Court Street transitioning to one way

MARION, Ky. — Due to ongoing construction at the new Crittenden County Judicial Center, Court Street in downtown Marion will permanently transition to a one-way street as early as next week.

Traffic will flow south to north, and signage is expected to be installed in the coming days. Striping of the new angled parking layout will follow shortly after.

City and county officials said the change is necessary to accommodate infrastructure updates and planned features along the back of the courthouse property. Construction supervisors are coordinating closely with local leaders to implement the change with minimal disruption.

Motorists and property owners along Court Street are encouraged to prepare for the new traffic pattern and directional parking shift. City officials plan to notify affected property owners directly.

Local text service launching Friday

Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor has launched a new text service called TextMyGov. It’ll send out important info, like election updates or vehicle registration reminders, straight to your phone. 

If you’re in the 42064 ZIP code, you may get a text from 91896 to opt in. If not, just text “CRITTENDENCLERK” to 91896 to sign up. You can opt out anytime by texting STOP.

Highway closed Aug. 6 near county line

WEBSTER COUNTY, Ky. – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close a section of KY 120 near the Crittenden County line on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to replace a failing cross drain.

The highway will be blocked to through traffic between KY 1525 (Gardner Lane) at mile point 0.62 and Diamond Green Grove Road at mile point 2.309. The closure is expected to last from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the work centered near the 1.5 mile point.

There will be no marked detour, and motorists are advised to plan alternate routes.

Three charged in alleged murder plot

ALLEGED SHOOTING WAS IN FEBRUARY;

IN MEXICO COMMUNITY OF CRITTENDEN COUNTY

 ©The Crittenden Press 

Three individuals are being held without bond in the Crittenden County Detention Center on conspiracy to commit murder and other charges following the conclusion of a months-long investigation into a winter shooting in the Mexico community of southern Crittenden County.

The arrests stem from a Feb. 10 incident in which an unnamed male victim in his 30s was allegedly shot while driving along KY 70 near the intersection with Jackson School Road around 4 a.m. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left hip but was able to drive himself to Crittenden Community Hospital. The victim has recovered.

As a result of an investigation by the West Kentucky Violent Crime Task Force, Lyon County Sheriff’s Department and Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head, arrests were made Thursday after sealed indictments were handed down Tuesday by the Crittenden County Grand Jury.

Jailed are Allison Robinson, 25, of Marion, charged with a Class B felony conspiracy to commit murder; Travis Robinson, 47, of Marion, charged with a Class B felony conspiracy to commit murder, a Class D felony possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, a Class D felony tampering with physical evidence and for allegedly being a persistent felony offender (PFO); and Jonathan Chase York, 40, of Marion, charged with a Class B felony for attempted murder, a Class D felony for possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, a Class D felony tampering with physical evidence and for allegedly being a persistent felony offender (PFO). The Class B felony charges against the two male suspects are enhanceable to Class A felonies under the PFO indictments. Based on the charges, it appears that York is believed to have been the actual shooter. 

Travis Robinson was taken into custody in Kuttawa at 12:44 a.m. Thursday by Lyon County Deputy Bobby Beeler. York and Allison Robinson were arrested in Crittenden County by Sheriff Evan Head later in the day.

Back in February, authorities said the shooting involved a small-caliber handgun, likely larger than a .22, and the bullet entered through the driver’s side door of the victim’s Ford Mustang. The investigation revealed enough evidence to warrant multiple felony charges against the three suspects, each of whom will be arraigned in Crittenden Circuit Court on Thursday, Aug. 14.

Beeler was initially involved in the investigation while he was briefly a deputy in Crittenden County. He later transferred to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department, but continued the investigation with help from the other agencies.

At this time, a motive behind the shooting has not been publicly disclosed. All three suspects have lengthy criminal records involving drugs and other crimes. Three weeks ago, Allison Robinson was convicted in Crittenden Circuit Court of being in possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and misdemeanor charges of second-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was given a probated three-year sentence. Travis Robinson is facing a firearms charge in Hopkins County, with formal sentencing set for Aug. 25. He also has previous trafficking convictions in Crittenden County and other felony convictions on his record. York has previous drug convictions in Crittenden and Caldwell counties and is currently on parole from at least one conviction. 

Post office lobby closed, back door open

Marion postmaster Adam Graham

The lobby of the Marion Post Office closed Thursday due to ceiling damage. It is closed indefinitely until work can be completed. 

Post office patrons may conduct business through the back door of the building on East Carlisle Street by ringing the buzzer near the loading dock.

Post office box access, stamp purchases and package drop-off will 

be handled by staff through the back entrance. 

Postmaster Adam Graham said a timeline for repairs should be known later today after a contractor surveys the problem.

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Tabor Road closing Friday for shoulder repair

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Crittenden County Highway Maintenance Crew plans to temporarily close Tabor Road and KY 1113 on Friday, Aug. 1, weather permitting.

Tabor Road, a county-maintained route, runs south from the intersection of KY 902 and KY 855 to connect with KY 1113 at the Crittenden-Lyon County Line.

The closure will extend from KY 902 in Crittenden County to KY 1943 in Lyon County.

KYTC crews will be performing shoulder repairs along both sides of the roadway. Work is scheduled to take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.

Motorists are asked to plan ahead and use alternate routes.

Tabor Road has seen increased traffic since the closure of the Livingston Creek Bridge at mile point 9.4 on KY 295, southeast of Dycusburg.

The new Livingston Creek Bridge is currently under construction, with an estimated completion date of the end of September, weather permitting. 

Fair Runs through Saturday Night

 

Crittenden County Fair Queens for 2025 are (from left) Brinley Tramble, 

Miss Crittenden County Teen; (Kendall Brooke Buell-Belt, 

Miss Pre-Teen; and Ella Geary, Miss Crittenden County.

🎪 FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 – FAMILY NIGHT
Starts at 5 p.m. @ the Fairgrounds

• Pony Rides, Face Painting, Games, Concessions & More!

• Just $5 per carload (kids FREE!)

• 5:30 PM: 4-H Poultry Show

• 6:00 PM: FFA Pedal Tractor Contest

• 7:00 PM: Stick Horse Contest & Barrel Racing

🚗 SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

• CAR SHOW: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. @ the Fairgrounds
  $15 entry fee | Awards at 3 p.m.
  Contact: Matt Tinsley (270) 704-1477

• DEMOLITION DERBY: 7 p.m.
  Gate: $15 (16+), $5 (ages 6–15), under 5 FREE
  Contact: Rodney Travis (270) 704-9514

🎟️ Bring the family and enjoy the excitement of the fair! #CrittendenCountyFair #FairFun #DemolitionDerby #FamilyNight #CarShow #KYFairs2025

KY 91 closed Thursday for road work

FREDONIA, Ky. — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 91 in Caldwell County on Thursday, July 31, for a cross drain replacement.

The closure will block the highway to through traffic from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. between KY 70 in Fredonia (mile marker 23.3) and KY 139 in Princeton (mile marker 13.9). The work zone will fully block KY 91 between Bright Hill Road (15 mm) and East White Sulfur Road (16 mm).

A marked detour will direct drivers along KY 70 and KY 139. Motorists may also bypass the closure using U.S. 62 and U.S. 641 through Eddyville, though this alternate will not be marked.

The closure is expected to last one day.

Crash blocking I-24

GRAND RIVERS, Ky. — A crash has blocked both westbound lanes of Interstate 24 near mile marker 31 in Livingston County, according to a release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Traffic is being detoured using the I-24 Exit 31 off-ramp at KY 453 (Grand Rivers/Smithland) and routed back onto the interstate via the on-ramp. Emergency crews are on scene, but there is currently no estimate for how long the closure will last.

Heavy traffic is expected along KY 453 and at the interchange as westbound motorists navigate the detour. Drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible.

Marion Post Office lobby temporary closed

Update: The lobby of the office is open.

The lobby of the Marion Post Office is closed indefinitely until work can be completed to repair ceiling damage.  Post office patrons may conduct business through the back door of the building on East Carlisle Street by ringing the buzzer near the loading dock. 

Post office box access, stamp purchases and package drop-off will be handled by staff through the back entrance. There is no timeline for repairs.

Lyon County Sheriff's Activity

WEEKLY SHERIFF'S REPORT

On Tuesday, July 15, around 12:24 p.m., deputies served a Whitley County bench warrant on Justin G. Jaynes, 33, of Williamsburg, for nonpayment of fines and court costs associated with a criminal mischief case.

Later that day, around 1:30 p.m., deputies responded to a criminal mischief complaint from the Lyon County judge-executive’s office regarding a county road that had been trenched by someone installing a water line to a nearby barn. The investigation led to Chief Deputy Sam Adams citing Lonnie J. McFadden, 48, of Oakland City, Ind., for second-degree criminal mischief. The estimated damage was $900. McFadden will face an August court date.

On Wednesday, July 16, around 8:15 a.m., Sheriff Brent White served a Lyon District Court bench warrant on Aiden J. B. Whiteman, 23, of Hickory, who had failed to appear in court for a DUI-related case. He was turned over to the Lyon County Jailer.

On Thursday and Friday, July 17–18, deputies served warrants on the following individuals:

• Bradley Tanner, 45, of Calhoun, charged with second-degree escape out of Jefferson County. He awaits extradition.
• Valerie Turner, 40, of Cave City, charged with flagrant non-support out of Hart County. She awaits extradition.
• Wendy C. Furbush, 60, of Glasgow, charged with failure to appear in Barren District Court for a theft-related case. She awaits extradition.
• Jimmy L. Clark, 21, of Clay, charged on four warrants from Webster County for failure to appear in cases involving criminal mischief, assault, disorderly conduct and traffic offenses. He awaits extradition.
• Mackenzie Redd, 34, of Kuttawa, charged with contempt of court in a Graves District Court traffic case. Redd posted a cash bond and was released.

On Sunday, July 20, around 7:19 a.m., Deputy Josh Travis served a Lyon Circuit Court bench warrant on Marcko N. Palomo for failure to appear. He had been extradited to Kentucky from Florida and faces charges related to a felony drug trafficking case. Palomo was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

On Monday, July 21, around 3:38 p.m., deputies along with Eddyville and Kuttawa fire personnel responded to a hazardous materials incident on KY 293 at I-24. A semi hauling cars ruptured a fuel tank while exiting I-24 at Exit 45, spilling more than 300 gallons of diesel. KY 293 and the ramp were closed until midnight while cleanup and road repairs were completed. KYTC and KSP personnel also assisted.

On Tuesday, July 22, around 11:13 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams investigated a scam. A citizen received a computer pop-up claiming the device had been hacked and was scammed into sending thousands of dollars in Bitcoin to fraudsters located outside the U.S. The sheriff reminds the public not to divert money

Registration Open for Fall Soccer

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Former Mayor Mickey Alexander

talks about the new Cherry Highway

Plus, solar farms in Livingston and Crittenden's fair

Life’s Most Important Memorials

Henry & Henry Monuments | Marion, Kentucky

When it comes to honoring a loved one, every detail matters. From the shape of a headstone to the font etched in granite, families want a lasting tribute that reflects a meaningful life. At Henry & Henry Monuments in Marion, we've been guiding families through these deeply personal decisions for more than 140 years.

Since 1881, our family has served Western Kentucky with compassion, craftsmanship, and unmatched knowledge of cemetery guidelines across the region. With over 120 years of combined experience among our team, we help you navigate the many options available—traditional headstones, cremation markers, custom shapes, personalized engravings, and more.

Whether you're pre-planning or making decisions during a difficult time, our staff is here to answer your questions and make the process as comfortable as possible. We take pride in helping you create a memorial that tells a story, preserves a legacy, and offers comfort for generations.

Visit us at 207 Sturgis Road in Marion, or explore our services online at henryandhenrymonuments.com. You can also find us on Facebook for updates, design inspiration, and testimonials from families we've helped throughout the years.

Let our family help your family create a lasting tribute—because every life deserves to be remembered beautifully.

Fair events begin Saturday with pulls

Click Image to Enlarge

Events associated with the Crittenden County Lions Club Fair begin Saturday with the tractor and truck pulls.

Four additional nights of activities include pageants at Fohs Hall, a free Family Night, car show and the fan-favorite demolition derby.

All events, other than the pageant, are held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds near City-County Park in Marion.

Shop Local for These Fresh Products

Get More Information on these producers

GET MORE INFO

🛒 Local Producers & Farm Goods – Marion Area 

Support these hometown businesses offering fresh, local, and specialty products:

🔹 Bluegrass Farm Supply – Non-GMO feeds, plumbing & hardware (Mt. Zion Church Rd)
🔹 Camp Creek Farm – Pure Kentucky Maple Syrup (Rooster Lane)
🔹 Stutzman's Feed Mill – Custom livestock & pet feed mixes (Mt. Zion Church Rd)
🔹 Barnes Farms & Milling Co. – Fresh heirloom cornmeal, grits & ancient grains
🔹 P&H Cattle Co. – American Wagyu beef, pork, chicken & seafood
🔹 Croft Family Farms – Whole or half hogs & lambs, delivery available
🔹 Mary’s Veggie Station – Jellies, sauces, pickles & produce (Crittenden Springs Rd)
🔹 Tobie Mast – Sweet corn $4.50/dozen (Fords Ferry Rd, thru Aug. 14)

Eat fresh. Buy local. Support our farms! 🌽🐖🍅🥩🧄

Get More Information on these producers

Back to School in Livingston

SMITHLAND, Ky. — Livingston County Schools will host its annual Cardinal Kick-Off event on Monday, July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Livingston Central High School.

The districtwide back-to-school celebration will include free school supplies, food and drinks, games, music, and door prizes. Student physicals will also be available on site. Organizers say the event is designed for the whole family.

The event is presented by the Family First Resource Center and Cardinal Connection.

Season dock launched at Riverview

The seasonal boat dock at Riverview Park, located at the former Dam 50 site on the Ohio River in northern Crittenden County, was installed recently after high water levels had delayed its placement. Crews were finally able to anchor the floating dock after river levels dropped below the mooring hardware. 

Access to the park remains a challenge. The bridge on the main road leading into Riverview Park is still out, forcing campers and day users to reach the site via backroads over Cotton Patch Hill. The detour has significantly reduced traffic to the park’s campground this summer. Officials now say the bridge is not expected to be reopened until November.

STATE FARM | Thursday NEWScast

 

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Lions Club President Matt Tinsley 

Talks About the County Fair

Davidson retiring from Kentucky Farm Bureau

Click Image to Enlarge

Longtime Kentucky Farm Bureau Larry Davidson has announced his retirement. In doing so, he expresses his appreciation to his customers who have entrusted him with their insurance needs for 44 years.

The Marion office remains open and can be reached 

at (270) 965-4624.

Help them celebrate!

🎉 Celebrating 65 Years of Service! 🚗✨

From Beavers Brothers (1960-2005) to Beavers Car Wash (2005-Present), this Marion, KY staple has been keeping cars clean and customers happy for generations.

Check out this blast from the past with a 1975 photo of the original crew—Joey Kimsey, Richard Brown, Ken Beavers, Jerry Beavers & Steve Gilland—then fast forward to today with Kurt & Kristi Beavers continuing the legacy.

📍 Visit us at 301 S. Main St., Marion, KY

💦 Automatic Touchless Wash

🙌 Thank you for your continued support!

#BeaversCarWash #MarionKY #FamilyBusiness #65YearsStrong #LocalLegacy #Throwback #SupportLocal

Community Medical Clinic unveils mobile health

A Meet and Greet showcasing Community Medical Clinic's new mobile health unit begins at 11 a.m., today at 3618 U.S. 60 West in Marion. 

Community members are welcome to take a tour, meet the team running the unit, and celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Crittenden County Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 a.m. 

Community Medical Clinic provides primary, dental and pediatric care, chronic care management, sports and employment physicals, an on-site lab, vaccines for children and urgent care. 

Event Details:
📍 Location: 3618 US-60, Marion, KY 42064
🕚 Doors Open: 11 a.m.
✂️ Ribbon Cutting: 11:30 a.m.

Convenient | Caring | Healthcare

Need a doctor AND a ride? We've got you covered! 🚐💙

At Health First Community Health Center in Princeton, KY, 

we offer more than just care — we offer transportation assistance too!

Just call us to arrange a ride 👉 (270) 365-9455

✅ Family Practice

✅ Behavioral Health

✅ Eye Care, Lab Work & More

💊 Discounts available on healthcare & prescriptions

🚶 Walk-ins welcome

📍 1100 S. Jefferson Street, Princeton, KY

I-24 westbound can't exit at Eddyville

Conditions as of 4:30pm on Monday, motorists are unable to exit Interstate 24 westbound at Exit 45 in Lyon County due to a diesel fuel spill on the off-ramp.

The Exit 45 off-ramp at KY 293 in Eddyville is blocked to allow for cleanup. There is no estimated duration.

Fohs Hall area's premiere event venue

Click Image to Enlarge

Planning a bridal shower, class reunion or special 

event? Consider holding that event at Fohs Hall.

Fohs Hall, a beautiful 100-year-old cultural arts 

center, is the area's premier special events venue.

For rental information, contact Elliot West.

Shine up those Rides!

🚘 Shine Up Those Rides, Marion!

The Marion Show & Shine Car Show is back this Thursday, July 24 from 5:30–7 p.m. at Marion Commons, 213 S. Main St. Come check out the hottest rides in town, enjoy a beautiful evening, and be part of the local tradition!

🏁 Next dates: Aug. 28 & Sept. 25

💵 Register at each show for a chance to WIN $500—the drawing is at the final show in September!

📸 Don't miss the sunset, the shine, and the roar of classic and modern cars downtown.

Sponsored by the City of Marion Tourism Commission. #MarionKY #CarShow #ShowAndShine #CruiseNight #SmallTownEvents #KentuckyCars

Fair events kick off Saturday with pulls

Click Image to Enlarge

Events associated with the Crittenden County Lions Club Fair begin Saturday with the tractor and truck pulls.

Four additional nights of activities include pageants at Fohs Hall, a free Family Night, car show and the fan-favorite demolition derby.

All events, other than the pageant, are held at the Lions Club Fairgrounds near City-County Park in Marion.

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City Council meets at 5pm Monday

Marion City Council will convene Monday, July 21 at 5 p.m. at City Hall for its regular monthly meeting, where members are expected to take up a number of agenda items including ordinance readings, council appointments, and project updates.

The business agenda includes a second reading of Ordinance No. 25-11, which amends the penalty section of the city’s animal control laws. Three additional ordinances will receive first readings, including changes to the city pay plan for employees and officials (Ordinance 25-12), regulations for street-legal special purpose vehicles (Ordinance 25-13), and an amendment to the city’s golf cart regulations (Ordinance 25-14).

Updates on the Waters Grant-funded water meter installation and road paving project will be provided, along with department reports from Maintenance Supervisor Greg Tabor and Code Enforcement/Planning and Zoning Officer Tanya Scholtz-Byers.

A city employee retirement will also be recognized before the meeting concludes with comments from the mayor, council,and staff. The meeting is open to the public.

Community Calendar

For more information on any of these events

or activities see full edition of Crittenden Press

 📅 CRITTENDEN COUNTY COMMUNITY CALENDAR

🗓️ July 18 – August 17, 2025
📍 Save the dates and share with your friends!

---

🔹 Friday, July 18
🍦 Ice Cream Social – 1–2:30PM @ New Beginnings, Salem
👑 Miss KY USA Pageant Prelims – Evening @ Portsmouth, OH

---

🔹 Saturday, July 19
👗 Miss KY USA Pageant Finals – Evening @ Portsmouth, OH
🕊️ Celebration of Life for Joan Moore – 2PM @ Fredonia Presbyterian Church

---

🔹 Monday, July 21
🏛️ Marion City Council – Evening @ City Hall
🏛️ Fredonia City Council – 7PM @ Fredonia City Hall

---

🔹 Tuesday, July 22
🌇 Tourism Commission Meeting – 8:30AM @ Marion Welcome Center

---

🔹 Saturday, July 26
🏀 Meet Otega Oweh & Trent Noah – 1–3PM @ KY Oaks Mall (Paducah)
📸 Free photos + limited free autographs
🚜 Lions Club Truck & Tractor Pull – Evening @ Fairgrounds

---

🔹 Tuesday–Wednesday, July 30–31
👂 Free Hearing Screenings by KY HEARS – 9AM–2PM @ Marion Baptist Church
📞 Call 800-958-9610 or email hkyhears@thehearinginstitute.org to book!

---

🔹 Tuesday, July 29
🚧 Highway Dedication – US 641 (Marion–Fredonia) renamed for Rep. Mike Cherry

---

🔹 Friday, August 1
🎉 Family Fun Night – Free admission @ Fairgrounds
🎨 Face painting, dunk booth & more! Sponsored by the Chamber

---

🔹 Saturday, August 2
💥 Demolition Derby – @ Lions Club Fairgrounds

---

🔹 Monday, August 4
🏡 CRH Ribbon Cutting & Open House – 10AM–2PM @ 741 Chapel Hill Rd.
🎀 Chamber ceremony at 11AM

---

🔹 Wednesday, August 6
☕ Chamber of Commerce Meeting – 8AM @ Marion Welcome Center

---

📝 Got an event coming up? Message us or call 270-965-3191 to be included!
🔁 Please share this post to keep our community informed and connected!

#CrittendenCounty #MarionKY #CommunityCalendar #LocalEvents #SupportLocal

First United offers estate planning and more

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First United Bank offers more than routine banking services. 

Customers can trust the professional financial planning services of First United Bank for estate planning, trust administration, wealth management and charitable giving.

If you're considering any of these planning services, contact Laura Faulk, assistant vice president and trust officer with First United Bank.

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History of Middle School Gym | Hardwood for Sale

And More News & Sports

Candidates must file first, then announce

As the start date of the filing period for candidates in the 2026 elections nears, Crittenden County Clerk Daryl Tabor reminds prospective candidates of campaign finance laws. The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance (KREF) requires all candidates to register their campaign before beginning any related activities, even announcing their candidacy. Candidate filing period begins Nov. 5.

While candidates for state and federal office often mention exploring a run for office, this differs from announcing your intent to run, even on social media… even if you have not raised any money or do not intend to spend money. The same rule applies from judge-executive down to conservation district supervisor. Violation of election finance laws can result in felony charges.

The first step is to register your campaign at KREF.ky.gov. A downloadable guide is available online. Questions about election finance should be directed to KREF at 502-573-2226. 

Lyon County Sheriff | Weekly Activity Report

- On Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 9:16 p.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler, KDFWR game wardens and KSP troopers were dispatched to a trespassing complaint on Green Road. The investigation led to the following individuals being charged with third-degree criminal trespassing. Each was cited to court and removed from the property:

• Hannah M. Heath, 36, of Madisonville
• Alix M. Skidworth, 30, of Henderson
• Heather G. Smith, 34, of Nortonville
• Phillip A. Teague, 30, of Nortonville
• Lower William, 37, of Madisonville

- On Monday, July 7, 2025, at 5:10 p.m., Deputy Beeler responded to a Kuttawa business on Days Inn Drive and located a woman reported to be acting suspiciously. He determined she had outstanding warrants from multiple jurisdictions. Harley J. Collins, 30, of Marion, was detained and served with the following warrants:

• Union District Court – failure to appear in a 2025 case
• Crittenden District Court – failure to appear in a 2025 case
• Crittenden District Court – failure to pay fines/costs in two 2025 cases
• Crittenden District Court – failure to appear in a 2025 case

- On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at approximately 9:13 p.m., Deputy Beeler arrested Phillip E. Young, 50, of Eddyville. He was charged with contempt of court for failing to serve jail time and failing to report for jail as sentenced. Young was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at approximately 4:26 a.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a two-vehicle collision at the Huck’s Travel Center in Kuttawa. His investigation revealed that a 2017 International truck and trailer, driven by Jalen B. Ore, 28, of Williamstown, N.C., was attempting to park when it collided with a parked 2018 Freightliner. No injuries were reported.

- On Thursday, July 10, 2025, at approximately 1:47 p.m., deputies served Stephanie N. Jones-Fleming, 38, of Bowling Green, with a Warren Circuit Court indictment warrant charging her with trafficking in a

Read more in the July 10 edition of The Press

 📚 NEW LOCAL BOOK RELEASE! 

“From 2 to 89” – A Life Well Lived by Gordon Blue Guess

Marion’s own Gordon Blue Guess has penned a memoir that captures nearly nine decades of life, leadership, and laughter. From 2 to 89 is a heartfelt journey through small-town Kentucky, national politics, and personal memories.

From banking to baseball, from legal pads to published pages, this book is filled with wit, wisdom, and stories featuring everyone from Mitch McConnell to Muhammad Ali—and even a mention of Babe Ruth!

🖋️ Authored in his own words
📘 Nearly 150 pages of stories and snapshots
📍 Deep roots in Marion, Tolu & beyond
🏛️ Includes personal recollections of prominent local and national figures

Coming soon to Barnes & Noble, with a local copy placed at the Crittenden County Public Library.

✨ A must-read for anyone who loves hometown history, old-school storytelling, or wants a glimpse into a remarkable Kentucky life.

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Board of Education special meeting Tuesday

There will be a special meeting / working session of Crittenden County Board of Education on Tuesday, July 15th at 5:00 PM at Central Office.  

Flower Shop Blossoms Anew

Michelle Hodge, along with her husband Brian, has taken the reins of Louise’s Flower Shop as ownership leaves the York family for the first time in 50 years. 

In this week's full edition of The Crittenden Press, read more about the changeover and what's coming up in September.

The shop in located on Marion Street in Marion right across from the Five Star Convenience Center.

NOW IN EFFECT | Local withholdings tax incease

Local employers are reminded to adjust payroll withholdings following recent tax rate increases enacted by both Crittenden County and the City of Marion. 

Effective July 1, the payroll and net profits tax rates for both the city and county rose to 1.5%. The county rate tripled from its previous 0.5% and the city’s rate doubled from 0.75%. 

Employers are required to withhold the new rates from wages earned within either jurisdiction.

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Riverport upgrade will benefit farmers

Click Image to Enlarge

EDDYVILLE, Ky. – Area farmers stand to gain significantly from Gov. Andy Beshear’s announcement last Thursday of a $5.7 million Team Kentucky investment in public riverport projects across the commonwealth, with the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority receiving more than $840,000 to support ongoing growth and infrastructure upgrades.

The riverport is a key part of the area’s infrastructure supporting agriculture, particularly for transporting grain and fertilizer.

Eddyville Riverport received $750,000 from the construction and maintenance fund for its ongoing Dolphin Project, which involves the installation of mooring dolphins, offshore structures used to secure barges. An additional $91,928 was awarded for a paving project totaling $183,876, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety within the port area.

According to project guidelines, eligible grants are reserved for new construction or major repairs to riverport infrastructure such as docks, wharves, loading equipment, roads, rail access, storage buildings and related facilities, not for routine maintenance.

Amanda Davenport, executive director of the Eddyville Riverport and Industrial Development Authority, said these investments come as the port prepares for a significant expansion, with work expected to begin next spring or summer on a new water inlet.

Groundwork for this expansion was laid in 2022 when the port received a federal Port      Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant to construct the new inlet, approximately 300 feet long, 110 feet wide and 30 feet deep, on Lake Barkley at Cumberland River Mile 43. That addition will increase the available waterfront for loading and unloading.

State funds have also supported the installation of four new mooring dolphins, expanding the port’s current capabilities of three loading cells and eight fleeting cells.

“With this expansion, we’ll be able to double, or possibly even quadruple, the number of barges we can handle at one time,” said Davenport. “This is a game-changer for industry in western Kentucky.”

The funding announced last week is the final round of awards as part of a $2 million allocation announced in 2022.

Davenport hopes the paving project to improve land ingress and egress will be finished by harvest time this fall.

Marion man dies in tractor-trailer crash

BEECH GROVE, Ky. — A Marion man died Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer on KY 56 in McLean County.

Kentucky State Police said Brad Jones, 59, was driving eastbound in a 2016 Kenworth when he exited the right shoulder of the highway around 5:20 p.m., lost control, and crossed both lanes before the vehicle overturned onto the driver’s side, blocking the road.

Jones was transported by ambulance to Baptist Health in Madisonville, where he was pronounced dead.

KY 56 was closed for about four hours as troopers investigated the wreck. The collision remains under investigation.

Responding agencies included KSP Post 16, the McLean County Sheriff’s Office, Beech Grove and Calhoun fire departments and McLean County EMS.

Independent of what really?

This is a newspaper column by publisher Chris Evans, published in The Press last week just ahead of the July 4 Holiday Weekend.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m mighty fond of fireworks, grilled chops and a cold drink on the Fourth of July. But if you’ll humor me a moment, let’s reflect, not just celebrate. It seems to me that somewhere between dumping tea in Boston Harbor and thumbing reel after reel through a smartphone, we’ve traded liberty for a comfortable leash.

We told King George to shove off back in 1776 with ink, powder and prayer. Ironically, he was the only absentee ruler we’ve ever known. Imagine you at 18, home alone with mom and dad on vacation, and you decide to invite grandma over for the weekend. The noose just gets tighter.

Americans decided we’d chart our own course with a boss closer to home. Fast-forward to today, and here we are calling Uncle Sam like helpless children every time it floods, snows or we forget how a budget works. One hiccup from Mother Nature, and the FEMA hotline lights up like a Chick-fil-A drive through when the theater lets out.

Now I’m not suggesting government doesn’t have its place, it surely does. Roads don’t pave themselves and I do appreciate that man with the badge when things get squirrely. But we’ve become a people addicted to rescue. Got a crop failure? Call the USDA. Need broadband in the holler? Beg a grant from the FCC. Something’s in the air. Who has the number to EPA?

And I say this as a man who enjoys the AC in July and August, not as a doomsday prepper with a bunker full of beans. Although my Boy Scout motto does urge preparedness.

Truth is, we’ve mistaken convenience for freedom. Take that glorious moment when we first snatch the car keys at 18. Lord, we think we’re free as a bird. But within a week, we’re tied to a gas pump, haunted by insurance premiums and wondering why tires cost more than a month’s rent. We wanted independence and got a payment plan instead.

Our ancestors carved out a living with little more than grit, faith and a stubborn mule. Today, we panic if the Wi-Fi blinks. We’ve grown so cozy suckling at the warm teat of bureaucracy that we’ve forgotten how