Paving on US 60 between Marion and Salem

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) will be paving along a section of US 60 in Crittenden County this week.

This paving project runs from the Crittenden-Livingston County Line near Salem at Crittenden County mile point 0.0, extending eastward to mile point 5.211 at Runyan Road.  This is immediately east of the KY 297 Y intersection.

Motorists should be alert for one lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers during daylight hours.  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.

Rogers Group, Inc, is the prime contactor on this $661,397 highway improvement project.  The target completion date is August 18.

City seeking equipment operator

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The City of Marion has an opening for an equipment operator.

The full-time position includes reading water meters and conducting duties associated with the water and sewer departments, among other things.

The job includes health insurance benefits upon completion of a probationary period.

Apply at city hall, located in Marion Commons on South Main Street.

A Brunch of Sandwiches opening Aug. 1

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A Brunch of Sandwiches is opening next week in Marion, with a "build your own" sandwich format. A variety of breads, meats, cheeses and condiments will be available.

Housed in The Sugar Shop on South Main Street, A Brunch of Sandwiches is opening Aug. 1.

The Sugar Shop will remain open for donut sales from 6:30 a.m., 

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and A Brunch of Sandwiches will begin taking orders at 10 a.m. Carry-out only.

Orders may made via text at (270) 969-4376.

Rain, haulers show promise at Old City Lake

Water haulers are currently adding more than one-half of an inch of raw water per day to Old City Lake and Mother Nature poured in another 0.65 of an inch last night.

Overcast skies in recent days have also been favorable for keeping the lake level on the rise.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press has details on the effort to test water in the former Lucile Mine. There's another setback on that front. However, all other emergency responses to the water crisis are pressing forward, city officials have said.

Truck, tractor pull Saturday in Marion

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A truck and tractor pull is the featured event of the Crittenden County Lions Club fair this weekend.

Located at the fairgrounds in Marion, the truck and tractor pull is sanctioned by USA Pullers.

Entry to the event is $12 for individuals over age 7. Six and under are free.

Registration for participation in the the event is $30. 

Call Jared Belt (270) 871-4502 for more information.

Mayoral candidate Sykes found dead at home

Phyllis Sykes, a Marion City Councilwoman and a mayoral candidate in this November's general election, was found dead from what is believed to be natural causes at her home last night just before 10pm. 

A retired school teacher, Sykes, 75, had served on the city council since first being elected in 2016. She was also currently serving as mayor pro tem. 

Sykes was active in a number of community organizations and just in the last few days had been tasked along with a handful of others with spearheading an effort to organize more volunteers for the bottled water distribution center at the former armory.

Passionate about helping children, and her community, Sykes was also an active member of Marion Untied Methodist Church. 

In light of her passing, Marion City Council has canceled tonight's scheduled water update meeting at city hall. It is being rescheduled for Tuesday.

"I’m heartbroken and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Phyllis," said Marion Mayor Jared Byford. "After a lifetime of public service she continued to serve the community in a multitude of manners.  Her passing will be felt by the loss of her wonderful personality and devotion.

"I take solace in knowing she goes to a better place," the mayor added. "On a more personal note, she has been a great neighbor and wonderful to my kids and family. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. I will miss seeing her every day."

Coroner Brad Gilbert said an autopsy will be performed on the body to determine cause of death, but no foul play is suspected. She was found in the pool behind her home.

Summer meal program changes to pick-up only

Free summer meals for Crittenden County students will conclude Aug. 1 and Aug. 8.

The delivery schedule has been eliminated, and meals only will be available for pick-up between 10:30 a.m.-12  p.m., at Crittenden County Elementary School.

Junior golf tournament Sunday in Marion

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A junior golf event will be held Sunday, July 31 at the Heritage at Marion Golf & Pool.

The tournament is for young golfers through high school.
See accompanying ad for the number of holes played for each age division.

A light lunch will be provided and awards will be presented for first through third place in each division.


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If you love numbers and helping people, consider H&R Block's Income Tax Course.

People with tax preparation experience are encouraged to take the Tax Knowledge Assessment, which could lead to a fulfilling career with H&R Block.

Visit hrblock.com/BeAPro to learn more.

Churches providing drinking water this week

A couple of local churches will continuing their outreach programs in the community to help combat the ongoing water crisis. 

On Tuesday, Life In Christ Church is distributing water to Marion residents and businesses from 10 a.m., to 6 p.m., at the church on Mott City Road.

On Wednesday, Marion Baptist Church will be distributing water to Marion residents and businesses from 5 p.m., to 8 p.m. Bring identification card or mail proving Marion address. Signs will be posted at the church to direct traffic through entrance and exits. 

Additionally, Marion Baptist, Ohio River Baptist Association and Kentucky Baptist Association through cooperation with Baptist churches across the state are creating a long-term plan to serve the city. Marion Baptist Church Pastor Aaron Brown said more water distributions and other aid will forthcoming in the weeks ahead.

As a reminder, too, Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief has a laundry station available at Fredonia First Baptist Church until the end of July.  

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WATER UPDATE: New offloading site

So far less than one-tenth of an inch of rain has fallen at Marion's Old City Lake next to the water treatment plant; however, city officials and local residents are hoping for much more. 

Plenty of rainfall is in the forecast for today and early this week, as are cooler temperatures which will slow evaporation rates at the lake, the town's source of raw water.

Motorists should be aware of a new route for raw water tankers hauling between sources north and south of town to the lake. Previously, P&H Farms, a contract hauler hired by the state, was dumping water into Crooked Creek off of US 641 just south of Marion. Now, those tankers are dumping directly into the lake off Chapel Hill Road. Local officials say direct dumping into the lake is much more effective.

The Kentucky National Guard is also dumping water into the lake and will continue at least through the end of month.

Sheriff's Department seeks public assistance

UPDATE This morning at about 9am local authorities surrounded a home on Franklin Mines Road and were able to take Haymaker into custody. Find more details in this week's full version of The Crittenden Press.

ORIGINAL POST

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in locating a man wanted here and in Illinois.

Brian K. Haymaker, 47, is allegedly non-complaint with Illinois sex offender registry laws, and is wanted in Illinois.

He was last known to be living on Franklin Mines Road in rural Crittenden County.

Haymaker is also wanted for questioning with regard to theft of services complaints in Crittenden County and has an outstanding warrant here for assault and firearm possession.

There are a couple of aliases Haymaker is known to use. Those are Brian K Moore and Brian Shipley.

If you see this person, contact 270-965-3500 or 270-965-3400.

Annual fundraising golf tournament

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The annual Quarterback Club fundraising golf tournament will be held Wednesday at Marion Golf & Pool.

A four-person format, the tournament begins at 12:30pm.

Water leak affecting county customers

A water main break south of Marion is affecting a number of county water customers in that area.

Crittenden-Livingston Water District crews have located the leak and are beginning to make repairs. The work will take several hours to complete.

Meantime, the issue will also affect the flow of drinking water being pushed into the City of Marion from the county water district. The county had been providing about 180,000 gallons a day to Marion.

Tapestry tonight at 6:30 p.m.

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The Tapestry begins tonight at 6:30 p.m. Some promotions had the show starting a bit later.

The Tapestry is a blend of opera and rock and will include selections from The Beatles' album Abbey Road.

The event will be held at historic Fohs Hall in Marion. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door.

City of Marion released Friday water update

FROM THE CITY OF MARION, KY

The City of Marion has made progress on several fronts that have helped to improve water supplies.  Marion continues to be under a boil advisory:   Here is today’s update:

The Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA) reports fixing seven additional leaks within the city this week.  Since the leak detection mission started July 5th the city is down to 68 gallons per minute flow during the overnight hours from the 230 gallons per minute flow rate.  With the Reveal leak detection team working alongside KRWA has repaired more than a dozen leaks within the city. So far, they have completed their leak survey efforts across about 75 percent of the Marion water system.  Their work will continue until the entire city is covered.

If you have moved your water service to a well, are planning on using well water, or have tanks with stored water plumbed to your water system, please seek guidance from Public Health on the risks and laws regulating this activity.  There is also some information on the City’s Facebook page for testing water tanks with stored drinking water in them.

Crittenden-Livingston Water District (Critt-Liv) is back up and maintaining a 180,000 gallon per day flow to the city.  This accounts for roughly 60 percent of daily usage.

Bell Engineering continues to work on interconnection possibilities between Caldwell and Critt-Liv water districts.  Rough drafts of plans are being reviewed as outstanding elements are resolved. 

Bottled water distribution continues at the armory in hopes residents will augment their daily use with water from the program.  A permanent schedule was issued last week.  It can be found on the City’s Facebook page and other news outlets.  If you have health or transportation issues, please contact City Hall to make delivery arrangements.  If you would like to volunteer to assist with bottled water distribution, please contact Danielle Duncan at (270) 704-3523.

BFW Engineering will be at Lake George next week to conduct further extensive geotechnical research.  This work will determine the role Lake George might play in intermediate to long-term water needs.

The City is working with C and C Pumps & Supply on plans to start pumping Lucile Mine.  This will allow the City to determine if the recharge rate is sufficient for use as a partial or full drinking water source.  If there is sufficient volume, there are still some water chemistry obstacles that will need to be considered.

The City remains under STAGE 3 water restrictions until further notice.  A boiled water advisory and burn ban order remain in effect.  For information on what stage 3 means and what do to during a boiled water advisory, please go to the City’s Facebook page for information.    

We continue to thank the residents of the city for their ongoing efforts to conserve water.  With water conservation and the efforts of the leak detection teams, the city has reduced its daily average usage by 38.5 percent since May.  However, with little rainfall reported at the watershed, it is just as important now to remain committed to conservation practices.  If you would like information on strategies you can apply to help conserve water, please reach out to the Local Library or the Extension Office. 

Grab this week's Press for big news

In this week's Press read about CCHS graduate
Jacob May's (left) voyage to Saturn and beyond.

It's never too late to be caught up on the local news.

This week's full edition of The Crittenden Press is on newsstands now.

In it you'll find an enlightening article about a local fellow who's done well by landing at Saturn.

Plus, the annual Crittenden County Lions Club Fair Guide was published as part of the newspaper this week and our Senior Living section has lots of information on how to stay young in body, heart and soul.

We also get you caught up on the latest news about Marion's water crisis, plus other news and sports you will find nowhere else.

Junior Pro Football registration is Tuesday

Crittenden County's Junior Pro Football registration will be on Tuesday, July 26 at Rocket Stadium.

Players in 5th-6th grades will register between 5:30-6:30pm, and players in 3rd-4th grades will register between 6:30-7:30pm.

Cost is $70 and players will need to provide a copy of their birth certificate. Also, every player will need a sports physical to participate.

Park area roads closed Friday for race

Roads passing through Marion-Crittenden County Park will be closed to through-traffic for about an hour and a half Friday (July22) evening while a 5K race is held at the park.

The Marty McKenney Memorial 5K is a fundraising race for the high school track team. The race begins at 7pm. 

McMican Road and Old Morganfield Road will temporarily close from about 7pm to until around 8:30pm. Barriers will be at the Adams Street intersection of Old Morganfield Road and at the  McMican Road intersection at KY 120. 

The park will be closed to traffic during the race except for the skate park lot and the lower parking lot next to the creek.

Race day registration price is $25. On-site registration begins at 6 p.m. Go Here to register online.

Large scrap fire burning at Marion Recycling

Several fire departments have been dispatched to a large blaze at Marion Recycling Center on Mott City Road.

The fire began with one scrap vehicle and expanded to other nearby scrap.

The blaze was first reported shortly after 4pm Thursday.

KY 135 reopens at one-lane bridge

Kentucky Hwy 135 has reopened to traffic in rural Crittenden County just west of the KY 91 intersection. 

The road had been closed since July 5 while work was being done to the one-lane bridge across Hurricane Creek.

The work was completed on schedule and was done by Harper Contracting Inc., at a cost of $266,287.

Unique rock opera event Saturday at Fohs Hall

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Marion artists Corey and Michelle Crider are bringing the Tapestry back to Marion. 

Tapestry is a collection of artists who blend opera vocals with rock music, including bass guitarists, drummers and other familiar instruments.

The performance of "Remove the Veil" will begin art 6:30 p.m., Saturday at Fohs Hall.

Tapestry will perform the Beatles album Abbey Road in its entirety.

Tickets are available on the Fohs Hall website, The Crittenden Press and Bowtanicals in Marion.

Guard tanker crashes on US 60 East

It does not appear that anyone was seriously injured when a National Guard tanker truck ran off US 60 East northeast of Mattoon today.

It was the second crash involving a military tanker since the Kentucky National Guard has been in the county supporting Marion's ongoing water crisis.

The wreck happened about 10:30am Wednesday near Rosebud Hill. 

Two crewmen were taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Both walked away from the crash. 

The first crash happened on KY 902 in Caldwell County on Sunday, June 26. Two crewmen were slightly injured in that mishap. At that point, water was being taken from the Cumberland River at Dycusburg to Marion. A few days after the first crash, the National Guard and Kentucky Emergency Management announced that it was changing the water collection point to the Tradewater River because the highway between Marion and the Tradewater River at the Union County Line would be safer than the more narrow roads in the southern part of the county.

Neither crash has involved another vehicle. 

These tankers are carrying about 2,500 gallons of water when full.

Eastbound US 60 traffic from Marion to Sullivan is being detoured via KY 365 to reduce traffic at the crash site. It is likely the roadway will have to close to recover the truck.

Newest Developments in Marion's Water Crisis

Water is being dumped from tankers
into Crooked Creek above Old City
Lake, but obstructions in the creek
are creating some problems.

Here are the newest developments early this week in Marion’s water crises:

• The city plans to move forward with testing water from the former Lucile Mine.
• What appears to be a troubling beaver dam is slowing raw water flow on Crooked Creek.
• New water is flowing from Lake George.
• There is renewed volume of drinking water from Crittenden-Livingston Water District rolling into Marion.
• The State of Emergency in Marion has been extended by Gov. Beshear until at least Dec. 30.

As Marion moves through the 13th week of its water shortage, local and state officials are working various angles to continue providing water to the town’s residents.

This week, the city council said it will take another look the former fluorspar mine in town as a source of raw water. Plans are to begin pumping as soon as possible in order to retest it.

Challenges are being met in getting raw water that's hauled by the National Guard and farmers into Old City Lake. The water is being dropped into Crooked Creek off US 641 south of Marion. However, obstructions along the creek, perhaps in part due to a beaver dam, are besetting the mission. So, there’s a plan to either clear the creek or find another way to dump water into Old City Lake, perhaps using a makeshift pipe system.

Thanks to last weekend’s rainfall, a good bit of water had accumulated in the Lake George basin. That raw water was being pumped out today and into Old City Lake.

And, this morning Crittenden-Livingston Water District began to ramp up its volume of water being sent directly into the clear wells at the Marion Water Plant. That, after the county had backed off for several days due to leaks in the its transmission system unassociated with the current water shortage in Marion.

Stay tuned to The Press Online and grab this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press for further details of these and other developments in the ongoing water crisis. The newspaper will be on newsstands Wednesday around noon.

Fair pageant is Tuesday night

The first event of the 2022 Crittenden County Lions Club Fair is Tuesday night.

The Miss Crittenden County Pageant has long been a staple and early-fair favorite. 

This year's competition is at Fohs Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

There are four pageants for girls and women ranging in age from 8 and up.

Entry fee at Fohs Hall is $5 for ages 7 and up; ages 6-under are free.

Marion gets nearly 1.5 inches of rain

Marion's Old City Lake level was up about one inch this morning following 1.45 inches of rainfall over the weekend.

While the town is celebrating the largest amount of precipitation in a few weeks, the forecast for this week appears hot and dry.

Stay tuned here for the latest updates on the Marion water crisis and other local news.

Nearly one inch of rain falls on Old City Lake

Recycling of empty water bottles is now available at the
Marion water distribution center at the former armory.

With showers in the forecast today, Marion is hopeful for a significant amount of rainfall to help alleviate some of the pressure on emergency measures in place to keep the town from running out of water.

Measured rainfall at the water plant next to Old City Lake on Saturday and overnight was just under one inch. It was the most significant natural source of raw water in a few weeks, but still scarcely enough to raise the lake’s level.

Meantime, Marion moves closer to getting started on an emergency connection to Sturgis Water District via a Crittenden-Livingston Water District line along KY 365 in the northern part of the county. That link could be providing Marion with about 150 gallons of drinking water per minute within a few weeks.

Also, more than a half dozen leaks were repaired in the Marion water distribution system last week, saving the town about 100 gallons per minute. State officials in town working to solve those line problems say only three of the seven leaks found had surfaced above ground. Efforts to find and fix more leaks will continue this week.

Also, there are other new developments in Marion’s plans to combat the water shortage. Stay tuned to The Press Online and grab this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press for further details and a complete weekly wrap-up on the water crisis, plus other news and sports in the community. 

School Board meets Tuesday

Crittenden County Board of Education will host its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m., in Rocket Arena Conference Room. 

Library offers free family STEAM kits

Free, family-friendly science learning kits are available at Crittenden County Public Library as a result of a partnership between the Kentucky Science Center and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA).

Do Science at Home STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Kits encourage families to learn together through a variety of STEAM experiences, Examples of available activities include discovering art and patterning through weaving, taking on engineering challenges with light-up dough sculptures, and analyzing hidden messages using a cypher code.

Each family can receive one of each of the three kits while supplies last.

With themes like Create, Explore and Sleuth, each Kentucky Science Center Do Science at Home STEAM Kit feature 3-4 activities focusing on developing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) skills in a fun way. Each kit includes guided instruction and additional resources for continued exploration for families with students in grades 3-6.

Life in Christ water giveaway Friday & Saturday

Marion's Life in Christ Church has teamed up with Convoy of Hope to distribute water at the church on Friday and Saturday.

The church is located on Mott City Road just south of Marion. Free distribution will be from 10am to 6pm Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday. 

Anyone who lives in the City of Marion and Marion business owners are eligible for free water. The need only to show proof of address by a with a bill or drivers license.

Fair pageant is Tuesday

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Miss Crittenden County Fair pageant will be held Tuesday at Fohs Hall.

Competitions will be divided into four categories from 8 years old to over 22.

Two winners are named in the Miss Crittenden County portion of the pageant (ages 16-21). One will represent Crittenden County at the state festival in November; the other at the state fair pageant. Contestants from out of the county are welcome to compete in the latter.

Crews working to repair water line break

Update: Repairs were completed about 7pm Wednesday.

The City of Marion is working to repair a water line break near Clark's True Value on Sturgis Road.

A six-inch line was broken around 3pm. City crews were immediately dispatched to patch the break.

Homes and businesses from about the Fords Ferry Road intersection extending northeastward to beyond the Greenwood Heights will have no or very little water pressure while the line is isolated to allow emergency repairs

Health Department statement on water questions

Sand bags have now been placed
behind the spillway at Old City Lake
to help reinforce it to hold more
water. Now, Marion just needs rain,
but there is little in the forecast.
There is a chance this weekend.

In response to a number of questions regarding bulk water and the boil water order in place in Marion, the Pennyrile District/Crittenden County Health Department has issued a statement with further information. 

The health department does not test drinking water for chlorine residual.  Officials at the local health department say the Division of Water regulates drinking water. 

The health department recommends bottled water for drinking, especially for anyone that is immunocompromised.  

If you are filling water tanks, fill with water from a municipal chlorinated drinking water source, according to the local health department. 

Bulk water tanks likes those being used by residents, services and businesses in town will not hold chlorine for long periods of time, the health department said in its statement issued Tuesday.

Sodium hypochlorite, household bleach (unscented), can be added to water tanks to help purify water. Test strips are available at some retail stores and online. The test strips for swimming pools will not work, they must be for drinking water, the health department said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 30 minutes after the addition of sodium hypochlorite, there should be no more than 4.0 mg/L (4 PPM) of free chlorine residual present to ensure that the water does not have an unpleasant scent or odor. 

Twenty-four hours after adding of sodium hypochlorite to containers that store water, there should be a minimum of 0.2 mg/L of free chlorine residual present to ensure microbiologically clean water.  When using test strips to check chlorine levels make sure you look at the free chlorine indicator to determine chlorine amounts.  

Too much bleach or chlorine can be harmful. 

If you are not using water from a public water source do not use the water for food contact surfaces such as countertops, utensil, dishwashing or personal hygiene.  

Anyone who is immunocompromised may need to contact their physician before using water under a boil water advisory or water from a non-public water supply for personal hygiene. 

Gov. Andy Beshear and Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman are taking steps daily to keep city residents safe and healthy and successfully end this water emergency, said John A. Mura, the cabinet’s spokesperson. 

“For any residents with a compromised immune system, have an infant, that are pregnant or elderly, or who could be at an increased risk during a boil water advisory, we recommend they seek advice from their health care provider or local health department,” Mura said.

Additional information can be found in this CDC document concerning boil advisories: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/dwa-comm-toolbox/before/tools/Fact-Sheet-About-What-to-Do-During-BWA-508.pdf.

Church of Christ provides water, conservation items

A Church of Christ disaster relief agency will begin distributing water and other items to help conserve water Wednesday. 

The CCHS football team helped unload pallets of bottled water Monday that will be distributed Wednesday from 10:30-5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10:30 a.m-4 p.m., at Marion Church of Christ. Marion Church of Christ is located at the end of West Elm Street next to the Crittenden County High School annex.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief agency from Nashville has additional trips to Marion planned, and will provide gallons of water, paper plates and cutlery and large bathing wipes.

Church member Teresa Foster said families can circle through the parking lot and water will be loaded for them. A youth group from Mayfield’s Seven Oaks Church of Christ is also assisting. Distribution is for families as well as businesses.

Press office closed Tuesday and Friday

The Crittenden Press office will be closed today and Friday.

If you needed immediate assistance, call 270-704-0447.

The Early Bird and Crittenden Press will still be published on a normal schedule this week.

Audubon preschool screenings July 19

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Audubon Area Head Start will conduct screenings for prospective students on Tuesday, July 19 at St. William Parish Hall on South Main Street in Marion.

Appointments are required. See ad for details.

Preschool programming through Audubon Area Head Start serves children ages six weeks through 5 years old. 

The new Chapel Hill Head Start will open in August.

For more information, call (270) 965-1568.

Fredonia church offering free laundry help

Fredonia First Baptist Church is offering to help Marion residents with laundry during the water crisis.

The church will have a laundry truck in its parking lot at the Old Fredonia School off Cassidy Ave., through Sunday, July 30. 

They open at 8 a.m. on weekdays and laundry can be dropped off and picked up at no charge. No laundry detergent is needed. 

You can contact the church on its Facebook page by CLICKING HERE.

Golf Tournament is Saturday

 

City warns of bulk water concerns

City officials are warning individuals using bulk water tanks to be aware of potential for bacteria growth and contamination.

For complete details, contact the Crittenden County Health Department at 270-965-5215.

Tanks should be thoroughly disinfected, filled from an approved drinking water source and regularly checked for chlorine levels, which can diminish rapidly in high temperatures. A 0.2mg/l chlorine residual needs to be maintained. 

Crittenden County Health Department can assist with information and means for testing water.

Bottled water distribution next week is from 9 a.m., to noon and from 2 p.m., until 6 p.m., each day that the center is open. The center, located at the former armory, is closed from noon until 2 p.m. Pickup is as follows: Last names starting with A-F can pick up water on Mondays, names G-L on Tuesday, names M-R on Thursday and S-Z can get water on Friday. 

A driver’s license must be presented to receive water. This water is to be used for drinking and cooking. Each person can get about two gallons for every person in their household.

Hard luck again for rain in Marion

Friday was another hard-luck story for Marion’s water crisis.

Although a second July rainstorm passed through the area late yesterday, very little fell on Old City Lake. Measured rainfall Friday at the water plant was just one-tenth of an inch, while the Kentucky Mesonet weather station north of town near Mattoon recorded almost a full inch of rain.

Since the beginning of July, the weather station has recorded 5.1 inches of rain while Marion’s raw water lake – only about six miles south – has gotten just over one half of an inch.

A good portion of Kentucky is in near drought stage, including a swath of Crittenden County that includes the troubled water system on the south side of town.

As the water shortage moves toward its 12th week, more farm tankers will begin hauling today to help keep up with evaporation and perhaps add a bit of depth to the lake. Otherwise, the county water district continues to up its contribution to the city. It reached 125 gallons per minute on Friday, which is about 60 percent of the town’s demand with Stage 3 Conservation Measures in place.

Some other new developments late this week included a renewed look at Lake George’s potential to catch rainwater in part of the basin that was unaffected by the levee leak. More on that later.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press and The Press Online for the very latest information about the water crisis. 

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Crittenden-Livingston lifts volume, pumps go down

Crittenden Press Copyright 2022

Update July 8, 7am with Guard mission info

Today's effort to keep Marion in drinking water was beset by a pump malfunction early this morning at the Tradewater River where raw water is being lifted from the river and trucked to Marion's Old City Lake by National Guard and farm tankers.

The Kentucky National Guard, which was previously reported to be leaving after Friday's hauling detail, will be returning next week after all to further its mission here.

Water transmission was delayed until afternoon, around the time Marion just missed a chance for rain. A storm moved north of town, leaving precipitation in the northern area of the county, but none in Marion. 

Also, Crittenden-Livingston Water District bumped up its volume today. It's now pushing about 144,000 gallons of drinking water a day into Marion's distribution system. There are plans for even more in the coming days.

Marion's conservation efforts are finally showing some effect on usage. Daily water demand in the city has dropped from about 450,000 gallons a day to just over 300,000. Division of Water specialists say that conservation efforts from water customers is the single most effect tool in fighting the water shortage.

At the bottled water distribution center, city officials are still asking for more volunteers. Call city hall to register as an individual or group to help hand out free water at the former armory.

Stay tuned to The Crittenden Press and The Press Online for the latest information in the ongoing water crisis.

McConnell issues statement on water crisis

Sen. Mitch McConnell's office in Washington DC has issued a statement regarding Marion's ongoing water crisis.

“My team has been in close contact with local officials to see how I can help the City of Marion resolve their critical water shortage," McConnell said.

"While the state government typically coordinates the immediate response to situations such as this, my office is looking at a number of federal grant programs that could possibly help the community formulate a long-term plan to address this crisis. Every Kentuckian deserves access to safe, accessible drinking water.”

Ferry pilot needed at Cave in Rock

PILOT NEEDED IMMEDIATELY

Cave in Rock Ferry

Masters license with passenger endorsement 

40hr week, competitive pay and benefits 

Inquire Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30pm by phone 618-289-4599 

City Issues Boil Water Advisory

The City of Marion has issued a boil water advisory.

Although not unexpected, it’s a clear signal that the town’s raw water level is seriously low.

The city made the announcement at 9 a.m., Thursday, near the end of the 11th week of Marion’s ongoing water shortage. It's the first boil water order of the crisis.

“The City of Marion Water System is experiencing operational conditions that compromise the water quality,” the city said in a statement.

The news release explains that residents on city water should boil what comes out of the tap before using it for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth or cooking. The advisory says water should be boiled for three minutes. 

“Do not drink water from appliances connected to your water line,” the city said. “All tap water should be boiled even if filtered. Use ready-to-use formulas or breast-feed infants.”

The advisory will remain in place until further notice. Likely, until significant rainfall can refill Old City Lake.

"This reinforces the importance of our bottled water distribution effort," Ledford said.  "We continue to ask Marion residents to use the bottled water for cooking and drinking.  The water boil order applies if you plan to use tap water for human consumption."

The following is more information from the City of Marion with regard to the boil order:

WHAT HAPPENED?

On July 7, 2022, the water system experienced issues with the disinfection process of your water.

Due to water conservation efforts and high temperatures the disinfection levels have fallen below the regulatory requirement.

There is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.

Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms.  These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems. 

WHAT IS BEING DONE?

We will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water.

For more information, please contact:

Marion City Hall by phone 270-965-2266 or contact your local health department.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by The City of Marion. KY Water System ID#: KY0280267 

Date distributed: July 7, 2022 

 

Animal shelter closed through Tuesday

Crittenden County Animal Shelter will be closed temporarily through Tuesday due to personnel shortages.

Water details and more in this week's newspaper

Inmate crews have been helping sandbag
at the lake to catch more rainwater.

Although Old City Lake's level is scarcely low, most of the individuals leading the emergency response to Marion’s water crisis believe there is reason for hope.

In this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press, which will be on newsstands around noon, we will have the latest information about what’s being done to shore up the lake from the spillway, to the creek feeding it and how water is collected from it. 

With a series of rain opportunities in the forecast later this week, Marion’s hopes still hinge largely on Mother Nature, but farmers are also coming to rescue, and within a couple weeks there might even be some PVC pipe going into the ground to stave off disaster. 

Outside of the water crisis, there are many other happenings this week. A long school board meeting last night has led to a major shift in plans for building a new high school, and there’s a new development in the highway turning lane project out front between campus and the hospital. Plus, one of Marion’s most talented stars is back in the news.

Get all of these details and more in this week’s newspaper.

Adoption event Saturday at Marion True Value

A pet adoption event will be held Saturday at Clark's Marion True Value.

The hardware store is partnering with the Crittenden County Animal Shelter to encourage pet adoptions.

Cats, kittens and dogs will be available. Adoption fees will be reduced to $50. Normal adoption fees are $80.

Beatles tunes feature of Tapestry performance

Click Image to Enlarge

A unique musical performance featuring the blending of opera and Beatles tunes will be presented July 23 at Fohs Hall.

Tapestry features Marion musicians Corey and Michelle Crider along with nearly a dozen other performers whose musical style merges rock with opera. 

The performance will feature The Beatles' Abbey Road soundtrack.

Tickets are $20 and are available at Bowtanicals and The Crittenden Press.

Buntin auction holds Lanham sale

Click Image to Enlarge 

An auction Saturday will be conducted by Buntin Auction Service, selling the property of Donal Lanham.
The sale features automobiles, tools, outdoor equipment and furniture and household items.

Address for the sale is 7101 U.S. 60 East in Marion.

Numerous outdoor tools, outdoor future and yard items will be up for auction in addition to interior furniture, quilts and furniture.

Community Praying for Water Relief Wednesday

In light of the ongoing water shortage, Marion Baptist Church is organizing a community prayer for Wednesday.

Rev. Aaron Brown said the community wide time of prayer will be held at 7pm. 

Anyone interested may come in person to the church, pray at home or from their own church.

The prayer period will also be broadcast live on the church's Facebook page.

Bagging, clearing work continues at lake

Inmates are preparing sandbags.

Crittenden County Detention Center inmates filled more than 2,200 sand bags on July 4 as temperatures soared to nearly 100 degrees at Old City Lake. 

The bags will be used to fortify the spillway so the lake can store more water when it rains.

Marion missed most of the weekend rainfall and the lake has lost several inches of water. Evaporation rates have been high the last few days as water hauling ceased for the holiday weekend.

City Administrator Adam Ledford said Monday that the lake is down to about three or four days of raw water. Crews will return to hauling water from the Tradewater River to the lake on Tuesday. Local farmers will join the National Guard in transporting raw water.

Marion has about three days of treated water in its tanks and system, so the town is less than a week away from running perilously low, unless water haulers can keep up with the need or there is some significant rainfall in the coming days. There are slight chances for rain on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Crittenden-Livingston Water District has been able to beef up its help to Marion, pumping 108,000 gallons of drinking water into town each day, but that's only about one-quarter of the daily demand. 

Shelby Belt's track hoe is clearing the shore.

Also on Monday, Shelby Belt Excavating was busy clearing trees off the shoreline of Old City Lake. Plans are to eventually cut a trench along the edge to improve the flow of water from Crooked Creek into the raw water reservoir.

Bottled water giveaway will return on Tuesday. See this week's schedule of water distribution in the post below. 

Get this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press for more details on this and other news in the community. 

Marion changes water distribution again

Below is a news release issued by the City of Marion with regard to further changes to its free bottled water distribution at the former armory.

 

Rains help, but not enough to fill City Lake

Update: July 4 Corrects days of raw water left

Although parts of of Crittenden County saw three inches of rainfall and in some cases unprecedented flash flooding on Saturday, only a half inch of rain was measured at the city water plant next to Old City Lake.

While the precipitation was welcome and added around week or so of additional raw water to the lake, it was not enough to fill the lake. When it is full and the lake level crests at the top of the spillway, the town has about 6 days of raw water on hand.

Also on Saturday, local volunteers, mostly area firefighters, joined the National Guard in sandbagging the spillway at Old City Lake to allow the reservoir to capture and hold more water when it rains. If the sandbags hold, that means the lake will be able to store perhaps another week's worth of raw water.

Pictured at top are workers filling
sandbags. Bottom photo shows
the bags placed atop the spillway.

More water now flowing Marion's way

Bottled Water Distribution at the armory will
be reduced to 2 days per week. Thursdays will
be for last names starting with A-M and Fridays
will be for names starting with N-Z.

As Marion’s water crisis moves toward its 11th week, Old City Lake has about five days of raw water left in it. Townspeople are praying for rain this weekend to help the city stave off further disaster. 

Meantime, there is more help from Crittenden-Livingston Water District. On Friday, the volume of drinking water flowing from the county to the city system was increased to 75 gallons per minute, which equates to about 108,000 gallons per day or nearly one-quarter of Marion’s demand. 

Also, on Tuesday Parish and Hooks Farms will begin hauling raw water from the Tradewater River to Marion in order to expand the relief effort that’s been conducted by the Kentucky National Guard. 

Guardsmen will continue hauling about 50,000 gallons a day and the local farmers will be adding about 180,000 gallons per day with tractor-trailer tankers that can handle 5,500 gallons on a load, which is more than double what the military vehicles can carry. There will be five farm vehicles contracted for the mission.

Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray on Friday issued an emergency order that allows registered farm vehicles, which ordinarily are prohibited from “for-hire” use by the state, to be involved in the relief effort. 

The farm vehicles will be offloading water directly into a branch of Crooked Creek off US 641 just south of the city limits. Parish and Hooks will begin hauling water Tuesday.

A couple of non-profit groups will begin staging relief efforts early next week, too. WaterSteps and Dream Center will be providing assistance to the community in multiple forms. Trailers with toilet/shower combos and mobile washer and dryer units will be located at Marion-Crittenden County Park. The public can use these facilities in order aid in conservation efforts. These are self-contained units and will have their own water source. Drinking water will also be provided by the non-profit groups.

Weekly Feature in Our Full Edition

One of the weekly features you get with The Crittenden Press full edition is our ThrowBack Thursday. In it we trace what was in the news 50, 25 and 10 years ago this week in Crittenden County. It's one of many things included in our full edition that you can get nowhere else. Please support your local newspaper and stay informed by subscribing today. Click here to subscribe. Online subscriptions to the full edition start at just $2.95 a month. 

50 years Ago - June 29, 1972 

• Crittenden County Political leader Loice Ford was selected as local chairman of the Democratic National Telethon. 
• C. Stanley Runyan graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor in Architecture and received the Faculty Honor Award. 
• Six FFA officers from CCHS attended the Leadership Training Camp held in Hardinsburg. Those attending were Mike Walker, Larry Workman, Steve Ford, Gary Robertson, Tommy Tedford and Perry Glore. 

25 years Ago - July 3, 1997 

• Lee Anna Porter was awarded Cablevision’s $500 scholarship. 
• Chad Thomas Chandler was selected as one of the country’s most outstanding campus leaders by Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. 
• Kimberly Hunt and Bethaney Long represented Crittenden County at the Future Homemakers of America leadership conference. 
• Pat Fletcher quality/risk manager at Livingston Hospital and Healthcare Services attained the credential of certified professional in healthcare quality. 
• Terri Travis placed first in the sub-advanced girls’ division at the USTA/AAU National Tumbling and Trampoline Competition, earning her a national title in gymnastics. 

10 years Ago -  June 28, 2012 

• Five Crittenden County seniors participated in the Kentucky Youth Seminar on the campus of the University of Kentucky. They were Morgan Williams, Ian Cartwright, Hannah Roberts, Tucker Frazer and Daniel Patton. 
• Kayla Buntin was accepted into the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine. 
• Marion Bobcats, a 9-under traveling baseball team, won the Baseball Players Association fifth annual Pepsi/Hampton Inn Bring the Heat Tournament at Hopkinsville. Players were Trace Adams, Braxton Winders, Caden McCalister, Erik O’Leary, Gunnar Bingham, Tyler Boone, Gabe Mott, Brody Williams, Aiden Rush, Gavin Hunt and Tate Roberts. 
• Marion baseball players Cruce Collyer, Ethan Dossett and Payton Riley each played big roles in their traveling baseball team’s tournament championship. The Bandits included players from Webster, Union, Henderson, Hopkins and Crittenden Counties.