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As has been the case for much of the past several months, the financial condition of the Crittenden County Detention Center again dominated discussion. After bleak projections over the past 45 days, recent receipts have provided the jail some breathing room, at least through the end of the year, said Judge-Executive Perry Newcom.
Despite the brief sense of relief, officials cautioned that the longer-range outlook still points to continued belt-tightening and difficult times ahead. Yet an air of cooperation appeared to be incubating as leaders from county government and the jail discuss how they will work through the coming months.
Jailer Athena Hayes said transportation reimbursements from the State of Kentucky are expected soon, with federal housing funds for December anticipated later in January. Hayes also reported that two staff members retired Tuesday, some general attrition that will pressures on payroll needs.
“We are just trying to meet the obligations we have to pay,” Judge Newcom said, as the court recommended paying all bills due by Dec. 30. Those claims total $21,115.25, a move Newcom said would allow the county to keep accounts current through the end of December. Additional housing payments are expected in January, though another payroll obligation will come due just days into the new year.
Hayes also said medical costs continue to strain the jail’s finances, with a small number of inmates suffering from illnesses ranging from relatively minor conditions to very serious medical issues.
Financial reports presented to the court showed how sharply the jail’s cash position has fluctuated in recent days. The detention center carried a cash balance of $47,608.54 on Dec. 17. A $50,000 transfer authorized by fiscal court from the road department the following day temporarily pushed the balance to just under $98,000. That increase was largely erased when nearly $84,000 in payroll and routine operating expenses were paid, leaving just over $13,000 on hand.
Relief came Dec. 22 and 23, when multiple state, federal and inter-county housing reimbursements were posted to the balance sheet. Those receipts included more than $46,700 in Tennessee federal housing payments, $43,605 in Kentucky federal housing, $15,336 from Lyon County and $20,340 from a 2026 litter abatement grant, along with smaller program and fee reimbursements. An additional $21,630 from inmate incentive programs was posted the following day, raising the jail’s cash balance to $169,997.70.
Even with that influx, projections presented to the court show continued pressure on cash flow. An $83,500 payroll transfer is required at the end of December, followed in early January by an estimated $13,000 in utility bills and a $38,414 bond debt payment. State housing reimbursements projected at $77,783, based on a 71-inmate average, are expected to arrive soon, but another payroll estimated at $82,000 on Jan. 12 would again reduce the balance to roughly $30,800. The ongoing cycle of short-term relief followed by significant recurring expenses could be in store for quite some time. The Kentucky Association of Counties has pledged to fight for significant relief for county jails during the upcoming session of the Kentucky General Assembly, which begins early in 2026. Read more about that and the previous fiscal court meeting in the full edition of The Crittenden Press, which was issued earlier this week.
Just before dark Monday, deputies responded to a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Ford’s Ferry Road and Pickering Hill Road. Authorities said one male occupant, who was the driver, was transported to Livingston Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
A second crash was reported early Tuesday morning on KY 723 South. Deputies were called to the scene around 4:30 a.m. after a vehicle rolled multiple times. A male occupant was taken by ambulance to Livingston Hospital’s emergency room. No additional details were immediately available.
Mediacom has a non-exclusive franchise to sell its telecommunications offerings in the City of Marion.
National reporting and industry data show that television programming and related fees have been rising across the United States, driven by higher programming costs and retransmission fees that cable and TV providers pay to broadcasters and content networks - costs that are typically passed on to customers.
Crittenden County Fiscal Court meets in speciall session at 4:30pm Tuesday at the county office complex.
- On Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, just after 11 a.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 93 South near KY 778 in the Lamasco community. His investigation determined a 2005 Honda Accord, driven by Braxton Hargrove, 19, of Cadiz, was southbound on KY 93 when the driver reportedly saw a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in his lane of travel. Hargrove stated he took evasive action to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. His vehicle left the right shoulder and collided with an earthen embankment. The driver was not injured in the collision. The other vehicle failed to stop or render aid. Anyone with information concerning the accident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 270-388-2311.
- On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 8 a.m., Sheriff White arrested Randall J. Kyle, 39, of Eddyville and charged him on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with first-degree sexual abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age. Kyle was already listed on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry at the time of his arrest. He posted a $10,000 cash bond and was later released from custody.
- On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, around 11:30 a.m., School Resource Officer Deputy Cory Jessup charged a 12-year-old juvenile with third-degree terroristic threatening. An assault complaint reported Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, which occurred just outside school property, was reported to the Sheriff’s Office, and Deputy
Marion's New Sports Complex
West Kentucky Launchpad is preparing to open its doors in Marion as a new athletic training facility serving athletes of all ages and skill levels. The facility will provide training resources for baseball, softball and jiu-jitsu, along with open facility time, athlete development services and community-focused programming.
Ahead of the official opening, West Kentucky Launchpad is offering a free hitting assessment for baseball and softball players on January 3-4. Space is very limited and advance RSVP is required.
The facility will officially open for training on January 5, with baseball, softball and jiu-jitsu programs available. Additional amenities, including a community gym and expanded training opportunities, are planned and will be added in the near future.
West Kentucky Launchpad is located on Sturgis Road in Marion at the former Marion True Value property.
For more information or to RSVP for the free hitting assessment, contact Colby Davis at 270-994-2019.
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Officials said the wreck may have resulted in a spill, though details were limited. There was no immediate estimate on how long the closure or cleanup would last.
Eastbound traffic is being detoured at Exit 27. Motorists are routed along U.S. 62 and KY 453 before rejoining I-24 at Exit 31.
Motorists are urged to use caution and expect delays in the area.
The Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority, Inc. will hold a special called meeting at 11 a.m. Dec. 17, 2025, at 630 W. Dale Ave., Eddyville, Ky.
The agenda includes call to order, roll call, establishment of a quorum, discussion of the Dolphin Construction Project, discussion of the PIDP Inlet Construction Project, and adjournment.
- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, beginning at 8 a.m., members of the sheriff’s office, led by Chief Deputy Sam Adams, served multiple arrest warrants on the following offenders:
- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., Sheriff White arrested Michael S. Conger, 53, of Eddyville, following a several-month investigation into complaints of illegal drug trafficking in Eddyville. Conger was served with a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with trafficking in a controlled substance, first degree (more than 2 grams of methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance, second degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being a persistent felony offender, first degree. He was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, around 3:37 p.m., Chief Deputy Adams arrested Steve E. Asher, 56, of Salem, and served him with a Livingston District Court complaint warrant charging him with six counts of distributing sexually explicit images without consent, first offense. Asher was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. The case was investigated by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.
- On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., deputies served Carl Donley, 42, address unknown, with two arrest warrants from Carroll District Court, both for failure to appear in court. Donley is awaiting extradition back to Carroll County.
The church will host the Live Nativity Monday and Tuesday, but the event will not be held Sunday (tonight) as originally planned. Organizers said the decision was made out of concern for the safety and comfort of volunteers and visitors amid the frigid temperatures.
The public is invited to attend on the remaining nights to experience the traditional Nativity presentation.
Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass will help lead a communitywide Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at Marion Baptist Church next Sunday night, Dec. 21.
The free event begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public. Organizers say the sing-along is intended to bring the community together through traditional Christmas music while celebrating the meaning of the season.
The program will feature familiar carols, including “The First Noël,” popularized by Andy Williams. No admission is charged.
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The festive blend of scripture and song opened last night and concludes today, Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free, with a free-will offering accepted.
Adapted and directed by local performer and arts leader Corey Crider, the program draws inspiration from a centuries-old Anglican tradition while adding the musical variety and community flavor Marion audiences have come to expect from CAF events.
The lineup includes a community choir, a local children’s choir directed by Michelle Crider, the Marion Methodist Church handbells team directed by John Michael Gage, and bluegrass favorites Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass. Additional performers include Michelle and Cade Crider, Lacie Duncan, Adam Guess, Hannah Peek, Teresa Beavers, George Whelstone, Bek Schmidt, Payne DeHaven, Declan Bingham, Isaac Carter, Gordon Hein, Brennan Cruce and Gage.
This column by Editor Chris Evans was originally published in October, but its message still resonates today. If you’d like to receive The Crittenden Press each week, a subscription costs less than 62 cents an issue. We would be glad to have you as a reader. The editor’s column appears regularly in the newspaper. Click the subscribe button at the top of this page to get the full edition of The Press each week.
She had lived through the Great Depression as a young wife and mother, and while she spoke of those years with a certain fondness, I later came to realize the reality was far harsher than her stories let on.
For her, that show was both reminder and comfort, an idealized reflection of a time that had been bitter in practice, yet sweet in memory. She had lived in a place along the Tennessee River known as the Old 23rd District. I wrote extensively about those days in my book South of the Mouth Sandy.
As a child, I didn’t fully grasp why it meant so much to her. Only later, when I understood the weight of what she had endured, did I see the deeper truth. She needed those familiar voices from Walton’s Mountain to tell her that hardship could coexist with love, dignity and grace.
I always identified with John Boy Walton. He was a writer with his own newspaper, The Chronicle, forever scribbling down thoughts about people, places and the quiet lessons tucked inside everyday life. He was pragmatic and a little philosophical, and he saw in ordinary moments something worth preserving. Perhaps that’s where I, too, caught the bug – the notion that words on a page could help a community see itself more clearly and even find some redeeming value in the telling.
The other night, I caught a rerun I hadn’t seen in decades, an episode titled The Pony Cart. The story
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The ban applies to major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and X. Companies must take “reasonable steps” to keep minors off their services, including age-verification measures and the removal of suspected underage accounts. Serious or repeat noncompliance could draw fines of up to $33 million.
Australian officials framed the measure as a response to mounting evidence of online harms, noting research showing 96 percent of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media and many report exposure to harmful content, grooming or cyberbullying.
Critics argue the law will be difficult to enforce, risks driving teens to less-regulated corners of the internet and raises concerns about how platforms will collect and verify sensitive age data.
The Cave-In-Rock Ferry shut down Wednesday because of high winds, according to the ferry authority. Officials said the service will reopen once conditions improve.
The ferry connects KY 91 in Crittenden County with Illinois Route 1 in Hardin County across the Ohio River.
The free event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. at Fohs Hall, 201 N. Walker St. in Marion. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. so guests can choose their seats and browse a Holiday Silent Auction before the program begins.
Organizers say the benefit is designed to celebrate the season while spotlighting the work of Cumberland River Homes, a nonprofit that provides residential, day training, behavior supports, case management and other services to people with disabilities. Its mission is to offer each person a safe, happy, healthy and respected life.
This year’s lineup features The Todd Hill Quintet with vocalist Kayla Marie Little, comedian Jamey Ragle and The Cumberland River Homes Choir directed by Julie Wedding. The program will combine classic Christmas favorites with big band flair, sing-along moments and family-friendly comedy.
The Todd Hill Quintet will be making its first appearance at the benefit, bringing a big band sound to traditional holiday carols. Little will be featured on vocals throughout the concert. Ragle, a returning crowd favorite, will add his signature quick-witted, story-driven comedy. The CRH choir will showcase the voices and talents of individuals served by the organization.
Ahead of the performance, attendees can take part in the Holiday Silent Auction. Items will include handmade creations from clients in Cumberland River Homes’ Day Training Program, along with goods and gifts donated by community members. Proceeds from the auction will support CRH services and future growth.
Several area businesses have already signed on as sponsors for the 2025 benefit, including Livingston Hospital, Boyd Funeral Directors, Farmers Bank & Trust, Dr. Debra Wilder and The Kuttawa Clinic, KeeFORCE, Superior Exteriors LLC, Johnson’s Furniture & Appliances, A Cut Above Meat Market and Kountry Quisine. Their contributions help keep the event free to the public while backing programs for individuals with disabilities.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting the event may contact Braden Locke at 270-704-5333.
The day honors the more than 2,400 Americans killed in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor during the early-morning hours of Dec. 7, 1941. The next day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the date “a day which will live in infamy” and signed the Declaration of War against Japan.
On Dec. 11, 1941 the United States entered war with Germany and Italy after both nations declared war on the U.S.
Beshear encouraged individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies across Kentucky to join the tribute by lowering flags on Sunday.
And, how he slapped Arius at Council meeting
St. Nicholas, a Greek bishop in what is now Turkey, was known for quiet acts of charity. The best-known account tells of him secretly providing gold for the dowries of three impoverished young women so they could marry. His reputation for compassion spread widely, and over time his story blended with folklore across Europe, eventually inspiring Sinterklaas and, later, Santa Claus.
Though the historical record is thin, St. Nicholas is also famously – and perhaps legendarily – linked to the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Tradition holds that he confronted the teacher Arius for denying the divinity of Christ. The tale of Nicholas slapping Arius emerged centuries later, reflecting Christian devotion to orthodoxy more than documented history.
St. Nicholas Day is observed Dec. 6 in Western Christian traditions, or the evening of Dec. 5, and Dec. 19 in Eastern churches that follow an older calendar. Families in many countries mark the day with simple, symbolic customs. Children place shoes or stockings out overnight and awaken to coins, oranges, small toys or candy, echoing Nicholas’s quiet gift-giving. Churches may hold special services, and some communities emphasize charity, donating toys or helping families in need.
Though American culture associates gift-giving with Christmas, Christian tradition recognizes St. Nicholas as the original model of generosity rooted in faith, a reminder, especially in this Advent season, of caring for the poor, encouraging children and practicing mercy in everyday life.
Crittenden County Fiscal Court will hold a special called meeting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in the Fiscal Courtroom at the County Office Complex.
The only item of business is to consider approval of claims for payment on the jail.
Why are some residents switching parties, and what could this mean for the balance of power going forward?
See more about this trend in this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.
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Both sides of Main Street from Depot Street to the traffic light at Bellville Street will be coned off starting two hours before the 5 p.m., parade. Local law enforcement cautions parents to be especially attentive to children seeking candy by going into the street as motorized vehicles pass by.
The Chamber of Commerce and Integrity Insurance are organizing the parade.
Following the parade, Santa will see children at Crittenden County Fairgrounds inside the Lions Club's Agriculture Building. Children will get a hot-dog supper.
Community leaders are already sketching ideas, gathering partners and exploring ways to honor history, patriotism and local heritage.
What exactly is being planned?
What events might fill the weekend?
And how can the community get involved?
Find all the details in this week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.
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School is closed in Crittenden County today as a result of slick roads from the first winter weather event of the season. This is a Nontraditional Instruction (NTI) Day, with students in grades 3-12 completing classwork at home. Teachers are available via email, Google Classroom and ParentSquare.
- Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at 4:34 a.m. and continuing through Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the sheriff and deputies responded to 10 domestic-dispute-related incidents in the county. In most of the incidents, the parties were separated and no charges were filed. Several incidents resulted in the petitioning of protective orders through the court. In one incident, a woman was transported to an area hospital for a mental health evaluation. Sheriff Brent White reminds the public that Sanctuary Inc., (800) 766-0000, offers domestic violence services and emergency shelter for victims, and Pennyroyal Center, (877) 473-7766, offers mental health and crisis/emergency stabilization services. The Kentucky 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is also staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week for those needing to connect with suicide prevention assistance, mental health and substance use counselors. These providers tend to see an uptick in demand for services around the holidays.
- On Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, just after 5:30 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to I-69 with Kentucky State Police and other first responders for a rollover collision. Upon arrival, it was determined there were two non-injury collisions near the same mile marker. KSP investigated the non-injury rollover collision with two occupants, and Deputy Travis investigated a single-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a
A winter weather advisory remains in effect for far southeast Missouri, far southern Illinois and most of western Kentucky, where forecasters expect up to an inch of snow or sleet and some light icing. Southwest Indiana has been added to the advisory, with up to 2 inches of snow possible there as the system organizes later tonight.
Areas farther north and west may see around an inch of snow or sleet. In Trigg, Christian and Todd counties, the event is expected to be mostly rain, with only a limited wintry mix after midnight.
While overall totals are low, forecasters warn that even light ice or snow could quickly create hazardous conditions on roads, bridges and sidewalks. Temperatures will remain below normal through the week.
The Almanac’s long-range outlook anticipates a “milder, gentler winter” overall across much of the country.
The Almanac also shared historical White Christmas probabilities based on NOAA’s 30-year climate data. Northern states such as Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan and Wisconsin typically see snow three out of four years or more. Odds drop sharply across the Mid-Atlantic, South, Plains and much of the West, with Washington, D.C., historically averaging about a 6 percent chance.
Forecasters say the system will start as snow mainly in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, where light accumulations are possible. Areas along the I-64 corridor in Illinois have the best chance of receiving an inch or more.
Across western Kentucky, including Crittenden County, the precipitation is expected to quickly transition to rain by late morning and remain rain the rest of the day. Brief travel issues are possible this morning in southern Illinois due to slushy road conditions, but rising temperatures and steady rain should improve travel by afternoon.
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Snow is expected mainly across southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, where light accumulations are possible. The greatest chance for an inch or more is along the I-64 corridor in southern Illinois.
Extreme northern Crittenden County and parts of Union, Webster, Hopkins and Caldwell counties could see some preciptation.
Slippery or slushy road conditions could cause brief travel issues early Saturday, but rising temperatures and afternoon rain should improve driving conditions later in the day.
The collision, involving a passenger car and an SUV, occurred just before 3:30 p.m., on Thanksgiving Day between Burna and Salem just west of Old Salem Road. Two of the victims had to be extricated from the wreckage by Salem Fire and Rescue.
U.S. 60 was shut down for about three hours while emergency crews worked the scene.
Livingston County Sheriff’s Office said a 2018 Ford Edge driven by Beverly Wallace, 72, of Paducah crossed the center line and struck a 2015 Hyundai Sonata driven by Quinton Gibson, 24, also of Paducah. His passenger was identified as 26-year-old Emma Colwell.
Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by Livingston County EMS, Livingston County Emergency Management, the Kentucky Department of Transportation, Bailey’s Wrecker Service, and three AirEvac helicopters.
August is typically the city’s strongest month for alcohol sales, while July is surprisingly the weakest. After a soft midsummer in 2025, receipts have surged this fall, putting Marion slightly ahead of last year’s pace.
Read the full breakdown in this week’s Crittenden Press.
MORE COUNTIES MAY BE CWD ZONED
The commission is expected to consider amendments to waterway safety rules that would designate specific waterbodies or zones where wakesports may be allowed. Updates to fishing regulations are also on the agenda, including modified size and daily limits for Black Bass, Shovelnose Sturgeon and Skipjack Herring, along with additions to the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) program.
Members will also weigh whether to add Pulaski, Wayne, Whitley, McCrery, Lincoln, Laurel, Rockcastle, Russell and Casey counties to the state’s Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance zone, a move that would bring additional restrictions to those areas.
Other expected action includes clarifying that paid hunting guides are prohibited on Wildlife Management Areas, affirming that fishing tournaments launching from WMA boat ramps are not commercial activity under current regulations, and updating definitions within WMA rules. The panel will also review proposed changes to deer-hunting rules on county- and locally owned properties; updates to taxidermy and fur-buyer licensing forms; and revisions to special agency fundraising permit regulations.
The commission will further consider a request to establish a limited number of standing committees. Discussion and new-business items are scheduled, but action on those matters is expected at future meetings.
Pastor Aaron Brown said the kitchen will be busy, busy tomorrow morning as members warm dishes, organize sides and get ready for what has become one of the church’s most signficant outreach events of the year.
“The crew works hard,” Brown said. “This will be a full Thanksgiving meal for our community.”
Brown emphasized that the lunch is open to everyone.
“We’re not worried about what you think or believe,” he said. “We just want you to know that if you have a hungry belly and you want some lunch, we’ve got a great Thanksgiving meal prepped and ready to serve you and your family – or maybe someone you know.”
Most of the meal is prepared by church members, with the exception of the turkeys, which come from Pleasant Valley Store near Fredonia because of the large quantity required. Desserts are a mix of dishes made in the church kitchen and others donated by volunteers.
“Everything else is cooked either in-house or brought in from volunteers,” Brown said.
Fellowship is as central to the meal as the food itself. Many volunteers enjoy working side-by-side, and the church expects to serve guests who may otherwise be spending the holiday alone.
“There are a lot of people that might be lonely this time of year,” he said. “You can just come and enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal and enjoy the fellowship, maybe even sit with people you don’t know and get to know other people in the community.”
Along with dine-in service, Marion Baptist plans to deliver well over 100 meals Thursday to shut-ins, nursing home residents and others unable to leave home.
Brown said the church office may be difficult to reach Thursday morning as volunteers work in the Family Life Center preparing and serving the meal, but walk-ins will be welcome and meals can be picked up to take to others who need them.
We're on newsstands, in the mail, online and in your inbox a day early this week to make way for Turkey Day!
HEADLINES THIS WEEK
USDA Approves $78M Hospital Expansion
Livingston Hospital secures major financing for multi-million-dollar project.
County Will Stop Paying Jail Bills
Fiscal Court warns of a looming deficit as detention center faces deepening financial strain. Jailer disputes figures.
Bids Opened for New 5-Year EMS Contract
Two proposals now under review as county evaluates ambulance service options.
2023 Fentanyl Death Leads to Felony Charges
Two Marion men indicted for second-degree manslaughter following lengthy investigation.
Small Business Saturday Kickoff
Chamber giveaway starts 8 a.m. Saturday — 100 gift bags, mystery prizes, shop-local deals.
Election Filings Continue to Grow
Judge, sheriff, magistrate seats and more drawing early candidates heading into 2026.
New Deputies Join Sheriff’s Office
Two full-time hires heading to academy after October start.
Students Earn KMEA Honor Choir Recognition
Local elementary and middle school students shine at MSU.
KY Assessment Scores Released
CCHS and CCMS earn green ratings; elementary school shows notable gains.
Forgotten Passages: Mina Wheeler’s 1894 Journey
County’s first female superintendent recounts her extraordinary solo trip to rural schools.
Families needing assistance may contact school administrators directly at the following addresses:
CCES Julie.champion@crittenden.kyschools.us
CCMS Heidi.hicks@crittenden.kyschools.us
CCHS Staci.blackburn@crittenden.kyschools.us
Board Office Bridgette.porter@crittenden.kyschools.us
District leaders said staff will be monitoring messages throughout the day.
Sara Marshall, director of the Division of Water, and members of her staff met with local leaders in Marion before touring several key sites. The group reviewed dam rehabilitation work at Lake George, visited Old City Lake and Marion’s water plant, and later traveled to the Crittenden-Livingston Water District’s treatment facility on the Cumberland River south of Salem.
Participating in the day’s discussions and tours were Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom, Livingston County Judge-Executive Michael Williams, Marion Mayor D’Anna Browning, Marion Water Plant Superintendent Jeff Black, members of the CLWD board, CLWD Superintendent Abbie Adamson, CLWD Board Chairman T.L Maddux, consultant Tim Thomas, project engineers and others.
The visits come as the City of Marion and CLWD have secured roughly $32 million in grants and low-interest loans for ongoing and planned water projects. Only about $3.5 million of that total will require repayment.
Additional conversations last week centered on future expansion needs and options for removing PFAS – often referred to as forever chemicals – from local drinking water systems.
- On Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, just before 4 p.m., Sheriff Brent White and Deputy Bobby Beeler responded to a complaint of a suspicious person at Huck’s Travel Center in Kuttawa. Callers stated there was a man on a motorcycle who was believed to be passed out in the parking lot. Sheriff White made initial contact with the subject and identified him as David R. Gansert, 44, of Brownsburg, Ind. The investigation revealed the registration plate affixed to Gansert’s motorcycle was not assigned to it and he could not provide proof of insurance. Additionally, a serial number on one of the motorcycle’s major components had been reported stolen off a motorcycle in Indianapolis, Ind. Gansert was arrested by Deputy Beeler and charged with the following offenses: (1) receiving stolen property ($1,000 < $10,000), (2) failure of owner to maintain required insurance, second or greater offense, (3) improper registration plate, and (4) expired out-of-state registration plate or receipt. Gansert was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.
- On Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, around 7:18 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler investigated a single-vehicle collision on Port Authority Road involving an Eddyville Police Department cruiser. His investigation revealed Officer Joshua Oden, 35, of Cadiz was eastbound on Port Authority Road when a deer entered his path and he was unable to avoid a collision. No injuries were reported and the vehicle remained operational.
- On Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, around 10:23 a.m., Deputy Lori Francis served a criminal summons from Christian District Court on Tana S. Stewart, 35, of Gracey, charging her with one count of unlawful transaction with a minor, third degree. She faces a December court date in Hopkinsville.
- On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, around 3:30 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis and Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a disturbance complaint at a residence on KY 93 North near Kuttawa. The investigation
Dustin McKinney, 35, and Andrew Bryan, 29, were taken into custody Friday night about 8 p.m. by Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head. They separately face Class C felony charges filed in sealed indictments, which were issued by the Crittenden County Grand Jury on Nov. 13.
While those case files have not been formally unsealed, it appears the two are charged in connection with the death of a 22-year-old man found deceased at McKinney’s home in Greenwood Heights in June 2023.
Both men are being held in the Crittenden County Detention Center. Marion Police Department is the lead investigative agency on the two cases.
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