Man arrested on warrant Friday afternoon

A wanted man was arrested near Industrial Drive and US 641 Friday afternoon.

Sheriff Evan Head said Christopher McKay, 36, of Marion fled on foot after the sheriff had a brief encounter with McKay as traffic was lining up just before school was dismissed and Crittenden County Elementary School.

Marion police and Constable Greg Rushing assisted the sheriff in apprehending McKay, who was unarmed, but found hiding in a Ford Explorer behind the Crittenden County Fire Department.

McKay was lodged in Crittenden County Detention Center.

Storm siren test at noon today, weekly

Beginning today, Crittenden County E-911 will test its storm sirens every Friday at noon.

E-911 Coordinator Kellye Rudolph said while there have been some sirens working improperly in recent weeks, all county sirens are working properly now. In order to ensure their proper function, they will be tested weekly.

Sirens will be tested at noon today unless it is storming.

Allied Contracting offers commercial, residential work

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Allied Contracting Group offers a wide range of commercial and residential building services.

Owned by Crittenden Countians serving Crittenden and surrounding counties, Allied Contracting offers free inspections and estimates and works with all 

insurance companies and private-paying individuals.

Contact Allied Contracting for your job – from roofing and remodeling to pole barns and additions.

Livingston Hospital hosting Easter egg hunt Saturday

Livingston Hospital will hold its annual Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m., on the hospital grounds.

Kids of all ages are invited to attend.

Second field fire in two days

Firefighters from Mattoon Fire Department have requested the assistance of Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department at the scene of a field fire.

This is the second day in a row a field fire has required manpower from county fire departments.

A field fire was reported around noon today about 4 miles from U.S. 60 East on Nunn Switch Road.

Army Blackhawks down in Trigg County

Perhaps nine crew members are feared dead following a crash of two Blackhawk helicopters in Trigg County last night.

A report from the governor's office said that Kentucky State Police and other agencies responded to multiple scenes at about 10 p.m Wednesday where the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) helicopters went down. 

The crew members were flying HH60 Blackhawk helicopters during a routine training mission when the incident occurred.  

"We can confirm two aircraft from the 101st were involved in an accident last night resulting in serveral casualties. Right now the focus is on the soldiers and their families who were involved," the command said in a Tweet.

Library plans for 70th anniversary

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The Crittenden County Public Library has several events planned throughout the end of April to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

The library, which began in Marion in 1953, will have an open house April 13 with other events to follow the remainder of the month.

If you haven't been in the library in a while, stop by and see all it has to offer!

Firemen on scene of field fire

Firefighters from several departments are on the scene of a field fire on KY 120.

The fire was first alerted to the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department about 4:15 p.m. Since then Crittenden County Volunteer Department has been asked to assist. 

Keeping It Rural moving to antique mall

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Keeping It Rural in Ky, a Kentucky gift shop, is moving from its rural Crittenden County location.

Beginning in April, Keeping It Rural owned by Stella Guess, will be located inside the Sturgis Antique Mall.
Guess said the new location will allow shoppers more accessibility to the unique Kentucky gifts sold in her store.

Everything sold at Keeping It Rural is hand-crafted by Kentuckians, from soaps and lotions to intricately carved wooden bowls and handmade pillows and throws. 

Stop by and see the wide range of merchandise.

Today marks Vietnam Veterans

Judge-Executive Perry Newcom signed a proclamation this week marking March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day in Crittenden County. Pictured with the judge are (from left) veterans Rick Nelson, Randy Manley and Ron Harbour. The Vietnam War, which resulted in more than 58,000 deaths, including 1,103 Kentuckians, was the longest war in U.S. history at the time. There are more than 125,000 Kentucky veterans of the war.

Event to recruit caring volunteers

Pennyrile District Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is looking for volunteers to visit area nursing homes. 

The group covers Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Muhlenberg, Todd and Trigg counties and serves 37 facilities and 2,761 residents in nursing homes, private homes, living centers, assisted living homes and personal care facilities. 

“We are looking for friendly visitor volunteers. You can make a difference by spending as little as  one hour a week visiting residents in long-term care facilities,” said coordinator Cindy Tabor. 

Training will be 9 a.m., to noon April 5 at the Pennyrile Allied Community Service office in Hopkinsville. Contact Tabor at 270-886-9484 or cindy.tabor@ky.gov to RSVP.

Buntin spring consignment sale is Saturday

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Make plans for Buntin Auction Service's spring consignment sale Saturday.

Auctioneer Curt Buntin has accepted a wide variety of items for the consignment sale scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

See photos on Buntin Auction Service's Facebook page or AuctionZip.

Contact Curt Buntin for more information.

Accident on U.S. 60 West

An accident in front of Martin Tire on U.S. 60 West about a half mile from Marion is affecting traffic flow.

Law enforcement are on the scene of a one-vehicle accident. 

No initial injuries are reported; however, the vehicle hit a guard rail and has the road blocked. 

Both lanes of traffic are closed until the vehicle can be removed from the scene.

Railey's Auction event is Saturday

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Railey's Auction Service is having a sale Saturday at its auction barn on Long Branch Road.

Among of the items to be sold include some rare currency.

Outdoor equipment includes a boat, side by side, pontoon boat and porch swing.

A host of miscellaneous furniture, metal signs, vintage dolls and more will be up for bid.

Garbage pickup changes this week

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Important changes are happening this week with residential trash pickup.

This public notice spells out exactly how customers should transition collection containers from GFL to Impact Waste.

Water Main Break in Tribune Area

Flash flooding has caused a water line break in the Tribune area, which is affecting Crittenden-Livingston Water District customers in the eastern part of Crittenden County.

Repair crews are on site working to solve the problem, but at this time there is no estimate on how long it will take.

Crittenden received 3.1 inches of rainfall on Friday and into early Saturday morning. 

Also, the following roads in Livingston County are affected by water:

• KY 135/Carrsville Rd has Water Over Road signs posted at 3mm to 4mm north of Hampton between KY 838 and Frank May Road
• KY 135/Carrsville Rd has Water Over Road signs posted at the 5mm to 6mm near the KY 108/Maxfield Rd Intersection
• KY 133/Lola Rd has Water Over Road signs posted 6 to 7mm near Lick Skillet Road North of Salem
• KY 723/Pickneyville Rd has Water Over Road signs posted 4mm to 5mm
• KY 1433/Cedar Grove Rd has Water Over Road signs posted the 5mm between Lemon Landing Rd and Cobb Rd

Sirens just tests of county system

Sirens sounding in Marion and elsewhere in Crittenden County this afternoon are just tests. 

Marion Dispatch reports that work is being done on the countywide system, prompting several sirens to sound around 1:10 p.m., today.

Illinois-Missouri Bridge closed near Cairo

Illinois Department of Transportation has issued an alert for motorists traveling in the Cairo area. Due to structural problems, the US 60/62 bridge over the Mississippi River will be closed to all traffic until further notice.

The bridge connects Illinois and Missouri near the Kentucky border.

Critical safety issues were discovered during the routine inspection that started March 13. The bridge will remain closed until a plan can be developed and implemented.

Detour for this closure adds about 4.5 miles to a trip from Wickliffe, Ky., and Charleston, Mo.  The detour is via U.S. 51 and Interstate 57.

GFL remains commercial waste provider

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If you are a commercial customer of GFL, you are not affected by Crittenden County's recent franchise agreement with an alternate company.

Only residential customers are required to switch to Impact Waste for their home trash collection.

GFL will continue to service dumpsters of commercial customers.

Water aplenty prompts looser restrictions

The City of Marion has eased much of its water restrictions for the time being as plentiful rain has kept the town’s raw water sources full to the brim. 

As anticipated and reported about in this week’s newspaper, Mayor D’Anna Browning has now issued a decree loosening a Conservation Order issued last spring soon after Lake George was purposely breached to avoid a levee failure. Drought conditions last summer exacerbated the city’s water crisis and Stage 3, the most extreme conservation level, was ordered. Stage 3 prohibits the washing of cars, porches, sidewalks, etc., or irrigating non-food producing plants with municipal water. 

The mayor has dropped the Conservation Order to Level 1, which calls for the following:

•Increase public awareness and provide educational materials about best practices of water use.

•Encourage the entire community to conserve water wherever possible.

The mayor’s announcement said in part, “Since conditions have improved such that the raw water supply to the city has proven to be consistent and in such a quantity to provide for the current normal needs of the city’s customers” the Conservation Order is lowered from Level 3 to Level 1. The mayor also pointed out that any change in conditions will prompt further review, and could provoke retightening of the order.

The accompanying video shows what Old City Lake looks like today with water running over its spillway. Lake George, although still leaking to some degree, is also holding an abundance of water.

"My goal is to let Marion know that we do have a surplus of raw water at this time. We are moving in the right direction and we can resume normal daily activities," the mayor said. "But, let's keep conservation in mind and know that we may need to impose the stricter phases at a later date."

See this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press for more details, and we will be following up on this matter in next week’s newspaper.

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Paint sale, rental products now at True Value

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If a paint job or home work is on your spring agenda, stop by Clark's Marion True Value.

Check out the store's expanding rental department. Plumbing tools, a post hole digger pro mini excavator is just what you need to get the job done. Rental prices and contract terms vary.

A paint sale is going now at the relocated paint counter. Stop in for discounts on several types of brush and spray paints.

Fohs Hall available for rentals

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Consider Fohs Hall for your next event.

Fohs Hall's stage and updated sound and light capabilities make it the perfect venue for any cultural arts event.

Fohs Hall is also available for rentals of many types, including banquets, wedding receptions, special celebrations and meetings.

To learn more, contact Elliot West or visit fohshall.org.

Retirement reception Sunday for Sandy Barnes

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A retirement reception for Sandy Barnes will be held in Salem Sunday, March 26.

Barnes was the founder and the long-time director of Cumberland River Homes.

The retirement party begins at 2 p.m., at Deer Lakes Golf Course.

Friends are asked to attend in celebration of her 19 

years of hard work and dedication.

Job Corps Center has employment openings

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The Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center is hiring! Minimum wage is $16.20, plus sign-on bonus for most positions.

Pay for Residential Advisor positions for nights and overnights is $16.45 per hour plus a $2,000 sign-on bonus.

The Job Corps Center offers a benefits package and opportunities for advancement. 

Random shots lead to arrest

A 42-year-old Marion man was charged with firing a weapon from a vehicle on KY 120 last night. Police do not believe he was firing deliberately at anything in particular.

The man is facing additional alcohol-related charges. 

This week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press will have further details.

Blood Drive at Rocket Arena Wednesday

\West Kentucky Regional Blood Center in conjunction with Crittenden County High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host a blood drive at Rocket Arena 8:30 a.m., to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 22.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parent consent) to give blood. Donors must weigh at least 115 pounds and have identification and meet other requirements, including providing a list of all mediations. Call 888-684-9296 for further information. All donors will receive a T-shirt.

Clay man charged with multiple child sex crimes

Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch has arrested Damien K. Belt, 31, of Clay on charges related to child sexual abuse and electronic sexual abuse material.

Investigators allege multiple incidents of rape and sodomy. These incidents have supposedly been occurring for over a year, state police said. 

In a news release, KSP said a search of Belt's electronic devices revealed digital evidence supporting these allegations. As a result, charges were filed, including three counts of unlawful transaction with a minor, first offense; illegal sex act with a minor under 16; three counts of use of a minor under 16 in a sexual performance; three counts of second-degree rape and three counts of second-degree sodomy; 33 counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old; 33 counts of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance under 12 years old; and two counts of promoting a minor under 16 in a sexual performance.

Belt was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. He is being held in Webster County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.

The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect sharing images of child sexual exploitation online. A search warrant was executed at a residence in Clay on March 14. Equipment used to facilitate the alleged crimes was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing.

What's News This Week in Marion and beyond

This week's newspaper could save you big money on taxes, depending on your age.

The Crittenden Press will get you caught up on community news and events, including some big happenings on tap for this weekend whether you're ready to celebrate National Women in History Month or do some rock riding.

We're still offering a special price on the eEdition of The Crittenden Press which is sent directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up today! 

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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.

Poll workers needed for upcoming election

Crittenden County is looking for precinct election officers for the May 16 primary and three days of early voting May 11-13. The county particularly needs registered Democrat workers to offer the proper party parity to serve voters.

Training will be offered at 10 a.m., on April 26 and pays $20. Payment for early voting work day is $100, with that day running from 7:30 a.m., to 4:30 p.m.. Election Day pays $140 for work that begins at 5:15a.m.,  and concludes around 6:30-7 p.m.

If you are interested and would like to learn more, call County Clerk Daryl Tabor at 270-965-3403, email daryl.tabor@ky.gov or message him through Facebook.

Besides Kentucky’s governor’s election, on the ballot this year are Kentucky Secretary of State, Commissioner of Agriculture, Attorney General and Treasurer.

Celebrate your senior with a yard sign

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It's never too early to start celebrating your senior.

Order your yard sign today, customizable with your student's senior photo.

Durable double-sided signs are $40 each, including stakes.

Email photos to information@the-press.com. 

Free tacos Tuesday at Marion Baptist

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Join friends at Marion Baptist Church for Taco Tuesday on March 21.

This month's free meal offered by Marion Baptist Church will feature a Mexican theme.

Stop by for lunch between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. It's free!

Railey Auction Service holding sale Saturday

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Railey Auction Service will host an auction Saturday, March 18 at its shop on Long Branch Road.

Selling will be boating equipment, mowing equipment, tools and glassware.

Additionally, there are several guns to be included in the sale.

Photos are available on AuctionZip, or for more information, call Jay Railey.

Buntin farm consignment April 1

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Start making plans for Buntin Auction Service's spring consignment sale.

The Buntin are accepting items for the consignment sale scheduled for April 1.

All types of farm machinery and equipment are accepted. 

Contact Curt Buntin for more information.

Bread, candy fundraiser at Fohs Saturday

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A bread and candy fundraiser for the Crittenden County Extension Homemakers will be part of the We Can do It! event Saturday at Fohs Hall.

Saturday's event is a Community Arts Foundation-sponsored event designed to celebrate women and girls, but is open to men and women alike.

The Crittenden County Homemakers will have a booth at the event, selling a variety of breads and candies.

Park's new playground celebrates Spring on Monday

The City of Marion Tourism and Recreation Commission in conjunction with the City of Marion, Crittenden County and Marion-Crittenden County Park Board will hold a soft-opening / ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new park playground at noon Monday, March 20 to celebrate the first day of spring.

New trash collection for Crittenden County

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Impact Waste Service of Crofton will be the sole trash provider for Marion and Crittenden County beginning April 1.

Customers must call Impact Waste or register online to receive a trash cart.

The change in trash collection is the result of a franchise agreement approved earlier this year.

Big Rivers WMA to conduct prescribed burning

Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area in northern Crittenden and southern Union counties will be conducting prescribed burnings over the next couple of weeks, beginning on Wednesday.

Prescribed burns are purposely set, controlled fires under special circumstances to benefit wildlife habitat.

Heavy smoke will result from these burns.

Marion library has two job openings

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Crittenden County Public Library has two job 

openings.

Applications are due by April 14 for individuals 

seeking consideration for full-time library director 

and part-time Bookmobile librarian.

Apply online at crittendenlibrary.org.

Be prepared to avoid March mayhem in courthouse

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Being prepared can reduce mayhem at the Crittenden County Clerk's Office.

Because there are twice as many vehicle transactions in March than any other month, it's not uncommon for citizens to wait in line in the cramped quarters of the courthouse office.

Citizens can reduce wait time by ensuring they have a paper copy of their insurance card and the expiring copy of their vehicle registration when making transactions. Proof of insurance can also be faxed or emailed.

$1K available for local farm investment

Applications are now available for Crittenden County’s CAIP cost-share program for qualifying farm investments.

Only applications need to be submitted by deadline, completion deadline will be in June. Up to $1,000 reimbursement is available for qualified projects.

Call 270-965-3921 extension 3 for more information.

Pickleball enthusiasm increasing here

Pickleball enthusiasts are teaming with Marion Tourism and Recreation Commission with hopes of securing an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) grant to build an outdoor court on public property.

Hutch Goad, who has organized indoor pickleball recreational play at the former armory over the last several months, said interest continues to grow.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.

Goad said about 15 or more local residents, mostly aged 50 and above, regularly participate in recreational play at the armory. He said there’s great interest in having an outdoor court, either on the armory campus or perhaps at the park.

Marion Tourism Commission members discussed the grant application at its meeting last week. The group is willing to match the grant to some degree, but it’s too early to know the overall cost. Estimates for a concrete and blacktop surface are being sought. To accommodate a court, organizers say a 30x60-foot pad is needed. Estimates for the surface are around $10,000 or more.

Goad said estimates for net installation and striping are also being sought.

“To cut cost we would probably not build a fence around it right away,” he said. “At some point we might even expand to two courts if there’s enough interest.”

The AARP grant application deadline is March 15 and the facility would have to be completed by November. It’s too early to know, but organizers are hoping for somewhere around $10,000 in grant money.

Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday

It's time to spring forward. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday.

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night as the time will officially change at 2am on Sunday.

Daylight Saving Time will continue until Nov. 5.

New Beginnings honors Sleep Awareness Month

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Did you know that March is National Sleep Awareness Month?

It is important to note that mental health is closely related to sleep. In fact, mental health can be affected by poor sleep habits.

If you experience anxiousness, depression or suicidal thoughts, are lonely or have problems with day-to-day life, it could be because you are sleep 

deprived.

 
The staff of New Beginnings Out-Patient Behavioral Health is trained to treat individuals who may be suffering from any of these conditions. 

The Salem-based agency wants you to know that getting enough sleep is 

one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental well-being.

Call New Beginnings today to learn more.

GFL is leaving Salem

City leaders in Salem say Green For Life (GFL) is stopping residential waste services there. 

The company notified customers in the Livingston County town that it will cease operations at the end of March. 

GFL recently lost renewal of its exclusive franchise in Crittenden County. Its current contract in Crittenden expires at the end of March. 

Local roads still affected by high water

Following are list of county roads still affected by recent heavy rains. The roads are still under water in some places:

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

Impact Waste new local trash provider

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Impact Waste Service of Crofton will be the sole trash provider for Marion and Crittenden County beginning April 1.

Customers must call Impact Waste or register online to receive a trash cart.

The change in trash collection is the result of a franchise agreement approved earlier this year.

Man okay after driving into Ohio River

Updated with more accurate detail

A man was rescued overnight from the Ohio River at Cave In Rock Ferry Landing after he accidentally drove off the ferry ramp.

First Responders were summoned about 1 a.m., after a passing tug boat crew helped pluck an Indiana man off the hood of his submerged vehicle near the Kentucky shore. When the tug's captain saw in his spotlight the man in distress, a small boat was sent over to rescue Christopher Noon, 55, of Evansville. 

Noon was taken to the tug, which idled on the river until help arrived on shore.

The ferry, which stops operation at 10pm, was fired back up and equipment was taken from Cave In Rock to the Kentucky side to help recovery the automobile. Crittenden County Rescue Squad was also dispatched to the the scene at 2 a.m., to help recover the Toyota Camry, which was about 20 feet or more from the shore. Ferry owner Lonnie Lewis used a large track hoe to pull the car from the river.

The driver told authorities that he was unfamiliar with KY 91 North, a state highway which ends at the ferry landing. 

What's News This Week...

New construction on the south end of the county.

This week's Crittenden Press full edition includes a spotlight feature on local goat and sheep herds which are rattling some cages on the state and national scene. Find out more about Crittenden County's farming trends in our exclusive look at small ruminants.

There's a new Extension agent in town and a new agriculture-based company is coming to the southern part of the county. Also, GFL is leaving another community as it begins to pull out of Marion and the Conservation District is ready to give away tree seedlings just in time for spring planting. 

The local music hall of fame gets a new member, four CCHS basketball players are chosen for all region teams and a former Miss Crittenden County has a new gig in a nearby town. Grab this week's press at newsstands or subscribe below to stay informed about your community. 

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 2023

The Crittenden Press

Injury accident south of Dycusburg

Updated at 7:52am

First responders are working an injury automobile accident on KY 295 south of Dycusburg.

There are multiple injuries. The two-vehicle crash occurred near the Owens Road intersection and involved a minivan and full-sized pickup truck. 

Three children were in the van. All are conscious and alert. The mother, who was driving the van, is being flown to a nearby hospital. The driver of the pickup appears to be okay.

The crash happened shortly before 7am.

CCHS SBDM will meet Thursday

 Crittenden County Site-Based Decision-Marking Courncil will meet at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March 9 in the high school library.

Hope sidetracked for earlier Smithland Bridge traffic

April 2023

U.S. 60 highway connections tie-in completed

Final roadway surfacing and finish work

May 2023

Traffic moved to new bridge

June-August 2023

Demolition of old bridge

Target completion date for all work on the new bridge is Dec. 1, 2023Construction of the New U.S. 60 Cumberland River Bridge at Smithland continues to be on schedule, with traffic expected to move to the new bridge sometime in late-April or early-May.  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and Jim Smith Contracting anticipate being able to calculate a more specific date a few weeks before traffic is moved to the new $63.3 million structure.

According to KYTC District 1 Chief Engineer Kyle Poat, the Cabinet and Smith Contracting had hoped to make the traffic move sooner.  However, several factors will keep things on the original timeline.

“A crane that was to be used for demolition of the existing bridge is tied up on another project,” Poat said.  “That pushed the demolition process for the old bridge into the timeline that ospreys will arrive at their nest on the old bridge and start laying eggs.  That means we’ll now have to wait for the young ospreys to hatch and start flying – maybe sometime in June.  If we can’t beat the ospreys, we have time

Siemens donates buildings to E911

Marion-Crittenden County E911 Board and Dispatch center would like to thank Siemens and everyone that was involved in donating two 8x8 storage buildings that will replace the current building to house 911 radio equipment at its tower location. The current building was long overdue the test of time.

Roads affected this morning by flash flooding

UPDATED ROAD CLOSINGS

Crittenden County
KY 855 is CLOSED at the 5mm North of Frances at Doan Springs Creek between KY 70 and U.S. 60 - Signs Posted
KY 902 is CLOSED at the 5mm in the Dry Fork Creek area near the Crittenden-Caldwell County Line between Dycusburg and Fredonia -Signs Posted
KY 91 at 15.7mm where the Cave-in-Rock Ferry is CLOSED due to high winds

According to the Crittenden County Road Department, the following roads have flash flooding this morning

Blackburn Church, Blackford Church, Caney Fork, 60 end of Fishtrap, Enon Church, Providence, Claylick Creek and Cool Springs.  

Also, many other low-water crossings are affected.

Flash flooding typically drains out fairly quickly in most areas once rainfall ceases and natural runoff takes its course. 

In Lyon County, KY 1943 is closed at Skinframe Creek Bridge, which is just beyond the Crittenden County line from Tabor Road, which is also under water.

Garbage pickup to change over later this month

Green For Life (GFL) garbage-collection contractor will be picking up all of its toters, as it calls them. Those trash cans assigned to homes who have subscribed to residential, curbside collection service will be gathered up later this month because GFL has lost the county’s franchise to pick up residential garbage.­

The company plans to pick up the containers in late March and early April.

Once gathered up, the cans will be transferred to a staging area in the county where they will be picked up by larger trucks and taken to GFL’s Princeton transfer station.

GFL and the company with the new franchise for the county, Impact Waste Services, will be notifying customers about how the changeover will occur. 

Crittenden cancels schools because of rain

Due to the chance to flooding today, Crittenden County has canceled school.

It will be a NTI Day for students. 

Park's new, large playground to open soon

The new playground at Marion-Crittenden County Park should be open later this month or early April.

The large playground has been purchased and installed by Marion Tourism and Recreation Commission with director Jason Hatfield leading the project.

A few safety and aesthetic details must be completed before it can open, such as installation of a guard rail along Old Morganfield Road parallel to the fence surrounding the playground. A mulch base is also being installed in the coming days.

There will be a grand opening for the new playground once it's ready to open.

Area talent headlines Hayride alongside Horner

Christian music recording artist Eric Horner, Dolly’s tribute to Minnie Pearl (aka the late Phyllis Sykes) and a star-studded lineup of local talent will headline this weekend’s Old Kentucky Hayride at historic Fohs Hall in Marion.

“Since the passing of Phyllis Sykes (our Minnie Pearl) we have talked so much about how that void would ever be filled,” The Old Kentucky Hayride posted on its social media page. “She brought so much to the stage and the atmosphere.

“We knew Minnie could never be replaced and ultimately decided to just let God give us the answer. And you know what? He did,” the post continued.

The local variety show will this weekend debut Anna Beth Blackburn as Dolly, who will visit with fans starting at 5:30 p.m., when the doors open until the show begins at 7 p.m.

“Dolly will be in our lobby and auditorium... waiting to get her picture made with you and saying 'Howdy' to everyone, just like her friend, Minnie Pearl did,” a promotional post for the show says. 

Blackburn and Sykes, a former school teacher and active city councilwoman at the time of her untimely death last summer, had a very special friendship, Hayride organizers say.

“We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Minnie would certainly approve of Dolly and our decision. Let's hear it Old Kentucky Hayride fans, please make welcome Miss Anna Beth Blackburn as Dolly!”

The Old Kentucky Hayride, which was born many years ago in Marion and featured local and regional talent, was revived a few years ago by Marion’s Classy and Grassy. Cutter and Cash Singleton and Brennan Cruce are the nucleus of Classy and Grassy, which has seen its own star rise in the past few years. Classy and Grassy will host the variety show and it will include Horner, who studied guitar under Steven Curtis Chapman and toured as a musician with Nashville artists such as Lee Greenwood, Shania Twain, Wynonna Judd and Brad Paisley. For the past 21 years, Horner has returned to his gospel music roots and is a highly-acclaimed artist. 

Ticket sales have been brisk for the show. All proceeds benefit Crittenden County Food Bank, plus any financial surplus remaining from program sponsorships once expenses are paid. The Old Kentucky Hayride is a non-profit Classy and Grassy production.  

“We love helping others, especially those in our hometown and that's what this show is all about,” the group posted on its online promotion. “All ticket sales go to The Crittenden County Food Bank and all concession sales go to The Crittenden County FFA.”

Hayride Headliners

Eric Horner  | Dave Conyer

Frank Hamilton  |  Sammy Jo Johnson

Logan Shuecraft  |  Glen Browning

Chenoa Wilcox  |  Lilly Chaney

Buddy Stalion  |  Richard Maxfield

Eli Moss  |  Emma Culp

Lily Goebel  |  Brennan Cruce

Cutter Singleton  |  Cash Singleton

Crittenden County High School Band 

And More

Tickets

Tickets $5 each. Proceeds from ticket sales go to Crittenden County Food Bank.  Call or text 270-969-1066 or 270-704-5296 for tickets. Tickets are also available at the door night of event.

Railey Auction in Crittenden County Saturday

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An auction Saturday, March 4 will be held at 159 Long Branch Road in Crittenden County.

Contents of the sale range from antiques and guns to tools an outdoor equipment.

The auction site is 10 miles from Marion and 4 miles from Sullivan.
Sale begins at 10 a.m., and is under the direction of Railey's Auction Service, Jay Railey auctioneer.