Starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, contractors will begin work to repair Main Lake Road bridge just off KY 855 South.
Periodic road closures will be required during the two-week planned repair period.
Work is expected to be done by Sept. 17, weather permitting.
Motorists are encouraged to use caution in and around this work zone for the safety of all involved, said Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom.
Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, recently participated in a meeting to provide state legislators with the latest information on hot agricultural topics, including the H5N1 Bird Flu outbreak, disaster resilience in agriculture, and PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in agriculture.
"The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides opportunities for state legislators to build bridges of understanding about what agriculture offers. Our recent meeting in Louisville also provided this opportunity. It was enjoyed by all of the attendees and allowed for conversations and relationship building between legislators, which will allow for further conversations after the meeting concluded," said state Senator Annette Sweeney, R-Iowa.
Louisville hosted the 2024 NCLS Summit, where more than 5,800 legislators and policy members from across the United States and its territories joined Howell and his fellow Kentucky lawmakers and staff to connect and collaborate.
The Agriculture Task Force, organized by NCSL, was created to examine state and federal agriculture policy issues. The task force helps develop NCSL agriculture policy, studies critical agriculture and rural development issues facing the states, explores policy options to address these concerns, and serves as a conduit for state legislative communication with Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies.
"This task force is beneficial because it allows all of us to see what issues other states are dealing with, whether it be unique to one state or a common challenge," Howell said. "It's an honor to be a member of
Companies A and B that formerly used the armory for its headquarters typically host an annual get-together, but it’s also open to all military and their families, according to Tony Harper, a retired sergeant with the former guard unit.
The pot luck lunch event begins at 10 a.m., and ends at 2 p.m. It will include fellowship and recognition of former members who have passed away.
Harper said this will be the 11th year for the reunion, but the first at the armory in about five years. The U.S. Army closed Marion’s armory in 2019. It was first opened in 1964, but the unit began in 1925.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
It appears that at least one commercial provider has been removing their trash receptacles without notifying customers. This comes as the county’s new commercial franchise agreement is set to begin next month with a new commercial provider.
Almost a year and a half ago, Impact Waste Service was awarded a 5-year exclusive franchise to collect residential and commercial waste in Marion and Crittenden County. Impact rolled out its residential service in 2023 and is this week working to deploy dumpsters to city and county businesses and other commercial customers.
Brittany Cates, office manager for Impact, told The Press this morning that employees are making deliveries in earnest, trying to avoid a lapse in service. Even the company owner is out delivering dumpsters, Cates said. Deliveries began earlier this week and she predicted that by Sunday most of them would be deployed.
If you are a commercial customer and have not been contacted by Impact Waste – whether your dumpster has or has not already been removed – you should call Impact at 270-584-9030 to arrange for service.
A public hearing on the franchise and changeover was held Wednesday at the Crittenden County Office Complex. Customers of GFL stated that their dumpers were removed without any prior notice, and at least one customer said she was charged a pickup fee and contract termination fee. A customer service representative with GFL confirmed that pickup fees are being charged against accounts. Attempts by The Press to reach by phone GFL’s governmental services regional manager and/or a GFL supervisor in this area were unsuccessful.
Crittenden County Judge-Executive said based on his understanding of the regulations governing the changeover, any fee associated with early termination of the previous service contract is not acceptable. “That’s the reason there was an 18-month wait period, so customers could be released from contracts,” the county judge said.
Commercial trash customers who have agreed to automatic payment withdrawals from their bank accounts may want to be aware of charges they might incur before those transactions are executed.
The Press will have further details on the new commercial franchise agreement in next week’s full edition of the newspaper.
Message boards have been placed on the roadway at Mattoon Fire Department and near Sturgis to notify motorists of the pending construction and closing. The messages boards say that the closure will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
The drain is located just north of Chandler Farm Road, and southbound traffic on KY 365 will not be able to access that county road.
There will be no marked detour, but motorists may detour around the blockage by utilizing U.S. 60 through Sullivan, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Crittenden-Livingston Water District will hold a special-called meeting at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Deer Lakes meeting room in Salem.
T.L. Maddux, chairman of the board, will facilitate the meeting with the following agenda items: Appointment of acting superintendent; consideration, discussion, approval of resolution accepting
Cleaner Waters Grant; and appointing authorized official for signing necessary documents for pending grants and resolutions.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
A public hearing about commercial garbage colection in Crittenden County is scheduled for 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the county office complex.
Impact Waste Services has won a competitive bid to provide dumpsters in the county.
Rates are proposed at $7.50 per cubic yard in the city and $9.50 in the county, based on bids received months ago.
About 1.3 miles of Long Branch Road in northern Crittenden County will be closed to through traffic Tuesday through Friday.
It will be closed again next week from Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Friday, Sept. 6 from 7:30 a.m., until 3 p.m.
The work zone starts at the intersection US 60 intersection and runs 1.3 miles west.
The work includes replacement of existing cross tiles.
However, many colleges recruiting Deone Walker wanted him to play on the offensive line, not the defensive line where he preferred.
Kentucky recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow understood Walker could play either spot but also understood Walker wanted to play defense.
“Coach Marrow told me, ‘You come here, you can play what you want to play.’ He just wanted me to know so I would feel like if I came here and decided that I don't really like the D-line, I could move. He would have felt the same way about me if I had said O-line,” Walker said.
Walker eventually picked Kentucky over Georgia, Alabama, Michigan and a lot of other schools. The likely 2025 NFL first-round draft pick did not keep a written list of schools who told him he could not play in the defensive front but he remembers who they were.
“I got a memory of them now. Not a real list. I got a mental list,” Walker said. “People say what they want to say. It’s all about what you're gonna do and if you're gonna make them right or wrong. That was my mentality coming into college. I feel like I've made them wrong.”
He has started 25 of 26 games in his two years at Kentucky and led the team in tackles for loss (12.5) quarterback sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (8) in 2023.
Defensive line coach Anwar Stewart was also involved in Walker’s recruitment and is one reason the 345-pound Walker never seriously considered entering the transfer portal where lucrative NIL deals likely awaited him.
“He was fighting to get me here and playing D-line when I was deciding O-line or D-line. It was like he just felt me and he’s never eased up on me since I got here,” Walker said. “He knows I love him being like that. He knows that I want to play at the next level, so he’s still on me like a coach should be.”
Walker averaged 56 snaps per game last season, a high volume for a player his size but UK defensive coordinator Brad White knows how much better the defense is with him on the field. Walker knows the big expectations White, UK fans and even NFL personnel have for him and Marrow has said Walker has the talent to be a potential No. 1 overall NFL draft pick.
“I don't really look at the draft stuff. I feel like there have been a bunch of guys that were supposed to be highly-touted draft picks and then drop to the third or fourth round,” Walker said. “If you look at all that stuff too much it can get in your head too much. I've chosen to just not look
- On Monday, August 19, 2024, around 3:35pm, Sheriff Brent White was summoned to the office for a walk-in complainant regarding a civil matter. Upon his arrival, he met with Ricky J. Peek (41). Mr. Peek was upset over a tenant-landlord issue. He began raising his voice and cursing. He was warned not to do that again when others were present in the courthouse. Mr. Peek continued with his complaint and again became loud. At or about the same time, Sheriff White detected an odor of alcoholic beverage and asked Mr. Peek if he had been drinking, which he replied in the affirmative and said he had had about a fifth of liquor. He then got upset more and continued to curse at which time he was placed under arrest and charged with Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place and Disorderly Conduct-2nd Degree. Peek was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Monday, August 19, 2024, around 9:28pm, Deputy David Carroll and Deputy Josh Travis located Michael P. Keller (46) of Princeton, on Liberty Road. Deputy Carroll arrested Keller on a complaint warrant from Sheriff White’s investigation into a theft incident that occurred on July 16, 2024, off KY 293. Keller was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, around 3pm, Deputy Josh Travis and Eddyville Chief of Police Jordan
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Lone Star Building Supply is located on U.S. 62 between Princeton and Eddyville.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
According to Sheriff Evan Head, a nearby resident helped rescue the accident victim from an overturned vehicle that had caught fire after running off the road.
The sheriff said the gas tank had begun to leak and eventually the 1998 Dodge pickup burst into flames and was completely destroyed. The victim had already been removed from the vehicle before the fire erupted.
A male victim was flown to a nearby trauma center by AirEvac with serious, but what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Crittenden County ambulance, fire and rescue personnel were also dispatched to the scene.
Area adults over age 50 are encouraged to participate in the Pennyrile Senior Games Sept. 23-25 in Hopkinsville.
Registration is due Sept. 4 by calling the Crittenden County Senior Center at (270) 965-5229.
Events include one-mile walk, corn toss, softball throw, soccer kick, washer toss, disc throw, Bingo, croquet, shuffleboard, ring toss, lawn bowling, Pickleball (doubles), bowling and disc golf.
Events are held at the Hopkinsville Sportsplex.
Participation cost for field events is $7 per event. Bowling is $15.
Participants must play in one event to qualify for Bingo.
Free health screenings are offered by the Hopkinsville Community College Nursing Program, and free snacks, lunch and dinner are offered to participants.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources requires anyone born after Jan. 1, 1975 and currently age 12 or older to have completed the hunter education course before legally hunting.
Enrollment can be done online at www.fw.ky.gov. Go to the Education button to register.
John Robertson will be the instructor and course is from 9 a.m., to 4 p.m.
The vehicle is a white 2007 Dodge 2500 Ram 4x4, crew cab, white topper over the bed and had a license plate Farm Tag 6557GK.
If you have any information about this theft or have contact with the vehicle, contact the Livingston County Sheriff's Department at (270) 928-2196.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Daily bag limit on squirrels is six.
Season runs from Aug. 17 to Nov. 8 during the first segment of squirrel hunting.
Also, coming up soon is dove season, which opens Sept. 1 at 11 a.m.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Details in this week's newspaper.
Countdown to Sept 14 begins now!
Livingston County authorities this week executed a search warrant at 703 Stringtown Road, Grand Rivers. During the operation, deputies discovered approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia indicative of illicit drug trafficking and marijuana.
As a result of the investigation, five individuals were arrested at the scene:
- Jesse Maxfield, 43, of Smithland, charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), third-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Jacob Weaver, 38, of Grand Rivers, charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), third-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Sydney Gutierrez, 27, of De Land, Ill., charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), third-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Stephen Newton, 34, of Grand Rivers, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Tori Littlepage, 35, of Benton, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana. Littlepage was also served with an outstanding warrant for her arrest.
The Livingston County Sheriff’s Department was supported by Kentucky State Troopers and Livingston County Emergency Management.
Lyon County authorities have arrested a Salem man for theft after a woman's purse was taken at McDonald's in Eddyville.
Lyon Deputy Josh Travis was dispatched to a theft complaint Aug. 6 at the restaurant. The investigation revealed a senior couple from Illinois had stopped at the restaurant just after 12:30pm where they ate lunch in the dining room of the restaurant. The female victim accidentally left her purse draped over a chair before leaving the business.
After the couple left, a tall, white male and his young daughter came into the restaurant, the sheriff's department said. "They occupied a dark colored Lincoln SUV when they arrived. The male noticed the unattended purse before taking it and removing it to the Playland area of the restaurant and stealing contents of the purse. He later concealed a phone from the purse in the Playland tunnel before discarding the purse in a trash can in a nearby bathroom," the sheriff's department said in a news release.
A social media post containing pictures of the theft suspect was posted with a request for citizens to help us identify this person. "Thanks to members of the public who immediately provided tips about the suspect’s identity. The social media post was removed after a positive identification was made, and efforts to locate the suspect began," the department said.
On Tuesday, Aug. 13th, Deputy Travis, Deputy David Carroll, Chief Deputy Sam Adams and Sheriff Brent White began conducting surveillance at a Kuttawa business in search of the suspect. At approximately 5:13pm, the suspect occupying the same vehicle was observed pulling up to the business. After the suspect later left the business, he was stopped on US 62 where he was taken into custody.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect, identified as Adam P. Attia, 36, of Salem, was found to be in possession of illegal narcotics and several items of stolen property. He was charged with the following:
At the time of his arrest, Attia was on probation in Crittenden and Marshall counties for theft related felony convictions, the sheriff's department said. Attia was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing.
Rep. Comer was in Marion Tuesday to hear about progress made in solving Marion's water crisis that began more than two years ago when the town's raw water source, Lake George, developed a leak in its earthen levee.
Comer helped secure a $1.7 million to help get the ball rolling on Crittenden-Livingston Water District's (CLWD) expansion project. The doubling of the county water district's capacity will help provide water security to Marion and other communities in a three-county area.
Eventually, Marion will be able to buy all of its water from CLWD.
"We wanted an update to see where we are," Comer said. "Looks like you have a good plan."
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Morganfield Tourism Committee presents BBQ & Bourbon on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4 to 8 p.m.
This event will be held on Court Street and will feature a cooking contest with live music and food trucks.
For more information, email morganfieldtourism@gmail.com or visit Morganfield Tourism Committee on Facebook.
Adrian Bambini, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Veterans Hall of Fame, was in Marion recently soliciting locations for such parking spots.
He said Crittenden Community Hospital has requested signs to designate four veteran parking spaces and he’s looking for other businesses, churches, schools or governmental agencies to join the growing list of western Kentucky locations where veterans have reserved parking, much like handicapped parking spaces.
Bambini’s group, based in Owensboro, asks for a $50 donation for each reserved parking sign. To request a sign, call Bambini at 270-702-8251.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Saturday there will be a day-long festival at Buddy Rogers Park.
Seibert is a 12-year resident of Fredonia and has been mayor for seven years. Last month, he was chosen Citizen of the Year, an award presented during the annual Thunder in the Valley celebration of Independence Day.
Saturday’s festival begins at 10 a.m., with Bingo, baseball and FFA pedal tractor pulls. There will be a 3 p.m., pet show, washer pitching at 4 p.m., and cakewalks throughout the day. Music featuring local talent begins at 5 p.m., and Tim Rhodes will perform at 7 p.m. There will also be inflatables, games, drawings, silent auctions, train rides, plenty of food and much more.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Lions Club’s eyeglasses program and other charitable organizations.
Construction continues on campus for a new middle school, which will create some parking and traffic flow issues. You can find out more about those matters plus much more in The Press’ comprehensive Back-to-School Guide in this week’s newspaper, including
•Bus Routes
• New Teacher Profiles
• Welcome addresses from school principals
• SBDM members and meeting dates
• List of teachers in each school.
Also, worth noting is Crittenden County Elementary School’s Back-to-School event for grades 1-5 is 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13. Preschool, kindergarten, middle school and high school events were earlier this week.
The vehicle was allegedly stolen from Louisville.
Suspects have been detained in Madisonville.
|
| Click Image to Enlarge |
A Disaster Recovery Center is opening this week in Caldwell and other counties in western Kentucky to assist Kentuckians who experienced loss from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides.
The Caldwell County centers opens today at 102 Northfield Drive, Princeton, KY 42445. Working hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Saturday.
There are others in Hopkins, Trigg and Christian counties.
Kentucky homeowners and renters in these counties can apply for FEMA assistance at any of the Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky. FEMA representatives will help with applications for federal assistance and provide information about other disaster recovery resources.
FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs or other uninsured, disaster-related needs, such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses.
In addition to FEMA personnel, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and agencies from the Commonwealth will be available to assist survivors.
It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. Survivors can go online to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to apply. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.
For the latest information on Kentucky’s recovery from the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4804. Follow FEMA on X, formerly called Twitter, at x.com/femaregion4 and at facebook.com/fema.
For an accessible video about how to apply for FEMA assistance, please check this link.
Firemen from Salem and Crittenden County were summoned the scene.
The fire began shortly after 10 a.m.
Todd served as the media and public information contact for the transportation’s First District.
“I have had a blast in my almost 20 years here. From the Christmas week snowstorm in 2004 to the Great Ice Storm of 2009, the Eggners Ferry Bridge Incident, the construction of five long-span river bridges, the Mayfield tornado response and more, it’s been great to have a front-row seat on history being made,” Todd said in a memo sent to local media partners.
“I plan to spend some time with my grandkids and maybe spend some extra time hunting and fishing,” he added. “Miss Beth (his wife) and I are planning some epic road trips. I’m sure somewhere along the way she’ll get tired of having me hang around the house and tell me to go get a job... it won’t take long.”
Todd, 71, said he has always tried to understand the importance of sharing the story of people in transportation who essentially risk their lives at times to keep things safer for others.
“I wanted to help put a value on good road maintenance,” he said.
U.S. 60 in Crittenden County's re-opened a day earlier than workers expected, completing a multi-day closure between Airport Road and KY 297.
The project replaced several culverts and cross drains along three miles of highway.
Motorists should watch for signage indicating rough pavement. Appropriate caution is required between the 5 and 6 mile marker and at the 8 mile marker where traffic will be temporarily running on gravel to allow excavated areas to settle.
Starting on Monday, at 7 a.m., U.S. 60 will be restricted to one lane at the 8 mile marker with alternating flow controlled by flaggers to allow guardrail to be installed at the new culvert, as well as some additional finish work.
At that time, the closure on the east end of the work zone will begin between Old Salem Road and Airport Road. This will be at least a two-day closure from Airport Road to the bottom of Moore Hill.
On Monday, Aug. 5 additional guardrail installing will require the area to be restricted to one lane of traffic.
Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head said large vehicles detouring on rural county roads are creating hazardous traffic issues.
The sheriff posted the following message on his Facebook page: "Due to the HWY 60 road closures and NO MARKED DETOURS being provided, semi and large truck traffic are using Mexico Road and Glendale Church Road as a detour. Mexico Road and Glendale Church Road are NOT acceptable for large trucks or semis. Detour signs were asked to be installed by this office, but Kentucky Transportation Cabinet did not see it as a necessity. We have had multiple reports of people being run off the road by large trucks and multiple complaints about dangerous driving conditions. Please use extreme caution as we continue to work the wrecks and try to make this as safe as possible for everyone."
Crittenden County Ambulance Service has coordinated with Livingston County EMS to help provide response, if necessary, to the western part of Crittenden County while US 60 is closed. Comm-Care ambulance service in Marion is also staging a crew on the west side of the work zone.