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This spring The Crittenden Press is celebrating ten professionals in the top
Crittenden County volunteer firemen are on the scene of a structure fire at the bottom of Moore Hill on U.S. 60 West.
Personnel were alerted around 2:30 p.m., Friday about smoke billowing from the mobile home.
It was not immediately known whether there was anyone inside the residence.
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Rising rivers and creeks due to recent spring rainfall have closed five roads in rural Crittenden County.
Enon Church Road, Cool Springs Road, Elizabethtown Ferry Road, River Drive in Tolu and Phin Croft are all underwater and impassable by vehicle.
On the evening of April 18, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 2 received a call from Caldwell County 911 Center for assistance. Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance regarding a death investigation at a residence on South Jefferson Street in Princeton.
Detectives launched an investigation into the incident and determined the death of Dorothy D. Sparks, 93, of Princeton was a homicide.
The investigation is ongoing by Detective Jacob Stephens.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans overnight closures of the westbound lanes of Interstate 24 near the 29 mile marker at the Tennessee River Bridge Work Zone today and tomorrow.
I-24 westbound will be closed from 7 p.m., to 7 a.m., Monday night and Tuesday night, at the 29 mile marker to allow permanent repairs to potholes along the shoulder area in the Tennessee River Bridge work zone.
Due to a work zone traffic shift to facilitate rehabilitation and painting work on the Interstate 24 Tennessee River Bridge, westbound traffic has been running on the shoulder area. This has created an extended area of potholes along the westbound shoulder where traffic transitions back to the roadway.
Starting promptly at 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, I-24 westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured at the KY 453 Grand Rivers Exit 31 interchange to take KY 453 South to U.S. 62 West to return to I-24 westbound via the U.S. 62 Calvert City Exit 27 Interchange.
During these overnight closures, westbound motorists on I-24 should be alert for slowing and stopped traffic as they approach the I-24 Grand Rivers Exit 31 interchange. Appropriate caution is
“It was probably a little more (attendance wise) than I thought it might be but I knew it would be a big turnout,” said Scott Padgett, Pope’s former teammate at UK and now an assistant coach at Mississippi State. “I am glad the fans did that for Pope. I know some fans only knew what they had heard about Pope on social media but everything fans saw up there at the press conference, that is who he is.
“You will not find anybody who has met Pope who does not love him. He is high energy, passionate, funny. He is so intelligent. All you see and think about him is true.”
However, Padgett, a former head coach at Samford, hopes Kentucky fans also understand that Pope is a highly respected coach because of what he’s done the last nine years at Utah Valley and BYU.
“He has a great reputation in the business. A lot of coaches really think highly of Mark,” Padgett said. “He has infectious energy and positivity. He’s obviously very, very intelligent and that will help with recruiting. But he is a great X and O guy. He is just a big-time guy and coach.
“He is ahead of the game in how he uses analytics. He even has an algorithm of how you go out and recruit. I don’t know how many Rhodes Scholars candidates are out there now coaching but I suspect Mark is one of very few or maybe the only one.”
Pope has not coached in the SEC like Padgett but the Mississippi State assistant coach does not think it will take Pope long to adjust to the styles of play in the SEC or what each head coach does best.
“I expect him to attack it head on and not just walk into it. He will run into it and embrace the competition,” Padgett said. “He is a very smart and intelligent person. It will not take him too long to get the lay of the land and who he will be battling against not only on the court but in recruiting.”
Recruiting at Kentucky will be vastly different from recruiting at Utah Valley or BYU but not something Padgett thinks will be an impossible task for Pope.
“BYU is a great place but there are some built in recruiting shackles that are not built in at Kentucky,” Padgett said. “He will have the same energy and effort in relationship building but every kid he wants a chance to recruit he will have that opportunity.
“This job will enhance him. When he was at Utah Valley he did a great job but it is a hard job there to get it going to where you can move up to BYU. Then BYU jumped from a lower league to the Big 12 and he went 10-8 and beat Iowa State, Kansas and Baylor in BYU’s first year as a Big 12 school. That was very impressive.
“I think a place like Kentucky that has money, support and the greatest fans is only going to enhance him. NIL is as important as anything in recruiting. Trust me, some battles you are not going to win when you don’t have enough NIL money. I am not saying old school recruiting is not important but NIL is probably even more important today.”
Padgett also said Pope’s familiarity with the UK program is extremely important.
“Deep down in his soul place this is the place he wants to be. He has been here and part of it and knows the heartbeat of the fan base. He’s been there and done that. He’s listened and knows what fans cheer for and what they boo for and knows what he needs to give them.
“I don’t know anybody who could come in with a better understanding of the job and be more ready for it. He had a great mentor (Pitino) who has been through the job. He lived it as a player. Nobody is more prepared than him because he’s had success in good jobs that were also tough jobs. I think he will do great.”
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YahooSports NBA draft analyst Krysten Peek has Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard going No. 6 in the NBA
Those enrolled in the leadership program will tour various locations in both Livingston and Crittenden counties. Buses from Crittenden and Livingston school districts will provide transportation during the visit. An itinerary of the full-day excursion will include stops at Pine Bluff rock quarry south of Salem, Livingston and Crittenden hospitals, Siemens in Marion, James Johnson Airport in Marion, Fohs Hall, Clement Mineral Museum and meals at Mulligan’s and Game Day in Marion.
Government officials, management at those operations and leaders from the Chamber of Commerce and Crittenden County Economic Development Corporation (CCED) will lead discussions about the community.
“We are excited about hosting this event to highlight our community,” said Chris Cook, chairman of the CCEDC and a member of the West Kentucky Chamber Alliance.
Leadership West Kentucky as a regional program seeking to build a network of informed citizens connected across community lines.
Founded in 2008, West Kentucky Regional Chamber Alliance provides a unified voice for local businesses in the region and to serve as a catalyst for regional leadership and action, bringing together resources for legislative, educational, infrastructure and economic development advocacy.
Livingston County is hosting its annual Spring Cleanup Days and there is an extra day this time. Dates are April 24-27 from 8 a.m., to 4 p.m., daily.
For free dumping, dumpsters will be available at the Livingston County Convenience Center at 761 Cutoff Road and at the Old Riding Club at 1795 U.S. 60 East between Burna and Salem.
Appliances and furniture will be accepted. To make arrangements for large appliances to be picked up, call the Judge-Executive Teris Swanson's office at 270-928-2105.
Only large items will be picked up, no common household trash. This pickup service is limited so call promptly.
Be aware that EPA requires all items to be placed directly into the dumpster.
Tires are not accepted. Proof of Livingston County residency is required.
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This spring The Crittenden Press is celebrating ten professionals in the top
On Monday, an abandoned vehicle was reported to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Department in a field adjacent to the Trusty Cemetery on Trusty Cemetery Road. It was determined the vehicle, a 2001 white Dodge Durango, was owned by Roy Foster Jackson, an 83-year-old male of Florence, Ala.
It was further determined that Jackson was last seen near his home, in Alabama, on Sunday, April 7. In cooperation with the Lauderdale County (Ala.) Sheriff's Department, Jackson was officially listed as a missing person.
A preliminary search was conducted of the nearby area by the Caldwell County Sheriff's Department personnel during the afternoon of Monday, April 15 with nothing being found relating to Jackson.
Caldwell County Emergency Management Director Joey McCaslin along with Area 1 Emergency Management Coordinator Daniel Newcomb organized an extensive search of the area, which lasted three days yet no clues were found.
If you have any information regarding this missing person, contact the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at 270-365-2088 or the Dispatch Center non-emergency line at 270-365-2041.
Early in the investigation, it appears that six hangars were burglarized. A pickup truck on the property was stolen and it has been recovered.
The sheriff said two individuals have been detained for questioning.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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The suspect's outburst in court last week draw a tough response by Circuit Judge Daniel Heady.
See this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press.
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
Marion City Council will meet in special session at 5 p.m., Monday, April 22 to consider Municipal Order 2024-01 regarding authorizing signature for USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant application.
Gov. Andy Beshear has announced a secondchance.ky.gov website, which connects Kentuckians overcoming addiction or leaving incarceration to resources that can help them find a job, get an education and support their continued recovery.
The website was launched in conjunction with the nationally recognized Second Chance Month. The month is dedicated to supporting those who have paid their debt to society and are returning to their communities to live productive lives.
“My faith teaches me that there are second chances in this life – and that we are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. To help every Kentuckian reach their full potential, we must live out our faith and values and help those struggling,” said Gov. Beshear. “In Scripture, we are told, ‘So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already.’ With the historic economic progress we’re seeing, we have a responsibility to make sure prosperity reaches every Kentuckian. No matter the struggle, we have resources to help folks get back on their feet and find a good job.”
The site includes four areas of information: finding a job, getting an education, benefits for businesses and recovery resources.
Finding a Job
With so many jobs being created across the commonwealth, Team Kentucky wants to help make sure every Kentuckian has an opportunity to chase their dreams right here at home. The site includes information on resume help, job searches and a variety of reentry services.
The Governor highlighted the Kentucky State Parks’ focus on hiring second-chance talent. He was joined by Kentucky Dam Village Park Manager Scot Ratzlaff and Sarah Young, who works at the park as a cook.
“This program allows Kentucky Dam Village to provide opportunities for people who have served their time and need assistance getting back into the workforce,” said Ratzlaff. “It isn’t just about filling a
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Our database of weather patterns for Crittenden County provides an historic reference so we can track trends over time. It's just another way we put Crittenden County First in our coverage.
You won't find much national or state news in The Press. That's just not our job. Our mission is to provide you with hyper local news and information that's unavailable anywhere else. For you, we have Crittenden County covered.
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
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By Sen. Jason Howell
Collaborating closely with our colleagues in the House of Representatives, we’ve successfully crafted and passed a comprehensive biennial budget that places vital investments in education, public safety, and economic development at the forefront of our priorities.
In our commitment to enhancing education, we have significantly boosted funding through the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) formula. By doing so, we are ensuring that every child in Kentucky has access to a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. Specifically, we have increased the SEEK per-pupil base guarantee to $4,326 in FY 25 and to $4,586 in FY 26, representing a 3 percent increase from the FY 24 base amount of $4,200 and a 6 percent increase from the FY 25 amount of $4,326.
We are also making important strides in improving public safety. Through measures like HB 5, the “Safer Kentucky Act,” and Senate Bill (SB) 2, we are taking concrete steps to better protect our communities and support our youth.
SB 2 aims to fortify safety measures, promote trauma-informed care, and enhance mental health support in Kentucky schools through the introduction of the Kentucky Guardian program. Meanwhile, HB 5, targets repeat violent offenders, cracking down on crime at various levels and modernizing outdated criminal statutes. This comprehensive approach seeks to bolster public safety and strengthen community resilience.
Among the bills supporting our transportation infrastructure are HB 265, HB 266, and House Joint Resolution (HJR) 92.
HB 265, the Transportation Operating Budget, allocates $7.2 billion across FY 25 and 26, including
For the third time in his tenure, Kentucky athletics director Mitch Barnhart will be looking for a men’s basketball coach.
John Calipari resigned Tuesday after 15 seasons as coach of the Wildcats and a likely head coaching position at Arkansas. The move comes 39 years after the late Eddie Sutton left Arkansas to replace late Kentucky coach Joe B. Hall.
Now that Arkansas has its likely replacement for Eric Musselman, who left for USC last Friday, the search is on at Kentucky and what will Mitch Barnhart be looking for in his next basketball coach? It’s the same qualities he has in the coaches in all sports at Kentucky.
“My expectations are high for everybody,” Barnhart said recently. “If you know me long enough, have I ever not wanted to win something? No. I'm pretty stinkin' competitive guy. I want to win and I want (our student-athletes) to compete and (get an education).”
He also is high on academics and the success of Kentucky’s student-athletes in the classroom.
FOR THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE Visit Kentucky Today.
Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely, a CMA and GRAMMY® award-winning artist and on-air personality on Sirius XM Willie’s Roadhouse is the producer on their new music project. She first saw the young boys when they were in the front row of one of her Opry performances in 2018, Years later meeting them at the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree. Seely since befriended them and has been working with them
Crittenden County High School's Site based council will hold a special meeting at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday in the Rocket Arena conference room for the purpose of principal selection training.
The regular monthly meeting of the SBDM will be at 3:30 p.m., Thursday in the school library.
A job fair conducted by representatives of the West Kentucky Investment Board will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, April 12 at the Crittenden County Public Library.
Companies actively seeking employees will be present or provide information and/or training information. Representatives from Marion, Madisonville, Salem as well as the Kentucky Division of Forestry and U.S. Coast Guardwill be present.
Material from businesses unable to attend the event will be left at the library.
Anyone who cannot attend April 12 event can pick it up at the library in days following.
Local companies unable to attend but want to supply information can contact Fred Stubblefield at (270) 832-5730.
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A couple hundred people were present to watch the eclipse.
People from various states were there, including Virginia, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois and North Carolina.
Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce is having an Eclipse Viewing Party today at Marion-Crittenden County Park.
The solar eclipse will reach its peak darkness here around 2 p.m. The Chamber has marketed the event on social media, particularly aiming toward non-residents. However, it’s open to everyone. Vendors are welcome to participate by contacting the chamber. This is a free event.
The eclipse will pass over North America with almost 32 million Americans living in its path. It marks the last total solar eclipse visible in the US for the next 20 years.
Onlookers are urged to wear eclipse glasses, which are at least 1,000 times darker than sunglasses, to protect their eyesight.
National news organizations are reporting that Coach John Calipari is in negotiations with Arkansas and will be leaving Kentucky.
Reports began surfacing on Sunday that Arkansas has been in discussions with Calipari about its opening. ESPN is among the sports news agencies citing anonymous sources that Calipari is finalizing a five-year deal with the SEC school.
Calipari, 65, has spent the last 15 seasons at Kentucky.
Despite its No. 3 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the Wildcats had an early exit with an 80-76 loss to No. 14 Oakland in the first round. Two years ago, UK was upset as a No. 2 seed by No. 15 Saint Peters in an NCAA opener. For those and other reasons, many Wildcats fans have been calling for a change.
A public meeting will be held at 12:30 p..m., Wednesday, April 10 at city hall for the purpose of providing general information on the project. The public is invited to attend and comment on issues such as economic and environmental impacts and alternatives to the project or any other pertinent issues. Additionally, anyone wishing to submit comments may also do so by emailing Layten Croft at lcroft@marionky.gov up until the time of the hearing.
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Kentucky Family Caregiver Program (KFCP) provides resources and support to grandparents raising grandchildren in the Pennyrile region. The Kentucky Caregiver program does have a low-income requirement and an age maximum of 18 for the grandchildren served.
There are over 51,000 grandparents raising grandchildren in the state of Kentucky. The KFCP can provide assistance up to $500 per grandchild per fiscal year to assist with items such as clothing, personal care items, school supplies and furniture for the grandchild.
This program also assists grandparents who are looking for help with educational needs, legal services, medical/dental services and/or respite for grandchildren. If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about the Kentucky Family Caregiver Program or would like to apply, contact the Pennyrile Area Development District office at 866-844-4396 or email program coordinators Christi Combs at Christi.combs@ky.gov or Miranda White at Miranda.white@ky.gov.
A special election was necessitated when Livingston County's judge-executive resigned in January. An interim judge was appointed weeks later.
In this week's Crittenden Press, see who will be on the ballot for judge-executive in Livingston County on Nov. 5.
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Lone Star Building Supply is located on U.S. 62 between Princeton and Eddyville.
Also in this week's newspaper is great news for local water customers. Big bucks are coming and there's already a plan for what to do with the cash.
High school sports teams are on the move this week during streak break. Get all of the scores, highlights and league standings in The Press full edition.
And, also in this week's newspaper, find out who's featured in our latest 10-under-40 recognition series.
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
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry is temporarily closed due to high winds. The ferry halted service about 11:45 p.m.
Winds have created hazardous conditions on the Ohio River at the ferry crossing.
The ferry will remain closed until further notice.
The Cave-in-Rock Ferry will provide timely notice when winds drop to a point where service can resume.
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The West Kentucky Regional Blood Center is conducting a blood drive in Marion today, April 1.
The public is urged to consider donating blood between noon-6 p.m., at Crittenden Community Hospital.
The bloodmobile is located in the parking lot.
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He threw for 4,019 yards and 56 touchdowns last season when he completed 255 of 375 passes (68 percent) and also ran for six touchdowns to help Paducah Tilghman reach the Class 4A semifinals. However, he also won the 215-pound state wrestling championship this season. If that’s not enough, he also has a 3.95 grade-point average.
Paducah Tilghman coach Sean Thompson knew James was talented as a freshman but says he has matured and improved because of his work ethic.
“You don’t hear of many quarterbacks with elite arm talent who also wrestle,” Thompson said. “He didn’t cut weight for wrestling either. I definitely have got the toughest quarterback in the state. He has wrestled his entire life but is a much better quarterback. He wrestles for that edge and his family believes that helps his football and it has worked because wrestling helped him learn to fight through adversity.
“He’s a very willing runner. It’s not something we ask him to do much because his arm talent is so special that we don’t want to risk what we have with him.”
Thompson noted James (6-1, 210 pounds) had an 80-yard run against Mayfield that showcased what he can do when he runs.
James, who also plays baseball, said his father liked the physical and mental toughness it takes to wrestle. He started wrestling about 11 years ago when he was at McCracken County and just kept wrestling when he got to Tilghman.
“Football has always been my main sport and I just wrestle during wrestling season for about 3 1/2 months per year,” James said. “I have had good coaches and been able to train with state champions.”
He admits he’s never seen another quarterback wrestling because it takes more of a “linebacker” mentality on the wrestling mat.
James was third in the 2023 state wrestling competition and the two who finished above him are now wrestling in college. He moved up from the 175-pound division to 215 rather than cut weight which might have hurt his football preparation.
“I am going to play college football and need to keep my size,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play college football and knew that
It is never too early to start thinking about graduation week.
In Crittenden County, Class Night is set for Tuesday, May 21, Baccalaureate is Wednesday, May 22 and graduation is Friday, May 24. All events will be at 6 p.m., at Rocket Arena.