for your event

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The Lions Club building at the fairgrounds in Marion is available for a variety of rentals.

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

The building contains a spacious commercial kitchen.

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

For more information, contact Natalie Parish. 

Chair lift is down at courthouse

 The chair lift at Crittenden County Courthouse is temporarily out of order.

A service technician was on site shortly after noontime attempting to make repairs.

The chair lift makes accessible the basement, main floor and top floor of the courthouse to wheel chairs or others who have difficulty ascending or descending stairs. 

School releases message for student families

Crittenden County Schools are back in session today after an extended break last week. The layoff was necessitated by a high number of COVID infections among students and staff.

The school district is calling attention to some new quarantine guidance. Following is a message prepared and released by the district for sharing with the community.

Exceptions to quarantine include those who are fully vaccinated and those who have been positive for Covid-19 within the last 90 days. In both cases, however, the student must not be symptomatic. For a student to be fully vaccinated, he or she must have both doses, with at least 14 days from the second dose if under 16. If 16 or over, students must have both doses and the booster to be considered fully vaccinated. 

Students identified as school or household contacts will be quarantined for 5 days and should mask for the remainder of the 10 days following exposure. The student does not have to have a negative test to return, as long as no symptoms have developed. If a student identified as a contact develops symptoms, he or she should not return to school and is encouraged to test. If not testing, the contact should quarantine for up to an additional 5 days. Our Test To Stay program for students identified as school contacts is temporarily suspended. 

Students who are positive will be quarantined for 5 days from the onset of symptoms or the date of the positive test (if asymptomatic). A mask should be worn at school until after 10 days from the positive test. The student can return to school on Day 6 if symptoms are resolving AND the student is fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. A test is not required to return to school for a student who has recently tested positive. 

If your child is symptomatic, please do not send him or her to school. Drive up testing at Crittenden Community Hospital is not available at this time. To have your child tested, you may consider contacting a healthcare provider or making an appointment at the Crittenden County Health Department. 

Temperature checks return on Monday, Jan. 24, for all staff and students as they enter the building. Anyone with a temperature greater than 100.4 will not be permitted to stay. 

If you have questions regarding COVID, quarantines, or Heathy At School procedures, please contact Diana Lusby at diana.lusby@crittenden.kyschools.us or Tiffany Blazina at tiffany.blazina@crittenden.kyschools.us. We know you may have questions and some of the information can be confusing. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us, and thank you for all you are doing to help us keep our Rockets and their families healthy!

Fohs moves ahead, short on fundraising

Hodgenville, Ky. contractors prepare to install
new lighting at Fohs Hall in Marion.

Fohs Hall is getting a big upgrade to its sound system and theater lighting. Work has begun even though a fundraising effort to pay for the project has not reached its goal. 

The project will cost $50,000, but the community center’s board of directors has raised only $31,000. Contributions are still being accepted. You can make a donation on Go Fund Me or mailed directly to Fohs Hall at PO Box 1, Marion,  KY  42064.

The upgrade has started despite being short on fundraising in order to have the project completed by the next Old Kentucky Hayride variety show, which is scheduled for Feb. 12 at Fohs Hall.

The improvements will include removal of the existing, fragmented, outdated and undersized audio system and installing a new audio system in the auditorium. It will be specifically designed for the venue to ensure the entire audience will receive a high quality, balanced listening and visual experience. Audio hardware, microphones, wiring, amplifiers, lights, dimmers and fixtures will all be overhauled. 

Fohs Hall, Inc., was incorporated in 1981 to manage the building, which was given to the community in 1926. It was formerly a school, but has been a community center for years.

River level dropping, county roads surfacing

 As the Ohio River and its tributaries have dropped over the last few days, water is beginning to trickle out of the low-lying areas of the county.

As of today, water is off of all Crittenden County roads, except Enon Church Road and Cool Springs Road, which remain impassable. 

Salem man suspected in burglaries

A Salem man was arrested Thursday during what authorities say was a burglary in progress. They had been investigating a number of burglaries in the eastern section of Livingston County in recent days.

Jonathan Hoover, 32, was charged with two counts of second-degree burglary, a Class C felony; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felony. 

Livingston County authorities believe Hoover had committed two burglaries Thursday at locations on Carrsville Road near Burna. Deputies arrested him a the site of the second burglary.

Numerous items of suspected stolen property were recovered during the subsequent investigation Thursday. A number of previous burglaries remain under investigation. 

Hoover was lodged in the McCracken County Jail. 

Deputy Jeremy Hillyard is leading the investigation.

The sheriff’s department is reminding residents the importance of recording serial numbers of valuable items such as firearms, tools and large appliances. 

"It is important to photograph jewelry and similar items,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release. “Doing this will help law enforcement identify recovered items with certainty."

Bill would move primary election to August

Jan. 20, 12:28pm Updates with further details

Republican Jerry Miller of Louisville on Wednesday filed House Bill 323 proposing to change the primary election from May to August. Miller is chairman of the House Standing Committee on State Government and one of the chief architects of the redistricting plan. The bill was given emergency status. 

Miller told the Louisville Courier-Journal today that his billed was filed as a preparatory measure in case legal action threatens redistricting plans that have already passed the Senate and House, yet were voted yesterday by Gov. Andy Beshear.

Beshear vetoed two Republican-led bills to redraw maps for U.S. Congressional and Kentucky House districts. 

The Democrat governor accused the GOP of political gerrymandering in his veto message. Both measures overwhelmingly cleared the legislature earlier this month.

Republicans hold a majority in both chambers of the General Assembly and say they have plenty of support to overrider the governor's veto. That move is anticipated to come very soon since the election filing deadline, extended earlier this month, is now set for Tuesday, Jan. 25.

The redistricting map has created a great deal of interest in Crittenden County, which will go from District 4 to District 12, potentially pitting two GOP incumbents – Lynn Bechler and Jim Gooch – against one another in the May primary. 

Gov. Beshear has not vetoed the Kentucky Senate redistricting plan, SB 2, but has until midnight to do so.

Visit Candy's Online for the Latest Menu

COVID cancels classes remainder of week

Due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in Crittenden County, Crittenden County Schools will be closed for the remainder of this week. These will be non-school days and not NTI days. They will not need to be made up at the end of the year, however, because of extra time built into current school days. 

Families in need of food should contact their child's school. Families of children enrolled in more than one Crittenden County school, should only call one of them. Crittenden County Elementary may be reached at (270) 965-2243; Crittenden County Middle at (270) 965-5221; and Crittenden County High at (270) 965-2248. 

Freedom Church Road closed Thursday

Freedom Church Road off KY 91 North will be closed Thursday so Crittenden County Road Department crews can make repairs.

The closure will begin at 7 a.m., and last through 4 p.m. A failed cross drain will be replaced and the road work will be done near 447 Freedom Church Road.

This is a dead end road, which means addresses beyond USPS box number 447 will be unaccessible until the work is complete.

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said crews are aware of the inconvenience and will be working in earnest to complete repairs in one day to get the road back open.

“All citizens living on this road have been notified or a note left at their residence,” Newcom said.

No school Tuesday; updated guidance

Due to a high number of pandemic-related student and personnel issues, Crittenden County Schools are taking the day off Tuesday. Monday was a holiday.  

In Livingston County, schools announced Monday that all instruction is shifting to Non-Traditional Instruction or NTI for Tuesday and Wednesday, largely due to staff shortages.

Additionally, Crittenden County has announced that based on new state guidance, quarantine procedures are changing for Crittenden County students, effective immediately. You can access these updated procedures on the school district website and school social media pages. The Test To Stay policy has also changed.

4-Way Stop Trial Run Starts This Week

In this file photo, a street side pole had been
snapped by a truck making the turn at the
troublesome intersection in Marion.

Beginning Tuesday, a temporary four-way stop will be deployed at the intersection of U.S. 60/Gum Street and Main Street in Marion.

A two-week trial period with a four-way stop will give highway officials clear data on traffic flow, and will ultimately determine whether the intersection can function as a four-way stop in lieu of the current stoplight.

The extended study will particularly examine peak traffic flow periods between 7-9 a.m., and 3-5 p.m., when traffic from local plants and schools create busy streets. Approximately 8,127 vehicles pass through that intersection in an average day.

Lawmakers move to overturn auto tax hike

KY TODAY

Lawmakers of both chambers and both parties are working to enact legislation that would roll back the 40% increase in motor vehicle property tax rates, announced by the Department of Revenue earlier this month.

Rep. Patrick Flannery, (R-Olive Hill), said, “A 40% increase on your motor vehicle taxes is uncalled for and in my opinion the Department of Revenue is not following existing law.  In fact, they are making their own rules and have since 2009, running the span of three gubernatorial administrations, both Republican and Democrat.”

He says he saw this coming, so the first bill that he ever filed last year as a legislator aimed to prevent this tax hike, pointing out that state law calls for the ad valorem tax rate to be set at the average trade-in rate for fair cash value tax purposes. 

“The dirty secret as evidenced by the 2009 memorandum,” Flannery said, “is that the Department of

Rent Fohs Hall for your next event

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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.

Free Food Truck in Marion Monday

Crittenden County Food Bank will have a special distribution on Monday, Jan. 17 at the PACS Community Center on North Walker Street.

This special mobile food distribution is sponsored by Tri-State Food Bank and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield. 

Distribution will be from 9 to 11 a.m.. 

Job Corps Center has $15 minimum wage

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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.

Crittenden, Lyon in late game of Thursday's All "A" Classic

Crittenden County and Lyon County will meet for the third time this season in the semi-final round of the All “A” Classic tonight (Thursday). The two schools play the late game in a double header that also features Livingston and Caldwell counties at 6 pm.

Lyon County (6-7) will broadcast both games on its YouTube channel Lyon County YouTube.

Crittenden (12-2) beat Lyon County 63-51 60-43 earlier this season.

Meet the county's soon-to-be senator

Sen. Howell

In this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press we visit with Jason Howell, a Murray Republican, who, barring any unforeseen legal challenges to redistricting, will become the senator of record for Crittenden County.

Howell is in his first term as state senator for the First District, which will this time next year include a number of counties from Fulton to Crittenden.

Grab this week's Press for our feature on Howell and the state's redistricting plan that dramatically changes the legislative layout of Crittenden County. Or, subscribe HERE so you never miss an issue of The Crittenden Press. 

Firemen on scene of Crittenden County fire

Multiple county fire departments are on the scene of a structure fire on Quail Hill Rd., off KY 297 in Crittenden County. 

The first responding departments requested assistance of pumper trucks from other volunteer firemen after the initial report around 4 p.m., Wednesday.

School COVID cases up, quarantine shortened

On Tuesday there were 194 students and staff in the Crittenden County School District quarantined because of positive COVID tests or because they were close contacts of someone who tested positive. 

That includes 42 positive cases and 64 classroom contacts. Fourteen staff members were out Tuesday because they were directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19. 

The length of required COVID-19 quarantines was updated Jan. 11 based on guidance from the Kentucky Department of Education. Students or staff who test positive can reduce their quarantine from 10 days to six if they have no symptoms. 

Contacts of positives can reduce their 10-day quarantine and return to school on Day 6 if they get a negative test result. Masks are required on days six through 10 in some circumstances. 

Complete information about quarantine changes are available from the school district.

LHHS forms alliance with Deaconess

Barry Chittenden, LHHS chairman of the board
of directors, opened today's news conference
in Salem with remarks about the alliance.

Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services announced today an alliance with Deaconess that hospital leaders say will ensure longevity of the healthcare facility in Salem, provider broader services to the communities it serves and provide resources to improve technology and facilities. 

The Crittenden Press will have complete coverage of the move in this week’s full edition of the newspaper, including insight into the partnership from doctors, hospital directors and healthcare professionals. 

Test yourself for prediabetes

The Diabetes Program of the Pennyrile District Health Department wants you to Take the Test.

To determine whether you have prediabetes, a condition that leads to type 2 diabetes, simply click the "Take the Test" link below and answer questions for a risk assessment.

The Pennyrile District Health Department, in conjunction with the American Diabetes Association, can provide you with information and tips to manage prediabetes and prevent it from developing into type 2 diabetes.

Take The Test

AG Cameron want robocall restrictions

Attorney General Daniel Cameron today sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) urging the agency to adopt measures to reduce the number of illegal international robocalls, which often lead to scam attempts on Kentuckians. The comment letter to the FCC was joined by a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general.

“Illegal robocalls lead to frustration for Kentucky consumers and are often scam attempts that can result in significant financial losses,” said Attorney General Cameron. “Joining this letter is one part of our concentrated effort to protect Kentuckians from the harm associated with fraudulent calls, and I am grateful to my fellow attorneys general for partnering with us on this initiative.”

In their letter, the coalition calls for the FCC to require gateway providers – the companies that allow foreign calls into the United States – to take steps to reduce the number of robocalls that enter the U.S. telephone network. The attorneys general recommend gateway providers be required to implement STIR/SHAKEN anti-robocall protocols, a caller ID authentication technology that helps prevent spoofed calls, within 30 days of the FCC’s adoption of the rule. This deadline will help eliminate spoofed calls and ensure international calls that originate from U.S. telephone numbers are legitimate.

In their letter, the attorneys general ask the FCC to require gateway providers to take the following measures to reduce robocalls:

• Respond to requests from law enforcement, state attorneys general, or the FCC to trace back calls within 24 hours.
• Block calls when providers are aware of an illegal or likely fraudulent caller.
• Block calls that originate from numbers that are on a “do not originate” list – such as government phone numbers that are for incoming calls only.
• Require their foreign telephone company partners to ensure calls are made from legitimate numbers.
• The attorneys general also encourage the FCC to require all phone companies to block calls from a gateway provider, if it fails to meet these requirements.

This is the latest action by Attorney General Cameron to reduce illegal robocalls. In November, he

Ballot position drawing postponed

The decision-making body of the Kentucky County Clerks Association has reached a consensus that the local ballot position drawing should be held by all clerks at 2 p.m. local time Thursday, Jan. 27.

Highway district representatives and the executive board voted unanimously this morning to ask all KCCA-member clerks to hold the drawing at the same time. The change from what was originally scheduled for this Thursday became necessary when the General Assembly approved and the Governor signed legislation that moves the filing deadline for candidates from Jan. 7 to Jan. 25.

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor represents far western Kentucky counties on the KCCA board.

Association President Jason Denny said the selected time keeps with the spirit of the statute that calls for the drawing to be held at 2 p.m. the first Thursday following the filing deadline. That statute is KRS 118:225.

"I strongly encourage each of you to follow this so that we all stay on the same page," Anderson County Clerk Denny said in an email to all KCCA members. "As many of you know, I reached out to the Secretary of State's office to work together on the date and time ... Ultimately, SOS went out on their own and chose January 31st and announced it before coming back to us."

House Bill 172, the new law that moves the filing deadline to accommodate redistricting, states: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective for the 2022 primary and for no other election, the time of the drawing for ballot position and the certification of candidates shall be suspended and shall be held at a time determined by the Secretary of State or the county clerk, as appropriate, following the filing deadline established under" this measure.

Madisonville CC extends registration

 Madisonville Community College has announced that the deadline to register for the Spring 2022 semester has been extended to Wednesday, Jan. 12. The college was recently closed due to inclement weather and has extended the deadline to assist students who were unable to register.

Regular registration hours will 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Wednesday. Applicants can be admitted to the college on the spot and meet with an academic adviser to schedule classes. No appointment is necessary. 

The Financial Aid office will be open to assist students and to help with the application for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship application. This scholarship provides free tuition for select associate degrees and short-term certificate programs in high-demand fields for students without a college degree. The Work Ready Scholarship is applied after all other federal and state aid is posted. MCC has over 60 programs eligible for the scholarship.

To learn more, please contact the Madisonville Community College Enrollment Center at (270) 824-8657 or visit the college’s website at www.madisonville.kctcs.  

Emergency Planning meeting Tuesday night

Crittenden County Local Emergency Planning Committee will meet at 5pm Tuesday, Jan. 11 at the Emergency Operations Center / Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department on Industrial Drive. 

This is a public meeting. Anyone interested in helping the county be prepared for emergencies and disasters is encouraged to attend.

Easley Construction builds safe rooms

 

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Easley Construction can ease fears over severe storms with the installation of safe rooms.

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

Lucky Easley is a licensed general contractor with 50 years experience. 

  
Call today to learn more.

Basketball Showcase Saturday at Rocket Arena

Updated 9:23am Jan 8 with new schedule

Saturday will give basketball fans a full day of action at Rocket Arena with a five-game schedule featuring a 10 teams from western Kentucky. 

Tickets can be purchased Here at TicketLeap.

Crittenden County season ticket holders and chair-back season ticket holders can see the entire showcase without any additional cost.

WATCH ALL THE GAMES LIVE on the NFHS Network.

ALL GAMES AT ROCKET ARENA,
MARION, KY

UPDATED SCHEDULE

• 1:00 BOYS Crittenden County vs. Mayfield
• 2:30 Boys Caldwell County vs. Marshall County
• 4:00 Girls Caldwell County vs. Owensboro
• 5:30 GIRLS Crittenden County vs. Murray
• 7:00 Boys Madisonville vs. Murray

Backwater covering half dozen roads

Rising waters of the Ohio River and its tributaries has closed a half dozen Crittenden County roads.

Currently under water are the following:

• Providence Road
• Enon Church Road
• Cool Springs Road
• Elizabethtown Ferry Road
• Phin Croft Road
• River Drive

Today, the Ohio River was nearing 38 feet at Shawneetown, threatening operation of the Cave In Rock Ferry. However, the predicted crest is trending lower today so there is a chance the ferry will be able to continue operating without interruption. Stay tuned for more ferry updates if the river level begins to change. 

Masons donate books to Crittenden Library

The local Masonic Lodge has donated books to the Crittenden County Public Library. 

The Lodge typically donates history books to the biography collection every year. 

The titles donated this time were Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson, The  Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Ben Franklin, Hero of Two Worlds by Mike Duncan and James Madison by Jay Cast. 

Pictured with Librarian Brandie Ledford are local Masons William Ralph Paris (left) and Josh Orr.

Bill would extend candidate filing deadline

The Kentucky General Assembly passed legislation Thursday to extend the filing deadline for candidates who plan to run in the May Primary Election. 

The original deadline was tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 7. The legislation, which still requires the governor's signature to become law, moves the deadline to Tuesday, Jan. 25.

Legislators rushed the bill through both chambers to give relief to candidates who might be affected by redistricting. Since the redrawing of Kentucky senate and house and congressional districts may not be completed for a several more days, the extension is necessary, say lawmakers. 

House Bill 172 would move the filing deadline so political candidates know what races they can enter.

12-year-old missing from Salem

UPDATE: THE BOY HAS BEEN FOUND. He is safe and okay, according to Livingston authorities

ORIGINAL POST

A 12-year-old autistic boy is missing in the Salem area.

Livingston County Sheriff's Department and Emergency Management are searching for Corey Porter, who is described as being 4-foot-7 and weighing 75 pounds. 

He was last seen wearing an orange lightweight jacket and blue jeans. 

Corey wears glasses and is non-verbal. He was last seen at his residence in Salem at about dark.

Anyone with information should contact Livingston County authorities.

Courthouse open all night, City Hall opening late Friday

City, county and state road crews have been out
all day working to improve driving conditions.

Crittenden County Courthouse will be open tonight as a warming shelter.

The Carlisle Street door will be left unlocked for anyone who needs to seek shelter from the extreem cold, perhaps single-digit temperatures, projected for tonight. 

Marion City Hall will not be open until 9:30 a.m., on Friday, a bit later than normal. 

State, county and city road crews have made good progress in their efforts to improve driving conditions across the region.  However, roadways are expected to re-freeze during the overnight hours.

While most state snow priority routes were in good condition by mid-afternoon, extreme cold weather is expected to cause re-freezing during the overnight hours. State crews have made plow runs on some "B" snow priority routes.  Many "C" priority routes will be plowed on Friday.

Bridges, overpasses, and many ramps continue to have icy spots.

Salt and other snow-fighting chemicals lose their effectiveness below about 16 degrees.  With an overnight low expected around 6 degrees, highway crews will be severely limited in their ability to improve driving conditions after dark.

Most crews will stop plowing overnight, then return at daylight as temperatures rise to a high of about 25 degrees.

Motorists are asked to avoid overnight travel.  If you do get out, please be prepared for the extreme cold.  Wear gloves, boots, and clothing appropriate for the temperatures you'll encounter.

When temperatures get down into the single digits, something as simple as a dead battery or a flat tire that might normally be an inconvenience can quickly become a life-threatening situation.  

No school in Crittenden on Friday

Due to hazardous road conditions, there will be no school in Crittenden County on Friday, Jan. 7.

Snow closes some businesses in Marion

If your business is closing early, contact us and we'll list it here. 

Currently, the following has reported closing early due to inclement weather:

•The Peoples Bank, main office and drive-through banking center. Re-opening at 9 a.m., Friday.

•Hometown Chiropractic

•Crittenden County Farm Bureau. Re-opening at 10 a.m., Friday.

Crittenden receiving first snowfall of season

Crittenden Countians are seeing their first snowfall of the season today.

Click the link below for the Troy's Collision Center Road Report made just as snowfall began. Check back later for additional updates.

Snow Report

Marion man dies in dump truck crash

A Marion man has died as a result of a single-vehicle automobile accident Wednesday afternoon in Caldwell County.

Kentucky State Police say Timothy Crider, 51, was westbound operating a 2012 International state highway department dump truck at about 1 p.m., three miles east of Fredonia on KY 70 when the accident occurred. A preliminary investigation found that the dump truck apparently dropped off of the right shoulder of the roadway, came back onto the highway, crossed the center line and went off of the road on the opposite side before overturning. Crider was ejected from the vehicle.

Crider was transported from the scene by AirEvac to Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville where he later died from injuries received in the crash.

The accident remains under investigation by Master Trooper Ben Sawyer.  Assisting at the scene were Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department, Caldwell County EMS, Fredonia Fire Department and Princeton Fire Department.

No school Thursday; county prepares for snow

Due to the forecast of wintry weather tomorrow, there will be no school in Crittenden County on Thursday, Jan. 6. 

School officials say this will be a non-traditional instruction day (NTI) with students working on assignments from home. Students were given instructions at school today from their teachers.

Additionally, Judge-Executive Perry Perry said state and county crews have been spraying brine on roadways in the county in anticipation of snowfall. Newcom said that while state roads are prepped by the Kentucky Department of Highways, local roads are sprayed by county personnel. Heavily traveled paved and chip and seal roads are the first to be treated. If time allows, other back roads are also pretreated, the judge said. 

"We also concentrate on places where the steep hills," he added.

New Senate map puts Crittenden in District 1

Proposed Senate Map

The Kentucky Senate has released its redistricting plans, and like the House’s redrawn boundaries, the Senate proposal would dramatically change Crittenden County’s representation in that chamber.

Based on the proposed new map, Crittenden would be in Senate District 1, which would also include Fulton, Hickman, Graves, Calloway, Trigg and Lyon counties.

Crittenden is currently represented by Sen. Robby Mills (R-Henderson) in District 4, which also includes Caldwell, Henderson, Livingston, Union and Webster counties.

Jason Howell, a Murray Republican, currently serves District 1 in the Senate. Right now, he represents Calloway, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Lyon and Trigg counties – which means Crittenden would simply be added to his territory if the measure passes. 

A major difference between the House and Senate plans, other than the House has 100 districts and the Senate 38, was that the House redistricting proposal has four redrawn districts where incumbents will be running against each other (two from each party), the Senate plan would have no such conflicts.

Redistricting, which is required every 10 years due to population shifts indicated in U.S. Census data, will continue to be debated this week in the state House and Senate. 

The House plan was published in this week's newspaper along with additional information from candidates. The Senate plan was released too late for this week's printed edition, but we will be following up with local leaders and senators about this plan, too.

Crash closes US 60 near Three Rivers Quarry

UPDATE: Site is now open. 

U.S. 60 in Livingston County is blocked by a truck crash near the Three Rivers Rock Quarry entrance at Dyer Hill.

A core-drill truck has overturned.  Equipment is on-site to attempt to clear the roadway.

Estimated duration is 3 hours or approximately 5:30 p.m.

Motorists traveling between Salem and Smithland should detour via KY 763McMurray Road/Maxfield Road, and KY 137/River Road.  SEMI trucks traveling between Marion and Smithland or Paducah should consider a detour via U.S. 641 through Eddyville to U.S. 62, Interstate 24, and U.S. 68.