 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Crittenden County Fiscal Court will hold a special called meeting at 5 p.m., this evening, April 29, at the county office complex.
The agenda includes second readings of ordinances amending the county’s occupational tax and the fiscal year 2025 annual budget. Magistrates will also conduct a first reading of an ordinance establishing an Ethics Review Board for the city and county, review and approve an ambulance purchase, and acknowledge the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget.
A closed session is scheduled under KRS 61.810 (1)(g) before adjournment.
📬 Subscribe to The Early Bird!
Get your FREE digital edition delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.
Simply email us at EarlyBird@the-press.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line
Stay connected. Stay informed. 🐦
📣 It’s Here! 🎉
This is Debut Week for the all-new Digital Early Bird! 🐦💻
Stay in the loop with local deals, community news, and more — now delivered straight to your inbox!
Subscribe for FREE by clicking here ➡️ earlybird@the-press.com?subject=SUBSCRIBE
Don't miss a single issue — The Early Bird is flying digital! ✉️✨
#EarlyBird #DigitalDebut #FreeSubscription #StayConnected
Jacquelyn R. Tillery, 46, of Mount Vernon, charged with failure to appear from Madison District Court;
Jamie C.N. Feltner, 47, of Upton, charged with contempt of court from Campbell Circuit Court for failure to pay child support;
Ryan T. Crawley, 41, no address, charged with a Scott Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with kidnapping (victim death) and tampering with physical evidence. This case was investigated by the Georgetown Police Department.
- On Monday, April 21, 2025, around 3:20 p.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a two-vehicle, minor-injury collision on US 62 at KY 810 South. His investigation revealed a 2008 Toyota Sienna, driven by William J. Vancil, 24, of Hickory, was attempting to turn onto US 62 westbound from KY 810 South when he failed to yield the right-of-way to a 2007 Subaru, which was eastbound on US 62 and driven by Brooklyn Wadlington, 32, of Kuttawa. Both drivers complained of minor injuries but declined medical transport from the scene. KSP CVE Division, Kuttawa Fire Department, Eddyville Police Department, and Lyon County EMS assisted Sheriff White at the scene.
- On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, beginning around 8 a.m., deputies served arrest warrants on the following offenders:
Cody Dennison, 30, of Owensboro, charged with failure to appear in Daviess District Court;
Juan Pacheco, 30, of Mayfield, served a complaint warrant from Graves District Court charging him with criminal possession of a forged instrument–third degree, drug paraphernalia possession, possession of a controlled substance–first degree (methamphetamine), and possession of marijuana. Both drug charges were firearm-enhanced.
- On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9:45 a.m., SRO Deputy Jason Young responded to a disturbance complaint at the high school. His investigation determined an argument inside a classroom during an instructional period between two students spilled over into the hallway, resulting in one student taking several swings in an attempt to assault another student. The behavior was captured on video and Deputy Young charged a 17-year-old male student with disorderly conduct–second degree. The child was released to the custody of a parent/guardian.
- On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, around 1:23 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams was dispatched to Days Inn Drive in Kuttawa for a two-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a 2020 Peterbilt, driven by Patrick
The Lady Cardinals wiped out every opponent they faced in the tournament, winning five of their six games by shutout, and outscoring opponents 73-2.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Crittenden County Schools is looking for bus drivers.
Crittenden County Fiscal Court has taken the first big step toward its first occupational tax increase in over a decade. The proposal? A jump from 0.5% to 1.5% on both payroll and net profits — a move officials say is critical to keep the ambulance service and E-911 operations afloat.
Judge Perry Newcom says skyrocketing costs — like a $221K annual insurance bill and $337K ambulance contract — are outpacing the current tax revenue. If approved on second reading, the new rates take effect July 1 and are expected to bring in an additional $800,000 per year.
Magistrates are set to consider formal passage of the plan at 5pm Tuesday in a special called meeting.
📰 Read the full story in this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press — details, debate, and what it means for your paycheck or business.
#CrittendenCounty #OccupationalTax #LocalGovernment #EMSFunding #E911 #TheCrittendenPress
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
🎉 BIG LOCAL UPDATES from The Early Bird! 🐤
📅 Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | Full Bird at www.the-press.com/ThisWeekBird.pdf
🚌 NOW HIRING BUS DRIVERS!
Crittenden County Schools are paying $16.67/hr, with paid training, insurance, and retirement. Love kids? This could be your next career move! Call 270-965-3866.
🏘️ Need a new place to live?
Cole Springs Apartments in Marion has NEWLY BUILT 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms now accepting applications. 📞 Call 270-965-5960 for info.
⚒️ Tackling Home Projects?
🧰 Stop by H&H Home & Hardware – we're growing and stocked up with spring garden essentials, outdoor tools & friendly faces!
💰 Need financing help?
Charlie Day at First United Bank is ready to help with Home Equity Line of Credit options – as low as $99 closing costs! ✅ Fast approval & local service.
🪦 Honor your loved ones
Trust Henry & Henry Monuments in Marion for quality craftsmanship and local care.
🎶 FOHS HALL Presents:
🎭 The Music Man Junior – May 1-3. Don’t miss this family-friendly performance!
🔥 Big News!
Rite Temp Heating & Cooling is under NEW OWNERSHIP! Same great service – call 270-965-6544.
👍 Support local, hire local, shop local!
#MarionKY #CrittendenCounty #TheEarlyBird #LocalJobs #HomeImprovement #SupportLocal #HometownLiving #SpringProjects
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, around 8:15 a.m., Sheriff Brent White responded to a collision investigation in Kuttawa on Days Inn Drive. His investigation revealed a 2023 International truck driven by Kevin S. Lush Jr., 30, of Mabelvale, Ark., was attempting to make a left-hand turn onto Days Inn Drive from a Kuttawa business when he collided with a concrete culvert headwall, causing damage to his semi-trailer. No injuries were reported.
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler charged Courtney L. Bennett, 35, of Princeton with theft by unlawful taking $10,000 < $1,000,000. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office began a felony theft investigation on April 14 from a Kuttawa business. The investigation revealed Bennett stole more than $11,777 from the business while employed there.
Later that evening, around 8:47 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver served a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant on Robert Fredianelli, 43, of Georgia, charging him with DUI–first offense (aggravating circumstances) and three counts of first-degree assault in connection to a collision that occurred Nov. 1, 2024. Fredianelli was determined to be the driver of a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lane at a high rate of speed while under the influence of intoxicating substances. He was extradited from Georgia and lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center. The original incident report from 2024 states: On Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, around 6:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a two-vehicle injury collision on U.S. 62 just east of Suwanee. The preliminary investigation, led by Deputy Shannon Oliver, revealed that a 2020 Toyota Camry driven by Fredianelli was eastbound on U.S. 62 when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound 2018 GMC Acadia driven by Leigh A. Oliver, 37, of Corydon. Oliver had two passengers: Leslie M. Powell, 36, and Kendi M. Martin, 37, both of Waverly. All four occupants of both vehicles were severely injured in the collision.
Dreaming of hunting one of North America’s most majestic animals? Now’s your chance!
The 2025 Kentucky Elk Hunt Drawing is officially open — and with just $10 per entry, you can apply to be part of the largest elk hunt east of the Rocky Mountains. With 500 permits available, your odds of tagging a Kentucky bull or cow have never looked better.
🎯 Apply for any or all of the following permit types:
Bull Firearm
Cow Firearm
Archery/Crossbow (either sex)
👦 Youth hunters (ages 15 and younger) are also eligible to enter for one of 26 Youth Either-Sex Elk Permits.
🆕 New this year: Loyalty Redraw – a second-chance drawing for long-time resident applicants who haven’t been drawn in previous years. Unclaimed permits will be awarded to these persistent hunters. Click here for more info.
💡 Each application increases your chances, so don’t wait — the herd is calling!
The courts were made possible through a collaborative effort between the Marion-Crittenden County Park Board, Marion Tourism Commission and a local association of pickleball players.
With the sport’s growing popularity, the project aims to provide a fun, accessible recreational option for all ages. Community members are encouraged to bring their paddles and enjoy the new facilities starting this week.
Improved lighting will be further upgrades coming to the courts.
Perry, who appeared in 31 games and started four during his freshman season, averaged 2.7 points and provided key minutes late in the year amid injuries to Lamont Butler and Jaxson Robinson. He made a 3-pointer in 13 of UK’s final 21 games but finished the season shooting just 32% from beyond the arc.
A wrist injury in the SEC tournament likely contributed to Perry missing the Wildcats’ last two NCAA tournament games — a win over Illinois and a season-ending loss to Tennessee.
With Perry’s departure, head coach Mark Pope is left with 12 scholarship players. The Wildcats are adding five-star guard Jasper Johnson and transfers Jaland Lowe (Pittsburgh) and Denzel Aberdeen (Florida) to bolster their backcourt.
🚧 I-24 Nighttime Lane Closures Begin Friday in Lyon County 🚧
A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will begin a nighttime lane restriction along I-24 in Lyon County starting Friday, April 25. The work zone stretches from the Cumberland River Bridge (mile point 33.88) on the Livingston-Lyon County line to Exit 45 at KY 293 (mile point 44.7).
👷 Crews will work 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., alternating between eastbound and westbound lanes, removing reflective striping and sealing cracks in three-mile sections.
⚠️ Reduced speed limit: 55 mph
🚨 Watch for signs and trucks with arrow boards directing traffic into the open lane.
💡 A similar nighttime lane restriction also continues on I-24 in McCracken County, with crack sealing beginning around Monday, April 28.
🛣️ This work is part of a $9.2 million sealing and micro-paving project across I-24 and I-69 in McCracken, Lyon, Graves, Hickman and Fulton counties.
📅 Target completion: Sept. 30, 2025
🚧 Contractor: Strawser Construction
📢 Follow KYTC District 1 for ongoing updates.
ALSO: A daytime work zone lane restriction along Interstate 24 in Lyon, Caldwell and Trigg counties will shift to the eastbound lanes beginning Wednesday, April 23. Contractors for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet are working from mile markers 51.9 to 64.5. Crews will be milling and installing edge rumble strips in roughly 4.5-mile sections daily, as weather allows. Work on the westbound lanes in the same area wrapped up yesterday.
Ready to Bloom? Here’s Your Local Greenhouse & Garden Guide!
Dig into spring with some of the area’s best garden spots and homegrown goodies:
H&H Home & Hardware 🛠️
• Seeds, soil, mulch & fresh plants 🪴
Hidden Valley Kitchen 🧁
• Baked goods, jellies, pickles & more 🧺
Bluegrass Farm Supply 🐓
• NON-GMO feeds for farm & home projects 🌾
Shady Maple 🥕
• Fresh vegetables, flowers & bedding plants 🌼
CCHS Ag-Ed Greenhouse 🎓
• Support local FFA with annuals, veggies & ferns 🌿
Rustic Gate Garden Center 🌳
• Trees, shrubs, flowers & custom-made baskets 💐
Pleasant View Greenhouse 🌸
• Ferns, veggies, planters & blooms 🪴
Akridge Farm Supply 🚜
• All-in-one lawn & garden hub 🌻
View this week’s full guide:
https://the-press.com/ThisWeekBird.pdf
Heads up: Amish businesses will be closed Ascension Day, May 29
— brought to you by Marion Tourism Commission
#ShopLocal #SpringBloom #GardenSeason #CrittendenCounty #SupportLocal
|
| Click Image to Enlarge |
🚢 Cave-In-Rock Ferry Reopening!
📅 Wednesday, April 23
⏰ 6:00 A.M.
✅ KY 91 is now open
🧹 Crews are wrapping up final cleanup today
🌊 High water has receded
📲 Stay updated at facebook.com/CIRFerry
📍 Connects Crittenden Co., KY & Hardin Co., IL via the Ohio River
🤝 Operated by a private contractor
💰 Funded jointly by KYTC & IDOT
🚧 FLOODED ROADS UPDATE – CRITTENDEN, LIVINGSTON & LYON COUNTIES
As of today, high water continues to impact several state routes in western Kentucky. Drivers are urged to use caution, avoid floodwaters, and never drive around barricades. For real-time updates, visit GoKY.Ky.Gov or use the WAZE app.
KY 1917 is CLOSED at MP 1.5 (Wolf Creek) – between Wolf Creek Road and Roberts Road.
KY 91 is CLOSED at MP 15 approaching the Cave-In-Rock ferry (ferry also closed).
KY 120 is CLOSED at MP 16 near the Tradewater River.
KY 132 is CLOSED at MP 1.973.
KY 135 is CLOSED at MP 4.15 (Sawmill Holler).
KY 135 is OPEN at MP 12.1 (One Lane Bridge near KY 91) – CLEAR.
KY 137/River Road is CLOSED from MP 3.4 to 15.2.
KY 133/Lola Road is CLOSED from MP 18.3 to 18.8 near KY 137.
KY 819 is CLOSED at MP 2.3 (Panther Creek).
📣 Livingston County Fiscal Court Meeting – April 22 🏛️
Mark your calendar! The next regular meeting of the Livingston County Fiscal Court is set for Tuesday, April 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the courthouse. 🗓️
📝 Agenda highlights include:
First reading of the FY26 County Budget
Updates on the EMS, Sheriff’s Department, Road Department and more
Second readings of $13,000 in Library Grants and $17,000 Grand Rivers Deputy Reimbursement
Discussion on Rural Secondary Roads and County Road Aid Resolution
Review of the Policy Manual, special vehicle use (SB63), and a Generator Maintenance Contract
Community input is welcomed during the Citizen Concerns portion of the meeting. Come stay informed and involved! 💬
#LivingstonCountyKY #FiscalCourt #PublicMeeting #CommunityEngagement #LocalGovernment #KentuckyNews
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
🚧 HIGH WATER ALERT – 3pm April 21, 2025 🌧️
Floodwaters are receding across western Kentucky, but several roads in Crittenden, Livingston and Lyon counties are still impacted:
🔴 Crittenden County
• KY 1917 CLOSED at MP 1.5 (Wolf Creek)
• KY 91 CLOSED at MP 15 near Cave-In-Rock ferry (ferry also closed)
• KY 132 CLOSED at MP 1.973
🔴 Livingston County • KY 137/River Road CLOSED from MP 5.4 to 15.2
✅ Lyon County • No state roads currently reported closed due to high water
⚠️ Never drive through standing water or around barricades!
📍 Check GoKY.Ky.Gov or WAZE for real-time road updates. Stay safe! #kywx #floodalert #CrittendenCounty #LivingstonCounty #LyonCounty
🚨 Marion City Council Meeting Alert 🚨
📅 Monday, April 21
🕔 5:00 PM
📍 Marion City Hall – 217 S. Main Street
Your city leaders are meeting to talk about important issues that impact YOU — including:
✅ A new public street name: Free Will Street
✅ Budget updates and funding decisions
✅ City water discussion 💧
✅ Zoning changes & condemned home updates
✅ Street paving plans 🚧
✅ Extension on tax & fee payment deadlines
✅ Recognition awards & more!
📣 Public comments welcome at the start of the meeting. Come get involved and stay informed about what’s happening in your city! 🏛️
#MarionKY #CityCouncil #LocalGovernment #CrittendenCounty #CommunityMatters #MarionCityHall
Crittenden County
KY 1917 is CLOSED with high water at the 1.5 MP (Wolf Creek). This is between Wolf Creek Road and Roberts Road.
KY 91 is CLOSED with high water at about the 15 MP leading up to the Cave-In-Rock ferry. The ferry is closed.
KY 120 is open at the 16 MP off the Tradewater River. - CLEAR
KY 132 is CLOSED with high water at the 1.973 MP.
KY 135 is CLOSED with high water between the 4.15 MP (Sawmill Holler).
Livingston County
KY 137/River Road is CLOSED with high water between the 3.4-15.2 MP.
KY 133/Lola Road is CLOSED with high water from the 18.3-18.8 MP, near the intersection with KY 137/River Road.
Lyon County
KY 819 is CLOSED with high water at the 2.3 MP (Panther Creek).
🚧 Road Closure Update: High Water in Crittenden, Livingston & Lyon Counties (Apr. 19, 2025) 🚧
As of 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, several roads in Crittenden, Livingston, and Lyon counties remain closed due to high water, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1. Drivers are reminded not to drive through flooded areas or bypass barricades.
🔹 Crittenden County:
KY 1917 is closed at MP 1.5 (Wolf Creek).
KY 91 is closed at MP 15 approaching the Cave-In-Rock ferry. The ferry is also closed.
KY 120 is closed at MP 16 near the Tradewater River.
KY 132 is closed at MP 1.973.
KY 135 remains closed at MP 4.15 (Sawmill Holler) – NEW.
KY 135 is closed again at MP 12.1 near the One Lane Bridge at the KY 91 intersection.
KY 135 has reopened at MP 5.3 and MP 6.6 (Tolu) – CLEAR.
🔹 Livingston County:
KY 917/Tucker Temple Rd is closed between MP 6.9–8.3.
KY 137/River Rd is closed from MP 0–15.2 between U.S. 60 and KY 133/Lola Rd.
KY 133/Lola Rd is closed from MP 18.3–18.8 near its junction with KY 137.
🔹 Lyon County:
KY 819 is closed at MP 2.3 (Panther Creek).
📱 For real-time updates, visit GoKY.Ky.Gov or use the WAZE app. Stay safe and alert while traveling.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
Crittenden County emergency personnel are on the scene of an accident on Mott City Road near the Crittenden-Caldwell County line.
Crittenden County Rescue Squad was called to extract a victim from the single-vehicle accident that occurred around 3:40 pm. Crittenden EMS is on the scene, and AirEvac has been requested to the scene.
There are no official reports or legal records indicating any issues involving Head. He remains active in his duties as sheriff.
Spreading false information can have serious consequences. The public is encouraged to rely on official channels for truthful news.
Roadwork Alert: KY 70 Resurfacing Project Begins April 22
Heads up, Crittenden County drivers! 🚧
Starting Tuesday, April 22, a contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will begin resurfacing a stretch of KY 70 from Dycusburg to Frances (mile points 0 to 5.4). The project includes milling, paving, permanent striping, and edge-line rumble strips.
👷 Expect daytime lane restrictions and flaggers directing alternating traffic as crews work in sections along the route. Please watch for signage and use extra caution in work zones.
📅 Target completion date: May 23.
Stay safe and plan ahead! #CrittendenCounty #KYTC #Roadwork #DriveSafe #KY70Updates
🚧 Crittenden County Road Closures (High Water):
KY 1917 at MP 1.5 (Wolf Creek)
KY 91 at MP 15 (leading to Cave-In-Rock Ferry – ferry is closed)
KY 120 at MP 16 (Tradewater River area)
KY 132 at MP 1.973
KY 135 from MP 4.15–5.3 (between KY 297 and KY 723, east of Tolu)
KY 135 at MP 6.6 (near Tolu)
KY 135 at MP 12.1 (One Lane Bridge near KY 91)
KY 365 at MP 7.7 (between Bells Mine Rd. and the Union Co. line)
🚧 Livingston County Road Closures (High Water):
KY 917/Tucker Temple Rd. from MP 6.9–8.3
KY 137/River Rd. from MP 0–15.2 (U.S. 60 to KY 133/Lola Rd.)
KY 133/Lola Rd. from MP 18.3–18.8 (near KY 137)
✅ Cleared in Livingston County:
KY 1608/Maxfield Rd. (MP 2–3.1)
KY 70/Tiline Rd. (MP 0–1.8 and MP 6.9–9.3)
🚧 Lyon County Road Closure (High Water):
KY 819 at MP 2.3 (Panther Creek)
🗓️ Crittenden County Community Calendar
Your guide to upcoming events in and around Marion
Saturday, April 19
• 🕖 7–10 a.m. – All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast at Salem Masonic Lodge #81, 237 W. Main St., Salem ($6)
• 🕖 10 a.m. – Easter Egg Hunt at fairgrounds
Monday, April 21
• 🕔 5 p.m. – Marion City Council meeting at City Hall
• 🕖 7 p.m. – Fredonia City Council meeting at City Hall
• 🕒 3:30 p.m. – Geology Club meets at Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum
Tuesday, April 22
• 🕛 12 p.m. – Hooks and Needles crafting at the Crittenden County Public Library
• 🕠 5:30 p.m. – Cucumber and squash gardening workshop at the Extension Annex (Community Christmas credit)
Wednesday, April 23
• 🕒 3 p.m. – A Walk in the Park at City-County Park
Tuesday, April 29
• 🕓–🕕 4–6 p.m. – Preschool Screening at CCES (Must be 3 by Aug. 1; call 270-965-2243 to schedule)
Friday Mornings Through May 16
• 🕘–🕑 9 a.m.–2 p.m. – Preschool Screening continues at Crittenden County Elementary School
Saturday, May 10
• 🕗–🕐 8 a.m.–1 p.m. – Extension Homemakers’ Bake Sale at H&H Home and Hardware – stock up on cakes and pies for Mother’s Day!
Saturday, May 17
• 🕣 8:30 a.m. – Registration opens for the 5K & 1-Mile Run at Marion-Crittenden County Park
• 🕘 9 a.m. – Race starts; benefits Livingston Hospital Foundation. Register by May 1 for a free T-shirt!
📝 Have an event you’d like featured?
📞 Call (270) 965-3191 to add your group’s meeting or community activity to the next calendar update.
 |
| Click Image to Enlarge |
📬 2024 Delinquent Property Tax Bills Delivered
Delinquent tax bills have been transferred to the Crittenden County Clerk’s Office and will be payable starting Thursday, April 17. ⏳ Data is being imported and prepared—please be patient as the system updates.
📄 207 bills totaling $81,983.99 in unpaid taxes, penalties & interest were turned over by Sheriff Evan Head. His office successfully collected over 6,550 bills since fall. ✅
⚠️ Important: If not paid by July 23, bills may be purchased by third parties who can place liens on properties and charge hefty penalties.
💵 Payment Options:
Cash 💰 | Cashier’s Check 🏦 | Money Order ✉️ | Charge Card 💳
🚫 No personal or business checks accepted.
🔁 Charge cards incur a service fee.
📞 Note: Delinquent 911 Service Fees must be paid to the County Treasurer, not the Clerk.
Questions? Contact the County Clerk’s Office for more info.
U.S. 60, which has been closed since the weekend, is now back open.
However, water is still over the road just south of Sullivan near the Crittenden-Union Line, but it's shallow and passable with caution.
KY 365 remains closed with high water at the 7.7 MP between Bells Mine Road and the Crittenden-Union County Line.
