Crittenden Schools hiring bus drivers

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The Crittenden County Board of Education his hiring bus drivers.

Transportation positions pay $16.15 per hour, and there are benefits for full-time employees. 

If interested, contact the district at (270) 965-3866 or visit www.crittenden.kyschools.us.

Register to vote at GoVote.ky.gov

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Now is a good time to register to vote or change personal information such as your address.

If you are not registered to vote in Crittenden County, you can register online at GoVote.ky.gov. 

Other updates to your personal information can be made at the same website. 

If your voting location changes because of redistricting, the Crittenden County Clerk's Office will notify you by mail.

Egg hunt Saturday at park

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Marion Baptist Church is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 30.

Egg hunts will be divided among age groups, with the first hunt beginning at 10 a.m.

All activity will be centered around the soccer fields at Marion City-County Park.

Fate of former schoolhouse discussed

Over the coming months, the landscape of Marion is going to be transformed as multiple landmark buildings are slated to disappear. 

In this week's newspaper, find out what the City of Marion is saying about an old schoolhouse that's been vacant for years and how its owner is responding. 

Free eclipse glasses from H&R Block

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H&R Block is offering free eclipse viewing glasses.

Between March 18 and April 8, three local H&R Block locations – including Main Street in Marion – will be giving away a limited number of safety glasses.

Stop by and get yours. Available while supplies last.

Price reduced on Marion home

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Price has been reduced on a Crittenden County home being sold by Al Starnes, Coldwell Banker.

The 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is located on 1.15 acres and features 1,403 square feet of living space. 

Contact Al Starnes for a showing or for more information.

Winds idle ferry today

Update: The ferry resumed service around 7 p.m.

Cave In Rock Ferry has closed today due to high winds. 

It will reopen when winds subside. 

School district seeks bus drivers

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The Crittenden County Board of Education his hiring bus drivers.

Transportation positions pay $16.15 per hour, and there are benefits for full-time employees. 

If interested, contact the district at (270) 965-3866 or visit www.crittenden.kyschools.us.

Marion native seeks staircase record

Marion native Jim Wigginton, of Van Buren Township, Mich., climbed the stairs in Columbia Center Tower in Seattle on Sunday, the tallest building in Washington, as part of his goal to set a record for climbing staircases in the tallest building of every state.

His mission is to raise awareness and contributions for Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled veterans and first responders. In the last 17 years, Folds of Honor has provided over 53,000 scholarships. He is also raising awareness for the Punya Thyroid Cancer Foundation at the University of Michigan, named for his late wife.

Wigginton, a CCHS graduate, climbed 69 floors in 21 minutes last weekend to win first place in his age group.

There are 34 more states and buildings on his quest, but three will be conquered over the next week. 

Sheppard has tough call to make

Reed Sheppard joined John Wall (2010) and Anthony Davis (2012) as the only Kentucky players ever to be named the United States Basketball Writers Association Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year.

It was a well deserved honor for the former North Laurel star who had a sensational season that didn’t end the way he wanted when UK lost 80-76 to Oakland in the NCAA Tournament and Sheppard scored only three points on 1-for-5 shooting.

“He had a great year and it was really cool to see what he has accomplished,” Sporting News columnist Mike DeCourcy said. “Hopefully we will see the high school scouting community readjust evaluations so the ability to put the ball in the basket from great distance is valued at the level colleges and NBA value it.  The game is about the shot and he’s a great shooter.”

Sheppard averaged 12.5 points per game but shot an amazing 52.1 percent (75 of 144) from 3-point range. 

“It’s ridiculous he shot over 50 percent from 3. It was ridiculous when he was doing that in January and you just knew it was going to trickle down when conference teams started getting after him but it didn’t,” DeCourcy said. 

“Reed has good size for a point guard and he is not undersized at the two guard. He’s physically strong, has a great basketball background, was a state high school hero and at minimum an A- athlete. Yet he was not a top 20 player in the rankings.”

The 6-3 Sheppard also led UK with 148 assists, the eight most in a single season in UK history. He also

Methodist church hosts March 28 communion

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Marion United Methodist Church is hosting an Easter service Thursday, March 28 to commemorate the lat supper with disciples before Jesus' crucifixion.

Communion will be served during the come-and-go service. The communion table is everyone and will be served between 5-7 p.m., in the church sanctuary located at 112 S. College St., in Marion.

Fire destroys garage, damages car, home

Marion Fire Department and Crittenden County Volunteer Fire Department responded to a blaze today on East Carlisle Street that destroyed a garage and damaged a vehicle and a neighboring home.

The blaze spread from a small garden fire.

Outdoors burning is prohibited from 6am to 6pm at this time of the year.

Clerk offers March timesaver

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March is a busy time in the Crittenden County Clerk's Office.

For the convenience individuals who need to renew 

their fleet of commercial or farm vehicles, the clerk's office is offering a time-saving service.

Documents may be dropped off to be processed and a member of the clerk's staff will call for payment when the renewal process is complete.

SBDM has principal selection training

The Crittenden County High School Site Based Decision-Making Council (SBDM) will meet Monday.

The special-called meeting begins at 3:30 p.m., in Rocket Arena conference room for the purpose of undergoing principal selection training. 

Egg hunt March 30 hosted by MBC

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Marion Baptist Church is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 30.

Egg hunts will be divided among age groups, with the first hunt beginning at 10 a.m.

All activity will be centered around the soccer fields at Marion City-County Park.

Buntin accepting items for spring consignment

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It's spring consignment time at Buntin Auction Service in Sheridan.

Auctioneer Curt Buntin is accepting consignments for his spring farm machinery and tool auction.

The sale will take place at 9 a.m., April 6.

Contact Buntin about your consignment at (270) 704-0726.

Painting offered in Marion area

Does spring have you in the mood for freshening up the house?

Local painting services offers free estimate.

Call Brad today and get ready for a new look.

Boil Water Order in Fredonia

Boil water order issued for Fredonia after a line was damage near the new solar farm construction on US 641.

First United is Rocket Foundation sponsor

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First United Bank in Marion is giving back to its community.

During March, the bank will give $20 to the Rocket Foundation for every new account opened at the bank.

Affiliated with Crittenden County Schools, the Rocket Foundation helps pay for dual credit classes for high school students as well as fund industry certifications and testing for students enrolled in trade programs.

Can Cats have NCAA Tournament success?

Was Kentucky’s 97-87 loss to Texas A&M in the Southeastern Conference Tournament no big deal going into NCAA Tournament play or was it a major reason for concern?

Former Kentucky All-American Jack Givens worries it exposed UK’s weaknesses again after the Cats flexed their muscle in a road win at Tennessee to close the regular season.

“It just reminds teams of what could be the best way to beat Kentucky,” Givens said.

Sporting News columnist Mike DeCourcy has a little bit different take on the Texas A&M loss.

“The loss shows that Kentucky remains vulnerable on defense, particularly to guards who can both attack the lane and score from the perimeter,” DeCourcy said. “The Wildcats have won too many significant games, particularly lately, to forget what they're capable of achieving. 

“But they'll need to continue to disguise their flaws. It's too late to fix them.”

The biggest flaw for Kentucky has been on defense and that has to be a major concern going into NCAA play. The Cats rank 108th nationally in Ken Pomeroy’s adjusted defensive efficiency. In the last five years, there has not been a team reach the Final Four with a defensive efficiency mark of 100 or higher

“I’m excited about going into this tournament. I am. When you can score the ball, you got a chance. Now, c'mon, let's just guard a little bit. And we did it at Tennessee. Tennessee is one of the best teams in the country. We did it at Auburn. Alabama in the end. So we can do it. It's are you locked into that more than anything else?” Kentucky coach John Calipari said after the loss to Texas A&M.

One also has to remember that Kentucky was not the only ranked team to lose in conference tournament

H&R Block offers free eclipse glasses

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H&R Block is offering free eclipse viewing glasses.

Between March 18 and April 8, three local H&R Block locations – including Main Street in Marion – will be giving away a limited number of safety glasses.

Stop by and get yours. Available while supplies last.

Courthouse shrubs, fixtures, etc., will go

Sundown coming for courthouse

County officials last week okayed a plan to donate shrubbery around the former courthouse to the Phyllis Sykes Reading Garden at Crittenden County Elementary School.

Sykes, a former teacher and city councilwoman, tragically drowned in her backyard pool almost two years ago.

Volunteers plan to dig up the ornamental plants and reuse them at the school.

Additionally, the county has hired Buntin Auction Service to sell furniture, fixtures and any other valuable metals or items from the former courthouse in a public auction tentatively planned for April 20.

The courthouse in the center of town will soon be torn down to make room for a nearly $20 million justice center.

Motor Coach drivers needed

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Drivers are needed for West Tennessee Motor Coach.
The locally-owned company pays $250 per day and offers per diem and health insurance reimbursements 

for full-time drivers. Part-time pay is $200 per day.

West Tennessee Motor Coach provides transportation for school, community and church groups traveling 

for a number of purposes including sporting events, cultural events and more.

Clerk offers March timesaver

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March is a busy time in the Crittenden County Clerk's Office.

For the convenience individuals who need to renew 

their fleet of commercial or farm vehicles, the clerk's office is offering a time-saving service.

Documents may be dropped off to be processed and a member of the clerk's staff will call for payment when the renewal process is complete.

Church seeks nursery attendant

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Marion United Methodist Church is looking for a nursery attendant.

Anyone over age 14 can apply. Pay is $10-$15 per hour depending on experience. Some training is required.

To apply, call or email the church.

Weight reduction on Main Lake bridge

Inspectors this week have lowered the weight limit for a bridge at the east end of Main Lake Road in rural, southern Crittenden County.

The limit is now 3 tons.

The bridge is near the intersection of Main Lake Road and KY 855 South.

Originally a 33-ton bridge, its weight reduction will affact most non-passenger vehicles such as buses, farm equipment and some emergency vehicles.

See next week’s full edition of The Press for further details as we continue to track the repair schedule on this bridge.

Marion Baptist plans egg hunt at park

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Marion Baptist Church is hosting its annual Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 30.

Egg hunts will be divided among age groups, with the first hunt beginning at 10 a.m.

All activity will be centered around the soccer fields at Marion City-County Park.

What? A diamond ring on a tine!

Whitetail deer shed their antlers in the late winter and regrow them over summer.

In this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press, find out the story behind a deer antler found in a Crittenden County pine forest with a diamond ring attached. 

Join us in celebrating National Ag Week

Father and son farming team Cody and Van Hunt are making a major investment in a grain leg, large-capacity bin and new drier as their hopes for a strong future for local agriculture revolves around what Van calls a “parlay bet.”

In this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press we take a look at the State of Local Agriculture from a variety of perspectives. 

In our celebration of National Agriculture Week, which begins Sunday, we've interviewed farmers, bankers and suppliers to see what they think about the past, the now and the future of farming.

Also, find out who is the local Agriculture 10 Under 40 honoree as The Press kicks off its second annual recognition of people under 40 years old who are making an impact in their community and on their profession.

Today's newspaper will be on newsstands around noon, but you can have it emailed, mailed or even texted to your phone. 

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 2024

The Crittenden Press

Local traffic should detour I-24

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has completed a traffic configuration change for westbound traffic in the Interstate 24 Tennessee River Bridge work zone near the 29 mile marker.

Westbound traffic now has two-11 ft. lanes.  Eastbound traffic also has two-11 ft. lanes.  The work zone will continue to have a 13 ft.-6 in. maximum height restriction and an 8 ft.-6 in. maximum load width restriction for both directions of travel.

Local commuters who travel this section of I-24 are asked to self-detour via U.S. 62 and KY 453 between Calvert City Exit 27 and Grand Rivers Exit 31 to help reduce the likelihood of delays - particularly during peak travel periods.

Due to the narrowed lanes, motorists should use appropriate caution while traveling through this work zone.  There are no lane changes in the work zone on the bridge deck.

Additionally, the contractor has extended the length of the work zone 200 ft. to create an equipment and employee staging area in the median at the west end of the bridge.

This work zone continues to include a 55 mile-per-hour speed limit, enhanced enforcement, and double

Farmers' most tenured employee retiring

Farmers Bank extended best wishes in retirement to longtime employee Sheryl Watson.

Watson has been employed at Farmers Bank in Marion for 46 years.

Watson, in fact, is the bank's most tenured employee. 

Best wishes in retirement, Sheryl.

First United supporting Rocket Foundation

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First United Bank in Marion is giving back to its community.

During March, the bank will give $20 to the Rocket Foundation for every new account opened at the bank.

Affiliated with Crittenden County Schools, the Rocket Foundation helps pay for dual credit classes for high school students as well as fund industry certifications and testing for students enrolled in trade programs.

Mapleview Cemetery mowing to begin

REMOVE ITEMS BEFORE CUTTING SEASON

Area residents with loved ones buried at Mapleview Cemetery are being alerted that items on the ground in front of monuments will be removed during mowing season.

By Easter, which is March 31, all figurines, flower vases and other items placed on the grass should be removed in advance of mowing season. 

According to the cemetery’s bylaws, only shepherds hooks and concrete benches may be placed on the grass. Any flower arrangements or vases must be placed on monuments or will be removed by mowing contractor.

Mowing expenses at Mapleview Cemetery are $1,700 for each mowing, which is performed every seven to 10 days.

Former Marion Man Working on World Record

This is a news report about Jim Wigginton, formerly of Marion, working on another world record.

Time to spring ahead

Daylight Saving Time officially begins in the wee hours of the morning Sunday. 

You’ll need to move your clocks ahead by one hour before going to bed Saturday night, March 9 in order to meet the formal change at 2 a.m., Sunday. 

Your smartphones will automatically make the move. Daylight Saving Time will continue to be observed until Nov. 3.

Get material quote from Lone Star Building Supply

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Lone Star Building Supply in Princeton offers a full lumber yard and sells building supplies for all types of construction.

Musgove Overhead Doors is part of the business, and both divisions offer free quotes.

Lone Star Building Supply is located on U.S. 62 between Princeton and Eddyville.

Old Kentucky Hayride Saturday at Fohs

Cutter and Cash and The Kentucky Grass present their biannual Old Kentucky Hayride starting at 7 p.m., Saturday at Fohs Hall. 

A music and variety show, the local band uses the event to raise money for Crittenden County Food Bank. 

Cutter and Cash and The Kentucky Grass will be performing for the last time in front of a hometown crowd before they appear on the Grand Ole Opry in April. 

Tickets to the Hayride are available by calling 270-704-5296 or 270-704-2591.

Roe Wafford Road closing early next week

ROAD IS CLOSED WEDNESDAY TOO

Due to repairs, on Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12 and Wednesday. Roe Wafford Road in northern Crittenden County will be closed to through traffic between Mt, Zion Church Road and Turkey Knob Road intersection, and to one-half mile north of the Turkey Knob intersection 

Clerk suggests GoVote.ky.gov

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Now is a good time to register to vote or change personal information such as your address.

If you are not registered to vote in Crittenden County, you can register online at GoVote.ky.gov. 

Other updates to your personal information can be made at the same website. 

If your voting location changes because of redistricting, the Crittenden County Clerk's Office will notify you by mail.

County clerk no longer sells licenses

Crittenden County Clerk's office no longer sells Kentucky hunting and fishing licenses and permits.

March is renewal month for hunting and fishing licenses in the commonwealth.

Hodge's Sports and Apparel on Sturgis Road sells licenses and they can be purchased online at any time by going to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ website at fw.ky.gov

Bridge closed on KY 295 near Dycusburg

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has closed a section of KY 295 at the Lyon-Crittenden County Line between Eddyville and Dycusburg to ensure public safety after engineering inspections identified structural issues on a bridge. The section will be closed to traffic until further notice while engineers determine if the bridge can be repaired or replaced.  

Big News Brewing at Local Hospital

Crittenden Community Hospital will be experiencing some major changes in the coming days.

A new designation will affect in-patient stays, swingbed and other services. 

See this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press for all the details.

Waste Tire Disposal Days

Crittenden County will be accepting waste tires on three straight days beginning Thursday. 

Tire collection will be at the County Road Department next to the County Convenience Center. 

Drop off is from 8 a.m., to 3:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m., to noon on Saturday. 

Any Kentucky resident is eligible to participate in this program with the exception of tire retailers, scrap or salvage yards and recycling facilities. 

See further information about what type of tires are not accepted in this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press. 

Fiscal court meets on tax increase

Crittenden County Fiscal Court will meet in special session at 3:30 p.m., Friday at the county office complex to discuss a number of items, including an amendment to the county insurance tax ordinance. 

The county’s budget committee has proposed raising the insurance tax from 2% to 4%.

Clerk's office offers March time-saver

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March is a busy time in the Crittenden County Clerk's Office.

For the convenience individuals who need to renew 

their fleet of commercial or farm vehicles, the clerk's office is offering a time-saving service.

Documents may be dropped off to be processed and a member of the clerk's staff will call for payment when the renewal process is complete.

Cats could have Z for postseason

By Larry Vaught

Kentucky assistant coach Chin Coleman believes that every good team has an X factor who can “completely change the direction of a game” at any given moment

For Kentucky, it might be more of a Z factor with the way freshman Zvonimir Ivisic has started to play more consistently. The 7-2 Croatian had to wait two extra months to be admitted at Kentucky and then spent close to three more months waiting to be cleared by the NCAA to play.

“Z could have a huge impact beyond SEC play. SEC play is brutal and really physical. I think once we get outside of our conference (and in the NCAA Tournament) we will pay different teams with different styles and I think Z will be able to take advantage of that,” Coleman said.

The 225-pound Ivisic has been bullied at times by older, stronger SEC players but in the last two weeks has tried to play more physically and it has paid off. He had 18 points, five rebounds and four blocks against Alabama in 18 minutes. He played 21 minutes in the win at Mississippi State and had two points, four rebounds and three blocks. He came back against Arkansas with 12 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 19 minutes.

“Z is giving them good minutes and making it more difficult take him off the floor,” UK Radio Network analyst Jack Givens said. “He needs to be more aggressive on offense. He knows if makes a play to hurt the team he might have to come out, so I understand some hesitation on his part. But if he gets 20 minutes a game he will have some big games.”

Kentucky coach John Calipari has seen his improvement but continues to stress the need to improve on defense. Against Mississippi State Calipari said he “got thrown to the floor three times” but fought and did block shots.

“The best thing is, if (Ivisic) rolls to the rim, he is big. He catches and reacts quickly. You can throw it to him and he can make the right play,” Calipari said.

Ivisic is UK’s most skilled center. He can handle the ball. He can knock down 3-pointers. He can block

Chamber planning Eclipse Party in April

Marion’s proximity to the path of totality is prompting the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce to plan a viewing party of the April 8 solar eclipse.

President Shanna West hopes the event will create an influx of people and give Marion businesses a showcase opportunity.

“We have a definite geographic advantage being this close to I-69, being on the very edge of totality and being only one of a handful of Kentucky towns even in totality,” West said.

She said geographically, Marion is the easiest and closest route for nearly all Kentuckians to reach the path of totality.

She thinks there are many people interested in seeing the eclipse who will appreciate seeing it in a small town with small-town activities and avoid additional driving to hectic, larger cities.

The chamber plans to have a viewing party from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 8 and is offering booth space to organizations looking to offer food or other types of sales. She encourages businesses in the community to have special sales as well to attract visitors.

Booth reservations can be made at https://crittcochamber.ticketleap.com/eclipse/.