Friday, August 22, 2025

Bus driver positions available

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Looking for a short work-day and a great benefits package?  Consider becoming a bus driver in the Crittenden County transportation department.

Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers.  Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.

Call today for more information or visit Crittenden.kyschools.us to apply.




Thursday, August 21, 2025

Magistrates ask for jailer's resignation

MARION, Ky. — Crittenden County Fiscal Court on Thursday, Aug. 21, formally asked for the resignation of Jailer Athena Hayes, citing troubling financial reports two months into the new fiscal year. One magistrate noted the county has supplemented jail operations by about $600,000 over the past two years. The request passed unanimously.

Hayes, who delivered her monthly jailer's report and fielded questions about cash flow earlier in the meeting, had left before the vote. 

Reached afterward, Hayes said she had been informed of the action and has “respectfully denied the request” to resign, adding that a more detailed response will be released later.

Stayed tuned to The Crittenden Press for more details and further developments.

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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

KENTUCKY FARMERS | Raising Hope Publication

The Farmer’s Pride: Celebrating Kentucky’s Farmers


The latest edition of The Farmer’s Pride is now available — both inside the Aug. 21, 2025 issue of The Crittenden Press and online at The Farmer’s Pride. This special publication from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Raising Hope program shines a light on the challenges, triumphs, and resilience of Kentucky farmers.

Among the many stories featured:

  • Weathering the Wettest Year on Record – Kentucky farmers share how they’ve adapted to a historically rainy start to 2025, which delayed planting and added stress across the state.

  • The Launch of the MASH Barn – The Mobile Agriculture Safety and Health Barn, a vision of Dr. Cheryl Witt, is now traveling the state to bring health screenings, training, and resources directly to farmers in a setting that feels like home.

  • “I Can Hear the Birds Again” – A powerful personal story from farm safety leader Dale Dobson about discovering life after hearing loss, thanks to a new partnership with KY HEARS and the Heuser Hearing Institute.

  • Handshakes That Change the World – How decades of outreach, training, and simple connections have saved lives and built the foundation for today’s farm safety programs.

  • Read Now
    Grain Bin Rescues – Union County firefighters share firsthand accounts of how specialized training and equipment provided through Raising Hope have made the difference between life and death in dangerous grain entrapments.

  • Farmers’ Appreciation Day – Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell invites all Kentucky farm families to Murray State University on Sept. 17, 2025 for a celebration filled with free food, health screenings, giveaways, and awards.


This issue is packed with resources, encouragement, and inspiration for the farm families who keep Kentucky fed, clothed, and strong.

📖 Read the full publication here: www.the-press.com/TheFarmersPride.pdf
📰 Or pick up a print copy inside the Aug. 21, 2025 edition of The Crittenden Press.



Monday, August 18, 2025

Lyon County Sheriff's Report

Following is the weekly activity report from Lyon County Sheriff's Brent White's office:

 - On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, around 11:52 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver served an arrest warrant for failure to appear from Lyon Circuit Court on Luis Baquero, 29, of Davenport, Fla., after he was extradited back to Kentucky from Oklahoma. Baquero was lodged in the Crittenden County Detention Center.

- On Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, around 1:20 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams responded to a single-vehicle collision on KY 818 North. His investigation revealed a 2006 Saturn Vue, operated by Jessie Biggs, 25, of Eddyville, was northbound on KY 818 when a rat reportedly ran up the driver’s leg, causing the driver to panic and lose control of the vehicle before colliding with a mailbox. No injuries were reported.

- On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, around 10:51 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to Hayden Drive in Eddyville for a two-vehicle collision. His investigation revealed a 2017 Nissan, driven by Jennifer Mathiew, 46, of Eddyville, collided with a parked 2009 Ford owned by John Balthus, 43, of Kuttawa. No injuries were reported.

- On Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, after 8 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis responded to a theft complaint at the Coleman Bridge boat ramp off KY 730 East. His investigation revealed a Princeton resident was at the boat ramp filming a video when he reportedly set his backpack on the pavement and continued filming. As he walked away from his vehicle, a dark-colored Suburban pulled into the parking area before a person exited and stole the backpack. The vehicle left the area on KY 730 East, but not before the victim was able to capture pictures of the suspect and the vehicle. On Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, around 9 a.m., Sheriff Brent White identified the suspect, recovered the stolen property and charged George W. Grove, 57, of Eddyville, with theft related to the incident.

City Council Meets Tonight in Marion

 MARION, Ky. — The Marion City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at city hall.

The agenda includes the second reading of three ordinances — one amending the city pay plan and setting compensation for elected officials, one regulating street-legal special purpose vehicles, and one amending golf cart regulations.

Council will also consider a resolution to authorize filing a funding application for a Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program project, hear the mayor’s recommendation for a vacant Chamber of Commerce board seat, and receive code enforcement and planning and zoning updates from Tanya Scholtz-Byers.

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Saturday, August 16, 2025

USDA EQUIP registration open until Sept. 26

 LEXINGTON, Ky. — Landowners, farmers and producers have until Sept. 26 to apply for assistance through the USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) if they want to be considered for the next round of funding.

While the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts applications year-round, funding selections for EQIP and other conservation programs are made at set times during the year. Applications received by the September cutoff will be evaluated for potential cost-share contracts during this cycle.

EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners to address concerns related to soil, water, air and other natural resources. Participants work with NRCS to implement voluntary conservation practices in exchange for reimbursement for a portion of the costs.

The program is open to those engaged in livestock or agricultural production, as well as owners of eligible forestland. In fiscal year 2025, Kentucky NRCS provided more than $25 million in EQIP assistance.

For more information, visit www.ky.nrcs.usda.gov, contact the Crittenden County Conservation Office at 118 E. Bellville St., Marion, or visit the USDA Service Center in Salem.

Friday, August 15, 2025

Davises purchase former True Value property

Colby Davis goes over sale documents
with Master Commissioner
Rebecca Johnson, who was in
charge of the public auction.
MARION, Ky. — Colby and Bethany Davis of Marion purchased the former Marion True Value property Friday afternoon in a court-ordered foreclosure sale.

The sale was ordered to settle a Byline Bank of Chicago lawsuit over a defaulted business loan involving Coffer Stores Inc. and multiple associated parties. The Davises bought the building, lumberyard, two storage buildings, a nearby residence and the store’s remaining contents.

For months, Colby Davis has pitched plans for an indoor sports complex to the local economic development corporation, tourism commission and other public groups, seeking support for the project. He previously purchased undeveloped land adjacent to Marion-Crittenden County Park.

Just under 35 people attended the sale, conducted by Buntin Auction Co., but only two entered bids, including Davis.

For more details, see next week’s full edition of The Crittenden Press.

UPDATE: Highway 297 has reopened


LATEST UPDATE 10:46am – The Roadway is now open.

UPDATED 7:52am — Crittenden County Sheriff Evan Head reports that KY 297 is temporarily closed between Tom Minner Road and KY 723 due to a crash that damaged a utility pole. 

Kenergy crews were summoned to the scene, and the road will remain shut down until repairs are made. Outages and traffic delays expected for at least 4 hours, until about noon today.

Power outages affecting almost 400 customers are reported in the area.

The driver was transported to a nearby hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. 


Thursday, August 14, 2025

Highway 723 shut down for accident

MARION, Ky. – Highway KY 723 in Crittenden County is blocked at mile point 5, just south of KY 838, due to a crash.

A utility boom truck has flipped over. 

Estimated duration is 4 hours. Motorists should seek alternate routes, if possible.

Traffic will be detoured at the intersection of KY 723 and KY 838, or mile point 5.8; and also at KY 723 and U.S. 60 in Salem.

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Monday, August 11, 2025

School system hiring bus drivers

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Looking for a short work-day and a great benefits package?  Consider becoming a bus driver in the Crittenden County transportation department.

Applications are being accepted online for school bus drivers.  Drivers work no nights, weekends, holidays or summers and receive opportunities for extra pay and a benefits package.
Call today for more information or visit Crittenden.kyschools.us to apply.





Lyon County Sheriff Weekly Report

On Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, beginning around 8:30 a.m., deputies served the following warrants:

  • Michael J. Simmons, 29, of Bowling Green was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. Simmons remains in state custody.
  • Phillip M. Hobdy, 39, of Owensboro was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. Hobdy remains in state custody.
  • Bryan M. Enoch, 36, of Smithland was charged on a Lyon District Court bench warrant for failure to appear in a traffic case. Enoch was also served with a Livingston Circuit Court indictment warrant charging him with receiving stolen property valued at \$500 to less than \$1,000, first-degree criminal mischief, tampering with physical evidence, destruction of a VIN number, no registration receipt and no registration plates. He was later lodged in the McCracken County Jail.
  • Joshua W. Calvert, 29, of Lebanon was charged with promoting contraband, first degree, and being a persistent felony offender. He was also served with a Marion District Court bench warrant for nonpayment of fines, fees and costs. Calvert remains in state custody.
  • Lovell Turner, 28, of Louisville was charged on a Lyon Circuit Court indictment warrant with third-degree assault (inmate assault on a correctional employee) and being a persistent felony offender. Turner remains in state custody.

On Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, around 11:25 a.m., Sheriff Brent White and Capt. Dennis Beckett served

City Declares New Water Conservation Order

MARION, Ky. — For the second time in just over two years, the City of Marion is under a State of Emergency for water conservation after Mayor D’Anna Browning issued Executive Order No. 25-06 today, reinstating Stage 3 restrictions, the city’s most extreme level of conservation.

The order comes amid ongoing low-water conditions at Lake George, one of Marion’s primary raw water sources. City officials say already low water reserves are being worsened by excessive evaporation and limited rainfall. The National Weather Service predicts continued dry weather for our region, the mayor said, and August, September and October are typically the driest months of the year for Marion.

Under Stage 3, residents are prohibited from washing vehicles, sidewalks, or porches, and from using municipal water to irrigate non-food-producing plants. The goal, according to the city’s Water Conservation Plan, is to ensure essential water needs can be met while minimizing unnecessary usage.

The conservation plan, established by Ordinance 22-10 originaly in 2022 and amended in March 2023, also calls for increased public awareness and education about best water use practices, along with encouraging all residents to conserve wherever possible.

“We must be proactive in protecting our water supply,” Browning said. “The city will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation, and further orders will be issued should conditions change.”

This is the first time Marion has returned to Stage 3 restrictions since May 2023, when the city enacted the order after Lake George was purposely breached to prevent a levee failure. Plentiful rains later eased the crisis, allowing the city to drop to Stage 1 restrictions.

With current forecasts offering little hope for significant rainfall, city leaders are urging the public to take the restrictions seriously to avoid more severe shortages.

The emergency order remains in effect until further notice.

DISCOLORED SHORELINE: Sign of Troubles 

Discolored rocks at the lake’s edge near the city’s raw water intake show reddish-brown staining. 

City officials say this is a sign of elevated manganese levels in the water, which can occur naturally when minerals in surrounding soil and rock dissolve into the lake.

The city’s assessment could be correct because manganese, like iron, is a naturally occurring element found in many soils and rocks. In low-oxygen areas of a lake, especially near the bottom manganese can dissolve into the water. 

When that water is exposed to oxygen near shorelines or riprap, the manganese oxidizes and precipitates out, coating rocks with dark brown, reddish or even black stains. 

While iron typically leaves a brighter orange or red color, manganese can mix with iron deposits, altering the hue. This natural process can lead to higher manganese concentrations in the raw water drawn for treatment.

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Thursday, August 7, 2025

Some digital options phasing out


The Crittenden Press is phasing out its current online full-version subscription option as it prepares to roll out a new digital offering that will include access to the newspaper’s archives via Newspapers.com later this year. While the full online version is no longer available for new subscribers, current users will continue to receive it for the time being. Meanwhile, the ePress email edition remains available and is the most cost-effective option for readers. Subscribers can now choose from two formats:

•ePress – A PDF version of the full newspaper emailed each Wednesday for $32 per year. This edition renews automatically through PayPal unless canceled.

•Traditional Print Edition – Delivered weekly via USPS. Rates vary by location: $45 per year for Crittenden and bordering counties; $60 for other Kentucky addresses; or $86 for out-of-state delivery (which may take up to 10 days)

All subscriptions, both print and digital, are nonrefundable and subject to Kentucky sales tax.

Morris Estate Auction is Aug. 16

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A huge collection of guns of many makes will be sold from the collection of the late Everett Morris on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Additional outdoors equipment, household and shop tools, mowers and more are also included in the sale conducted by Buntin Auction Service at 303 Sturgis Rd., Marion. Sale begins at 9 .m.

This is a one you don't want to miss.

Click Here for Full Sale Listing

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Wednesday, August 6, 2025

School Board Special Meeting Thursday

Crittenden County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting and working session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7 in the Rocket Arena Conference Room.

The agenda includes discussion on the 2025 tax rate, the district’s SRO contract, and roofing updates. The board will also consider approving an emergency certification for a shared financial literacy and career exploration teacher at the middle and high school levels.

Additional items include a review of Commonwealth Academy’s enrollment policy and discussion on creating a one-year lead preschool teacher position.

The board’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the same location.

DELAY | No school until September

Crittenden County Schools has pushed the first day of the 2025-26 school year to Tuesday, Sept. 2, due to delays in the delivery of desks, chairs and other classroom furniture for the new middle school addition.

Superintendent Tonya Driver said that while the new facility itself is ready, the company responsible for furnishing classrooms is unable to deliver before the original start date of Aug. 26 and does not offer weekend or evening delivery options.

“We’ve missed our students and we’re ready to begin learning,” Driver said in a statement to families. “We want to do so, however, in the best way possible.”

Despite the delayed start, no changes will be made to the 2025-26 academic calendar. The last day of school will remain May 28.

All professional development and planning dates for staff will continue as scheduled, and Opening Day for faculty and staff will still take place Monday, Aug. 25. A detailed schedule for staff for Aug. 26–29 will be shared by the end of the week.

Back-to-School Bashes may also be rescheduled, with more information expected later this week.

Families with questions can contact Superintendent Driver’s office directly.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Lyon County Sheriff's Report

From Lyon County Sheriff Brent White, here is last week's report, which also included information about its cooperation with Crittenden County in arresting three individuals jailed in connection to a shooting in southern Crittenden County in February.

- On July 22 around 2 a.m., Deputy Bobby Beeler investigated a car-deer collision on KY 93 South. A 2020 Dodge Charger driven by Joshua Oden, 35, of Cadiz struck a deer but no injuries were reported.

- On July 23 just before 1 p.m., Chief Deputy Sam Adams investigated a minor crash on Fairview Avenue in Eddyville where a 75-year-old man backed into a parked vehicle. No injuries occurred.

- On July 27, a high-speed crash on Lake Barkley Drive in Kuttawa resulted in two minor injuries. Jonathan Ramos, 21, of Calvert City lost control of a 2019 Chrysler 300, hitting a guard rail and ditch.

- On July 30 at 5:50 p.m., Deputy Josh Travis served a criminal complaint on Amber Beckner, 45, of Eddyville for failing to send a child to school.

- On July 31 at 10:27 p.m., Deputy Shannon Oliver investigated a parking lot crash off Days Inn Drive where a truck backed into an SUV. No injuries were reported.

- On Aug. 1, Capt. Dennis Beckett arrested Shanda A. Walker, 37, of Winchester on a Fayette County

Monday, August 4, 2025

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Riverport Authority calls special meeting

Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority Board of Directors will hold a special called board meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. in the Eddyville Riverport & Industrial Development Authority Inc. office located at 630 W Dale Ave, Eddyville, KY 42038.

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Friday, August 1, 2025

Downed power pole causes outage


More than 200 Kenergy customers were without power about 10:30pm Friday due to a downed utility pole north of Marion off of KY 91.

Crittenden County Sheriff's Department reports that a farmer accidentally struck the pole.

Customers will be without power for about two hours until the pole can be repaired. 


Hendrix will be honored at Friday breakfast


Carol Hendrix, 86, a lifelong farmer and factory worker from the Cave Springs area, will be inducted into the Crittenden County Agriculture Hall of Fame during the 4-H Fair Breakfast Friday morning at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. The event begins at 7 a.m.

Known for his humility, leadership, and early adoption of no-till farming, Hendrix spent decades balancing full-time work at Potter & Brumfield with managing a 275-acre farm, raising cattle, and serving in numerous agricultural and civic organizations.

Read the full story in this week’s edition of The Crittenden Press.