Crittenden County schools will be closed Monday, April 7, due to widespread flooding and multiple road closures.
Thanks to a recent legislative decision waiving the 170-day requirement for the academic year, the district will use banked hours, and the missed day will not need to be made up.
School officials thanked families for their flexibility and said safety remains the district’s top priority.
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Gaga Ball is a high-energy, fast-paced game that promotes physical activity, teamwork and good sportsmanship among children and adults.
Gaga Ball, a mid-20th century invention, is a dodgeball-style game played in an octagonal pit. Players hit a soft ball with their hands, aiming to eliminate opponents by striking them below the knees. The game emphasizes agility, quick reflexes, and strategy, making it fun and suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, Vince said. Participants would have to provide their own ball once the pit is ready for action.
This project is spearheaded by local Scout Pack 3030's Arrow of Light den. Arrow of Lights are in their final year of Cub Scouts and will crossover to Scout Troop 30 this fall. One of the required adventures for the den is community service. The boys have encountered and enjoyed Gaga Ball pits at both Scout camp and 4-H camp and are excited to take on this community service project to provide the game to others in the community, said Vince. The den has four members – Asher Dalton, Caleb Harris, Wil Myers and Russell Vince.
This project, which will be located near the park restrooms and the park’s small playground, aligns with the Scouts’ commitment to serving their community by creating a space where individuals of all ages can come together to enjoy outdoor play and foster connections. By building the Gaga Ball pit, the Arrow of Light Den seeks to enhance the park’s amenities, encouraging more families to visit and utilize the public space, the Scouts said.
Through this initiative, the Cub Scouts will learn valuable skills in planning, teamwork, and construction while giving back to their community in a meaningful and lasting way. This project reflects their dedication to the Scout motto: “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Here is a listing of the latest highway information from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for Crittenden and surrounding counties. The information for Lyon, Crittenden and Livingston was updated this morning at 9am. The other information is from midnight.
KY 855 is CLOSED with high water at the 5 MP (between U.S. 60 and KY 70).
KY 1113 in Lyon County / Tabor Road in Crittenden County is CLOSED with high water.
KY 902 is OPEN at the 5 MP (between Drennan Road and Union Grove School Road). – CLEAR
KY 917 is CLOSED with high water at the 1.5 MP.
KY 132 is CLOSED with high water at the 1.973 MP.
NEW KY 120 is CLOSED at Webster County Line (Tradewater River).
I-24 Exit 42 northbound ramp to I-69 is BLOCKED due to flooding on I-69 northbound in Hopkins County (MP 90).
U.S. 62 is CLOSED with high water near the 6.6 MP at I-24 Exit 40 (near Hucks Travel Center).
KY 295 S is CLOSED with high water near the 3.6 MP (entrance to U.S. 62).
KY 1943 is CLOSED with high water between the 3-4 MP near Skinframe Creek Bridge.
KY 819 is CLOSED with high water at the 2.3 MP (Panther Creek).
KY 819 is OPEN with high water between the 6-7 MP (between KY 93 and Jack Thomason Road).
KY 1113 (also affecting Crittenden) is CLOSED with high water.
KY 1055 (Buzzard Creek) is CLOSED with high water at the 1.2 MP.
KY 1055 is CLOSED from approximately the 2-2.5 MP due to a slide caused by flash flooding.
KY 93 S is OPEN with high water between the 0-7 MP (from KY 139 at I-24 Exit 56/Princeton to KY 274 in Eddyville). Use caution — crews are monitoring conditions.
The Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway (Land Between the Lakes) is CLOSED due to high water.
KY 917/Tucker Temple Road is OPEN with high water between the 1-2 MP.
KY 917/Tucker Temple Road is CLOSED with high water between the 4-8.3 MP.
KY 1433/Cedar Grove Road is CLOSED with high water between the 8-9 MP (approximately 3 miles southwest of Salem).
KY 1608 is CLOSED with high water between the 5-6 MP.
KY 70 – High water (MP 14.9–15.7)
KY 91 – High water (MP 8.5, MP 11.6 at KY 2080/Cadiz St, and MP 17.2–18)
KY 126 – High water (MP 1)
KY 128 – High water (MP 0.4 and MP 3.3–3.4)
KY 139 – High water (MP 3–4.5, MP 6.3 at KY 515, and MP 14.4–14.7)
KY 293 – High water (MP 4.34)
KY 514 – High water (MP 3)
KY 672 – High water (MP 14.2 at KY 1627)
KY 1272 – High water (MP 2.2)
KY 1592 – High water (MP 1.5–2.6)
KY 1627 – High water (MP 7.4–8)
KY 2066 – High water (MP 0–0.9 and near Beshear Lake Spillway)
U.S. 60 – High water (MP 23.8–24.2)
KY 56 – High water (MP 16.7)
KY 130 – High water (MP 2.2–3.2, MP 10.2–14.8, and MP 15.7–16 at Uniontown Boat Ramp)
KY 141 – High water (MP 15.8–19.3)
KY 492 – High water (MP 8.1–10.5)
KY 667, 760, 1452, 1637, 2101 – High water along full length
KY 668 – High water (MP 0–1.7)
KY 120 – High water (MP 10–11)
KY 132 – High water (MP 0 at Crittenden line, MP 5–6, MP 12–13, and MP 25–26)
KY 138 – High water (MP 10.3–10.8 at Slaughters)
KY 270 – High water (MP 6.8–8.3)
KY 494 – High water (MP 0–1)
KY 874 – High water (MP 1.6–2)
KY 1340 – High water (MP 0–2)
KY 1835 – High water (MP 3–4)
KY 2836 – High water (MP 0–1)
KY 2937 – High water (MP 2–3)
“If it gets around 51, we’ll have to sandbag in Smithland along the levee and the street in town around the mansion, about 5,000 feet,” Williams said. “We’re hoping it stays under that, but we’re preparing just in case.”
Sandbagging efforts are currently focused on flash flooding from creeks threatening homes, particularly in Ledbetter. Williams noted that US 60 is open all the way through the county.
“We’ll have to do at least a small stretch of sandbagging on Monday for sure, depending on how fast the river comes up,” Williams said.
As of this morning, Cedar Grove Road near Salem and Tucker Temple Road near Iuka were the only roads in the county closed due to high water. Williams said a few dead end county roads have water over them.
ROAD CLOSURES:
Several roads are closed due to high water across Crittenden and Lyon counties. Motorists are urged to use caution and avoid flooded areas.
Crittenden County:
Emmaus Church Road
Claylick Road
Enon Church Road
Providence Road
Cool Springs Road
Blackburn Church Road
Phin Croft
Tabor Road
KY 855 is closed at mile point 5 between U.S. 60 and KY 70.
KY 902 is closed at mile point 5 between Drennan Road and Union Grove School Road. (New)
KY 1113 / Tabor Road (shared with Lyon County) is closed due to high water.
Lyon County:
U.S. 62 is closed near mile point 6.6 at I-24 Exit 40 (near Hucks Travel Center).
KY 295 S is closed near mile point 3.6 at the entrance of U.S. 62.
KY 1943 is closed between mile points 3-4 near the Skinframe Creek Bridge.
KY 819 is closed at mile point 2.3 (Panther Creek) and open but impacted by high water between mile points 6-7 (between KY 93 and Jack Thomason Road).
KY 1113 / Tabor Road (shared with Crittenden County) is closed.
KY 1055 (Buzzard Creek) is closed at mile point 1.2. (New)
Reminder: Do not drive around or move signs, barrels, or barricades. Even if a road is not listed, high water remains possible. Turn around, don’t drown.
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Marion Mayor D’Anna Browning on Friday declared a local state of emergency in Marion following widespread flooding caused by a severe weather system that struck Crittenden County on April 4.
The declaration, Executive Order 2025-05, activates the city’s emergency response plan and places all local emergency agencies on high alert. The order also enables city and county officials to bypass normal procedures to respond to the flooding, including entering contracts, using volunteer workers and spending public funds.
Browning said the storm brought significant rainfall that overwhelmed the area, prompting full coordination between city, county and state resources for disaster response and recovery.
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| SEE RIVER STAGE ONLINE HERE |
As of 10:30 a.m. CDT on April 4, the river stage was 29.19 feet — just below the 30-foot "action" threshold. The National Weather Service forecasts the river will exceed minor flood stage (33 feet) Saturday and reach 41 feet, the typical cutoff point for ferry operations, by Sunday night or early Monday.
The river is projected to crest at 52.3 feet on April 12, which would be just shy of major flood stage (53 feet). The Cave-In-Rock Ferry, which connects Crittenden County, Ky., with Hardin County, Ill., has historically suspended service around the 41-foot mark due to low-lying approaches becoming impassable.
Local officials and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are expected to monitor conditions closely and announce any service suspensions as the river rises.
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State Highways Crittenden County: KY 855 is CLOSED with high water at the 5 MM. This is between U.S. 60 and KY 70 near the intersection of Frances Road. Also, Tabor Road is closed at the Lyon County Line at Livingston Creek.
COUNTY ROADS CLOSED: Emmaus Church Road, Claylick Road, Enon Church Road, Providence Road, Cool Springs Road, Blackburn Church Road, Phin Croft and Tabor Road.
In Lyon County: KY 1943 is CLOSED with high water between the 3-4 MM near Skinframe Creek Bridge. This is the backroads route traffic is using to avoid the closed bridge on KY 295.
Crittenden County saw about 2 inches of rainfall overnight Wednesday and another 2 inches last night for a total of 4 inches over the past couple of days, and more is forest to come.
HOW TO DEAL WITH RECORD RAINFALL
CONVENIENCE CENTER CLOSED | Crittenden County Convenience Center will be closed today and Saturday due to weather. With all the rain in the forecast and all the flooding issues in hte county, Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said convenience center personnel will be needed to provide assistance on road work. The center will reopen Monday.
In Caldwell County, KY 91/from Fredonia to Princeton is closed.
KY 139/Farmersville Rd is closed between the 14.4-14.7 mile points
Each April, the Circuit Court Clerks of Kentucky lead the celebration of National Donate Life Month — a time to honor the generous gift of donation and increase education about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors.
This April, Donate Life Kentucky Trust is proud to share powerful local impact: In 2023 alone, 320 lives were saved through transplants at UK and UofL Jewish Hospitals—and 192 of those lifesaving organs came from registered donors.
“These numbers are extraordinary,” said Melissa Guill, Crittenden Co. Circuit Clerk. “That’s 192 people who made a selfless decision during their lifetime—one that became a miracle for someone else. Our Donate Life Kentucky Trust organization and our supporters have worked tirelessly to inspire and educate Kentuckians since 1992. These efforts are literally saving lives. It fills me with pride and gratitude.”
Behind every registered donor is the possibility of healing. Sadly, when individuals are not registered, families are often hesitant to say “yes” during times of tragedy. Registering in advance brings clarity and compassion—and increases the chance that lives will be saved. Everyone is encouraged to share your generous decision with your family.
This month, Donate Life Kentucky Trust also celebrates a new milestone in accessibility: the MyChart Patient Portal now connects directly to the National Donate Life Registry, making it easier than ever for patients to register as donors with just a few clicks.
This year’s Donate Life Month theme is “Let Life Sing!” featuring artwork inspired by birds—symbols of hope, renewal, and messages from those we’ve lost. As spring returns, so does Kentucky’s commitment to honoring the life and legacy of donors.
Ways to Participate in National Donate Life Month 2025:
April Events to Celebrate the Donate Life Mission:
A rare and dangerous weather pattern is forecast to continue through the weekend, putting much of western Kentucky at risk for severe storms and catastrophic flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
Thunderstorm threats remain elevated with a Level 2 of 5 (Slight Risk) rating for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Western Kentucky is expected to see the greatest risk on Saturday, including damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes.
Forecasters are particularly concerned about rainfall, which could total 4 to 8 additional inches through Saturday night. Combined with 1 to 4 inches already fallen, this may result in historic flash flooding, river rises and damage in areas that don’t typically flood. Crittenden County received 2.1 inches of rainfall overnight Wednesday.
A flood watch remains in effect through Saturday night.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation,” the NWS said in a briefing. “Impacts from this event will be significant, and may be historic.”
Another round of severe weather is possible Sunday. All modes of severe weather — including tornadoes, very large hail and damaging wind gusts — are possible.
Residents are urged to review severe weather plans, prepare for flooding, and monitor updated forecasts.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has granted a 14-day Hours of Service Waiver and exemption from stopping at weigh stations for commercial vehicles responding to severe weather and flooding over the weekend.
The waiver applies to trucks hauling gasoline, diesel, propane, food, water, medical supplies, livestock feed and animals, poultry, and crops ready for harvest in affected areas. Drivers must carry a copy of the official order in their vehicle cab.
The museum is located in downtown historic Smithland in the old courthouse and features displays and exhibits of historical interest, highlights events of the past and includes stories of the people who lived and worked in Livingston county.
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⚠️ A rare and dangerous storm system is developing TODAY and will last through SATURDAY.
🌪️ HIGH RISK (Level 5/5) of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and tonight, including:
Long-track tornadoes
Widespread damaging winds
Large to very large hail
🌧️ 7–12 inches of rain expected through Saturday night.
🚨 Catastrophic flash flooding possible.
💨 Winds today could gust 45–55 mph even outside of storms.
📍 Flood Watches already in effect.
🕑 Storms will begin developing after 5 p.m., here and move very fast (60–70 mph).
🚗 If a warning is issued, take shelter immediately—don’t wait!
📅 Thursday–Saturday: Continued threat of severe storms and potentially historic flooding.
📅 Sunday: Another round of severe weather possible.
📢 Make a plan NOW. Stay weather-aware.
LOCAL STORM SHELTERS: Mexico Baptist Church | Marion Baptist Church | Marion Methodist Church
📱 Follow @NWSPaducah for the latest updates.
#SevereWeather #FloodWatch #TornadoWarning #StaySafe #KYwx
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Judge-Executive Perry Newcom told magistrates that the park’s oversight committee met earlier this month and determined that based on inflationary pressures on its budget, a cost adjustment was needed to meet financial needs and to bring the fees more into line with other campgrounds around the region.
Newcom said the camping rates have not seen an increase in many years. The committee presented its request to magistrates who approved the new price plan.
Changes include increases for overnight RV camping, reservation fees, credit card processing charges, and cancellation penalties.
Under the new rates, RV camping fees will rise from $20 to $30 per night. The reservation fee will increase from $3 to $5 per booking, while credit card processing charges will also go up.
Cancellation fees will also see adjustments. If a reservation is canceled with at least 48 hours' notice, the fee will increase from $15 to $25. For cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, the penalty will rise from $25 to $35.
These rate adjustments reflect the park's effort to cover operational costs and maintain facilities for visitors. The changes are expected to take effect soon, with officials encouraging campers to plan accordingly.
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- On Monday, March 24, 2025, around 3 p.m., Sheriff Brent White served a criminal summons on Tabitha Szmanda, 39, of Eddyville. She was charged by the local school district with Parent or Custodian to Send Child to School – 1st or 2nd Offense. Szmanda faces an April court date in Lyon District Court to answer for this offense.
- On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, around 9:15 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams served a citation on Steven Warfield, 47, of Kuttawa, charging him with obstructing a roadway. The Sheriff’s Office received complaints from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and County Judge-Executive reporting this subject had laid an electrical line across a county roadway to service property reportedly belonging to Warfield. He faces an April court date in Lyon District Court to answer for this offense.
- On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, around 1:30 p.m., Deputy Lori Francis served a bench warrant on Tiffany Kendrick, 42, of Pikeville. She was charged with a Floyd Circuit Court bench warrant for nonpayment of court costs, fees or fines. Kendrick will remain in state custody pending extradition back to Floyd County.
- On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, around 8:50 a.m., Capt. Dennis Beckett arrested Jasmine J. Jones, 36, of Jennings, Mo., after she was found to be a fugitive from Lyon District Court. Jones was served with a 2018 bench warrant charging her with failure to appear in court. She was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Thursday, March 27, 2025, around 7:20 p.m., sheriff’s deputies and a Kentucky State Police trooper responded to a residence on Ky. 293 for a fugitive complaint. While at a residence in the 2000 block of Ky. 293, a vehicle pulled up and quickly accelerated from the home. The vehicle was stopped by law enforcement. Fugitive Joshua E. Harper, 35, of Eddyville, was arrested by Deputy Shannon Oliver and charged with two Lyon District Court bench warrants for failure to appear in court on drug, trespassing and menacing-related cases. In addition, KSP charged Harper with driving on a DUI-suspended license – 1st offense, no or expired registration, no insurance, obstructed windshield and failure to notify DOT of address change. Harper was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Saturday, March 29, 2025, around 4:30 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a runaway juvenile complaint south of Eddyville. His investigation revealed a child left their home in the late-night hours and was missing when the mother awoke to go to work early that morning. Chief Deputy Adams initiated a search and requested assistance from EM Director Randy Wright, DCBS social workers and Sheriff Brent White. The initial search did not reveal any trace of the child near their home in Lyon County. The investigation later revealed the child was located around 10:40 a.m. at a residence in Princeton. The child was initially returned to the custody of the mother and later transferred to a residential treatment facility out of the county.
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| Jimmy Croft along with family and supporters from Crittenden and Livingston counties. |
Croft coached the Rockets at his alma mater from 1995 to 2005. When he took the job, Crittenden hadn’t had a winning season in more than 20 years. Over a 10-year period, his squads won 138 games and lost 117. In 1998, Croft and his Rockets won the Fifth District championship — one of only two CCHS has won since 1957. Croft’s 2000 Rockets won 20 games for the first time since Marion and Crittenden consolidated schools in the 1950s.
Croft was head coach of the Lady Rockets from 1985 to 1990 with a 61-51 record. He was boys’ head coach at Livingston from 2006 to 2011 with a 56-67 record. Croft was also an assistant coach at CCHS and at Trigg County, when his son Payton was head coach there. Croft’s career head coaching record is 255-235 over 20 years, and he coached 16 more years as an assistant.
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| JT Travis in a Press file photo |
The event, hosted by the Fredonia Valley Heritage Society and Fredonia American Legion Post 103, will begin at 1 p.m. at the Fredonia Valley Veterans Memorial. It coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day — designated by federal law to be observed each year on March 29.
The public is invited to attend. All Vietnam War veterans in attendance will be recognized and presented with a commemorative challenge coin. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. A flyover by an Air Evac helicopter is also planned, and gifts will be given away through a drawing, including an engraved brick to be placed at the memorial and a copy of Veterans of the Fredonia Valley.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day marks the March 29, 1973, disestablishment of the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, and the departure of the last U.S. combat troops. Around that same time, Hanoi released the final group of its acknowledged American prisoners of war.
The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all veterans who served on active duty from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975 — whether in-country, in-theater, or stationed elsewhere — as well as their families. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates between six and seven million U.S. Vietnam veterans are living today, along with millions of their family members.
Challenge coins and engraved bricks will be available for purchase at the event. Each $25 coin sold helps provide a free coin to a veteran. Bricks are $50.
Organizers encourage all Americans to thank Vietnam veterans for their service and sacrifice.
“You answered the call of duty with bravery and selflessness, and we will never forget all you’ve done to keep us safe and free,” organizers stated. “On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you — from the bottom of our hearts.”
According to the latest Census figures, therea e 274 Vietnam veterans living in Caldwell County, 214 in Crittenden and over 75,000 in Kentucky.
As of the first of this month, the price of The Crittenden Press newspaper increased to $2 per issue. All electronic subscription rates have now been updated to reflect a price increase, but by a lower percentage than the single-copy rate.
We truly regret having to raise our prices, but in today’s economic climate – faced with ongoing inflation, particularly rising postage, newsprint and insurance costs – this adjustment is necessary in order to continue publishing the paper you count on each week.
It is worth noting that this is our first significant across-the-board increase in many years, and the first single-copy price increase in more than 20 years.
For those looking for the most economical way to stay informed, our email edition remains the best value. It is delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday around noon with a convenient link to the full newspaper. It may not feel the same, but it looks just like our traditional version.
Access to our website, The-Press.com, remains free for breaking news, sports and other community information, such as election results, court news and more.
If you would like to switch your subscription type or have any questions about the new rates, please call our office at 270-965-3191 during regular business hours or email us at thepress@the-press.com.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. As one of the very last family-owned newspapers in all of western Kentucky, we remain devoted to this community and enjoy bringing you news, sports and information – and perhaps as importantly, chronicling for posterity. Our mission includes writing an accurate history of our county.
Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) are encouraging young Kentuckians interested in a career in law enforcement to apply for the second annual Youth Academy Program. The weeklong camp, set for July 21–25, 2025, at Trooper Island Camp on Dale Hollow Lake, is designed to introduce participants to law enforcement principles while fostering leadership skills and physical fitness.
“The Kentucky State Police Youth Academy Program offers an outstanding opportunity for young Kentuckians to gain firsthand experience in law enforcement,” Beshear said. “By supporting those who want to pursue a career in law enforcement, Kentucky will continue to be a national leader in public safety.”
Applications are now open for Kentuckians ages 16–17, with a deadline of June 10. The program is free to participants.
KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. emphasized the importance of early engagement in law enforcement career development. “By engaging with young Kentuckians early, we are helping them explore career options and choose the path that best aligns with their goals,” he said.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in a variety of activities, including training in forensic techniques, crime scene analysis and commercial vehicle enforcement. They will also take part in team-building exercises and learn about core law enforcement values and ethics.
Trooper Island Camp Commander Scott Ferrell noted the success of last year’s inaugural program, which graduated 23 participants from 17 counties across the state. “Having the opportunity to watch young individuals grow, learn and develop leadership skills through this innovative program is truly rewarding,” Ferrell said.
According to the national Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, youth law enforcement academies are an effective tool for recruiting future officers while providing essential education on public safety.
KSP remains committed to strengthening its workforce to better reflect Kentucky’s diverse communities and enhance public safety. Those interested in applying for the Youth Academy Program can find more information on the KSP website.
A special meeting will be held next week to hear more about the proposal.
Get all the details in this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press, which will be on newsstands today around now, or dropping in your in-box.
Cattle prices surged to new records last week, with five-weight steer average prices in Mississippi exceeding $321 per hundredweight (cwt). Kentucky reported averages above $332 per cwt, while Oklahoma City reached $354 per cwt – marking a sharp increase from year-ago levels, according to a newsletter published regularly by Josh Maples of the Mississippi Extension Service. Cull cow and bull prices have also climbed to all-time highs.
The 2025 CME feeder cattle futures contracts have shown exceptional strength, surpassing historical records. The May 2025 CME Feeder Cattle contract closed above $280 per cwt on Friday, March 14, while the September 2025 contract ended the week above $283 per cwt. These new highs eclipse the previous record of $241, set during the 2014-2015 period.
This upward trend reflects strong market confidence in cattle prices for 2025. The latest USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) project live cattle prices to average $200 per cwt in 2025, up from $187 in 2024.
Many Southeastern producers currently have calves on the ground with plans to sell later this year. Given the optimistic market outlook, experts suggest considering price risk management strategies. Tools such as futures and options trading, Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), and forward contracting could help producers secure favorable prices while safeguarding against potential market declines.
🔥🌿 Prescribed Fires Planned in KY WMAs 🌿🔥
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources will be working with local officials to conduct prescribed fires in several counties this March & April as part of habitat management on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
✅ Why use fire?
To support healthy ecosystems by: • Boosting nut & fruit production 🌰🍓
• Regenerating oaks 🌳
• Controlling invasive plants 🚫🌿
• Creating open ground space 🌾
🔥 Local Impact 🔥
Prescribed fires are planned in several counties, including:
📍 Livingston County – Livingston County WMA
📍 Union County – Higginson-Henry & Big Rivers WMAs
📍 Crittenden County - Big Rivers WMA
Fire managers will only proceed when conditions are safe and ideal. Portions of WMAs may temporarily close, and signs/gates will mark affected areas. Fires will be carefully monitored until completely out.
💨 If smoke is in the air, protect your health:
🔗 Fires and Your Health | AirNow.gov
🌐 Learn more about Kentucky WMAs:
👉 fw.ky.gov
#PrescribedFire #KYWildlife #WMA #KentuckyOutdoors #CrittendenCounty #LivingstonCounty #UnionCounty #HabitatManagement #ControlledBurns 🔥🌾
Crittenden County Board of Education will hold its regular meeting tonight (March 25) at 5:30 p.m. in Rocket Arena.
Following the welcome and Pledge of Allegiance, the board will consider approval of the meeting agenda. Recognitions will include Rocket Way Students of the Month and Heart of a Rocket recipients, both presented by Tiffany Blazina.
Reports will be shared from various departments, including SBDM minutes, food service, enrollment, and technology, along with the superintendent’s update, which includes personnel notices, the spring athletic calendar, thank-you acknowledgments, and information on the 2025 bond sale.
Routine matters will be approved, including previous meeting minutes and the superintendent’s report.
The consent agenda features financial reports, fundraisers, and approval of trips for the high school softball team and FCCLA group.
Action items include a shortened school week for a student, contracts for summer benefits and HVAC maintenance, the 2025-2026 preschool calendar, payment applications related to the middle school addition and GESC project, and options for disbursing funds from the Vince Clark Rocket Foundation and Fohs Hall scholarship.
Additional approvals will address graduation-related events, bid renewals, surplus equipment, insurance renewals, grant agreements, a storm damage roof repair payment, Project Graduation donation, new event coordinator stipends for baseball and softball, surplus technology, the creation of a district digital learning coach position, and revisions to the current school calendar and middle school construction documents.
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Two highway closures are set to impact Crittenden County motorists next week, including a months-long bridge project on Dam 50 Road and a brief U.S. 60 shutdown.
Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, March 31, KY 387 (Dam 50 Road) will close at mile point 0.77 for construction of a new bridge over Crooked Creek, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The closure — about three-quarters of a mile east of KY 91 — will block access to KY 91 for most residents along the 3-mile stretch of KY 387 closest to Dam 50 at Riverview Park.
There will be no marked detour, so drivers, including local farmers and Riverview Park visitors, should use Cotton Patch Road and KY 654 as an alternate route.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will also close a section of US 60 between Salem and Marion starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 1. The closure, scheduled to coincide with Crittenden County Schools’ spring break, will be between KY 855 and KY 297 in the New Salem area. Crews will remove and replace a concrete box culvert at the 1.13-mile marker that carries a tributary of Dry Fork Creek beneath the highway. Work is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, weather permitting.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District invites the public to attend a public workshop to provide input for the 2025 Lake Barkley Shoreline Management Plan update.
The review and update of the SMP is accomplished every five years. It contains policies and guidelines for the effective long-range management of the shoreline resources on Lake Barkley. A copy of the 2025 draft plan is available at https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll7/id/27349.
The public workshops are scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. on these dates and these locations:
March 25: Lyon Convention Center at Lee S. Jones Park in Eddyville, Kentucky. March 27: Lake Barkley State Resort Park Sunrise Room in Cadiz, Kentucky. April 1: Stewart County Visitor Center in Dover, Tennessee.
During this review process, public workshops are held so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can receive public input. Attendees are encouraged to bring useful items such as photos and documents and be prepared to share any recommendations and/or concerns.
Although USACE cannot grant every request, the Corps of Engineers will actively evaluate each comment and make sound natural resource management decisions to provide optimum use and protection of finite lake resources.
“Our primary goals for management of Lake Barkley are to establish and maintain acceptable fish and wildlife habitat, preserve natural aesthetic qualities, and promote the safe and healthful use of the lake and surrounding lands by the public. Your ideas and comments concerning this review are helpful and provide valuable insight to improve the plan,” said Kayl Kite, Lake Barkley resource manager.
Participants can make a brief public comment or submit a comment card. The public can also comment by e-mailing lakebarkley@usace.army.mil or by sending mail: Resource Manager’s Office, Lake Barkley, P.O. Box 218, Grand Rivers, KY, 42045. Written comments are accepted for 30 days following the public workshops. The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district. |
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The weather briefing from the National Weather Service in Paducah for Western Kentucky highlights several important alerts:
As a reminder, a public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 20, to gather public input on the I-69 Interchange Re-configuration Project. This project spans approximately two miles and crosses the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, connecting the proposed Interstate 69 in Tennessee (currently U.S. 51) with Interstate 69 (formerly the Purchase Parkway) in Kentucky.
The preferred alternative generally follows the U.S. 51 alignment, creating a new sweeping curve to the east near State Line Road. Additionally, it reconstructs the U.S. 51/U.S. 45E/U.S. 45W interchange at its current location to improve connectivity and traffic flow.
The public meeting will be held on March 20 from 5 to 7 p.m., at **South Fulton Middle and High School, 1302 John C. Jones Parkway, South Fulton, TN 38257.
Led by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in partnership with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), the meeting will follow an open house format. Attendees will have the opportunity to view exhibits, speak with TDOT staff and project team members, and ask questions about the project. There will be no formal presentation.
For those who wish to provide feedback, comment sheets will be available at the meeting. Additionally, written comments may be submitted within 21 days after the meeting date to the following address:
Woodlands Nature Station in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area will host Girl Scout Day: Wonders of Nature on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering scout troops and families a chance to explore wildlife and earn badges.
Scouts of all levels Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes can participate in hands-on activities led by naturalists and volunteers to meet badge requirements. Activities include tree identification hikes, live animal encounters, and insect crafts. The badges covered are Design with Nature for Daisies, Bugs for Brownies, Animal Habitats for Juniors and Trees for Cadettes.
“We will be learning all about wonders of nature for this year’s Girl Scout Day,” said Vanessa Sivils, a naturalist at the Nature Station.
The event is open to everyone, including siblings and non-scouts. Visitors should plan for up to a three-hour visit to complete all activities. Admission is $7 for ages 16 and older and free for those 15 and under.
The Woodlands Nature Station is located at 3146 Silver Trail Road in Cadiz.
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This new business on East Legion Drive is beating the competition. Check their tire prices before you buy.
Crittenden County High School's Site-Based, Decision-Making Council meets at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 in the school library.
A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is planning a daytime lane restriction on the Interstate 24 Cumberland River Bridge starting on Monday, March 24.
Crews will be using an under-bridge inspection vehicle (UBIV) to inspect the bridge starting at 8 a.m. each day for approximately five days.
Motorists should be alert for signage and trucks with arrow boards guiding traffic to shift into the open lane, as work will alternate from one side of the bridge to the other.
The Interstate 24 Cumberland River Bridge, which also carries Interstate 69, are twin structures at the Livingston-Lyon County Line at the 33.67 MM on I-24. The structures carry just over 30,000 vehicles across the Cumberland River in an average day.
The inspection is expected to be completed by Friday, March 28, weather permitting.
